An untold story of strength, faith, compassion, and love. Help bring Isabel and Percy’s incredible journey to the big screen.
Ninety years later it became a place to support empowerment.
Candice Dixon explores the rich Colonial history of the building, as a grand Victorian mansion where government leaders and royalty dined, to its reincarnation in the mid twentieth century as a home for young Indigenous people, primarily from Central Australia, and also other remote communities.
The home became known as St Francis House, and placed those resident children closer to education and employment opportunities in Adelaide. Despite elements of society being stacked against Aboriginal people, many of them flourished to lead the charge to improve rights for Aboriginal people across Australia.
The boys from St Francis House became leaders in government, business, sport, academia and the arts.
The impact of their legacy is still felt today.
This video salutes those Indigenous people and also those who were bold enough to give them a chance, Percy and Isabel Smith.
This remarkable story is now the subject of a major feature film thanks to the vision and leadership of accomplished Hollywood actor and director, Mark Webber, with the support of Live Heart Productions.
1966 – St Francis House reunion. (L-R) Vincent Copley, Tim Campbell, John Moriarty, Wilfred Huddleston, Father Smith, Malcolm Cooper, Ken Hampton.
1966 - St Francis House reunion. (L-R) Vincent Copley, Tim Campbell, John Moriarty, Wilfred Huddleston, Father Smith, Malcolm Cooper, Ken Hampton.
Phillip Sunman, the ‘White Brother’ of John P McD Smith standing at left. Isabel Smith is seated. Photo taken in 1980
Phillip Sunman, the 'White Brother' of John P McD Smith standing at left. Isabel Smith is seated. Photo taken in 1980
1948 – Father Smith standing outside St Francis House
1947 – St Francis House boys group with Father Smith
1937- Anglican Children Group with Fr Ken Leslie & Fr Percy Smith at ‘The Bungalow’ Alice Springs
1945 – Easter Monday – St Francis House boys are ready for a picnic. Isabel Smith is standing fourth from the right.
1945 - Easter Monday - St Francis House boys are ready for a picnic. Isabel Smith is standing fourth from the right.
In the shadows of WWII, a young woman’s life is transformed when she meets a passionate missionary in the Australian outback. Defying her parents and society’s expectations, Isabel joins Percy’s mission to help Aboriginal children, neglected by society and government, and isolated from their families, country, and traditional culture. Together they change countless lives through education and unconditional love. But can their fight against injustice survive in a hostile world?
The boys who passed through St Francis House under the care of Isabel and Percy Smith went on to become leaders in government, business, the arts, sport and advocacy. Their achievements created a ripple effect of change. Help ensure their legacy endures by bringing this story to the big screen.
1950 – St Francis House boys going to school
8 June 1943 Wedding Day, Church of the Ascension in Alice Springs
8 June 1943 Wedding Day, Church of the Ascension in Alice Springs
8 June 1943 Wedding Day, Church of the Ascension in Alice Springs
8 June 1943 Wedding Day, Church of the Ascension in Alice Springs
