Benevolent Society

Established in 1813, the Benevolent Society is Australia’s first charity. For almost 200 years we have been leaders in identifying the evolving needs of the community and pioneering vital social reforms and services. Examples include successfully lobbying for the aged pension and establishing Australia’s first maternity hospital.

The Benevolent Society works with individuals and communities in metropolitan, regional and rural New South Wales and in South East Queensland. Each year our 700 staff and 600 volunteers support more than 16,000 individuals and families to build on their strengths and lead happy and fulfilling lives. We believe that building stronger communities is the best way to reduce social and economic disadvantage.

Our purpose is to create caring and inclusive communities and a just society. We also have a proud tradition of creating new lines of thought, activity and methods of intervention to tackle the social issues facing Australia.

We are a group of participants and workers in Benevolent Society programs using photography to explore our surroundings, express our emotions and find small moments of beauty in our world.