Friendly Societies originated in the industrial areas of the United Kingdom. The first society in Victoria was formed in 1839 and by 1913 more than half of the Victorian population was insured by Friendly Societies in some fashion. The societies were financed by Members' subscriptions and offered health benefits and other welfare services, before these services were provided by the government. Doctors were paid by the societies to treat members free of charge, and Dispensaries were established to provide members with subsidised quality medicines. The Sunshine and District Friendly Societies Dispensary was established on the 1st of March 1930 with a membership of 896, and it was located in Sun Crescent Sunshine. The membership grew to 1052 within 4.5 years, and the number of prescriptions dispensed in the 6 months prior to November 30,1935 totalled 10,535. The Dispenser was Mr. C. H. Semmens. Most Friendly Societies operated democratically with office bearers changed regularly to prevent power cliques. The Sunshine Dispensary appears to have operated in the same way as the societies that owned it. The Advocate of 10 July 1936 reports that the seven newly elected office bearers or delagates were from the Friendly Societies; A.N.A., M.U.I.O.O.F., P.A.F.S., and G.U.O.O.F. The names of all the seven people can be found on the Honour Board, indicating that they each have served at least one term as President of the Sunshine Dispensary. The health professions and the Labour Governments of the 1940's wanted to see the involvement of Friendly Societies in health care broken. The Commonwealth Free Medicine Plan appears to have been drawing customers away from Friendly Societies Dispensaries in general. The Sunshine Dispensary placed several advertisements in the Sunshine Advocate during late 1950 urging members to remain loyal to it. By the 1980's the increase in entrepreneurial clinics and the availability of take away medicine helped to vastly diminish the involvement of Friendly Societies in health care provision. The 1936 Sunshine Advocate refers to the Sunshine and District United Friendly Societies Dispensary, with the same office bearers as the Presidents on the Honour Board but on which the 'United' is missing from the name of the Dispensary. The 1950 advertisements were placed by Sunshine U.F.S. Dispensary of 23 Sun Crescent. It is thought that all three names refer to the same business, but the writer stands to be corrected. The above is a compilation of information sourced from Sunshine Advocates published in January and July 1936, and in September, October and November 1950. It also draws on an article written by Elizabeth Willis and published online by the the Department of History (University of Melbourne), and on an article written by Mr. Bill Kelly of the Australian Friendly Societies Pharmacies Association, and also on an article by Museum Victoria Australia. Corrections to what has been written are welcome from interested readers.The Honour Board provides a historical record of the Presidents that served 61 terms on the Board of the Sunshine and District Friendly Societies Dispensary. It also provides a reminder that when a government does not adequately look after the welfare needs of its citizens, the people can band together to find ways of helping each other. The Sunshine Dispensary no longer exists, and a more recently established Community Pharmacy which operated in Hampshire Road could not compete against the discount pharmacies that have taken over. These new pharmacies sell a wide range of profitable product lines, as well as dispensing traditional prescription medications.Brown stained wood particle board with picture frame type edging. The board has six straight sides however it is not typical hexagon shaped. The top is composed of three straight short edges to give an almost rounded edge to an otherwise oblong shaped bottom section. On the board in gold coloured lettering are the names of 'brothers' and 'sisters' who served a total of 61 terms as PRESIDENTS of the SUNSHINE AND DISTRICT FRIENDLY SOCIETIES DISPENSARY, which was established on the 1st of March 1930. Eight of the men served more than one term with BRO. I. MILLER serving four terms, and BRO. F. RICHER serving three. The three women SISTER. I. REWELL, SISTER. C. JOHNSON, and SISTER. M.S. ARMSTRONG served one term each. There is no indication of when each person served, but it is believed that the term length was around six months and that the list is in chronological order. This conclusion results from seeing that BRO. W. ROONEY is the 11th listed President, and that the Sunshine Advocate of 10 July 1936 states that he was elected as the new President.sunshine and district friendly societies dispensary, honour board, 1st march 1930, 1/3/1930, sunshine u.f.s. dispensary, semmens, rooney, miller, richer, armstrong, rewell, johnson

Printed Ancient Order of Foresters' Friendly Society Quarterly Password for use throughout the Order from October 1st to December 31st, 1880. Printed at the end in a rectangular box is a coded password.societies, aof, correspondence, ancient order of foresters no. 3770 collection - correspondence, ancient order of foresters' friendly society, executive council dublin

CENTENARY PLAQUE AUSTRALIAN NATIVES ASSOCIATION.1871 - 1971.This plaque commemorates the centenary of the Australian Natives Association and depicts some of the achievements brought about by the Association in Australia over a Century.The circular shape symbolizes a continuous line of achievements around a central point or theme.Whithin this shape are three bands of waving and undulating sand textured steps,passing through the map of Australia. these bands signify the rolling sandy plains which are so characteristic of this country .There is a total of seven basic shapes representing the seven states - six of which are overlapping representing the mainland.The six oval shapes depict The ANA.crest Federation 1901.The Made in Australia Council.The Australia Day Council. The Armed Forces and Friendly Society.Made to commemorate 100 years service of ANA to Australia.A rectangular shadow box style frame of brown wood,in which is a round Brass Medallion on a beige background.Around the edge are wavy bands representing rolling sands.At the top are the words AUSTRALIAN NATIVES ASSOCIATION and at the bottom is inscribed 100 YEARS OF SERVICE and on a map of Australia TO AUSTRALIA.There are seven basic oval shapes on which -from the top-is the ANA Crest and the words Federation 1901.then a Boomerang with the stars of the Southern Cross and the words Buy Australian,then a map of Australia on which are standing three figures of Army,Navy,Airforce Personel,then the Australian flag with Jan 26 and Friendly Society.AUSTRALIAN NATIVES ASSOCIATION 100 YEARS OF SERVICE TO AUSTRALIA.ana commemoration plaque.

This framed certificate was presented to J. G. Boyes in recognition for his many years of membership and service to the Bacchus Marsh Lodge of the Grand United Order of Oddfellows. The certificate was presented at a social evening held at the Bacchus Marsh Mechanics Hall on Saturday 10 September 1938. The social was held to mark the 70th anniversary of the Bacchus Marsh Lodge for the Grand United Order of Oddfellows. A detailed report about the social appeared in the Bacchus Marsh Express, 17 September, 1938, page 5, ''Oddfellows Social', accessible via Trove, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article262579717 . Large framed certificate. Glass covered.Grand United Order of Oddfellows Friendly Society presented to Brother J. G. Boyes 10 September 1938.grand united order of oddfellows friendly society, friendly societies, j.g. boyes, bacchus marsh lodge no. 1324

Notice, printed in purple, informing Delegates of a Preliminary Meeting of the Delegates of the various Lodges of Friendly Societies in the district which was held at Ready's Rainbow Hotel, Hargreave Street. Printed name of Gillespic McDonell, Secretary pro. tem.societies, aof, correspondence, ancient order of foresters no. 3770 collection - correspondence, quartzopolis lodge, court king of the forest, ready's rainbow hotel, gillespic mcdonell

Colour postcard Carinya Postcards, of Elizabeth St looking south from Collins St to Flinders St Station building. Has a Z and another tram in the view. Has signs for ANA Health, a Friendly Society and Light House.trams, tramways, z class, elizabeth st, flinders st station

Certificate presented to Brother Leonard Bradbury Thompson from the Manchester Unity Friendly Society Independent Order Of Oddfellows 2nd July 1906 to certify that he had served the office of Grand Master in the Loyal Heart of Friendship Lodge Bendigo District of the Independent Order of Oddfellows Manchester Unity Friendly Society and in serving each office has endeavoured to promote the prosperity of his Lodge and welfare of its members, witnessed and signed by A H Keck, Geo Bennetts, C Houston, H S Ross ? framers sticker on back from D G Coope & Son Mitchell Street Bendigo.document, certificate, thompson

Printed letter dated 1 March, 1872 re the establishment of a United Friendly Societies' Medical Dispensary in Sandhurst. Mentioned in the letter are the costs to members and shat can be supplied. A meeting was held on Monday, 15 April, at the Odd Fellows' Hall at 7.30 p.m.societies, aof, correspondence, ancient order of foresters no. 3770 collection - correspondence, court king of the forest, friendly societies' act, j s black, g schutze, j c doran, j w dyson, t r slarke, a huggard, w c bailey, j barkly, j a niemann

Collection of Accounts - Bendigo United Friendly Societies Dispensary, McCrae St Accounts for Rent. One account is on printed account sheet - other records for the period 1909-1911 are handwritten on torn-out pages from a small accounts book. Stapled together.business, retail, pharmacy

Bendigo United Friendly Societies' Medical Institute and Dispensary (established 1872, Amalgamated February 6th 1888). Annual report and balance sheet for the year ending June 30th, 1909. Four pages report. Also for the year ending June 30th 1910.organization, club/society, friendly societies

Envelope with Ancient Order of Foresters' Friendly Society printed across the top. Addressed to J.K. Smith Esq., Chemist Sandhurst. Postmarked Long Gully No 16 76 on the front and Sandhurst No 16 76 on the back. Has purple Victoria Two Penny Stamp attached.societies, aof, correspondence, ancient order of foresters no 3770 collection - envelope, ancient order of foresters' friendly society, j k smith

Receipt written on blue paper and dated Sept 23/72. Received from Court King of the Forest the sum of 17s/6 being part of the preliminary expenses incurred previous to starting a Friendly Societies Dispensary. Signed I. A. Niemann, Secretary. B.U.F.S. Dispensary.societies, aof, correspondence, ancient order of foresters no. 3770 collection - correspondence, court king of the forest, friendly societies dispensary, i a niemann, bufs dispensary

Manchester Unity Friendly Society Independent Order of Oddfellows Certificate on card certifying that Alexander John Hamilton served the office of Grand Master of the Loyal James Roe Lodge Bendigo district. Very ornate and colourful, with depictions of people in period costume and various trades.person, individual, evelyn hamilton

Copies of documents: 1.Copy of letter issued by the Quartzopolis Lodge Friendly Society on September 19th 1873 to Secretary Court King of the Forest. Letter details that a meeting of the delegates of the various Lodges of Friendly Societies in this district will be held at Ready's Rainbow Hotel, Hargreave (sic) Street on 3rd Octrober. Signed by Gillespic (sic) McDonell. 2. Widows and Orphans' Fund entrance fees (A.O.F, B.U.D) 3. Court King of the Forest application for Thomas White, blacksmith of Ironbark, age 28, one child. 4. Court King of the Forest No. 3770, Invoice Dr. H.L. Atkinson. Services July 19th 1871.bendigo, clubs, quartzopolis friendly society, court king of the forest; quartzopolis lodge, thomas white, dr. atkinson

Small black cover booklet with the rules of the Bendigo United Friendly Societies' Medical Institute and Dispensary. The B.U.F.S. was established in 1872. The booklet was printed in Bendigo in 1926 by A.E. Brockley, printer and stationer, Mitchell Street. The booklet has thirty-five pages There are two copies of the booklet.organization, society, b.u..f.s.

Report - 16 A4 pages centre stapled, titled "Tramways Benefit Society - Annual Report - for year ended 30 June 1984", listing Office Bearers, Board of Directors, Directors and President reports, detailed reports on Vimy House, Became the Transport Friendly Societytrams, tramways, vimy house, benefit society, tfs, medical

The Sons of Temperance was founded in New York in 1842 and brought to New South Wales by the Baptist minister, Dr William Hobbs, a short time later. Division, or local branches, grew quickly so that in October 1864, a provisional Grand Division was formed with a commitment to spread the word on temperance throughout the country, and the advantages gained by joining a temperance benefit society. It was reported that by 1869, in New South Wales, there was a National Division, two Grand Divisions, and one hundred and seven Divisions, with a total membership of 5970. In 1868, members of the Church of Christ, Cheltenham, initiated a meeting to form a Division of the Sons of Temperance, which was subsequently called Star of Moorabbin Division, No 29. The meeting was held at the Cheltenham Temperance Hall on 30 September, with office bearers appointed and the larger membership acknowledged.This advertising brochure includes information about the contributions required in order to ensure children are included in the health insurance coverage. This is a broadening of eligibility from, initially, men to later include women and then to include all members of the family. This coincides with social changes in the interwar years, leading into an economic depression.A4 size sheet of paper, folded in half to form four (4) faces. The front page has a picture of a young girl and boy sitting with their backs to each other. The remainder of the brochure is filled with information about Friendly Society membership benefits. Has been professionaly printed.

The Protestant Alliance Friendly Society of Australasia registered under the friendly societies statue. Grand council Victoria. Presented to past mistress sister. Mabel. M. Goodridge of Loyal Red Rose Lodge. No 18. On the 23rd day of november 1912. Signed by. Ella Price - WM. G.Biggs - WGM. Bella Rolls - DM. Ernest.W.Edmonds - DGM. Jane Miller - Sec. John Callaghan - Gen Sec. Top centre. Holy Bible. Large eye. 2 angels each side. Black & white photos of Luther. Galvin. Knox. Cranmer. Bottom left and right. Crown on book. 1. This we will maintain. 2. Let brotherly love continue.Picture frame manufacturers. The Fine Art Gallery. Mitchell street Bendigo. ( 1871 )person, individual, female

Group at Town Hall (Federation) 1901 Friendly Society in full Regaliastawell

Letter written on blue folded paper with Ancient Order of Foresters Friendly Society heading, emblem and Court Bendigo A.O.F. No. 3549 Sandhurst seal impression. Dated October 23 1871. Court Bendigo will feel obliged by the lending of a banner for a Celebration and they will take every care of it. Signed R. Ward, Sec.societies, aof, correspondence, ancient order of foresters no. 3770 collection - correspondence, court king of the forest, court bendigo, r ward

BHS CollectionBendigo Advertiser ''The way we were'' from 2003. United: Eaglehawk United Friendly Society Dispensary Board, 1971. Back: Bert Veitch, Bill Heraud, Bill Casey, Lyle Truscott. Front: Vin Walsh, Arthur Ashman, Gordon James, Albert Roy and Arthur Bernoth. The clip is in a folder.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, the way we were

Printed circular from J A NIEMANN G M Hon Sec to the Members of Court King of the Forest dated 11.1.1872 . A resolution was passed at a financial meeting of the Loyal Heart of Friendship and the Deutscher Verein that a committee of three be appointed, to confer with other Lodges and kindred Societies, for the purpose of establishing a Friendly Societies' Mediacal Dispensary.societies, aof, correspondence, ancient order of foresters no. 3770 collection - correspondence, court king of the forest, loyal heart of friendship lodge, deutscher verein, old fellows' hall, j a niemann

Yields information about a social welfare or friendly society part of the Ballarat Tramways - group who looked after their fellow workers through contributions. Gives the rules of the 'The Ballarat Tramways Social Welfare Benefit and Mortality Club'Carbon copy of a six page quarto sized document titled "The Constitution and Rules of 'The Ballarat Tramways Social Welfare Benefit and Mortality Club'". Details the objects, membership, committee, elections, operation, meetings, trustees, contribution, benefits (in $ terms) of sickness or death (funeral expenses contribution), accounts and references to the Friendly Society Act. social welfare, sickness, secv, ballarat

Produced to celebrate a person being a member of the Transport Health Fund for 50 years. The fund started as the Tramways Benefit Society (a Friendly Society) in 1888 and was renamed during 1980s first as the Transport Friendly Society and then Transport Health. It was absorbed by HCF on 1/11/2021. Badge provided to Fred Turner, Inspecting Foreman (Rolling Stock) of the MMTB during the 1970s and 1980s.Tells part of the story of the Transport Industry health benefits funds.Badge - Metal - die stamped with Transport Health logo - enamel paint - green, gold and white with a lapel pin clip on the rear.tramways, tfs, friendly society, transport health, badges, benefit society, medical

Letter written on white paper and dated 18 Mch 1873. Letter mentions that they have arranged to send the different Friendly Societies ticket s for admission to the ground on Easter Monday at half price for those who take part in the procession. Reply as early as possible stating how many tickets will be required and they will be forwarded in due course.societies, aof, correspondence, ancient order of foresters no. 3770 collection - correspondence, easter fair, william bowen, court king of the forest, wm potter