History of the Society

The origins of the Society might well have been shrouded by the mists of time, were the details not memorialised in the very first Journal {Volume 1(1)} published by the newly formed Society in June 1957. The Journal was described as the “Official organ of the Cactus and Succulent Society of N.S.W.” and the Journal carried a purchase price of the princely sum of 2/6 (that is two shillings and six pence, which is twenty-five cents in today’s currency).

The report in that journal indicated that For several years, whenever two or more cactophiles congregated, the conversation always led to: “Why don’t we have our own society?”

Sometime appears to have elapsed before anything further was done. Subsequently, known cactophiles were then canvassed, which culminated in a meeting being held at the gardens of Mr Chas Watts in the Sydney suburb of Woollahra on 11 May 1957, which was attended, it is recorded, by a very enthusiastic gathering of over thirty cactophiles.

The outcome of that meeting was the birth of The Cactus and Succulent Society of New South Wales, the election of officers and the drafting of the Society’s initial charter and by-laws. Mr Watts was elected President, Mrs O Griffin, Secretary and Mrs I Little, Treasurer. The charter and by-laws were published in Volume 1(1) of the Journal, at pages 11 and 12.

The Society was established as an unincorporated association. Subsequently, the legal status of the Society was changed when, on 16 January 1990, it was registered in New South Wales as an incorporated association under the (then) Associations Incorporation Act 1984.

The Society meetings and shows have been hosted in multiple locations across Sydney, including the Esme Hackett Hall in Ultimo and the Ryde public school in Argyle Street. When the latter was closed due to construction, the Society moved to its current location at Eden Gardens in Macquarie Park where the Society hosted its monthly meetings and twice annual show and sales days. Owner of Eden Gardens, Simon Ainsworth has been a constant supporter of the Society’s endeavours and is the Society’s Patron in recognition of the enduring partnership.

The interest in cactus and succulents expanded rapidly in the early 2020’s with record numbers of members and visitors attending the Society show and sales days. The Society moved the biannual show and sales days out to Clarendon under the roof of the newly opened Hawkesbury Pavilion. These events continue to draw enthusiasts from all over NSW and beyond.