In 1979 a clever school mum had an idea…

… to open some of the area’s most prestigious private homes to raise funds for St. Joseph’s School, Hawthorn. Over the past 40 years, Open Houses has become a highly anticipated community event with over 250 private homes opened and over 30,000 guests passing through our gates.

Open Houses is the major annual fundraiser for St Joseph's school and a much-loved community event, it’s run entirely by the volunteer efforts of the school community with all money raised supporting the educational programs at our small school.

A typical event involves being taken by our fleet of shuttle buses to five incredible private homes, enjoying our famous afternoon tea at the school and going home with a gift bag and souvenir event booklet - all included in the ticket price.