Avicultural Society of Australia History

From humble beginnings in 1940, The Avicultural Improvement Society of Victoria, as it was originally known, has grown in membership to become the largest society of its type in the Southern Hemisphere. In the climate of wartime restrictions, the Society's first Life Member was elected in 1941 for his donation of stationery, enabling the bi-monthly magazine The Bulletin to be printed. This publication kept members informed of activities and occurrences in the avicultural world.

The popular birds in the early days were the canary and the budgerigar, and these two species were well catered for in the various specialist showing clubs and societies. However, it was eventually realised that many other species of birds had no particular standing within these clubs. With this need in mind, the Society constitution was redrafted to accommodate this shortfall. The name of the Society was changed to The Avicultural Society of Australia in 1943 and The Bulletin eventually became the monthly publication, Australian Aviculture.

Today, the Society embraces all native and foreign birds, both in the wild and in a controlled environment, with the exception of the domesticated specialist breeds of poultry, racing pigeons, budgerigars and canaries. The membership includes names from all states and territories of Australia as well as overseas countries. All member details are kept confidential.

The Avicultural Society of Australia, which is non-competitive, meets in suburban Melbourne to promote a wide range of avian subjects. Supper is served after the monthly meeting, and visitors are most welcome to attend and meet fellow aviculturists in a relaxed an informative atmosphere. Service requisites such as feed supplements, leg rings and avicultural books, are available at meetings or at our Wantirna library facility on the last Sunday of the month.

Members unable to attend the meetings are kept informed of the Society's proceedings by the receipt of Australian Aviculture, which is issued 12 times a year. This professionally printed publication continues the fine tradition of featuring original articles about birds. Membership also includes access to the Society's exchange steward, which is a free service for Australian members wishing to obtain, exchange and sell birds to other members. Join us in aviculture.