a place to
flourish
A Caring Community
Flo Harris Lodge—or simply Flo—provides a caring community for young people transitioning to life in the city. Established by Petersham Baptist Church over 60 years ago, Flo Harris Lodge exists to provide a warm and secure residential space with a Christian ethos. Most of our residents are between 18 and 24, and often come from regional Australia, but we also host international students from overseas. Most are beginning tertiary studies, or starting at a job in Sydney.
Staying at flo
Location
Located on the corner of The Boulevarde and Hunter Streets in Lewisham, Flo Harris Lodge is in a quiet, leafy neighbourhood with great access to public transport. We’re a short walk from Lewisham Station with frequent trains and buses to Sydney CBD, Parramatta, and beyond. Major universities like USyd, UNSW, UTS, ACU, and several TAFEs are all easily accessible. Nearby Petersham adds colour to the area with its parks, cafes, shops, and strong multicultural vibe.
Community Life
Life at Flo is built around community. Orientation Week kicks things off with games, activities, and a Sydney Harbour Cruise. Throughout the year, residents organise casual get-togethers—beach trips, movie nights, city outings, and more. There are regular events hosted by the team too, including sport and social nights, end-of-year celebrations, and a formal dinner. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to make friends and get involved, or just enjoy the buzz of shared living.
Meals
Dinner at Flo is a daily highlight. Six nights a week we gather in the dining room at 6:30pm to enjoy a nutritious hot meal prepared by our wonderful chef. The menu is diverse and delicious—from pasta to curries to hearty salads. Sunday dinner is provided as a help-yourself meal. Dinners are about more than just food—they're a daily touchpoint for residents to connect, catch up, and hear announcements. Breakfast and lunch are also DIY.
Activities
From beach trips to basketball, Flo offers a range of optional but popular activities. Residents enjoy movie and games nights, theatre visits, and even camping adventures. There are also Growth Groups for exploring the Bible and discussing life’s big questions. Some events are signature Flo traditions, like the Harbour Cruise and the Formal Dinner at Darling Harbour. You can join in as much as you like—but be ready for spontaneous fun along the way.
Sporting Facilities
You’ll never be short of ways to stay active at Flo. Onsite you’ll find a snooker/pool room, basketball hoop, volleyball area, and a compact, well-equipped gym. For outdoor sports, Petersham Park and Marrickville Park are both a 10-minute walk away, offering tennis courts, cricket nets, an oval, and a public swimming pool. Whether you're looking to exercise, unwind, or just shoot some hoops with mates, Flo provides plenty of space to move and play.
