A large two story house in the Sydney suburb of Hombush was purchased in 1951 and named Gunning House in honor of Mr. Tom Gunning of Mosman whose bequest made it possible. It was renovated and altered to cater for up to 30 lads at a time.
A sub-committee comprising Sir John Pagan, Mr. T. F. Best and Mr R M Muller
took an active part in the establishment of Gunning House.
The first manager, Mr. Bob Holley was also Employment and Welfare officer.
He contributed substantially to the success of the hostel in its early years. In its first year first year of operation 61 newly arrived lads were accommodated for lengthy periods plus numbers of others on holidays from the country, convalescent from illness or accident, etc.
By 1954 the use of the hostel had grown to the extent where 325 boys had
been accommodated for varying periods during the year.
The organisation had been expanded in 1946 by the appointment of three
district superintendents whose task it was to secure honorary welfare officers in country areas, find suitable positions for the boys and to visit them at their jobs, to raise funds and generally promote the movement.
One was Mr. Frank Mansell, appointed secretary in 1947 and at times joined the Board until his retirement in 1994.
Mr. Bob Ross of Cooma was another successful district superintendent who secured considerable financial support and goodwill for the movement.