For six decades, Sydney disability provider Seton Villa has empowered people with intellectual disability to live with dignity, independence and choice. Source: The Catholic Weekly.
What began as a pioneering home for 24 young women has evolved into one of NSW’s longest-serving Catholic providers of disability accommodation and support.
This year, Seton Villa celebrates its 60th anniversary, coinciding with the centenary of the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul in Australia.
To mark the anniversary, residents, families, staff, volunteers, supporters and dignitaries gathered at Seton Villa’s original home in Marsfield on Sunday to celebrate its 60-year journey.
The celebration included the launch of Care, Empowerment and Choice: Celebrating 60 Years 1966-2026, a commemorative history tracing Seton Villa’s evolution and the residents, families, staff, volunteers and benefactors who shaped it.
The anniversary recognises the determination of the Daughters of Charity, who challenged community attitudes towards disability long before concepts such as person-centred care, community inclusion and supported independent living became mainstream.
When the Daughters began exploring a dedicated home in the late 1950s, families caring for daughters with intellectual disability faced few alternatives beyond large institutions.
After years of advocacy and fundraising, the Daughters secured government support and, on August 23, 1966, opened Seton Villa as a purpose-built home where young women could develop life skills, participate in their community and live with dignity and purpose.
Seton Villa Chief Executive Officer Peter Gardiner said the Daughters transformed disability support by refusing to accept the thinking of their time.
“Long before concepts such as person-centred care, community inclusion and independent living became standard government policy, the Daughters of Charity were already putting those principles into practice,” Mr Gardiner said.
“What began as a pioneering home for 24 young women has evolved into a modern, choice-driven network of contemporary homes.”
In the anniversary book, Sr Debra McCarthy DC said change had been a constant throughout Seton Villa’s history, driven by “the needs and dreams of residents and families” as well as best practice, government policy, funding models and research.
“We hope and pray that all who are part of this community of care will continue this story of hope, courage, creativity and love,” she said.
FULL STORY
Seton Villa celebrates 60 years of changing lives (The Catholic Weekly)
