THE WESLEY LODGE STORY

In the late 1960s, the NSW State Government announced plans to build a major hospital at Westmead on the site of the old Parramatta Showgrounds. Sydney’s west not only had limited access to hospital care, but was rapidly becoming an area of significant growth and expansion.

The Superintendent of Parramatta Mission at that time, Rev Gloster Udy, was aware of the great need for, and potential of, a hospitality ministry adjacent to a major hospital - "an oasis in a busy urban setting."

In January 1977 contracts were exchanged on the Californian bungalow cottage at the corner of Queens and Hawkesbury Roads, Westmead known as Keramic.  With determination and faith, construction commenced on Wesley Lodge Motel.

The original motel of 28 rooms was opened in June 1979.

With the great demand for motel rooms, and with a second major hospital (the New Children’s Hospital) and a University of Western Sydney campus planned for the area, Parramatta Mission developed plans in the mid 1980s for an extension to the original complex.  These plans included the re-location and construction of the Westmead Uniting Church as a multi purpose church and conference centre along with the revamping of the Tudor Tea Rooms to create AJ’s Café.

The Church and motel extension were opened in 1991, giving Wesley Lodge Motel a total of 57 rooms and new conference and dining facilities.

AJ’s Café (named after the Superintendent of Parramatta Mission, Rev Alan Jackson), quickly gained a reputation for fine food and great ambience.  It became a respite from the hospital routines, a break from a hectic schedule or just a great place to go for some fine (but inexpensive) food or light refreshments and great coffee.

Wesley Lodge and AJ’s Cafe have an excellent tradition of warm and friendly hospitality behind them and are well placed and determined to ensure this proud tradition continues.