Read through some of our key milestones
1813 First private organisation dedicated to ‘relieving the distressed’, meeting needs of the population far beyond the capacity of government, leading to the formalisation of ‘The Benevolent Society of NSW’ in 1818, with a broader purpose to ‘relieve the poor, the distressed, the aged, and the infirm’
1821 Benevolent Asylum opens on the site where Sydney's Central Station now stands: a refuge for homeless older men, deserted women and children and the mentally ill
1862 Government takes responsibility for the care of men and the aged, due in part to the scale of demands for support and relief and subsequent overcrowding at the Asylum
1866 Part of the Benevolent Asylum designated exclusively as a ‘lying-in’ (maternity) hospital
1896 Our President, Sir Arthur Renwick, is a leading voice in the campaign for the Old Age Pension (introduced 1901)
1902 The Benevolent Society is incorporated by an Act of Parliament (NSW), and the first women directors appointed to the board
1905 Royal Hospital for Women: operated by the Benevolent Society until 1992, pioneering medical care for women and babies and ground breaking techniques such as ultrasound
1917 Scarba House, Bondi: welfare home for women and children
1964 First Village for the Aged: William Charlton Village, Allambie Heights
1999 Social Leadership Australia: transforming leadership thinking and practice
2002 Social Ventures Australia: investing in social change and supporting social entrepreneurs
2007 First Queensland service opens: North Gold Coast Early Years Centre (also a first for the State)
2009 Joint foundation of GoodStart to acquire the ABC Learning childcare centres
2011 Advocating for change at a national level with the ‘Speak up for Kids’ and ‘Australians for Affordable Housing’ campaigns
2013 200th anniversary