The Wyatt Benevolent Institution
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The Wyatt Trust is a charitable trust which originated from assets of the estate of the late Dr. William Wyatt (1804-86) who was a man of considerable foresight. He was a leader in many areas including education, health and welfare. As the death of Dr. Wyatt's only child to survive to adulthood left him without an heir, he arranged to form a Trust. In February 1881, five years before his death, The Wyatt Benevolent Institution was incorporated.
This Trust, and the incorporated body, The Wyatt Benevolent Institution Incorporated, is governed by a Board of seven honorary Governors.
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Mission & Vision
Mission
Wyatt reduces financial disadvantage and improves the quality of life for South Australians.
Vision
Offering opportunities.
History
The Founder: Dr William Wyatt
Dr William Wyatt was born in Plymouth, England, in 1804 and studied medicine, becoming honorary surgeon to the Plymouth dispensary. He migrated to Australia in 1837 and briefly practised medicine in South Australia, purchasing six town acres in the first land sale held in Adelaide in May 1837 which – along with some purchases of rural land - became the basis for his fortune as Adelaide prospered. He served in a variety of government positions, including Protector of Aborigines, State Coroner and South Australia’s first inspector of public schools. Wyatt also took a number of honrary positions and board memberships; he was a governer of the Adelaide public library, on the board of the Botanic Gardens, and chairman of the Adelaide Hospital.
Dr Wyatt’s only child to survive infancy was murdered in 1872, leaving him without heirs; in 1881 he arranged for the incorporation of a Trust. Dr Wyatt died on 10 June 1886, leaving the bulk of his estate (after some legacies and annuities) to the Wyatt Benevolent Institution, which began operating that same year under the guidance of Dr Wyatt’s chosen governers.
The Trust
The Wyatt Benevolent Institution has provided financial assistance to South Australians in need for over 100 years. Its first distribution, in 1888, was that of two pounds per month to 26 beneficiaries. In the 2004/05 financial year, over 2000 South Australians were beneficiaries of financial assistance grants totalling over $495,000. The Wyatt Benevolent Institution also provided support through other means in 2005, including tertiary education scholarships for people on low incomes, housing assistance and No Interest Loans. A recent development is the institution of Wyatt University Scholarships for Country Students.
Wyatt does not accept applications from individuals for financial assistance grants, but relies upon qualified social workers, student support officers, financial counsellors and other welfare and health care professionals.
A forthcoming book, Keeping a Trust by Dr Carol Fort, will focus on Dr Wyatt and the history of the Institution. We look forward to this work on a great Australian philanthropist.
Publication of the History of Wyatt
We look forward to launching 'Keeping a Trust', our history of Dr Wyatt and The Wyatt Benevolent Institution Inc. This book has been researched and written by Dr Carol Fort and will be published soon. This interesting account will provide insights into early life in the colony and the life of Dr Wyatt who undertook many significant public duties after emigrating from Plymouth in 1837.
Funding Areas
Financial Assistance
- Financial Assistance Grants for essential goods/services, on referral from a health or welfare professional.
Education
- Education Grants to assist people undertaking full-time study, on referral from an education, health or welfare professional.
- Further Education Awards for students studying at TAFE.
- University Scholarships for rural based students living away from home.
- Indigenous Scholarships for full-time University students who identify as Indigenous.
- Support for education through Partnerships.
Respite
- Two Holiday Units for eligible people requiring respite, including special facilities for the physically disabled, on referral from a health or welfare professional.
- Respite Grants to assist with respite needs not available from carer respite and other services, on referral from a health or welfare professional.
- Compassionate Travel grants, on referral from a health or welfare professional.
Housing
- 55 low cost Independent Living Retirement Units for eligible elderly people.
- Partnerships with welfare agencies to support housing for eligible people.
Other
- High Achiever Awards
- Support for No Interest Loans and Microfinance
- Partnerships
- Wyatt also provides support to other innovative projects beyond those previously mentioned that meet Wyatt eligibility criteria.
Sources
Wyatt Benevolent Institution, 2005 Annual Report