History
In 1854, Victoria was in the grip of gold fever. Many men abandoned wives and families to pursue dreams of fame and fortune on Ballarat's goldfields. While some Melburnians revelled in the economic boom, hundreds of families suffered under the burden of absentee breadwinners, living in misery and squalor.
Adding to this, the city's population mushroomed from approximately 80,000 in 1854 to a staggering 500,000 in 1891. Melbourne's infrastructure was unable to cope with this rapid expansion and public systems could not support people in need.
It was around this time that the lives of Hester Hornbrook, a prominent philanthropist, and John Singleton, a visionary medical doctor, crossed. They agreed that "a mission embracing all denominations and unsectarian in its character" was vital to the health and well being of all Melburnians. They then lobbied prominent clergy to support their vision, and on Friday 11 August, the proposals for a mission were accepted by a gathering of 650 people at the Mechanics Institute. This marked the beginning of Melbourne Citymission.
Since its inception 150 years ago, Melbourne Citymission has experienced extraordinary change; from strong evangelical roots and saving the ‘lost' and the ‘perishing', to a leader in Melbourne's welfare sector, recognised for its diversity, innovation and inclusive approach.
