About

The Australiana Society

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The Australiana Society is an incorporated association of collectors, researchers and enthusiasts devoted to researching, preserving, collecting and enjoying Australia's heritage: art, decorative arts, antiques, historic items, collectables, buildings and sites, and portable heritage made in, or relating to, Australia.

The Australiana Society

Our Objectives

01

Encourage

Encourage the appreciation, preservation, research, publication and collecting of Australiana by private individuals, corporate and public institutions, and facilitate forums within which that may occur.

02

Educate

Educate the public through all forms of communication on the historical, aesthetic, social, cultural and scientific importance of Australiana.

03

Research

Undertake Australiana research, produce publications such as the Australiana journal and arrange exhibitions and other events relating to Australiana. Encourage, sponsor and assist research into publications and exhibitions of Australiana.

04

Support

Provide support to museums, libraries and educational establishments with their publications, exhibitions, research and educational activities relating to Australiana.

'Australiana' means objects relating to Australia and its history and culture.

Our History

The Australiana Society Inc. was founded in 1978 to encourage interest, collecting, preservation and research of Australiana.

In 2018 we celebrated 40 years as a forum for collectors, dealers, researchers and connoisseurs sharing our commitment to preserving Australia’s past.

Members include major Australian and State public libraries, museums and art galleries and many private collectors.

An annual dinner and lecture is held each year. Excursions to exhibitions and tours of public or private collections are organised regularly and are very popular with members. 2019 was our 40th year which was celebrated with a special symposium Made in Australia on Australiana and Australian decorative arts.

The Australiana Society Inc is an incorporated body (no. Y0048938) under the Associations Incorporation Act 1984 (NSW) and its activities are governed by a Constitution (copies available on request). Our annual accounts are submitted to the Department of Fair Trading. Members liability is limited to their subscription.

The Australiana Society is listed on the Australian Government’s Register of Cultural Organisations as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) and donations to the Society are tax-deductible. The Australian Taxation Office recognises the Society as a tax-exempt charity.

The Australiana Society is an independent association. For information on the completely separate company The Australiana Fund, which furnishes Government properties, visit The Australiana Fund.

Our Journal

Australiana journal is the flagship publication of the Society. It is a valued means of communication with members and a legacy of the research that our members undertake.

Currently 60-pages the quarterly full-colour Australiana journal is mailed in February, May, August and November to all members.

We publish a wide range of lively articles including but not restricted to art, furniture, silver, ceramics, books, architecture, fashion, photography, sculpture, ephemera, crafts and history.

The Australiana Society keeps abreast of new research, and each journal issue adds to a valuable and extensive archive. Distinguished scholars, curators, dealers, journalists and devoted collectors contribute.

Explore Journal

Our Members

Membership provides members with four issues of Australiana annually, and invitations to Society meetings and events. Visitors are welcome to attend general meetings, usually an illustrated talk.

Excursions and tours of collections, exhibitions and workshop are Members-only, with household membership covering two attendees.

Tours have occurred in NSW, Tasmania, Victoria, the ACT, South Australia and Queensland.

Our membership list is private and we do not reveal members’ details.

A key benefit of membership is the informal network of contacts that you can establish with other collectors, curators and dealers.

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