In the early decades of the nineteenth century, with the impact of the Industrial Revolution, friendly societies were organised all over Britain on a local level to provide sickness benefits, funeral funds and other similar benefits for working people. In Australia from the 1830s, branches (often known as lodges) of friendly societies were set up by members who had recently arrived from the United Kingdom, to provide similar services. This was the origin of many friendly societies in Australia including the Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows (MUIOOF) and the Grand United Order of Oddfellows (GUOOF). The Australian Natives’ Association (ANA), on the other hand, was established in 1871 as a friendly society open only to the Australian-born (hence the term “native”). It was also important as a community organisation that promoted the cause of federation of the Australian colonies in the late nineteenth century. Friendly societies had their own criteria for membership and benefits, often based on a person's occupation, religion or place of birth. They were formed by Australians who believed in the principle of mutual self-help to provide some of the medical and other essential services that were not provided by governments of the time. Each week members made a small contribution to a common fund that paid benefits to those in the group who became ill, lost work, or suffered hardship. By World War II, friendly societies had developed products such as hospital and medical insurance, household insurance, personal and housing loans, and life insurance.
In the late 1970s, friendly societies entered the financial services field with products such as ten-year investment bonds. These products soon became a popular and secure investment option. While most friendly societies see their primary role as insurers and fund managers, at Australian Unity we are intimately linked to the dynamics of Australia's ageing population, and for this reason we are continuing to build our retirement living business.
Learn more about our collections and the records of our predecessor companies.
Read some stories about important events and people from our past.
Some contacts for access to friendly society records.