Our Legacy

More than 50 years of faithfully walking alongside families.

Every organisation has a beginning.

Ours began with a simple conviction: that every child deserves to be known, loved, and cared for, and that lasting change begins when we walk alongside families with compassion and hope.

For more than five decades, Temcare has responded to the changing needs of the community while remaining grounded in the same Christian faith and values that shaped our beginning. Although our programs have evolved over the years, our heart has remained the same.

Today, every family we support, every volunteer who serves, every church that partners with us, and every life that is transformed becomes part of a story that began more than fifty years ago.

A Vision Born from Compassion

Temcare was founded by Stanley Chilcott OAM (1928–2009), whose deep Christian faith and compassion for vulnerable children inspired a ministry that continues to this day.

Guided by Scripture and a desire to honour God through practical service, Stan recognised that many children were growing up without the individual love, stability, and care they needed. Rather than accepting the limitations of existing systems, he envisioned something different — one that placed children within caring, family-like environments where they could experience genuine belonging.

In 1967, after extensive research into family group cottage care, Stan and others presented a report highlighting the need for more personal, relationship-based support for children experiencing disadvantage. That vision became the foundation upon which Temcare was built.

Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:16 became a guiding principle throughout Stan’s life:

“Let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

It was never about recognition. It was about faithfully reflecting Christ’s love in practical ways.

Foundation Built on Faith

While Stan played a pivotal role in establishing Temcare, he never carried the vision alone.

Together with his family, Stan devoted countless volunteer hours to laying the foundations of an organisation that would serve generations of families. Alongside them stood churches, volunteers, foster carers, supporters, and staff who quietly gave their time, homes, skills, and prayers.

In 2009, shortly before his passing, Stan was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in recognition of his outstanding service to children, families, and the wider community.

Yet those who knew him best remember that this was never his greatest achievement.

His greatest desire was simply to honour his Lord and share the love of Christ with every person Temcare encountered. That conviction shaped not only his life but the culture of the organisation he founded.

It remains at the heart of Temcare today.

“The work is far from glamorous — at times it is heavy, dirty and exasperating — but knowing that the end product is hope and maybe new life for hurting people is something that needs to be kept in our sights.”
— Letter from a Temcare East Ringwood Op Shop volunteer, 1994

Responding to Every Generation

One of the defining characteristics of Temcare has always been its willingness to listen.

As communities changed, so too did the challenges families faced.

Over time, it became clear that supporting children also meant supporting parents. Many mothers were carrying overwhelming responsibilities with little opportunity to rest, connect with others, or receive encouragement. In response, Temcare introduced its Family Camp program in 1983 — a place where families could experience community, friendship, practical support, and hope together.

As new needs emerged, new ministries followed. Mentoring programs were established to support young people who needed trusted adults walking alongside them. Respite care evolved. Community partnerships deepened. Volunteers continued to faithfully serve wherever they were needed most.

Throughout every season, Temcare has never simply asked, “What programs should we run?”

Instead, we have continued asking: “What do families need, and how can we respond with the love of Christ?”

The answers have looked different across each generation, but the heart has remained the same.

Continuing the Legacy

Today, that same heart continues to shape everything we do.

Families gather through our camps to build community and create lasting memories. Women find encouragement and belonging through Nurture. Families impacted by incarceration receive practical support, connection, and hope through our Hope program. Churches, volunteers, businesses, and community partners continue to walk alongside us, just as they have for decades.

While the needs of families continue to evolve, our calling remains unchanged.

We remain committed to walking alongside families with practical support, meaningful community, and the hope found in Jesus Christ.

Becoming Part of the Story

A legacy is not something that belongs only to the past.

It is something entrusted to each new generation.

Every volunteer who gives their time.

Every church that opens its doors.

Every supporter who chooses to partner with us.

Every family who discovers hope through Temcare.

Each becomes part of the next chapter of this story.

We are deeply grateful for those who have gone before us—for the faithfulness, sacrifice, and vision that have shaped Temcare over more than fifty years.

And as we look to the future, we pray that same spirit of compassion, service, and faith will continue to guide us, so that many more families may experience the love of Christ for generations to come.

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Our Legacy

A Vision Born from Compassion

Foundation Built on Faith

Responding to Every Generation

Continuing the Legacy

Becoming Part of the Story

know someone who needs support?

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Our Legacy

Our Legacy

A Vision Born from Compassion

Foundation Built on Faith

Responding to Every Generation

Continuing the Legacy

Becoming Part of the Story

know someone who needs support?

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Quicklinks

Contact