Our History

Mater Dei is an organisation that was established by the Sisters of the Good Samaritan who have served the poor, the marginalised and the disadvantaged on the Mater Dei site since 1910. Mater Dei started as an orphanage, providing a healthy environment for orphans who lived in the inner city areas of Sydney. In 1957, the Bishop of Wollongong approached the Sisters to establish a school for girls with intellectual disabilities. The Sisters undertook this very difficult task and we are proud stewards of this wonderful ministry.

Mater Dei has grown and prospered over the years and now offers a Kindergarten to Year 12 Co-educational School, a Residential Facility and an Early Intervention Centre. Located on the beautiful Mater Dei property in rural Camden. Mater Dei offers a variety of services and expertise that have contributed to it being recognised as a high quality provider of education and services in the area of special education and disability throughout NSW.