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Karitane History

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Our History

Over 100 years, Karitane has evolved from humble beginnings when Sir Truby King and his wife cared for 13 malnourished babies in a small house in the beach town of Karitane, New Zealand, to the founding of the Australian Mothercraft Society in 1923. Karitane early parenting services now supports families with children from birth to five years, focussing on sleep and settling, feeding, routines, toddler behaviour and adjusting to parenting, as well as perinatal, infant and child mental health. Throughout this growth, our vision has remained the same – to ensure every child has the best start in life.

100 Years...

Parenting Through Generations

Generations of parents have trusted us to work alongside them, listen to their needs, guide them to their goals and advocate on their behalf for greater support.

Partnering with parents where and when they need us

Our range and reach of services has significantly grown, with place-based integrated child and family hubs, virtual support, hybrid models of care and a suite of evidence-based programs.

Pioneering in Education and Training

We remain focused on building workforce capacity and continue to lead education and training for the child and family, and perinatal infant and child mental health workforces.

Industry-Leading Research

Over the decades, Karitane has partnered with research and academic institutions to inform our clinical service delivery, as well as contribute to wider knowledge and scholarship.

Culture

We have provided a century of equitable support for parents and carers from all backgrounds and cultures. We treat everyone equally and value all contributions.

Shared Knowledge

It is through our shared passion, drive and commitment to improving outcomes for families and children that we achieve a collective impact and ensure every child has the best start in life.

Download Our History

Make a life changing difference to children and families

With your generosity, we can continue to support and empower Australian families on their parenting journey. You can make a life-changing difference by donating today.

As a registered not-for-profit organisation and charity all donations above $2 are tax-deductible in Australia.

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Acknowledgement of Country

Karitane acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work and live. We celebrate the diversity of Aboriginal peoples and their ongoing cultures and connections to the lands and waters of NSW. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

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