A new course for disengaged high school students is helping young people rediscover the joy of learning, thanks to a partnership between Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains and Nepean Community College.
Since July, students aged 15–17 who had stepped away from school have been gathering at Catholic Care’s Mamre House and Farm in Orchard Hills for learning sessions three days a week. Some have braved torrential rain and public transport challenges to take part.
Their commitment has already caught the attention of families, with parents calling Catholic Care to share how excited their children are to talk about what they’ve learned.
“This is week four of the course, and students are completing their first assessment,” said Lisa Malcher, Catholic Care’s Community Engagement & Development Coordinator.
“Seeing them show up and engage so wholeheartedly is inspiring,” she said. “Our hope is that they return after the September holidays with the same energy and curiosity, ready to continue their journey.”
The course helps students return to school, explore vocational education pathways or find employment. But more than skills, it offers a place of belonging, encouragement and hope.
Mamre House. Image: supplied
A place of mercy and hope
Mamre House has a long history of nurturing in Western Sydney, thanks to the faith and generosity of the Sisters of Mercy Parramatta.
Reverend Samuel Marsden purchased land at South Creek in 1798 and later expanded the property, naming it “Mamre Farm”. He pioneered the Australian wool industry there, leaving a legacy in both agriculture and community development.
A brick homestead was built between 1824 and 1832, serving as Marsden’s family home. In 1840, Richard Rouse purchased the property and later gave it as a wedding gift to his daughter Elizabeth and her husband Robert Fitzgerald. The farm stayed in the family for more than a century.
In 1975, the NSW Government bought Mamre Farm and leased it to the Sisters of Mercy, who established Mamre as a place of opportunity for those in need. Restoration works were carried out in 2016.
Sr Mary Louise Petro RSM has witnessed Mamre’s transformation.
“I was the leader of the Mercy Youth Team in the parishes of St Clair and St Marys in 1984 when unemployment was high. The parents asked us if we could assist their teenage children with finding employment… I had an idea that we might create a restaurant in the homestead,” she recalled.
“As the vision developed, and other people with significant expertise became involved, we decided to also create a training centre, firstly for young people, and then, particularly for women returning to the workforce.”
She said this was in line with the Mercy charism to educate, provide a safe place for the vulnerable and create a place of hospitality.
“Training included computer skills, hospitality, metalwork, gardening, English language for refugees, and Mature Workers. Job creation was in the areas of the restaurant, gift shop, garden nursery, and farm produce. One special program was Links to Learning for young people at risk of not completing their year 10 schooling.”
As Mamre returns to its educational roots, Sr Mary Louise said she was “delighted” to hear the news.
“Young people have enormous potential, and I am excited to know that this new generation of young people will have the opportunity to grow and complete their schooling.”
Sr Mary-Louise Petro RSM (left). Image: Supplied
Returning to days of old
Today, Catholic Care and Nepean Community College continue that legacy, welcoming young people to grow, learn and explore new possibilities.
Helen Emmerson, Executive Director of Catholic Care, said the vision of restoring Mamre House as a place of training and education for the vulnerable has been many years in the making.
“My vision is for Mamre to once again be a centre of training and opportunity, just as the Sisters of Mercy dreamed when they first established their mission here,” Helen said.
“We want people of all ages, including those who have struggled in school, to find a place where they feel supported and encouraged to take steps toward a brighter future.”
To make education more accessible, an on-site crèche cares for preschool-aged children while parents and guardians study.
“We know that childcare can be a barrier for many parents,” Helen said. “By offering a crèche on-site, we want to remove obstacles so families can focus on learning and growth.”
Nepean Community College CEO Wesley Jones said, “Nepean Community College (RTO 1223) is happy to be partnering with Catholic Care to deliver our disengaged youth program at Mamre Homestead, and we are committed to building a strong relationship to support future programs.”
“With wrap-around support for our disengaged young people completing their FSK20119 Certificate II for Work and Vocational Pathways, this program is a novel pathway for those who do not thrive in a traditional schooling environment.
“All of us at NCC are grateful for the ability to work with such wonderful partners in the community to meet the needs of those most vulnerable.”
More than meets the eye
Catholic Care also provides services for families and individuals at every stage of life – from early childhood education and parenting support, to counselling for children, adults and older people.
“Programs like the courses offered at Mamre House and Farm are part of our broader mission to walk alongside people in times of need, providing care when it’s needed most,” Helen said.
As Sr Mary Louise reflected, “It seems there is new life emerging for this local area that has diverse needs. My heart gives thanks for all that is to emerge through Catholic Care.”
For more information about Catholic Care’s programs and services, visit www.catholiccarewsbm.org.au.
