OUR HISTORY

St Catherine's was established in 1967 to provide residential care to all faith denominations within the Wangaratta and surrounding community from the former location at Ford Street.

The genesis of St Catherine's began when local farmer Syd Schilling donated twenty thousand pounds to purchase two houses owned by the family of Bill O’Callaghan. By 1965 a Committee of Management was formed and a constitution adopted, the community raised nine thousand pounds, with a two for one grant from the Commonwealth Government.

​In 1967 St Catherine's opened its doors to 22 residents. The need for additional accommodation was urgently needed, between 1969 and 1977 four additional extensions comprising of 47 rooms were completed with community and Government assistance.

St Catherines has operated under a volunteer Committee of Management since its inception and became an Incorporated Association on the 6th January 1989.

After 32 years operating from the Ford Street location the Committee of Management purchased the current site from the Brigidine sisters in 1999 to enable construction of a new purpose built hostel to meet the growing Commonwealth accreditation requirements.
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In 2001 St Catherine's relocated to our present 72 bed residential care location in Ryley Street, situated within close proximity to the CBD of Wangaratta, overlooking Merriwa Park.