In 2026, Anchor Community Care celebrates 50 years of supporting people, strengthening families and helping create better futures for our community.
What began in 1976 as a small house in Blackburn supporting young people experiencing homelessness has grown into an organisation supporting people across homelessness, youth services, foster care and kinship care.
But while our services have evolved over five decades, one thing has remained at the heart of Anchor: belief in people and their potential.
Our 50th anniversary is an opportunity to look back at where we’ve come from, recognise the people who have shaped Anchor and celebrate the community of staff, volunteers, carers, partners and supporters who have helped make our work possible.
50 years of belief
Over the course of our 50th anniversary year, we’ve been sharing stories from people connected to Anchor’s history.
From the origins of our name to reflections from former staff, board members and community partners, these stories offer a glimpse into how Anchor has evolved over five decades.
They also show that an organisation’s history isn’t simply a collection of dates and milestones. It’s built through the people who show up, the relationships that develop and the lives that are changed along the way.
From a small house to a community organisation
Anchor’s story began in 1976, when a small house was purchased on a street in Blackburn by the local Baptist Church to support young people experiencing homelessness.
That early commitment to providing a safe place for young people has remained an important part of Anchor’s story.
Today, Anchor supports people through a range of services and programs, including homelessness and youth homelessness services, support for young people transitioning from care, foster care and kinship care.
While the needs of the people we support have changed over time, our purpose remains focused on helping people find safety, stability, connection and opportunities for a better future.
The people behind Anchor
An organisation’s impact is ultimately created by its people.
Over 50 years, thousands of staff members, carers, volunteers, board members and community supporters have contributed to Anchor’s work.
Some have stayed for decades. Others have spent a shorter period of their working lives with us but left a lasting mark on the organisation and the people we support.
For our 50th anniversary, former and current staff have shared some of their memories of Anchor — including the people they met through their work who they have never forgotten.
50 Years of Belief
Our 50th anniversary is a celebration of everyone who has been part of Anchor’s journey.
To the staff who have turned up every day, the carers who have opened their homes, the volunteers and supporters who have given their time, our partners and collaborators, and the people we have had the privilege of supporting — thank you for being part of 50 years of Anchor.
Here’s to the next chapter.
50 Years of Belief.
Belief in heroes starts here.
