Who We Are

Profiling Lutanda Children's Services

Our name

Lutanda, literally meaning “morning star”, is a Swahili term. The legend says that when Africans were on the march and night was coming on, they would lie down to sleep but before doing so there would pass from group to group the watchword “Lutanda”, meaning "morning star”. It was a laconic agreement to be up and ready to move when the morning star appeared. At Lutanda this bright morning star represents the experience that we bring to our guests and our staff’s preparedness to be ‘up and ready to move’ in delivering these experiences in an unforgettable and many times life-changing manner.

Our logo

The Lutanda logo is reflects the heart and passion of our organisation.

Our philosophy and organisation

Lutanda is a work of the NSW Christian Community Churches of Australia (CCCAust) and most of our staff are active members of various Christian denominations. Lutanda’s philosophy is Bible-based and consistent with the teachings of the Christian church. It is a not-for-profit, inter-denominational organisation that is classed as public benevolent institution.

Lutanda Centres all have NARTA accreditation (National Accommodation, Recreation and Tourism Accreditation) and is a member of the Christian Venues Association.

The Lutanda difference

Making a difference is always a journey of commitment to increasing excellence. Our heartbeat and passion is to serve and for over 80 years our aim has been to make a life-changing difference. This has been our priviledge for so many children and people who have been disadvantaged by life’s circumstances.

In our Centres, we’d like to think that the Lutanda difference is:

Commitment to Excellence. We are always open improving the experience we give you.
Uniqueness. As much as we can we seek to offer you a different experience at each site.
Understanding. We seek to understand your heartbeat and passion
Partnership. Be a partner in delivering your heartbeat and passion
Flexibility. The size of our operation means that we are flexible enough to adapt to your needs and requests.

In our Homes, we’d like to think that the Lutanda difference is:

Experience. We have been dedicated to caring for orphans and children who have been disadvantaged for over 80 years.
Highly-skilled staff. Our live-in House Parents undergo a rigorous selection process and are continually trained on an ongoing basis.
Our Support Model. Our House Parents are supported by a network of highly skilled social worker, youth workers and respite carers.
External Support. Children in care and staff have access to a network of highly experienced counselors, psychologists and other experts in their field of children at risk.