Lachlan Macquarie, Fifth Governor of NSW (1810-1821)
Founding Patron of the Benevolent Society
Two hundred years ago, in January 1810, Lachlan Macquarie arrived in Sydney to take up his position as the Fifth Governor of New South Wales. Find out more about the Macquarie 2010 Bicentenary Commemorations.
A man of principle and compassion, Macquarie had a vision for Sydney's future that went beyond its convict settlement origins.
Building a nation
Macquarie introduced an ambitious program of public works, including schools, churches, hospitals, roads and lighthouses and created the beginnings of our social infrastructure. He created Australia's first coinage - the 'Holey Dollar' - and the first commercial bank (now Westpac) and he supported the development of agriculture, industry and trade and the exploration of the continent for future growth. He also prioritised public health and demonstrated a concern for the sick, the poor, the neglected and the marginalised beyond what was required by his official duties.
With his wife Elizabeth’s support, he took a particular interest in the welfare of children, especially the destitute and abandoned and he created a range of new institutions for education and social welfare (including an Aboriginal school). One of his most enduring legacies is the establishment of The Benevolent Society.
The Benevolent Society - founded 8 May 1813
When our founder Edward Smith Hall and five other 'like-minded gentlemen' formed the NSW Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge and Benevolence, they presented the aims of the new Society to Governor Macquarie, seeking his support.
Macquarie praised the sentiments of the resolutions but 'strongly suggested that any moneys raised in NSW should be spent in NSW, and not in pursuit of missionary aims in the neighbouring islands'. By 1815, the Society was supporting more than 150 poor and destitute people – most of them older men and unmarried mothers.
On 5 June 1818, Macquarie became the Society's founding Patron. Since that time, every Governor of NSW has been our Patron - a tradition which continues today with Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC, CVO, the 37th Governor of NSW.
The Benevolent Asylum
On 13 April 1820, a deputation presented Governor Macquarie with a petition asking for land to build an Asylum “for the accommodation of such Aged, Infirm, Blind or Destitute persons as the Benevolent Society shall propose”.
Macquarie agreed without hesitation and directed the new Asylum be built at the corner of Pitt & Devonshire Streets, entirely at government expense. His diary entry for Saturday 29. July 1820 reads:
"I returned with my Family this day in the Carriage to Parramatta. Memorandum !!! The Brick-work of the New Asylum for the reception of the Blind, lame, and Infirm Poor People (unable to labour for their Bread) of Sydney, commenced on Tuesday the 25th. of July 1820 –; and it is expected that this Building will be ready for their reception in 5 months – that is by Christmas-day at furthest !!!'
The land was reclaimed by the Government in 1901. Central Railway Station now stands on the site of the former Asylum.
The foundation stone which bears the inscription “This Asylum for the Poor, Blind, Aged and Infirm was erected in 1820. L. Macquarie Esq. being Governor’ can be seen in the entrance foyer of The Benevolent Society’s head office in Sydney.
Information sources
'A Very Present Help' by Ron Rathbone (1994). A history of The Benevolent Society.
Lachlan and Elizabeth Macquarie Archive (online resource). Includes Macquarie's diary entries.
The Macquarie Era (online resource) Macquarie's personal and family papers (1787-1836) held at The State Library of NSW.