In 1895, Mr. Robert Campbell Edwards, an Irish born, tea-merchant, having great concern about the number of children living on the streets of Melbourne, founded and built the Burwood Boys’ Home. His philosophy was that ‘no truly destitute boy would ever be turned away’. To achieve his goals, he purchased a property in Burwood and built a substantial wooden house – all for £500.
From the age of 14, the children participated in working the land and gained extensive experience in the area, which led to many securing paid positions as farmers or dairymen upon leaving the Home. Girls were first admitted to the Home in 1972, and the name was changed to Burwood Children’s Home. In the 1980’s, there were changes to the governments social welfare policy and many children, who might otherwise have been placed in care, were able to be supported in their own homes or fostered in private homes. In 1986, the Home closed its doors and the Burwood property was sold. The organisation then changed its name to Child and Family Care Network Inc. relocated to Glen Waverley and expanded its educational programs.