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Bert Rea OAM summarised the history of the Berwick & District Benevolent Society and its link with Casey North Community Information & Support Service (CNCISS)He stated that the activities of the Society began in an informal manner in 1959, as the suburb of Doveton was being developed.
Bert’s mother and father used to collect clothes and food for the residents of Doveton, who were mainly employees of the local factories. They also raised funds by collecting rags and selling them for re-cycling.
Eventually, the Berwick & District Benevolent Society Inc. was formed in 1961.
Bert indicated that in addition to providing a range of support services to the community, the Benevolent Society was also instrumental in forming the Casey North Community Information & Support Services (CNCISS) and the Berwick Opportunity Shop.
Since then, the role of the Benevolent Society has been to provide emergency relief support to the CNCISS. In summary, the Society has acted as the collector of funds, food, toys and other items for distribution to those in need within the community, via the CNCISS.
In 2015, due to the advancing age of its' members, the Society negotiated with then President Gus Dominguez for the Rotary Club to take over the management of the Society.
Bert concluded his presentation by expressing a hope that this arrangement would continue.
