Fernlea House was established by the community to address an identified local need. It is an actual house, located in a 1/3 of an acre of cottage like gardens on the Emerald Monbulk Road.

The house has been renovated to standards for disability and frail guests.

Fernlea House provides respite for carers of people diaganosed with a life-limiting illness. Guests are cared for by trained staff and volunteers in a home-like environment.

A chef prepares morning tea and lunch each day for the guests, who appreciate greatly the quality and variety of food on offer.

“The food is great, the chef is great. I love coming here every week and being spoiled. It makes me forget everything else going on and being sick” (Guest comments)

In October 2011, a satellite centre called Fernlea in the Valley, was opened in Healesville to meet the needs of the population in the Outer East Region of Yarra Ranges.

Members of Fernlea House Inc. pay a small annual fee to demonstrate their support of Fernlea, and receive a Friends of Fernlea Newsletter approximately four times a year, are invited to the AGM, and from their ranks the Committee of Management is formed.

To become a member, complete a membership form and either send it back via email, drop it into the house, or post back. Payment details are on the form.

Members are vital to the ongoing support of Fernlea, so please let your friends and neighbours know about us, and give them our website address.

“Although it is only a small contribution, I feel that by being a member of Fernlea I am helping at least a little bit” (members quote)

Volunteering

Staff are the heart of Fernlea House but it is the volunteers who are the arms and legs of Fernlea. Go to the Volunteer page to find out more information.

Smiling is infectious - Joy to share people’s news and spoil them a bit - Lots of laughter

Like to get involved?

Our volunteers page explains what's involved and answers common questions.

Fernlea House catchment

Fernlea House has a large catchment area. As can be seen below, we cover areas in the Shires of Yarra Ranges and Cardinia, the cities of Knox, Maroondah, Greater Dandenong & Casey.

You can always ring and check out availability of places.