Unique IDFN-0007Description*** This function applies only to Sydney City Council ***
Other municipal Councils absorbed by the City did not undertake charitable aid work. However further research may lead to a revision of this view. The Archives holds records of the Waterloo Benevolent Association among the records of the Waterloo Municipal Council.
Between 1907 and 1969 the Council annually voted funds for a program of relief work to be available to unemployed citizens, as a means of providing them with money in return for work over the Christmas season. In 1952 the scheme was extended to cover unemployed spinster and widowed pensioners at 75% of the adult male basic wage (CRS 34: TC3800/52 and PC 1952 pp555, 562). From 1969-70 this was replaced by an annual donation to leading City charities (CRS 34: TC744/68 and PC 1968 p492).
The Patriotic Relief Funds established during the two World Wars, and the Bush Fire Relief Fund, were promoted and headed by Council figures but included representatives from the State government, other local governments and the community.
By the 1970s the concept of 'charitable aid' was increasingly considered outdated. Council's involvement in schemes such as 'meals on wheels' from this time onwards has been functionally placed within CF 13, Community services and facilities. The winding-up of the Lady Mayoress Relief Fund in 1993 has been taken to mark the cessation of the charitable aid function.CreationSydney Corporation Act 1879, s231.
Council permitted to hold property bequeathed to it for charitable purposes.
RoC 26 November 1907
Agreed to provide funding for a program of relief work for unemployed citizens over the Christmas season. Thereafter, annual RoC until 1969.
RoC 11 August 1914
Established the Lord Mayor's Patriotic Fund I, for granting of relief to dependents of servicemen fighting overseas.
Resolution of Fund Committee 12 April 1933
Established the Lady Mayoress' Clothing Fund (later called (a) Lady Mayoress' City of Sydney Civilian Aid Service Auxiliary and then (b) Lady Mayoress' Relief Fund as a registered charity.
Minute by the Lord Mayor 17 January 1939
Established Lord Mayor's Bush Fire Relief Fund to disburse funds raised to relieve distress caused by the bush fires.
Minute by the Lord Mayor, 13 September 1939
Established Lord Mayor's Patriotic Fund II, to provide comforts for servicemen, assistance to dependents, and memorials.
Minute by the Lord Mayor, 8 October 1959
Established Lord Mayor's Aged People's Welfare Fund to provide amenities and assistance to the aged.
For municipalities other than the City of Sydney: Municipalities Act 1858 s74 permitted Councils to establish homes for destitute children, but none appear to have actually commenced. Refer to the function 'suburban municipal government'.AbolitionWinding up of Lady Mayoress Relief Fund, 1992-1993.
