We are thrilled to share our 2025 Annual Report, highlighting the incredible impact our small, but dedicated organisation makes over a year.

A huge thank you to all of our amazing staff, Board members and of course our supporters – your generosity continues to help us make a real difference in the lives of victim-survivors.

Read now

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Jemma Mead as Good Samaritan Inn’s new Chief Executive Officer. Jemma will commence her appointment from Monday 27 October 2025.

Jemma brings nearly three decades of experience in the community sector, with a strong background in family violence, housing, youth and family services, and community health. Her appointment reflects Good Samaritan Inn’s commitment to strategic growth, innovation, and evidence-based service delivery.

Please join us in warmly welcoming Jemma to the Good Samaritan Inn community.

Read the statement from our Board chair here.

Today we announce that after six and a half years of extraordinary service and leadership, Felicity Rorke has made the very personal decision to retire and will conclude her role as Executive Director of Good Samaritan Inn (GSI) on 30 May 2025.

During her time at GSI, Felicity’s vision and deep commitment to social justice have shaped GSI into a highly respected organisation within the family violence and homelessness sectors. Her profound knowledge, thoughtful insights and passionate advocacy are deeply valued by the GSI team, as well as the broader sector and community.

Felicity will leave GSI with our deep gratitude and admiration. Her legacy will be enduring – evident in the lives of the many victim-survivors whose journeys she has helped to shape, the dedicated team of practitioners she has supported, and the strong, values-driven organisation she has continued to build. She was a leader whose values truly reflected the spirit of the founding Sisters of the Good Samaritan.

Over the years, Felicity has built strong and lasting connections with so many of generous supporters and committed partners. We know you will join us in thanking Felicity for her tireless commitment and in wishing her every blessing for the future.

GSI will formally acknowledge and celebrate Felicity’s contribution before her departure, and will inform our community when we welcome a new Executive Director in the coming months.

– The Good Samaritan Inn Staff and Board.

We’re excited to share our 2024 Annual Report, highlighting the impact of our work and the exciting growth that lies ahead for our organisation

Thank you to all the generous supporters who contribute to our vital work supporting victim-survivors.

Take a moment to explore the full report here.

GSI are pleased to announce the success of a recent grant submission, with funding confirmed from the Australian Government Department of Social Services. The significant investment will support GSI to expand its critical family violence services and strengthen the broader response capabilities in Melbourne’s North.

Read more about the funding and our expansion plans in an article published by the Sisters of the Good Samaritan here

Read our 2023 annual report here.

To read our Annual Report 2022 please click here

The Banyule Project

The Good Samaritan Inn has recently received funding to develop and operate a new facility that will enhance the model of support provided for victim survivors of family violence and homelessness in Victoria. The Banyule Project will be part-funded by the Victorian Government to redevelop an underutilised vacant building and renovate its structure to meet contemporary standards and create 10 new short-term homes for women and children.

As an organisation we are excited to grow the capacity, client-focus, quality, impact and value of our services. The development of the Banyule Project will support women and children with levels of disadvantage that will provide for longer lengths of stay, more independent accommodation, and specialist support. The Banyule Project will prioritise women and families without Australian permanent residency including from migrant and refugee backgrounds and women and families from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Our objectives are to support women to:

• Recover from the trauma of family violence and homelessness;
• Live in a safe environment;
• Regain their personal strength and sense of self; and

• Be empowered to make clear and informed decisions about their future.

The Banyule Project will offer a range of support responses including counselling and other therapeutic group programs, case planning and goal setting, connecting to specialist and other local services and advocacy. These responses will be shaped by the needs presented by individual women and children, but it will broadly focus on healing and recovery, building resiliency and empowerment, upholding rights, and creating pathways to employment, permanent housing and self-sufficiency.

The redevelopment will commence by late 2022 and the new facility is expected to open by early 2024.

This funding means that GSI can continue to extend its reach to women and families experiencing family violence in Victoria who require continued accommodation and support to rebuild their lives.

Please click here to read the 2021 Annual Report.

Thank you to Architects Without Frontiers for their pro-bono work in completing essential upgrades to the Inn. Please see https://mailchi.mp/architectswithoutfrontiers.com.au/kq4hcmd62x-5540913?e=ab69162648 for more information.

“Staff are very proud of the new rooms and spaces and delight in showing women and other visitors around. Our guests comment on the light-filled, modern and highly functional amenities. 

During COVID restrictions we have reduced our guest numbers and have been able to provide bathrooms for each woman/family. This is something that would not have been possible pre the renovations.” – Felicity Rorke

Please click here to read our Annual Report