From 1879 until the mid 1920’s the original Orphan School operated as the New Town Charitable Institution, mostly catering to elderly poor men, a great many of whom had grown up in the orphanages. Historically St John’s Park has been the site of many, often harmful public policies and failed attempts at supporting the health and wellbeing of families and the broader community. Today however, it operates as a multi-service health precinct offering a range of health and welfare services and opportunities for positive pathways and community engagement.