1991 - 2026

35 Years of Wellbeing

Celebrating three and a half decades of walking alongside communities across SouthWest NSW
Image
Wellbeing for all

Where it all began

In 1991, something important was missing.

While metropolitan dioceses already had formal social service agencies in place, regional NSW did not. The need was clear. And with the support of the Bishop and the Trustees of the Roman Catholic Church, Diocese of Wagga Wagga, a decision was made to respond.

A small group gathered with a shared conviction that care should not depend on postcode.

Father John Shanahan, Judy Dempsey and Kerry Brettell formed the founding committee, soon joined by Sister Margaret Hart as one of the first staff members. There were no grand plans or glossy offices. Just a clear sense of responsibility and a belief that people deserved access to professional, compassionate support close to home.

Image
"There was a growing recognition that caring for people had to be more than words. It had to be action."
- Kerry Brettell, Founder

What emerged was a vision grounded in compassion, justice and practical care. Professional services delivered in ways that respected regional life, culture and community. From the very beginning, wellbeing for all was more than a phrase. It was the point.

Starting small, thinking big

Those early days were modest by any measure.

An office in McAlroy House. Initial funding made possible through the Diocese, early government support and the Catholic Schools Office. A small team responding directly to what communities needed most.

Pre-marriage education. Counselling for students. Support for families who would otherwise miss out.

But the idea was bold.
We believed that wellbeing was not a luxury. It was a right. And that belief guided every step forward.
As trust grew, so did our reach. Services expanded beyond Wagga Wagga to Griffith, Leeton and Albury, always shaped by listening first and responding thoughtfully.
Image
Psychology for Kids, Teens & Tweens
Image
Nearly 60 staff today

A living, growing service

Over time, services evolved as life did.
Families changed. Schools changed. Communities faced new pressures. We adapted not by chasing trends, but by staying close to the people we served.Counselling and psychology expanded. School wellbeing programs took shape. Youth mental health, mediation, NDIS supports and community education followed. Always responsive. Always grounded in place.Along the way, generosity from the community helped shape our physical spaces too. The establishment of Kenneally Place in Wagga Wagga, made possible through a generous bequest from the Kenneally family, marked a significant milestone.
"We did not set out to build an organisation. We set out to care for people."
Today, that early spirit still hums beneath everything we do.

Every year tells a story

The moments below reflect how we have grown alongside the communities we serve, responding to change, listening closely and continuing to show up where it matters most. From our earliest beginnings to today, each milestone marks a step in our shared journey.

Image
Image
1991

Centacare South West NSW Established

Centacare South West NSW is formally established by the Bishop and Trustees of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Wagga Wagga. The first office opens in McAlroy House.
Image
1992

Services Expand to Griffith and Leeton

Responding to growing regional demand, we extend our reach beyond Wagga Wagga, establishing services in Griffith and Leeton to better support families and individuals in the Murrumbidgee region.
Image
Image
Image
1994

Albury Office Opens

An Albury office is established in the former Mercy Convent building, strengthening our presence in the Murray region.
Image
2004

Albury Relocates to Slattery Catholic Centre

The Albury office relocates to the Slattery Catholic Centre, co-locating with the Catholic Schools Office and reinforcing strong partnerships.
Image
Image
Image
2005

Wagga Office Relocates to Kenneally Place

We make the move into Kenneally Place - a significant milestone made possible by a generous bequest from the Kenneally family.
Image
2006

Griffith Office Relocates

The Griffith office relocates to better meet service delivery needs and accommodate expanding programs.
Image
Image
Image
2007

Finley Office Established

We establish a presence in Finley, extending support to smaller rural communities.
Image
2007-2009

Narrandera Youth Project

The Narrandera Youth Project is launched, focusing on early intervention and youth wellbeing during a critical period of community need.
Image
Image
Image
2009

Narrandera Counselling Commences

Building on youth engagement, counselling services begin in Narrandera to support individuals and families.
Image
2009

Albury Office Relocates

The Albury office relocates once again to support service growth and evolving program delivery.
Image
Image
Image
2010

Finley Office Relocates

The Finley office relocates to better align with community needs and service access.
Image
2011

Narrandera Counselling Services Conclude

Counselling services in Narrandera conclude following changes in community demand and service models.
Image
Image
Image
2012

Leeton Office Closes

Following a period of service delivery, the Leeton office closes as programs are restructured.
Image
2013

Leeton Reopens for Outreach and PIR Support

A presence is re-established in Leeton to host Partners in Recovery (PIR) services and support outreach work across the region.
Image
Image
Image
2016

Centacare Manages headspace Griffith

New partnerships are made as we are entrusted with the management of headspace Griffith, significantly expanding youth mental health support in the region.
Image
2018

Leeton Office Relocates

The Leeton office relocates once more, ensuring services remain accessible and responsive to local community needs.
Image
Image
Image
2020

Strengthening Our Focus on Children and Families

In response to emerging needs, we refocus our services to strengthen support for children, adolescents and families laying the foundations for healthier futures across our communities.
Image
2024

Business NSW Awards Finalists

Centacare SouthWest NSW was named a finalist in the Business NSW Riverina Murray Business Awards across three categories, recognising leadership, workplace culture and community impact:

  • Outstanding Community Organisation
  • Employer of Choice (21 Employees and Over)
  • Annemaree Binger, Outstanding Business Leader (21 Employees and Over)
Image
Image
Image
2026

Award-Winning Leadership and Workplace

Centacare SouthWest NSW was proudly awarded Employer of Choice (21 Employees and Over), with CEO Annemaree Binger also recognised as Outstanding Business Leader (21 Employees and Over) celebrating strong leadership, values-led culture and a commitment to people.
Image
2026

35 Years of Wellbeing for All

We reach a milestone - 35 years of service celebrating a legacy built on compassion, partnership and community. Now, we look ahead to the next chapter of support across the region.
Image

Still walking alongside

Now, 35 years on, we pause to reflect.
Not just on dates and locations, but on people. The founders who took a leap. The Diocese and Trustees who backed the vision. The staff who have carried it forward. The partners who have walked beside us. And the individuals, families and communities who have trusted us with their stories.From a small beginning in 1991 to a team of nearly 60 staff across our locations, one thing has never changed.

Our purpose. Wellbeing for all.

courses-seminars-in-person-online-free-paid-mum-kids-smiling-empowered

Looking ahead

This anniversary is not a full stop. It is a breath in.

A moment to honour the past, recognise the present and look ahead with optimism. The challenges facing our communities continue to evolve, and so will we. With the same heart. The same commitment. And the same belief that walking alongside people, through every stage of life, truly matters.

"We began with care. We grew with community. And we continue with purpose."

Thank you for being part of our story.