State Royal Society delegates drawn from New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia, attended the first formal convention of the Royal Societies of Australia (RSA) in Canberra on Saturday 2 February 2008. Six inaugural office bearers and eight councillors were elected as state representatives. The President of the Royal Society of New Zealand attended by invitation as an observer.
Australia's Royal Societies, some of which have a history dating back to the early 1800s, hold highly significant records of the development of science and intellectual pursuits from early Colonial times. The RSA will provide a valuable consultative influence on national science policy and help to strengthen public awareness of science through education, outreach and community activities. Through its collaborative strength the RSA is set to become a significant force both nationally and internationally.
The RSA was registered as a company limited by guarantee, ACN 126 868 586 on 3rd August 2007 with the Secretariat located in the premises of The Royal Society of Victoria. The Patron is His Excellency the Governor General of Australia.
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Newly appointed Councillors of the Royal Societies of Australia at the inaugural dinner held at the Commonwealth Club, Canberra on Saturday 2 February 2008. Front row (left to right): Dr Laurie Martinelli (RSV); Ms Marian Haire (RSNSW); Capt Bill McAuley (RSV and President RSA); Ms Camilla van Megen (RSV - observer); Mr Neville Jordan (President, Royal Society of New Zealand - observer). Back row (left-right) Prof. Jak Kelly (RSNSW); Dr Phil O'Brien (President, RSWA); Dr Michael Snow (RSSA); Mr John Hardie (President, RSNSW and Vice-President RSA); Prof John Buckeridge (RSV); Mr Clive Wilmot(RSNSW); Mr David Dodd (RSV) - observer). |
Photo taken of the joint meeting of the State Royal Societies of Australia.
The first ever meeting of all the State Royal Societies of Australia was held at the Darlington Centre, University of Sydney on Saturday 4 November 2004. This meeting was arranged at the instigation of the President of the Royal Society of NSW, following a meeting of the President and two Members of the Executive in March 2004 with our Patron, His Excellency, Governor-General Major General Michael Jeffery AC, CVO, MC. At this meeting the Governor-General showed a great deal of interest in our Society and was keen to see greater co-operation between all State Royal Societies.
The Joint Meeting of the Royal Societies lasted all day and included a buffet lunch served,at the nearby Society's Office in Darlington Road. In the late afternoon, a reception was given for the Joint Royal Societies by Their Excellencies the Governor General Michael Jeffery and Mrs Jeffery at Admiralty House, Kirribilli. Our other Patron, The Governor of NSW, Professor Marie Bashir and her husband Sir Nicholas Shehadie were also present. Following the reception a Dinner was held at the American Club in Macquarie Street, which is on the 15th floor overlooking the Botanical Gardens and the Harbour.
A major outcome of the meeting was the establishment of personal contacts between Council members from different states, the exchange of views and some helpful discussions of common problems. We are now exploring the idea of re-establishing the Royal Society of Australia (which received Royal Assent in 1931) as an umbrella organisation for all the State Royal Societies of Australia. We will keep members informed as developments occur.
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