The East Burwood Counselling and Care Centre was founded in 1973 by Rev Ern King, minister of the East Burwood Methodist Church (now Burwood Heights Uniting Church).  With experience in marriage guidance and the Lifeline team, he became aware of a tremendous need for counselling in the local area.  The City of Nunawading, which later amalgamated with City of Box Hill to become Whitehorse Council, supported the establishment of a facility.  The Council subsequently requested the addition of a Citizens Advice Bureau. 

The Church provided the former manse rent free, and funding from the Council was supplemented by donations from nearby churches and organizations.  Members of the congregation together with others from Anglican Church of the Ascension were the first workers – twenty-four volunteers were trained for the telephone advice line, which then developed into a centre which people could visit for help.

In response to the needs perceived in the community, a variety of other programs were introduced over the years, broadening the range of services offered.  In addition to adult and family counselling, children’s counselling and helping young children with their homework were added.  The multicultural group for older people to enjoy each other’s company lived up to its name – “Positive Living” – and a natural extension was the “Carers for Carers” group, where mutual support could be experienced.  Evidence of economic hardship led to other ways of helping people cope with hard times beyond basic food provision, including No Interest Loans. 

 Fundraising is a constant necessity and the food and money donated by loyal supporters, churches and organizations have always been the mainstay of Emergency Relief.   Over 600 people, predominantly volunteers, have been directly involved over the years in various capacities essential to the Centre’s work. 

Update

In 2025 the congregation of Burwood Heights Uniting Church launched a new outreach service – East Burwood Care –

                   … continuing the tradition of caring for the community …