Bethany's History

The evolution of Bethany

In May 1868, on the site where Meli’s Hamlyn Heights office now stands, Bethany Community Support opened its doors for the first time. Known as the Geelong Female Refuge, the centre was established to provide refuge and rehabilitation to women in need across Geelong.

As political, social and economic trends changed over the next 150 years, so did the needs of the community. Throughout its history, Bethany responded to these changes and evolved over time to expand its service offering.

Over many decades, Bethany operated in a number of functions including, a women’s refuge, a babies’ home, an adoption agency, a mothercraft training centre, a kindergarten service provider and a daycare centre.

From the 1970’s onwards, Bethany established itself as a leading community services organisation and became a cornerstone of support for those in need across Geelong and the Southwest of Victoria.

In 2023, Bethany merged with BCYF to become Meli, bringing together more than 150 years of shared experience and expertise, with an overarching vision to support people and strengthen the community.

Explore Bethany’s history further

Two books have been published on the history of Bethany, both of which are available for purchase and/or hire.