Geelong and Western District Ladies Benevolent Association

1855: The Geelong & Western District Ladies Benevolent Association a non-sectarian philanthropic organisation, was formed to provide emergency relief to the poor, in particular to women, & homes for ‘aged helpless females’. The inaugural President was Miss Caroline Newcomb of Coryule. They raised money through grants, subscription fees & donations. The Society ran a free kindergarten in Yarra Street for nearly 100 years, & Upton House in Queenscliff, to provide holidays for women. The demands on their services rose & fell with economic circumstances such as the collapse of the land boom & government provided social welfare. The Association is still in existence, providing assistance during illness & other misfortunes.