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We have come a long way since 1813 when The Benevolent Society was first formed. Scroll through the timeline to see various moments in our organisation's history.

If you would like to request any historical records relating to The Benevolent Society, please send a email request to records@benevolent.org.au.

Start from our early history

2018

Every Age Counts.

The Benevolent Society continues to advocate for older Australians with the launch of a campaign against ageism called Every Age Counts

2017

The Benevolent Society transitions FaCS (Family and Community Services)

The Benevolent Society selected to transition the Disability Service Teams formerly part of FaCS (Family and Community Services) of the NSW government in order to provide disability clinical services across NSW, including regional and remote areas.

2016

Fix Pension Poverty

The Benevolent Society launches research with Per Capita and the Longevity Innovation Hub to determine the adequacy of the Age Pension – research determined it was inadequate. The Society launched an advocacy campaign for better conditions for older Australians including the Fix Pension Poverty campaign.

2015

Charles Prouse, Board Member, The Benevolent Society

Nyikina man of WA Charles Prouse

Appointment of Nyikina man of WA Charles Prouse to The Benevolent Society Board.

Jo Toohey, Management Team at The Benevolent Society

New CEO appointed

Joanne Toohey appointed CEO by the Board, led by chairman Lisa Chung.

2014

Implementation of Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)

The Benevolent Society implements a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

The Shack saved

The Benevolent Society saves The Shack Youth Services in Maroubra from closure.

2013

The Benevolent Society turns 200

The Benevolent Society’s 200th anniversary.

The Benevolent Society launches $10 million social benefit bond

The Benevolent Society launches a $10 million five year social benefit bond, also known as a social impact bond, in partnership with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Westpac to fund early intervention program Resilient Families.

2011

The Benevolent Society advocates for change

Advocating change at a national level with the ‘Speak up for Kids’ and ‘Australians for Affordable Housing’ campaigns.

2009

ABC Learning Centres

Joint foundation of GoodStart to acquire the ABC Learning Centres.

Fostering Young Lives begins

The Benevolent Society sets up Fostering Young Lives, a program for foster care.

2007

The Benevolent Society starts operations in Queensland

First Queensland service opens: North Gold Coast Early Years Centre (also a first for the State).

2004

The Benevolent Society apologised

The Benevolent Society apologised unreservedly for any abuse, mistreatment or harm experienced by children in its care as a results of the Forgotten Australians Report which emerged from the Senate Inquiry on children immigrants.

1999

Social Leadership Australia

The Benevolent Society established, transforming leadership thinking and practice. Closed in 2017. Social Ventures Australia, established in 2002 as part of SLA, involved investing in social change and supporting social entrepreneurs; closed in 2017.

1992

Royal Hospital for Women transferred to NSW Government

Management of the Royal Hospital for Women transferred from The Benevolent Society to the NSW Government.

1991

Post Adoption Resource Centre (PARC)

PARC (Post Adoption Resource Centre) opens, the first of its kind in NSW, to coincide with the implementation of the NSW Adoption Information Act.

1989

First female president at The Benevolent Society

The Benevolent Society elects its first female president, Mrs. Judith May OAM.

1987

Early intervention programs for families at risk

The Benevolent Society introduced early intervention programs for families at risk.

1980

Sir Philip Baxter Child Care Centre

Sir Philip Baxter Child Care Centre opened in Woollahra.

1977

Parenting services for single mothers introduced

The Benevolent Society began providing parenting services to single mothers.

1971

New retirement villages opened

Walter Cavill Retirement Village at Bondi and Rockdale Centenary Village at Bexley opened. Walter Cavill was closed in 2016, and Rockdale sold to Scalabrini in 2009.

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Our History