Organisation Berry Street (1994 - )

Berry Street Incorporated came into being in 1994, when Berry Street amalgamated with Sutherland Child, Youth and Family Services. In 2009, Berry Street is the largest independent child and family welfare organisation in Victoria.

The heritage of Berry Street dates back to 1877 and the foundation of the Victorian Infant Asylum.

Sutherland Child, Youth and Family Services was formerly known as Sutherland Homes for Children, established in 1909.

The early years of the new Berry Street saw changes at the former site of Sutherland Homes in Diamond Creek. The campus was known as 'Berry Street / Diamond Creek' from 1994.

In 1995, one of its residential units, 'Meglin Cottage',was destroyed in a bushfire on 18 September. A staff member, Eddie Scoleri, was killed. A 16-year old resident was hospitalised for burns and smoke inhalation. A memorial plaque to Scoleri was placed in the Berry Street board room.

Following the fires, the other residents of Meglin Cottage were relocated into the community. Then, residents of Callaway Cottage were relocated. The last residents left the campus in January 1997.

The Diamond Creek property, which was used for office space from 1997, was finally sold in March 1999. The site at Diamond Creek had been 'home' for thousands of people. Former residents, staff and community members attended an open weekend to 'Say Farewell to Sutherland Homes' on 26 and 27 February, 2000.

In 2006, following the Inquiry into Children in Institutional Care, Berry Street issued an unreserved apology 'for any physical, psychological, sexual or social harm that may have occurred to children and young people in our care'.

Berry Street is the custodian of records from its predecessor institutions and agencies, and those of Sutherland Child, Youth and Family Services. Former residents can contact its Heritage & Background Information Service to access personal information about themselves held by Berry Street.

Events

1994 - 2000

Berry Street was situated in East Melbourne. Location: East Melbourne

2000 -

Berry Street is situated in Richmond. Location: Richmond

Timeline

 1877 - 1902 The Victorian Infant Asylum
       1902 - 1906 The Victorian Infant Asylum and Foundling Hospital
             1906 - 1964 The Foundling Hospital and Infants' Home
                   1964 - 1975 Berry Street Babies' Home and Hospital
                         1908 - 1991 Sutherland Homes for Children
                         1975 - 1992 Berry Street - Child and Family Care
                               1991 - 1994 Sutherland Child Youth and Family Services
                               1992 - 1994 Berry Street Incorporated
                                     1994 - Berry Street

Books

• Penwill, Beryl, Looking Back, Looking Forward: the story of 'Berry Street' Child and Family Care, Berry Street Child and Family Care, Melbourne, 1979. Details