Our History
Foresters Community Finance is a company limited by guarantee, formed in 1999 as a result of the merging of the Ancient Order of Foresters in Queensland and the Australian Natives Association of Queensland Friendly Society Ltd.
With a history dating back to 1855, Foresters stands alongside a small number of credit unions, banks and philanthropic societies exploring the application of innovative social and community investment strategies in the modern Australian economy.
Our History
Foresters ANA Friendly Society Ltd. was formed in 1999 as a result of the merging of the Ancient Order of Foresters in Queensland Friendly Society Ltd., and the Australian Natives Association of Queensland Friendly Society Ltd. It changed its name to Foresters ANA Mutual Society in 2004.
Both societies were formed in the nineteenth century to provide ordinary people with benefits such as unemployment payments, sickness benefits and health insurance. They even established hospitals and pharmacies for members. Mutual aid was a key factor, with people helping each other and themselves at the same time.
The commitment to mutual aid and self help is reflected in the aphorism – “Every person for every person, themselves included.”
In the economic environment that presented in the late twentieth century, it gradually became clear that a merger of both Societies would provide additional opportunities to address areas of human need which could be met by Friendly Societies.
Core to refocusing the relevance of the company was the process of deciding who was to be the new constituency of the Society. Over a period of time Foresters Community Finance new constituency has developed as:
- Its historical membership;
- Third and Fourth Sector organisations;
- Social Investors who care about issues of social and economic disadvantage.
Membership of the Foresters Community Finance is open to these groups and individuals. For more information about membership please contact us.