Elizabeth Sarah HELLEWELL

HELLEWELL, ELIZABETH SARAH (b.1878-9; d. Sydney, 11 April 1949). Children's home matron.

Elizabeth Hellewell became assistant house mother at Blairgowie when the (Presbyterian) Burnside Children's Homes opened in 1911. In 1915 she became matron of the Eskdale cottage. In November 1926, with fifteen years of experience behind her, she moved to become matron of the Dalmar Children's Home of the Methodist Central Mission where she remained for the rest of her working life.

Hellewell's regime at Dalmar ended a long period of staff instability which was the result of an equally rapid turnover of matrons during the previous few years. She thus brought to the children's lives the stability which they so much needed after their unfortunate experiences before entry. At Dalmar she continued a long tradition of physical care for the residents and made it clear that she was equally concerned for their emotional and spiritual well-being. Outwardly stern and formidable, she nevertheless offered love. She also considerably developed the Dalmar tradition of trying to fit the children into the surrounding community. She took a particular interest in the introduction of serious religious groups, such as the Christian Endeavour, to the Home and herself took older children to missionary and evangelical talks, consciously encouraging them to make decisions for Christ and fostering and strengthening the faith of those who did. The strength and obvious sincerity of her own faith was probably even more important in her witness to the children.

Hellewell inaugurated an association for former residents and actively encouraged their informal return to the Home from time to time. She remained interested in all aspects of their lives, but displayed great joy over those who continued to grow in the faith.

Methodist; Records of the Dalmar Home (especially Matron's Diary); Don Wright, Dalmar A Century of Caring (Sydney, 1993)

DON WRIGHT