This is a  black and white photo of the founders of the Brotherhood of St. Laurence. From left to right, they are Michael Clarke, Gerard Tucker and Guy Cox at St Cuthbert's in East Brunswick in 1936. 

Father Tucker was a priest, social reformer and activist. The organisation Father Tucker conceived back then was a religious order of the Anglican Church, named after St. Laurence - the patron saint of the poor. 

Father Tucker’s vision was to serve the community and help Australians affected by disadvantage and poverty.


The Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL) was founded on 8 December 1930  

This is a black and white photo of a young boy playing in a puddle in a Fitzroy laneway.

At the suggestion of Melbourne's Anglican Archbishop, Father Tucker was invited by Father Maynard of St Peter's, Eastern Hill Melbourne, to relocate BSL to take charge of St Mary's Mission in Fitzroy, Melbourne. Both Father Tucker and Guy Colman Cox were licensed as curates in that same parish.

After moving, BSL became actively involved in helping the unemployed and disadvantaged communities in Fitzroy and Collingwood, at a time when thirty per cent of the workforce was without jobs, during the Great Depression.  


BSL relocates to Fitzroy, Victoria

This is a black and white photo of cottages in the Carrum Downs Settlement.

IIn 1934, Father Tucker purchased 45 forty-five acres of scrub and farmland, with a dam and a house, at Carrum Downs for £1200. In 1935, the Carrum Downs Settlement was established.

The initial aim of the Carrum Downs Settlement was to provide families shelter and a place to produce their own food. The settlement had a self-supporting community farm and the country location enabled the children to live a healthier life, away from the inner-city slums. 

Over the years, the Carrum Downs Settlement grew and developed as needs in the community changed. Highlights include the employment of a social worker in 1941 to work among women and children. In 1946, the Settlement was converted to independent living accommodation for aged persons and in 1952, the settlement opened a hospital called the “Cottage Hospital”, with two two-bed wards and accommodation for staff. There was also the Cox Collins Hostel which housed around 40 older people in a low care nursing home style accommodation with each person having their own room. The Cox Collins Hostel closed in 2009.

[Read more about the Carrum Downs Settlement’s history](http://bsltimeline.pbworks.com/w/page/5583990/Carrum%20Downs%20-%20The%20Settlement). 

Finally, in 2009, a partnership with Loddon Mallee Housing Services was announced, which resulted in a mixed community of rented affordable housing for people on low incomes and privately-owned homes. In this way BSL and Father Tucker’s legacy of affordable housing could continue at Carrum Downs.




BSL establishes a settlement for unemployed families in Carrum Downs 

This black and white photograph is of seven young men playing billiards and sitting around the table in the club room at the boys hostel in Fitzroy.

The Houses of St. Francis, as they were known, were refurbished to accommodate thirty-three boys following an appeal. Bedrooms accommodating two boys each were built on the first floor and part of the ground floor; a large dining-room, lounge, office, brothers' quarters, billiard-room and reconstructed kitchen added to general comfort and wellbeing of residents of the hostel. 

Though the hostel closed in 1941, it represented the beginning of BSL’s support and advocacy for people experiencing homelessness. 

In 1964, the Hanover Centre, named after Hanover Street in Fitzroy, was established with the aim of providing specialised services for homeless people – it was one of the first of its kind. Today Hanover Services is now known as Launch Housing, who we partner with to deliver the [Education First Youth Foyers program](http://www.bsl.org.au/services/youth/education-youth-foyers).

More recently, we partnered with the Victorian government, St. Vincent’s Hospital and Launch Housing to repurpose our former aged care residence as pop-up housing for people experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic.

[Find out more about our history of our work with people experiencing homelessness](http://bsltimeline.pbworks.com/w/page/21680105/Homeless%20issues%20and%20services). 






Hostel for homeless boys ('lads') opened

This is a black and white photo of a few female volunteers sorting clothes and other second-hand items in a warehouse facility.

The aim was to recycle large quantities of clothing and furniture for people in need. Women volunteers at BSL’s opportunity shop sorted the clothes and other second-hand items, donated by the ‘Friends of the Brotherhood’, and prepared them for sale.  These workers included Phyllis Scott, Doris Wettenhall and the seven Kent sisters (Mesdames W. Peach, C. Ghering, L.S. Healey, A. Southern, W. Hill and H. Bentley and Miss Haidie Kent) who worked as sorters for more than 40 years.

A flyer from the period, reads:
“By way of experiment, it is proposed to open a shop in Gertrude St., Fitzroy. Clothes (new and old), cooking and other such household utensils – in fact, anything that can be sold over the counter to the poor of the district, will be thankfully accepted by the committee responsible for the venture. 

The shop should not only help the Brotherhood, but it should be a great boon to the people of Fitzroy who are in need of those things that are no longer needed by others.”

In later years, BSL pioneered Brotherhood Bins and became well known in the community.

Today, that same sentiment lives on in the 23 op shops that BSL operates throughout Melbourne and Greater Geelong. BSL op shops offer a huge variety of high-quality unique items and everyday household essentials. From clothing and accessories, to furniture and collectables, there is always something interesting to be found.

When you buy second-hand goods, not only are you shopping sustainably and buying pre-loved goods at affordable prices, but the profits from your purchase help fund a range of life-changing community programs run by BSL. As well as raising much needed funds, BSL’s op shops help job seekers develop their workplace skills, provide work experience to students and allow volunteers an opportunity to support their community.

Find out more about shopping at [BSL’s op shops ](http://www.bsl.org.au/get-involved/op-shops/)or how you can [donate goods](http://www.bsl.org.au/get-involved/donate-goods). 






BSL opens its first shop

This is an illustration of a household in the 1940s with a mother cooking in the kitchen and a child playing with a wagon. The illustration is a covere of a report called Housing the Forgotten Tenth.

The first report by BSL was on the Fitzroy slums. It was written by John H. Reeves, the first social researcher at BSL. The report was called [Housing the forgotten tenth: an investigation of the "Problem Tenant.](http://library.bsl.org.au/jspui/bitstream/1/3427/1/Housing%20the%20forgotten%20tenth_JHReeves1944.pdf)" 

**Research and Policy at BSL**

Since 1944, there have been three broad stages of evolution in BSL's Research and Policy Centre, each reflecting subtle shifts in the purpose of research and its role in driving social change. 

Between, the 1940s and 1960s, BSL’s research was designed to reinforce the advocacy and campaigning efforts of the organisation. From the 1960s to the 1990s, research at BSL responded to the perceived hardening of community attitudes towards poverty. 

More recently in the 21st century, BSL's Research and Policy Centre (RPC) work was guided by broader social frameworks such as ‘social inclusion’, 'place-based disadvantage' and 'inclusive growth'. BSL also shifted to a ‘life transitions’ approach to describe its work, and for the first time, a corresponding focus on children, youth, working-age adults and older adults was structured into research priorities.

Today, the Research and Policy Centre is Australia’s largest social policy research centre in a non-government welfare organisation, with more than 25 full-time-equivalent staff.

BSL’s current research topics include climate change and energy, disability, early years, education and training, housing and homelessness, income and social security, work and youth. 

[Read more about the BSL’s Research and Policy centre](https://www.bsl.org.au/research/). 







BSL employs its first Social Research Officer  

This is a black and white photograph of Father Tucker under a blanket, Frank Coaldrake and Tony Bishop sitting on the verandah of an Armadale house in protest.

On 7 November 1944, Father Tucker, Frank Coaldrake, and Tony Bishop occupied the verandah of a house in St James Road in the Melbourne suburb of Armadale. They would remain, they said, until the sub-tenant vacated to allow the ill, 85-year-old owner to spend her last days in her own home. 

At the time, the legal position of sub-tenants was unclear under Commonwealth wartime tenancy regulations. The sub-tenant, a young man, had resisted repeated requests to allow the owner possession of her home. 

Father Tucker stayed on the veranda for 37 days and was willing to be arrested for the cause. He later explained his actions in a column for The Age, titled 'Why I am Breaking the Law': 

'I did not just hop out of bed one morning a week ago and come here for some excitement and notoriety. I and my colleagues came only after a most painstaking investigation and careful consideration following ten years of work trying to improve housing conditions, but all the time frustrated by out-of-date housing laws.'





  Father Tucker participates in a sit-in for 37 days 

This is an image of Aged Care officer Jess Millot serving Christmas pudding for Coolibah Club members at Christmas time. They are happy and joyful in this black and white photograph.

This was the first of its kind and served as a model for elderly citizens' clubs. Father Tucker furnished a small room and opened it as a club for elderly men to provide a place of shelter and companionship, particularly for those living in small, drab rooms in overcrowded inner industrial areas. Over time, the club grew, admitting women for membership in 1954 and reaching full capacity of 180 elderly men and women members in 1959.

In 1978, the Coolibah Club expanded to include a day centre, providing support for dependent older people who had either reached their maximum level of rehabilitation or needed social connection and inclusion. Funded under the Community Health Program, it employed several paramedical staff – an occupational therapist, two chiropodists, a recreational officer and two health assistants, all coordinated by a nursing supervisor.  Specific rehabilitation programs were introduced because of the Coolibah receiving referrals from the Mount Royal Hospital in Parkville, most of whom were stroke victims. 

Today BSL has four Social Connection Hubs that help older people to be healthy, active and enjoy life to the full in a friendly and relaxing environment. While our day centres closed for much of 2020 due to COVID-19, we developed a broad home, remote and outreach-based enrichment and lifestyle program to ensure our members remain fully supported, reassured and socially connected. 

Find out more about our [Social Connection Hubs](https://agedcare.bsl.org.au/other-services/social-connection-hubs/)


The Coolibah Club opened in Fitzroy 

This is a photo of BSL's building in Fitzroy

This was a time when BSL’s social action was aimed at the alcoholism problem that was developing in society.


Melbourne’s first Alcoholics Anonymous group formed 

This is a photo of Father Tucker talking to a resident from the aged care residences at Carrum Downs Settlement.

In 1948 Father Tucker moved to the Carrum Downs Settlement. 

Today BSL offers services such as day, respite and overnight care and we have numerous aged care residences including our newest state of the art residence at Clifton Hill. 


BSL opens first residence for aged persons

This is a still image from the film Beautiful Melbourne. It shows a toddler crawling with house lice on him.

The film, ‘Beautiful Melbourne' was commissioned by BSL in 1947, and it compares the poor conditions of inner-suburban housing in Melbourne, with life in a housing commission estate. The children living on the estate are cleaner, happier and their surroundings are in stark contrast to those still living in slums. The dramatic realist film illustrates the poor living conditions that many families in Melbourne were still experiencing years after the Housing Commission of Victoria was established in 1938. It gained wide publicity, assisted by Premier John Cain’s initial refusal to view it. 

View an excerpt from the film 'Beautiful Melbourne’ from the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA): <https://www.nfsa.gov.au/collection/curated/beautiful-melbourne>

Another BSL film, ‘These Are Our Children’ can be viewed here: <https://aso.gov.au/titles/sponsored-films/these-are-our-children/clip1/>
 
These films were dubbed 'The films the Premier dared not see'.

Since 1946, BSL has been producing films and videos as a way of highlighting issues or celebrating success.




Father Tucker commissioned films to highlight the living conditions of the poor

This is a black and white photograph of children enjoying free milk at school There are about 8 children in the photo and they are happy and smiling.

The Free Milk scheme was later adopted by the Victorian Government and free milk was provided to all primary schools for some 16 years. The Free Milk program represents the origins of our Breakfast Club program, which is still running today, supporting children to eat breakfast and enjoy supervised socialisation. 


Free Milk Day 

This photo shows Father Tucker at the microphone at 3XY radio station in the 1950s

Father Tucker’s innovative radio broadcasts raised awareness about poverty, and raised funds and support from the community.


BSL on the radio 

This is a photo of a nurse helping a child at the Children’s Health Clinic in 1952

The Children’s Centre, named the Sister Hay Memorial Children’s Health Centre, opened in 1952, providing a children’s health clinic with two nursing sisters. Up to 800 children per month attended the service at 67 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy.
 
A health centre by day, the centre held craft groups run by volunteers at night. Busloads of children were brought from local schools and from Camp Pell Housing settlement each day for baths and for the treatment of minor ailments. 

Others were referred from the Social Service Bureau next door. This was one of the first centres of its kind and, in retrospect, helped foreshadow the need for community health centres that we know today. 






BSL opened a Children’s Health Clinic 

A worker meeting with a client at the Social Service Bureau where BSL's legal aid service was conducted

The facility was developed by Norval Morris from the Faculty of Law at Melbourne University. For several years, law students gained experience through BSL by working under supervision with families who could not afford lawyers' fees.




Free legal aid service

This is a photo of Neville Brooke and Father Tucker on the Food for Peace campaign trail. They are standing together looking at a large document.

Community Aid Abroad began in Melbourne’s suburbs in 1953 as a church-affiliated group called Food for Peace Campaign, founded by Father Tucker. The group sent weekly donations to a small health project in India, and eventually, Food for Peace Campaign groups were established throughout Victoria. 

Oxfam Australia was born in 1992 out of a merger between two leading Australian international development agencies — Community Aid Abroad and the Australian Freedom from Hunger Campaign – and together they have become one of Australia’s largest international development organisations. As a founding member of Oxfam International, they changed their name to Oxfam Community Aid Abroad in 2001 and then to Oxfam Australia in 2005.

[Read more](http://bsltimeline.pbworks.com/w/page/5583997/Community%20Aid%20Abroad)


BSL’s Food for Peace Campaign grew into Oxfam Australia 

A black and white photograph of the Ecumenical Migration Centre

The EMC, formerly the European Australian Christian Fellowship (EACF) opened its doors in 1956. David Cox, a youth worker at the time and an EACF volunteer was integral to its development.
 
In 1962, under the auspice of the Victorian Council of Churches (VCC), the EACF was formalised. David was the sole full-time staffer, working out of a tiny office at the BSL. Through the BSL office, the EACF gained the services of a receptionist and the advice of a social worker, and was guided by Bishop Sambell. 

In 1963, a building in Nicholson Street, North Carlton, became the EACF headquarters with the shop-front youth centre, known as the Espresso Bar. Re-named EMC in the 1970s, the Centre continued its work for another 30 years.

EMC welcomed immigrants from European, Middle Eastern, Indochinese, African and other communities. It is believed to be the first generalist settlement support service in Australia.

In 1999 EMC announced its union with the Brotherhood of St Laurence, to take effect in July that year. A key factor underpinning this union was the complementarity of vision and mission between the two organisations: the focus of working for the well-being of low-income people and those who are disadvantaged in our community.

By 2016, the pattern of settlement by refugees had changed dramatically and immigrants were moving to Melbourne’s outer suburbs. To better reflect these realities, the service changed its focus and continued the work as the re-named the Multicultural Communities Team (MCT). The Team moved to a new community services hub established at by the City of Whittlesea in Epping.

Today MCT collaborates with other agencies in reaching out to refugee and migrant communities in the region.






BSL helps facilitate the establishment of the Ecumenical Migration Centre

A photo of BSL's Donated Goods division on Westgarth Street in Fitzroy with volunteers sorting goods

Social workers had first call on donated clothing and the remainder sold through the op shops to help finance the social service work.  Sorting was carried out by groups of voluntary women and represents the early support BSL received from volunteers – a wonderful community which today consists of over 1000 people.  


BSL's Donated Goods division set up  

A photo of the exterior of the Brotherhood Salvage shop in Dandenong, Victoria

They were located in Fitzroy, Royal Arcade in the City, St. Albans, Malvern, Dandenong, Mornington and North Melbourne. 


Seven Opportunity Stores in operation 

A photo of the accommodation at aged care residences in St Laurence Park in Lara

The newly opened St. Laurence Park near Geelong, grew to 17 cottages, including a staff house and Father Tucker’s home, with Geelong Apex Club and Geelong Grammar School boys each building a cottage.  Applications were received from all over Victoria, with priority given to applicants in the Geelong and surrounding districts.


Demand for aged care grows

This is a black and white photograph of a mother and her young son talking to staff at the Family Planning Clinic

After concerted social action campaigns had failed to convince the government of the day that low-income families wanted and needed family planning advice, a clinic was opened in 1967 by BSL at 75 Brunswick Street as a demonstration project. What had once been a ham and beef shop became the first comprehensive Family Planning Clinic in Victoria. 

The need for a Family Planning Clinic was soon proven by BSL, and the government formed the Family Planning Association. BSL’s clinic was able to close two years later. 






Victoria’s first successful family planning clinic established

This is a black and white photo of residents at Sumner House

Concerned about the lack of suitable accommodation for single or widowed pensioners in the Fitzroy area, BSL felt the need for this type of accommodation was urgent, as the Housing Commission flats being built in Brunswick Street were for families.

BSL began considering the possibility of building a hostel for pensioners at the rear of the BSL headquarters building, in conjunction with a planned extension and redevelopment of the Youth and Children’s Centre. This resulted in the building of Sumner House Hostel.

Residents eventually moved into Sumner House from 1977 and the hostel was officially opened in 1978. This was largely funded by the Australian Government, with grants from the Voluntary Helpers Shop and the Ian Currie Trust. 

Sumner House was named after Miss Jessica Sumner, a BSL Welfare Officer who worked in aged care for 23 years before retiring in 1972.




Sumner House development commences  

This is a photo of a woman putting her home collection bag into a Brotherhood Bin. She is donating used goods.

Eleven Brotherhood shops were part of the Brotherhood's Salvage Division, each with a paid manager but depending heavily on voluntary help.  Shops were in Bendigo, City, Dandenong, Footscray, Fitzroy (3 shops - Furniture, General and Theatrical), Geelong, Glenroy, Malvern and Mornington.

In addition, Brotherhood Bins were placed in almost every suburb with over 200 hundred donation bins, producing an average total of 20,000 kilograms of clothing each week.




In the 1970s Brotherhood shops rebranded, now with 11 stores in operation 

This is a picture of the first page of the document outlining the incorporation of BSL by Victorian Act of Parliament

The Brotherhood wanted to retain a link with the Anglican Church and to have a constitution that enabled members of staff to have a say in decision making as they had in the days when the Brotherhood was a community. By the provisions of the Act, the Board of Directors comprised five clerical members and five lay people including the Executive Director. Five staff members attended and while not having voting rights, were entitled to participate in all Board discussions.


BSL incorporated by Victorian Act of Parliament 

This is a photo of children enjoying a play group in the park, organised at the Family Centre. They are happy and smiling.

The objectives of the Family Centre Project were to demonstrate that changes in economic and social conditions and opportunities was a pre-condition for change in family and societal relationships, resulting from social work intervention. 

The research that underpinned this project was led by Concetta (Connie) Benn (1926-2011), one of Australia’s most prominent social researchers. Her work in Fitzroy changed the community development and welfare models of social work across the country. The Connie Benn Centre in Fitzroy still exists today.




BSL launches Family Centre Project 

This is a photo of the members of SPAN community house in Thornbury.

The project, which began in 1978, is located within the City of Northcote. The project operated from a small suburban house in Thornbury. The SPAN project symbolizes the belief that older people are in a unique position to cross or bridge age, sex and class barriers in society and to demonstrate that it is possible to have a sharing, caring community.


SPAN Project commences

A photo of a resident in her room at Sambell lodge an aged care facility. She is smiling at the camera.

Construction of a forty-three bed hostel for older people (later named Sambell Lodge) began in March on the original site of St Andrew’s Church, Clifton Hill.


Building commences on Sambell Lodge in Clifton Hill 

A Photo of Geelong's St. Laurence House which offered day and respite care for the elderly suffering from confusion.

In 1988, St. Laurence House Day and Respite Care Centre ‘for the confused aged’ in Geelong opened. This centre provided a place where people could be cared for on a daily or overnight basis and was opened as part of the ‘Confused Elderly’ pilot project funded by the Home and Community Care program and BSL. 


BSL builds community housing for people with dementia through the 1980s

This is a black and white photo of Lillian Holt addressing the audience at the 1993 Sambell Oration. She is standing in front of a banner that says 'Adding justice to care' and '60 years in Victoria'

The Sambell Oration provides a forum for community leaders to discuss topical issues. Attended by leaders from the community, business and government, and our BSL supporters, the Sambell Oration provides a unique opportunity to be engaged in discuss ing important social justice issues affecting Australia.

Named after former BSL executive director, Geoffrey Sambell, the event reflects his concern for social justice. 

[Read previous orations here](https://www.bsl.org.au/news-events/sambell-oration/)




BSL’s First Sambell Oration

This is an image of the front page of the age newspaper depicting the letter to Bob Hawke

The famous ‘Dear Bob’ letter was published on the front page of The Age newspaper and served as a catalyst for a public awareness campaign that commanded national attention. The campaign led to substantial improvements in federal government policy that lifted families out of poverty. 


An open letter to Prime Minister Bob Hawke

This is a black and white photo of an employment officer teaching job seekers. There are about 10 people listening to the employment officer. She is standing in front of a whiteboard.

The Employment Development Unit (forerunner of the Employment Action Centre - EAC) was established with the brief to develop and implement a number of employment initiatives. 

BSL also co-produced a film called “Unemployment isn’t Working” to raise awareness.

The Disability Access Support Service, a state-wide initiative funded by the Federal Government to facilitate increased participation in Skillshare programs by people with disabilities, was implemented through the Brotherhood’s Employment Action Centres in 1991.




Employment Action Centres launched  

A photo of a room in the Wintringham Hostel. The room has two beds.

In 1989, land in Flemington was acquired for the development of the first in the Wintringham hostels project, jointly developed by BSL and Hanover Welfare Services, with BSL contributing one million dollars to the capital cost of the project.  


Wintringham Hostels established

This is an image of the front cover of the report called Aboriginal Child Poverty.

Aboriginal Child Poverty, a report by Christine Choo was one of the first works to document and describe the extent and impact of child poverty among Aboriginal Australians, drawing on consultations with Aboriginal and Islander Child Care Agencies. 

[Read the report here](http://library.bsl.org.au/jspui/bitstream/1/4422/1/Choo-C_Aboriginal-child-poverty_Child-poverty-policy-review-2_1990.pdf)


Report: Aboriginal Child Poverty 

This is a photo of a homework club participant working on a maths problem with a tutor at a table. They are both happy and engaged in what they are doing.

Today, tutors help secondary and tertiary students with their studies in a friendly and supportive environment. 

The Homework Club runs on weekdays after school for secondary and tertiary students, with a focus on those from culturally diverse backgrounds. The multiple study zones include a computer room with printing facilities and a quiet area.   


BSL launches Homework Club 

This is a photograph of an older couple standing outside the Banksia Centre. There are gardens in the background. The couple is smiling.

Banksia Adult Day Centre introduces overnight respite care 

This is a photograph of a mother and her young daughter playing and participating in the HIPPY program. They are playing on a mat on the floor with smiles on their faces, looking happy and engaged.

The first HIPPY site in Australia started in Melbourne in 1998, and was delivered by BSL. Twenty families were enrolled, with three Home Tutors employed to work with families in their homes. 

Through securing philanthropic funding and donations, BSL could sustain and grow the program.

Since 2008, the Australia Government has committed more than $100 million to support continuing program delivery in the first 50 locations and to expand the program to an additional 50 communities, with a focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. 

HIPPY provides employment opportunities for more than 480 home tutors – a quarter of whom are from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background. Around 4,500 families took part in HIPPY in 2016.



BSL brings HIPPY to Australia 

This image depicts an artist impression of the MIllot House redevelopment from the BSL newsletter.

Funds raised were to support the upgrade and renovation of two residential facilities in Fitzroy, Millott House and Sumner House as well as support for our program and research work. 

Thanks to the tireless efforts of a volunteer committee and BSL staff, and through the generosity of our community of supporters, more than $7M was raised to transform BSL’s facilities and services.  

This included a $1M Centenary Grant from the Sydney Myer Fund. This grant celebrated the 100th anniversary of when Sidney Myer migrated to Australia where he established a family, the Myer retail business and a leading philanthropic legacy. The redevelopment of part of Millott House was named in honour of Sidney Myer and to this day provides independent living units for older people on lower income. 




Building Better Lives Appeal 

The storefront of the Hunter Gatherer store in Fitzroy

By doing so, BSL guaranteed that the clothing was produced in accord with the Homeworkers Code of Practice through the Textile, Clothing and Footwear Union of Australia (TCFUA) and industry bodies. Hunter Gatherer was the first retailer in Australia to become an accredited ‘no sweat shop’ manufacturer.

Although the fashion label doesn’t exist today, BSL has three Hunter Gatherer stores, icons in the second-hand fashion scene. More than just a fashion forward boutique, Hunter Gatherer is a destination. For eclectic bric-a-brac, local artisan creations, books, records, fashion and accessories we pay homage to pop culture, past and present.




BSL launches Hunter Gatherer fashion label 

This is a photo of Given the Chance employer, Outlook Environmental,  whohas helped us find work for people seeking asylum. A man is wearing safety gear and working

The innovative Given the Chance pilot project was established by BSL in 2002 to help young adult refugees aged 18 to 28, particularly young women, with education, employment and advocacy skills.  Funding initially came from the Victorian Department of Human Services, the Victorian Women's Trust and the Invergowrie Foundation.

Today, Given the Chance is one of BSL’s longest running and most effective employment support programs.

We also offer apprenticeships, traineeships and labour-hire, using the expertise of BSL to maximise positive employment outcomes. Australian apprenticeships and traineeships offer opportunities to train, study and simultaneously earn an income in a wide range of occupations and trades.

Our registered Group Training Organisation (GTO) directly employs trainees and apprentices and places them with host employers across a range of industries. Labour hire for a social purpose gives jobseekers invaluable workplace experience, while allowing employers to determine if employees may be suitable for longer term opportunities.

We are grateful to our corporate partners for their involvement in, and support of, Given the Chance and our other employment programs.


Given the Chance is born

This is a picture of a family at the dining table with the children doing their homework and the mother is paying bills.

Saver Plus supports families and individuals on a tight budget to develop lasting savings habits through a financial education program. 

Since launching: 
- Over 46,000 participants have joined the program 
- Over $24 million saved by participants 
- ANZ has matched over $19 million for education expenses 


Saver Plus launches in 2003, supporting Australians to save

A portrait photo of early feminist and philanthropist Prudence Myer

Prue sadly passed away in 2005. Following this BSL received a significant gift of $12.9M from the Estate of the Late Prudence Myer. 

The funds were kept intact and used to establish the Prue Myer Fund in 2007. The Fund has been transformational for BSL supporting strategic initiatives of BSL as we pursue systemic change for a fairer, more compassionate and just society.

Since its establishment the Prue Myer Fund has distributed more than $11M to BSL programs. It has played a critical role in the establishment of pilots and strategic development work including those which have led to the David Scott School, Youth Transitions, Northern Buddies, Connie Benn Centre and BSL’s Reconciliation Action Plan. The Fund has also supported our important research work including the Life Chances study and the evaluations of Transition to Work and the Education First Youth Foyer.

The Prue Myer Fund will continue to support BSL’s mission for generations to come. 




Establishment of the Prue Myer Fund

Goodstart was founded by a partnership of four of Australia's leading community sector organisations – The Benevolent Society, Mission Australia, the Brotherhood of St Laurence and Social Ventures Australia – who wanted to address one of the key sources of many societal problems – poor early childhood experiences. Operating as a social enterprise, their vision is for all Australia’s children to have the best possible start in life.

Goodstart’s founding members believe that if every child has access to quality early learning, it has the potential to transform Australia.


BSL helps establish Goodstart Early Learning 

This is a photo of two volunteers sorting books for Brotherhood Books at the warehouse. They are both smiling and happy.

Brotherhood Books is supported by the generosity of donors, the passion and dedication of volunteers, and the ongoing support of our customers. 

Customers who order from Brotherhood Books not only support sustainable practices by keeping books out of landfill, but they help BSL support people in our community experiencing disadvantage.

To date we have over 10,000 customers and sold over 350,000 books, raising much needs funds to support our programs and services.




BSL launches Brotherhood Books 

Run by BSL’s Multicultural Communities Team, the program builds on the strengths and skills of refugee and migrant women and assists them to overcome barriers. It provides opportunities for women to achieve financial wellbeing through starting a small business, finding employment, training pathways, mentoring and support.


BSL develops Stepping Stones program 

This photo is of solar panels on a roof with a blue sky in the background.

This represented the beginning of our work in the climate change and energy equity area. 

In 2016, with support from the Australian Government, the Home Energy Efficiency Upgrade Program (HEEUP) was developed. It aims to address the problem of many low-income households incurring high energy bills simply because the appliances they use are old and inefficient. For example, using a combination of options, more than 750 hot water system upgrades were achieved in low-income households across Victoria.

Today we’re continuing our work in energy equity with our Energy Assistance and Broker program, which helps eligible Victorians save money on electricity and gas, and get advice on other energy issues, like making your home more efficient.
 


National Energy Saving Initiative launches

This is a photo of three young people sitting outside laughing and smiling.

BSL, Hanover Welfare Services (now Launch Housing) and the Kangan Institute announced they would deliver a new Youth Foyer project in Victoria. A Youth Foyer is student accommodation for young people who are unable to live at home and wish to study and secure employment. It was the first model of its kind in Victoria to join up two complex areas of government, providing secure student accommodation for young people  to engage in training and education.


Education First Youth Foyers project commences 

This is photograph of the Lets Fully Welcome Refugees banner that was hung on St Paul's Cathedral. It shows a refugee child and has logos of the Anglican Church and BSL on it.

The banner installed on the spire of St Paul’s Cathedral said ‘Let’s Fully Welcome Refugees’, raising awareness of the plight of refugees and people seeking asylum in our country before the federal election that was held that year.  

A statement from BSL Chair, Bishop Phillip Huggins at the time made four recommendations including a more compassionate response to the existing cohort of refugees in Australia already and an increased refugee resettlement target. 

Father Tucker’s legacy of activism was alive and well after more than 80 years.  

[See the banner unfolding here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWsm9Sbb0rk)


Let’s Fully Welcome Refugees Campaign 

Transition to Work is a training and employment program for young people living in Melbourne’s north-western and south-eastern outer suburbs.

To help service delivery and exchange experiences, BSL founded the TTW Community of Practice, a network of agencies which deliver the program throughout Australia.   
   


BSL offers Transition to Work program 

This is a photo of an NDIS Participant standing with his bag and smiling at the camera. He is in front of a pool.

North-east Melbourne was the first region in Victoria to receive the service. Since then, delivery has expanded to Hume Moreland, Bayside Peninsula, Western Melbourne and the Brimbank Melton areas.

BSL’s service is focussed on building the capacity of individuals and the community – recognising that economic and social participation are indispensable components to a life of common dignity.




BSL starts to roll out the National Disability Insurance Scheme 

This is a photo of CareerTrackers interns Stephany and Jamarl undertook internships with our youth programs. They are smiling and the camera and are standing in front of Aboriginal artwork.

BSL's second RAP in 2019-23 has further key outcomes including more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people being involved with BSL in culturally safe and appropriate services and sites. BSL officially recognised the voice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as expressed in the Uluru Statement from the Heart. 

[Read more here](https://www.bsl.org.au/about/our-reconciliation-journey/)


BSL’s first Reconciliation Action Plan  

This is a photo of students heading to class outside the David Scott School. There are about 8 students and a teacher is guiding them and smiling.

Named after Father Tucker’s nephew and former Executive Director of BSL, David Scott, the School’s vision is to ensure that all young people receive a high-quality education that empowers them to reach their potential and equips them for a good life. 

The David Scott School delivers an integrated education program to meet the literacy, numeracy, work related and personal development needs of young people (aged 15-19) in the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula region who are unable to participate in mainstream schooling. 

The School provides a best-practice model of learning and support that can be replicated elsewhere and can influence policy in the area of flexible learning provision to re-engage young people in learning. 


BSL opens the David Scott School  

A group of bicultural BSL staff standing in front of a residential tower block wearing masks.

BSL worked hard to meet the increased demand for our services. We changed our service delivery approaches to enable continued access; we worked to ensure the safety of our people and the people we serve; we expanded our work to support the wider pandemic response.

We have also actively continued to use our strength in research to advocate for the systemic change needed to address poverty and help Australia recover from the COVD-19 crisis.


In 2020, resilience was tested at a personal and societal level, and the true impact of the Coronavirus crisis was yet to be seen

This is a photo of a resident's room at BSL's aged care residence in Clifton Hill. The decor is yellow and white, and the room is bright and inviting.

Located opposite the Darling Gardens, BSL Clifton Hill is right on the city’s doorstep. The architecturally designed four-storey building boasts spacious individual rooms with ensuite bathrooms, individually controlled heating and cooling, light-filled communal areas and strong connections with the local community.  

BSL Clifton Hill is the latest evolution of BSL’s aged care residences and facilities, providing support for older people to live the life they value. 


Clifton Hill Residence Opens

With the effects of the COVID-19 crisis, the ability for people experiencing disadvantage to easily access support has been more important than ever, and BSL’s new site helps them achieve this.

It was designed to make it simpler for people to find the BSL service they needed, the job assistance they required, or discover more about BSL’s vision and how they can advocate for change with us. The site also showcases the important work that BSL’s Social Policy and Research Centre does. We also made it easier for those who want to help by donating or by finding the volunteering opportunities that matches the skills they can offer.
The result is a new BSL website that is faster, better, more accessible and looks great too.


Improved our connection to the community with a new website

A screenshot of the BSL 90 Years website.

As the 90th Anniversary Year concluded, we held a Celebratory Eucharist, giving thanks for 90 years of social change and care for those most disadvantaged in our community.


BSL turns 90

Senator the Hon Anne Ruston, Minister for the Department of Social Services speaking at the BSL HIPPY studies launch in 2021.

These reports – Changing children’s trajectories and Transforming employment aspirations were launched by the Federal Minister for Families and Social Services, Senator the Hon. Anne Ruston via pre-recorded video due to COVID-19 restrictions and held at one of our HIPPY provider sites, ac.care in South Australia.

The reports prove that, when given the opportunity and well-designed support, families grappling with the challenges of disadvantage and poverty can make real change to their children’s lives. By building on parents’ aspirations for themselves and their families, HIPPY empowers parents to be their child’s first teacher in the home. The home becomes a place of learning, preparing the child for school and academic achievement.


HIPPY Research studies launch

The Stretch RAP supports the National Reconciliation movement and focusses on the areas of relationships, respect, opportunity, governance and reporting. BSL’s RAP has been formally endorsed by Reconciliation Australia.

BSL has a network of over 40 Reconciliation Representatives across our work sites to drive actions on the ground and support active and consistent engagement to build and maintain relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and support BSL to deliver on its commitment as articulated in the Stretch RAP.

Such commitments include providing a culturally safe workplace. To support this, in 2020, an online Cultural Awareness Training module was developed in consultation with the national voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children – SNAICC. Aboriginal cultural awareness training will be provided to a minimum of 90% of BSL staff across all sites by 2023.

Another example of our commitment and embedding Reconciliation at BSL is our membership to Supply Nation - an Australian leader in supplier diversity. This relationship will provide us with opportunities to promote greater inclusion of Indigenous people.

Our Stretch RAP document carries our new RAP logo which we thank Tara-Rose Butterworth for creating. Tara-Rose is a talented Wagiman artist and worked at BSL for two years as a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) within our NDIS Division. Her logo was inspired by the 2020 National Reconciliation Week theme and was named 'In it Together’, outlining that we must all work together to achieve the actions set out in our three-year RAP.


Further embedded action on reconciliation through our stretch RAP

Portrait photo of Travers McLeod, Executive Director of BSL.

Travers comes to us from the Centre for Policy Development (CPD) where he successfully led and grew the organisation as CEO for eight years.

He commenced at BSL in the Executive Director role on Tuesday 26 April.


90 years of impact

The reach of BSL’s work over 90 years has created untold impact, with its many firsts having shaped the landscape of the Australia that we have today. See the moments throughout time of BSL’s work to prevent and alleviate poverty across Australia.

1930s

In the beginning

8 Dec 1930

The Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL) was founded on 8 December 1930

1933

BSL relocates to Fitzroy, Victoria

1935

BSL establishes a settlement for unemployed families in Carrum Downs

1937

Hostel for homeless boys ('lads') opened

1938

BSL opens its first shop

1940s

Activism and innovation

1943

BSL employs its first Social Research Officer

1944

Father Tucker participates in a sit-in for 37 days

1946

The Coolibah Club opened in Fitzroy

1946

Melbourne’s first Alcoholics Anonymous group formed

1946

BSL opens first residence for aged persons

1947

Father Tucker commissioned films to highlight the living conditions of the poor

1948

Free Milk Day

1948

BSL on the radio

1950s

Growth and expansion

1952

BSL opened a Children’s Health Clinic

1952

Free legal aid service

1953

BSL’s Food for Peace Campaign grew into Oxfam Australia

1956

BSL helps facilitate the establishment of the Ecumenical Migration Centre

1957

BSL's Donated Goods division set up

1960s

Increasing demand

1960

Seven Opportunity Stores in operation

1960

Demand for aged care grows

1967

Victoria’s first successful family planning clinic established

1969

Sumner House development commences

1970s

Building for the future

1971

In the 1970s Brotherhood shops rebranded, now with 11 stores in operation

1971

BSL incorporated by Victorian Act of Parliament

1972

BSL launches Family Centre Project

1972

SPAN Project commences

1978

Building commences on Sambell Lodge in Clifton Hill

1980s

Caring for older Australians

1980

BSL builds community housing for people with dementia through the 1980s

1981

BSL’s First Sambell Oration

1984

An open letter to Prime Minister Bob Hawke

1986

Employment Action Centres launched

1989

Wintringham Hostels established

1990s

No child left in poverty