Making a difference since 1913

The Brown Nurses are an independent, nurse-led service providing in-home care, comfort and support to people experiencing disadvantage in inner-city Sydney. At the heart of their work is a commitment to compassion, dignity and person-centred care, values that have shaped the organisation since its beginnings over a century ago.

Founded in 1913 by Eileen O’Connor and Father Edward McGrath, Our Lady’s Nurses for the Poor was born from a simple yet profound mission: to care for those most in need, at a time when no government healthcare or welfare existed. Dressed in their now-iconic brown cloaks and bonnets, the original nurses brought care and comfort directly into the homes of those suffering from illness, poverty and isolation.

Today, the Brown Nurses continue this mission with a modern approach. No longer religious sisters but a dedicated team of registered and enrolled nurses, they are recognisable by their blue uniforms and their unwavering commitment to serving the community. These professional nurses support people who are often living with complex physical and mental health issues, many of whom are also at risk of homelessness or social isolation.

Their work is not about quick fixes or transactional care. It’s about showing up - consistently, compassionately and without judgement. By providing nursing support in people’s homes, the Brown Nurses help clients maintain their independence, improve their quality of life and stay connected to their local communities. For many, this care can mean the difference between staying in safe housing or falling through the cracks.

Importantly, the Brown Nurses offer their support to anyone in need, regardless of background, beliefs or circumstance. Guided by the principles of social justice rooted in the Catholic tradition, they treat each person with dignity and respect, working to ensure that no one is left behind simply because of their situation.

Though Eileen O’Connor died at the age of 28, her vision of a more compassionate world lives on through this small but impactful service. The religious sisters of Our Lady’s Nurses for the Poor continue to support the Brown Nurses today, funding their work and ensuring that the organisation’s mission remains strong.

In a fast-moving world, the Brown Nurses quietly continue to do what they have always done: walking alongside those who are doing it tough, offering skilled nursing care, a listening ear, and most of all, a sense of hope.