Benevolent Society

This Mother’s Day The Benevolent Society is encouraging people to consider becoming a foster carer.

The Benevolent Society’s CEO Anne Hollonds said many people don’t realise that they could become a foster carer.

“Mother’s Day is an opportunity to recognise and acknowledge the special role mothers and grandmothers play in our communities,” Ms Hollonds said.

The Benevolent Society welcomed a generally positive Federal budget, but expressed disappointment at some of the cuts.

CEO Anne Hollonds said while there were many positives for children, families and older people, it was disappointing to see the budget returned to surplus at the expense of some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

Australia’s first charity, The Benevolent Society, celebrates its 199th birthday today.

CEO Anne Hollonds said The Benevolent Society continues to play a pivotal role supporting Australian communities and acting as a catalyst for social change nearly 200 years after it was first founded.

Central Station, the Citigate Hotel and the boutiques of Oxford Street, Paddington are some of the Sydney landmarks that once housed Australia’s first charity, The Benevolent Society.

CEO Anne Hollonds said The Benevolent Society, established in 1813, is sharing more than 300 historical photos of Sydney from its archives through a free online archive called Historypin.