Media Releases

Allies for Children Statement - Our Commitment for a Unified Nation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children

27 May 2025

Walking together in truth-telling and healing so Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families can thrive. This is our Allies for Children aspiration in the relationships we continue to forge between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and nonindigenous Australians in the spirit of reconciliation.

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Benevolent to Transition Disability Therapy & Behaviour Support Services to AHTG

5 May 2025

The Benevolent Society (Benevolent) will transition its disability therapy and positive behavioural support services to the Australian Health & Therapy Group (AHTG), a leading provider specialising in delivering disability-focused therapy.

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Change of leadership at The Benevolent Society

20 Mar 2025

Today we farewell, Lin Hatfield Dodds who has stepped down as CEO of The Benevolent Society after almost four years at the helm.

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The Benevolent Society launches In Sync to help children with disability play, connect and grow

28 Nov 2024

Based on proven support delivered through Benevolent’s Early Supports program in Queensland, the In Sync program recognises that a child’s greatest asset is their relationship with their parents/caregivers.

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NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission Statement

1 Nov 2024

Please find below a statement by Lin Hatfield Dodds, CEO, The Benevolent Society on the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

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Allies for Children Position Statement

27 Sep 2024

Allies for Children Position Media Statement

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The Benevolent Society's Disability Services Update

4 Jul 2024

NDIS Support Coordination Update Media Statement

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The Benevolent Society and WorkVentures Join Forces to Help Bridge Digital Gap for People with Disability

20 May 2024

The Benevolent Society has partnered with non-profit organisation WorkVentures to launch a new Digital Inclusion Program to support people with disability achieve their goals with plans already underway to expand the program further to reach more people in need.

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The Benevolent Society on the Dalwood Spilstead Service

10 May 2024

Please find below a statement by Henrietta Foulds, Director of Operations (Child Youth & Family), The Benevolent Society on the Dalwood Spilstead Service.

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The Benevolent Society on the NSW Government’s Emergency Domestic Violence Package

6 May 2024

Please find below a statement by Lin Hatfield Dodds, The Benevolent Society CEO on the NSW Government’s Emergency Domestic Violence Prevention & Support Package, announced today at The Benevolent Society’s Centre for Women’s, Children’s and Family Health in Campbelltown, NSW.

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Allies for Children - Child Protection Alliance Calls for Bespoke Early Intervention Solutions for DFV

2 May 2024

Allies for Children is calling on State and Federal Governments to work in partnership with communities on practical prevention measures, early intervention programs and funding for frontline services that also prioritise the prevention of domestic and family violence and support for women and families experiencing violence in the home.

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Carer Gateway and Western Sydney Wanderers Team Up to Boost Wellbeing of Local Carers

12 Mar 2024

The Benevolent Society - Carer Gateway have announced a new partnership with the Western Sydney Wanderers to champion the vital role of carers in the Western Sydney and Greater Sydney communities and the free support available to them.

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Allies for Children - Appointment of a National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children

13 Feb 2024

An alliance of major child protection agencies commends the Federal Government on the historic appointment of a National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children.

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Ken Smith Announced as New Chair of The Benevolent Society

28 Nov 2023

The Benevolent Society has announced Ken Smith AO as its new Chair following yesterday's Annual General Meeting.

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The Benevolent Society Opens New Wollongong Office

9 Nov 2023

The Benevolent Society celebrated the opening of its new relocated Wollongong office with an official event on November 9, continuing its commitment to support people with disability and carers in the Illawarra region.

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Organisations Reject Calls For Royal Commission Into Aboriginal Children

19 Oct 2023

Organisations Reject Calls For Royal Commission Into Aboriginal Children

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New board appointment for The Benevolent Society

16 Oct 2023

The Benevolent Society is pleased to announce the appointment of Ken Smith AO to its Board of Directors.

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Major Child Protection Agencies Join SNAICC In Backing A National Commisioner For Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Children At The SNAICC23 Conference

7 Sep 2023

In a show of unity, Allies for Children, a newly formed Alliance of Child Protection agencies have joined in support of SNAICC – National Voice for Our Children and its calls for an independent National Commissioner dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

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Lin Hatfield Dodds, CEO, The Benevolent Society on the anticipated inclusions in the Federal Treasury’s Intergenerational Report

23 Aug 2023

There is an urgent need to prepare the care and support sector for the huge increase in demand for services over the next 40 years. We are far off where we need to be. We must get the right settings in place so this sector can provide increased, improved and more reliable services to Australians.

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Port Augusta City Council and The Benevolent Society announces funding support for two family-based programs.

20 Jul 2023

Port Augusta City Council and The Benevolent Society are delighted to announce funding support for Port Augusta City Council over the next three years, to deliver two family-based programs.

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The Benevolent Society launches new brand campaign to raise awareness for its support services

26 Apr 2023

The creative campaign developed by multi-award-winning agency Jack Nimble celebrates the charity’s tagline – ‘Your Life. Your Way’ – by showcasing the positive and optimistic approach embodied by the organisation.

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Leading NGOs back SNAICC and AbSec response to social justice issues in the Northern Territory

24 Apr 2023

The Benevolent Society, Mission Australia, Rise, Brotherhood of St Laurence, and Uniting NSW.ACT collectively support statements made by SNAICC and AbSec calling for a better focus on First Nations self-determination rights, and the need to listen to community-led solutions to intergenerational policy failure and neglect in the Northern Territory.

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Statement by The Benevolent Society's CEO in response to the Prime Minister’s announcement today regarding the Voice to parliament

23 Mar 2023

We support the Voice as the first step to the implementation of the recommendations of the Uluru Statement. This referendum is about two things: recognition and consultation. If we want to Close the Gap, we need to stop doing the same things and expecting different outcomes.

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Official opening of new centre in Elizabeth Vale to offer more support to people with disability

3 Feb 2023

The Benevolent Society, a charitable organisation that has been supporting children, families and communities for more than 200 years, will provide more disability services in northern Adelaide with the opening of a new centre in Elizabeth Vale.

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The Benevolent Society CEO on the Economic Inclusion Advisory Panel

29 Nov 2022

Statement by Lin Hatfield Dodds, CEO, The Benevolent Society on the federal government’s forthcoming Industrial Relations Bill, and the agreement with independent Senator David Pocock to create an independent, legislated Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee.

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The Benevolent Society announces new board appointment

1 Nov 2022

The Benevolent Society, a charitable organisation that has been providing support services to Australians for more than 200 years, is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Griew to its Board of Directors.

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The Benevolent Society CEO on Federal Budget

26 Oct 2022

Statement from Lin Hatfield Dodds, CEO, The Benevolent Society, in response to the Federal Government’s 2022/23 budget. The Benevolent Society is one of Australia’s first charities.

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The Benevolent Society announces new Executive Director appointments

29 Sep 2022

The Benevolent Society, one of Australia’s first charitable organisations, has appointed Kelly Bruce to the new role of Executive Director, Impact and Engagement, with Michael Woodhouse joining as Executive Director, Disability, Ageing and Carers.

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New podcast launched to support the 2.7 million carers in Australia in leadup to National Carers Week

23 Sep 2022

Australian charity The Benevolent Society, in association with Carer Gateway, today launched ‘Carer Conversations,’ a new podcast that provides tips and resources to help unpaid carers look after their emotional, mental and physical wellbeing.

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Statement from The Benevolent Society CEO on National Jobs and Skills Summit.

31 Aug 2022

A statement by Lin Hatfield Dodds, CEO, The Benevolent Society, who will be in attendance at the Federal Government’s National Jobs and Skills Summit at Parliament House, Canberra, 1-2 September 2022. Ms Hatfield Dodds says the summit is an opportunity to realise the full potential of the care economy and creating an agenda that paves the way forward.

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The Benevolent Society launches new Impact Report that measures the long-term value of early childhood integrated support for disadvantaged families

23 Jun 2022

The Benevolent Society, one of Australia’s first charities, and leading impact organisation, Social Outcomes, has launched an Impact Report with its new national Early Years Impact Measurement Framework which measures the long-term social and economic value of early childhood integrated support services for disadvantaged families.

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The Benevolent Society launches new brand campaign to elevate awareness of its support services for people

16 Jul 2021

The Benevolent Society, one of Australia’s first charitable organisations, has launched a new brand campaign to increase awareness of its integrated services and launch its new tagline, 'Your life. Your way'.

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Robyn Mildon Appointed to The Benevolent Society's Board of Directors

14 Jul 2021

The Benevolent Society, one of Australia’s first charitable organisations, today announced the appointment of Robyn Mildon PhD to its Board of Directors.

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Lin Hatfield Dodds appointed CEO of The Benevolent Society

29 Jun 2021

Lin Hatfield Dodds appointed CEO of The Benevolent Society

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The Benevolent Society welcomes Christine Feldmanis and Nancy Milne OAM to its board of directors

16 Mar 2021

The Benevolent Society today announced the appointments of Christine Feldmanis and Nancy Milne OAM to its board of directors.

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The Benevolent Society announces new board appointment

7 Dec 2020

Australia’s first charity The Benevolent Society has appointed Leonie Jackson to its Board of Directors.

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The Benevolent Society’s response to adoption recommendation for out-of-home children

9 Jun 2020

Statement attributable to: Leith Sterling, Executive Director, Child & Family, The Benevolent Society

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Alliance calls for more action to help Aussie children during economic recovery and beyond

26 May 2020

The national Every Child campaign is calling on Prime Minister Scott Morrison to better prioritise the needs of children as part of Australia’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Carer Gateway launches new support services for carers

6 Apr 2020

The Benevolent Society to deliver metropolitan Sydney services

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Community sector organisations call on Government to act on communications affordability issues

27 Mar 2020

Community sector organisations call on Government to act on communications affordability issues

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Call for Immediate Action to Reform Child Protection for Aboriginal Children

2 Mar 2020

A collective of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal organisations are calling for the NSW government to make a significant commitment in this year’s budget

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The Benevolent Society appoints Josie Kitch to head-up operations in South Australia

18 Feb 2020

Australia’s first charity The Benevolent Society has announced the appointment of Josie Kitch as Director of its South Australia operations.

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Statement from Dr Kirsty Nowlan

10 Feb 2020

The Every Child national alliance urges all governments to act on the recommendations made by Commissioner Mitchell.

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Adoption Connections Meeting in Chatswood

25 Nov 2019

The Benevolent Society’s Post Adoption Resource Centre (PARC) will host an Adoption Connections meeting in Chatswood

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Anniversary of the Queensland Government’s Apology for Forced Adoption Policies and Practices

25 Nov 2019

The Benevolent Society to Mark Anniversary of the Queensland Government’s Apology for Forced Adoption Policies and Practices

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Adoption Connections Meeting in East Maitland

23 Sep 2019

The Benevolent Society’s Post Adoption Resource Centre (PARC) will host an Adoption Connections meeting in East Maitland

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Media Alert - Every Child Event - Child Protection Week - Sept 3

2 Sep 2019

The Hon. Gareth Ward to address Child Protection Week Sydney event.

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The Redlands Integrated Early Early Years place wins child protection award

30 Aug 2019

The Redlands Integrated Early Early Years place wins child protection award

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Time to think big about child wellbeing

27 Aug 2019

National Launch of Child Wellbeing movement across Australia

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A win for unpaid carers

22 Aug 2019

The Benevolent Society is today pleased to announce its successful tender, in partnership with Your Side, to deliver the Commonwealth Government’s Integrated Carer Support Service (ICSS) Regional Delivery Partner program in Metropolitan Sydney.

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FREE Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Yarn and Craft Group

6 Aug 2019

Hosted by The Benevolent Society’s Cairns Early Years Centre

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FREE Bubs and Tots Playgroups at Bentley Park and Gordonvale

6 Aug 2019

Hosted by The Benevolent Society’s Cairns Early Years Centre and Gordonvale Early Years Centre

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Adoption Connections Meeting in Batemans Bay

16 Jul 2019

The Benevolent Society’s Post Adoption Resource Centre (PARC) will host an Adoption Connections meeting in Batemans Bay on Tuesday 20 August from 6.00pm-8.30pm to provide information and support for local people affected by adoption.

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Free school holiday fun hosted by The Benevolent Society

12 Jun 2019

Acacia Ridge Early Years Centre Community Connections And Collaboration Event: 4 July 2019

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The Benevolent Society is making changes to its delivery of services to people with disability

6 May 2019

The Benevolent Society – Australia’s oldest charity – today announced it is making changes to its approach to providing services to people with disability in NSW and the ACT. We are ensuring that our staffing levels and property footprint meet community demand and are financially sustainable under the NDIS.

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Fix Pension Poverty Campaign's Pensioner Dental Plan to be supported

29 Apr 2019

The Benevolent Society welcomes the Australian Labor Party’s promise to introduce the Pensioner Dental Plan if elected, and calls on Scott Morrison to match the plan to demonstrate his Party’s commitment to older Australians.

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Adoption Connections Meeting in Cairns: 15 June 2019

24 Apr 2019

The Benevolent Society’s Post Adoption Support Queensland (PASQ) team will host an Adoption Connections meeting in Cairns on Saturday 15 June 2019 from 10.30am-1.30pm to provide information and support for local people affected by adoption.

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Adoption Connections Meeting in Griffith: 21 May 2019

23 Apr 2019

The Benevolent Society’s Post Adoption Resource Centre (PARC) will host an Adoption Connections meeting in Griffith NSW on Tuesday 21 May from 6.00pm-8.30pm to provide information and support for local people affected by adoption.

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Older Australians suffering due to political inaction on Newstart

16 Apr 2019

National Seniors Australia, COTA Australia and The Benevolent Society have issued a joint statement about the importance of Newstart Allowance to older workers.

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Dolly Parton's Imagination Library launches in Browns Plains

15 Apr 2019

Families at Browns Plains are being inspired to encourage reading from an early age, thanks to the launch of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in May.

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Parliamentarians pledge to end ageism

21 Feb 2019

MPs and Senators across the country have been challenged to tackle the complex issue of ageism against older people in Australia during a cross-party morning tea at Parliament House in Canberra today (21 February 2019).

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Adoption Connections Meeting in Parramatta: 5 March 2019

12 Feb 2019

The Benevolent Society’s Post Adoption Resource Centre (PARC) will host an Adoption Connections meeting in Parramatta NSW on Tuesday 5 March from 6.00pm - 8.30pm to provide information and support for local people affected by adoption.

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Cooking for One or Two - Popular program continues to help Australians

4 Feb 2019

Run by The Benevolent Society and funded by the NSW Government, Cooking for One or Two is a popular program that provides older Australians living alone or in a two-person household with the opportunity to learn cooking, shopping and dietary tips and tricks from experts.

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Dolly Parton's Imagination Library launches in Beaudesert

22 Jan 2019

The result of generous funding granted to United Way Australia (UWA) by The Courier Mail Children’s Fund, The Benevolent Society’s Early Years Centre is now working in close partnership with the Queensland office of UWA to facilitate the Imagination Library in Beaudesert.

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Access to support for day to day living affecting the wellbeing of older Australians

15 Jan 2019

Findings from the Index of Wellbeing for Older Australians (IWOA), commissioned by The Benevolent Society and developed by the National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling (NATSEM) at the University of Canberra.

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Cyberbullying a growing public health and safety issue for Australian families

3 Dec 2018

Young people bullied online are turning to their parents to help them cope, with some so seriously impacted they are seeking medical and mental health support, with flow on costs to Australian families and the health system.

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Tim Beresford announced as new Chair for The Benevolent Society

3 Dec 2018

Australia’s first charity, The Benevolent Society, today welcomed its new Chair Tim Beresford. Tim is currently the Deputy CEO of the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) and was the former Deputy Chair of The Benevolent Society.

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The Benevolent Society and NSW government continue partnership to keep families together safely

27 Nov 2018

New South Wales Department of Family and Community Service announced continuing support to the Social Benefit Bond program Resilient Families.

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The Benevolent Society asks NSW Government to stop proposed adoption forms

9 Nov 2018

The Benevolent Society calls on the NSW Government to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past by stopping the proposed reforms to make it quicker and easier to adopt children from out-of-home-care.

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Apology for Forced Adoption Practices in Brisbane

7 Nov 2018

Event marking anniversary of the Queensland Government's apology for forced adoption policies and practices.

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Alliance20; new alliance of disability service providers to improve the NDIS

23 Oct 2018

A group representing Australia’s largest disability service providers has formed a new alliance to advocate for solutions to problems in the NDIS and improve services and lives for NDIS participants and their families.

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Rural Youth Mental Health service launch

15 Oct 2018

Rural Youth Mental Health outreach program launched to support youth in rural Western NSW.

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Australia's first social benefit bond reaches maturity

9 Oct 2018

This month, Australia’s first Social Benefit Bond matures, as announced by The Benevolent Society – Australia’s first charity.

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Aged Care Royal Commission Media Statement

19 Sep 2018

The Benevolent Society welcomes the announcement made by the Prime Minister last weekend of a Royal Commission into the Aged Care sector in Australia.

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National Play Your Part Awards Media Release

3 Sep 2018

This National Child Protection Week, ReachOut Australia and The Benevolent Society are pleased to share the honour of receiving this year’s National Play Your Part Award by the National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN).

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Cooking for One or Two Program APP Media Release

28 Aug 2018

A new program called Cooking for One or Two provides older Australians living alone or in a two-person household with the opportunity to learn cooking and dietary tips and tricks from experts.

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A rare chance for locals affected by adoption to meet in Orange

3 Jul 2018

The Benevolent Society’s Post Adoption Resource Centre (PARC) will host an Adoption Connections meeting in Orange NSW on Tuesday 10 July from 6.00pm-8.30pm to provide information and support for local people affected by adoption.

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$3.9 Billion Budget Surplus Provides Little to Fix a Broken Child Protection System

20 Jun 2018

The NSW Government has announced a $3.9 billion surplus in this year’s budget but according to The Benevolent Society – Australia’s oldest charity – the Government has failed to allocate any serious funding to a child protection system described in the recently released Tune Report as ineffective, crisis-driven and unsustainable.

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We are launching services in South Australia

1 Jun 2018

On the 2nd of July ‘Inclusive Directions’, a specialist provider of disability services to children, will become part of the Benevolent Society. They will continue to deliver the exceptional, family-focussed services they have developed for over 30 years and we will work together to expand services to benefit South Australia. We will also create at least 230 new jobs to provide services to South Australians with help from the SA government’s Future Jobs Fund.

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Budget 2018 - Benevolent Society welcomes support for older Australians

8 May 2018

The Benevolent Society, Australia’s first and oldest charity, welcomes aspects of this budget with a focus on programs aimed at assisting older Australians, including new home care packages, a re-drawing of the home care scheme, and an increase in the work bonus.

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Older Australians Most Likely to Volunteer

7 May 2018

During National Volunteer Week (21-27 May), The Benevolent Society would like to recognise the contribution made by older Australians. While we celebrate their contribution, there is also a concern that it serves to mask a significant social problem: older people who want to work but can’t because of ageist stereotypes and attitudes.

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Benevolent Society Shares NDIS Info at Sydney Disability Expo

3 May 2018

The Benevolent Society, Australia’s first and oldest charity, and now the leading provider of disability services in Australia, will lead discussion groups on understanding the impact of the NDIS on people with disability and their families at the Sydney Disability Expo, 25-26 May, at the Sydney showground, Olympic Park, Homebush

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Older workers discriminated against because of perception they can’t learn new things, especially technology

3 May 2018

In a Benevolent Society survey of 1,005 people aged 50 plus from across Australia, people currently in the workplace and people seeking work were often told they were too old to learn new things and particularly too old to learn technology. These were often ‘excuses’ for people over the age of 50 not being successful in their job hunt.

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Early Years Centre Browns Plains - Amanda's Story - Premmies Event

28 Mar 2018

Read the Case Study on Amanda, who was able to find help with the Early Years Centre in Browns Plains.

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Nick Xenophon MP Supports The Benevolent Society’s #FixPensionPoverty Campaign

26 Mar 2018

The Benevolent Society thanks Rebekha Sharkie MP, member for Mayo, South Australia, a member of Nick Xenophon Team, for introducing a motion in the House yesterday supporting The Benevolent Society’s initiatives made after its introduction of The Adequacy of the Age Pension to Fix Pension Poverty in September 2016.

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Benevolent Society officially opens Chatswood Hub

20 Mar 2018

The Benevolent Society, Australia’s first charity, officially opened its Chatswood Hub at Citadel Towers, 799 Pacific Highway, Chatswood today.

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The numbers speak volumes – The Benevolent Society shows its diverse skills expertise in specialist disability support

15 Mar 2018

The Benevolent Society’s advertising campaign showcases the numbers that make it the most experienced provider of specialist disability services in NSW and the ACT. The campaign, launching next week in suburban newspapers, outdoor, and specialist media, illustrates the number of specialists available to assist and support people with disability.

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The Benevolent Society awarded $1.5m grant by Wicking Trust

5 Mar 2018

The Benevolent Society, Australia’s first charity, has received a $1.5 million grant - $300,000 per year annually for five years – from The J.O & J.R Wicking Trust managed by Equity Trustees to support its advocacy campaign to tackle ageism, EveryAge Counts. The Wicking Trust supports organisations driving systemic change in the wellness and quality of life of older people.

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Bob Fergusson: The Benevolent Society’s oldest volunteer

26 Feb 2018

The Benevolent Society is extremely lucky. We have employees and volunteers who stay with us for decades. Meet Bob Fergusson. For 16 years he has hopped on the bus from his home at Mirrabooka in Little Bay and travels to The Benevolent Society. He has been coming in to The Benevolent Society’s headquarters in Paddington every Thursday to help out wherever he is needed.

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