Stewart House - The Department’s Charity of Choice:

Supporting Children in Need

Each year, Stewart House offers a 12-day residential program for 1,600 public school children in NSW and the ACT at no cost to families. We are especially grateful to principals, who act as coordinators guiding students and families through enrolments. Learn more here: https://www.stewarthouse.org.au/information-for-schools/#placement-process.

Thank You for School-Based Support

Thank you to principals and schools for supporting initiatives like the Charity Envelope Drive and the inaugural Pyjama Day. School-based fundraising is essential, alongside contributions from staff, individuals, corporations and grants. We appreciate the additional fundraisers that occur throughout the year in schools, at principal meetings and even at social gatherings. With program costs exceeding $2,000 per child and around $5 million annually, your support makes a real difference. Government funding accounts for only around 8% of our revenue.

Workplace Giving, a Proud Legacy

Since the late 1970s, NSW public school staff have supported Stewart House through workplace giving, the longest-running program of its kind in a government department. Today, nearly 7,000 staff participate, and we are incredibly grateful for their generosity. Contributions will soon be even easier via the Department’s new Smart (formerly Smartgroup) system, and staff who haven’t yet joined are encouraged to take part. Updates will follow.

Stewart House- Sutherland PPC Support:

The Sutherland Shire Schools Music Festival is a celebration of creativity and the performing arts, bringing together all primary public schools across the Sutherland Shire. In 2025, this much-loved event proudly marks its 52nd year, a milestone that highlights its special place in local school history.

Each year, the festival also shines a light on an important cause - Stewart House, a charity close to the hearts of principals and the wider school community. While the Department of Education provides infrastructure and staffing, all other costs for students’ stays at Stewart House are funded entirely through charitable donations.

The music festival is honoured to be a long-standing supporter and friend of Stewart House, with annual donations ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. In 2024, the festival proudly contributed $20,000, continuing its tradition of generosity. At the conclusion of each festival, once finances are finalised, a contribution is made to assist the invaluable work Stewart House provides for children.

As a gesture of gratitude, a member of the music festival’s executive committee is invited each year to attend Stewart House’s annual celebration day, recognising the enduring partnership and generosity that have become traditions of the festival.