THE SOCIETY'S HISTORY
The Royal Society of New South Wales, Australia was established as the Philosophical Society of Australasia on 27th June 1821.
It was the first scientific society in the British Colony of New South Wales, and was formed "with a view to enquiring into the various branches of physical science of this vast continent [Australia] and its adjacent regions". On his arrival in Sydney late in 1821 the new Governor-General (as he was then called), Sir Thomas Brisbane, was offered and accepted the position of President.
Following a period of inactivity, the Society was reactivated and renamed the Australian Philosophical Society on l9th January 1850. On 12th December 1866, Royal Assent [by Queen Victoria] was given to the title of The Royal Society of New South Wales and this name has been retained throughout the succeeding years.
The Society was incorporated by Act of the New South Wales Parliament in 1881. In the rules of the Society it was provided that the Governor of New South Wales should be ex officio President. After the establishment of the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901, the Governor-General became Patron of the Society, and the New South Wales State Governor the Vice-Patron. Since 1938 the Society has been under the joint patronage of the Governor-General and the State Governor.
Throughout its history, the Society has done much to foster local research in all fields of science, through meetings, symposia, publications and international scientific exchange, and has supported and fostered the endeavours of other organisations dedicated to the furtherance of knowledge.
It promotes science through the following activities:
- Publications of results of scientific investigations through its Journal and Proceedings
- Award prizes and medals for outstanding achievements in scientific research
- Liaise with other scientific bodies
- Hold meetings for the benefit of members and the general public (special meetings are held for the Pollock Memorial Lecture in Physics and Mathematics, the Liversidge Research Lecture in Chemistry, the Poggendorf Memorial Lecture in Agriculture and the Clarke Memorial Lecture in Geology)
- Maintain the Library of the Society
THE SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS BRANCH
The Society has a very active branch in the Southern Highlands. Regular monthly meetings are held which are well attended by both members and visitors.
This year's talks and reports of previous talks delivered at the Southern Highlands Branch meetings can be found in the Meetings section.
For further information on these talks contact:
Royal Society of NSW,
Southern Highlands Branch
PO Box 1418,
Bowral, NSW 2576
They also have an email address: science@hinet.net