The Girls & Boys Brigade commenced as The Boys’ Brigade in 1882 when Sir James Fairfax, from the Sydney Morning Herald and Mr A S Bennett from the Evening News, along with civic minded citizens, became deeply concerned about the living conditions of young boys. The boys were often employed on the streets selling newspapers or in factories as cheap labour.
The purpose of the organisation was to provide a place of safety off the street where boys could gather and undertake worthwhile activities, develop self-respect and experience beneficial influences. It provided recreation opportunities and instruction in such activities as woodworking, cartooning, first aid and gymnastics.
The Brigade Building was opened in 1912 and is a focal point for the local community today. The Brigade is not connected to the worldwide Boys Brigade organisation.
During the 1920’s the Brigade joined with The Rotary Club of Sydney to host the first ‘Boys Week’, a celebration of the achievements of boys, and to raise funds to build another Boys’ Brigade Building in Pyrmont. This operated until the early 1970’s.
The partnership with the City of Sydney Council commenced in 1972, enabling girls to also be catered for. The partnership continues today with boys and girls being jointly catered for with the provision of After School and Vacation Care Programs.
The decision in 2003 to change the name of the organisation to The Girls & Boys Brigade was significant as The Boys’ Brigade name was so intrinsically linked with the history of the organisation and within the local community.
Over the years the Brigade has assisted thousands of children and youth develop their potential and a positive direction for the future. Programs aim at helping them support themselves.
Throughout the history of the Brigade, the philosophy of the organisation has remained consistent and has positively responded to changing technologies, demographics, social issues, family circumstances and needs to ensure the aims are met.