Marjorie Mann Lawley Day Care Centre: A Legacy of Women Empowering Women
- Simmone Sache
- Feb 17
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 22
When Rita Murphy, who recently celebrated her 95th birthday, picked up the phone at the Salvation Army call centre in the 1960s, she kept hearing the same urgent plea, "I need childcare so I can work". Her colleague, Marjorie Mann, knew something had to be done. Determined to create a solution, Marjorie brought together Rita and Freda Waldron and founded Marjorie Mann Lawley Day Care Centre. It was more than just a place for children to learn and grow; it was a lifeline for working women who had nowhere else to turn.
More than 50 years later, that same spirit of action and advocacy drives the centre forward. Today, under the leadership of Director Shelley, the centre continues its mission to support families. As a not-for-profit organisation, every dollar goes back into enhancing programs, upgrading facilities, and ensuring the youngest learners receive the best possible start.
The centre’s impact goes beyond education, always stepping up to support women in need. Staff member Jenna took this commitment even further by introducing the Christmas Wishing Tree, a heartfelt initiative that brought in over 70 gifts last year for kids doing it tough. And this is just the start of a growing connection with Ruah, an organisation that supports vulnerable women. As this partnership strengthens, so does the centre’s dedication to lifting up women, families, and the next generation.
“We create initiatives when we see a gap,” Shelley explains. “If a staff member is passionate about something, we support them to bring it to life.” That ethos extends into the rooms, where children are taught more than just numbers and letters. They are introduced to real-world issues that build empathy and awareness.
Intentional teaching is at the heart of the centre’s philosophy. Shelley believes that giving children the opportunity to learn about social issues at a young age can plant the seed of change. “When children understand that not everyone has a home or the same opportunities, it can shape the way they see the world. One day, they might be the ones offering support.”
Sustainability is another key element of the centre’s approach. The program was started by longtime staff member Wendy, who spent almost 30 years helping the centre to grow. Today, the centre has rainwater tanks, solar panels, and a partnership with Write Solutions Australia, which collects compost and returns it to enrich the gardens.
“Unlike solar panels, composting is something children can see and touch,” Shelley explains. “They love the idea that their leftovers help the garden grow. It makes them feel part of something bigger.”
What began as three women answering phone calls has grown into a legacy of empowerment that continues to shape the next generation, one child at a time.
