For 7 years, 2001 to 2008, I worked as Administrator for the Launceston Benevolent Society.
The Society is the oldest of its kind in Australia, being established in September 1834, for purpose of providing assistance to the destitute and poor in Launceston and such other parts of Tasmania as the committee of management may determine. Assistance then and still today is to provide food and other life necessities.
In my last year, 2008, I conducted 3,396 interviews, assisting 8,109 people, a small increase on the 2007 year. See details on the schedule attached, and callers place of residence.
The assistance handed out was provided from various sources, Government, large amounts being received from The Examiner newspaper Winter Relief and Empty Stocking appeals. Other income was from direct donations to the Society and interest received from investments. Large quantities of clothes and other household items were also received.
No items were sold, all given out without charge.
The people calling were a mixed group, some old and some young, some with significant health problems, including mental issues. Drugs, alcohol, gambling, high rents and increasing food and medication costs were contributing factors.
People would be interviewed and attended in order of arrival. At times, where time allowed, budgeting would be discussed, and where applicable encouragement to quit or reduce smoking, moderate alcohol drinking and cease using drugs.
Stress and depression was evident in some callers, with suicides periodically occurring, on one occasion two deaths in one week.
Prisoners on release were among callers, their payment being one week’s pension payment, which was not enough to get them re-established.
Besides conducting interviews also had to attend record keeping, Government funding applications and reports, including financial matters.
At times gave talks to community groups on the work of the Society.
Over the years the Society has provided support during the city’s most testing times – such as in the depths of the Great Depression in 1931, when it issued 3,911 coupons, representing 6,750 rations to feed 5,326 people.
Written by Ivan Badcock – 31 August 2024