About Us
The Geographical Society of New South Wales is a professional society whose members are geography academics, teachers, practising geographers from both the public and private spheres, and other interested members of the public.
Mission:
The Society's mission is to advance geography in New South Wales and throughout Australia. It is a professional organisation dedicated to the promotion, support and, when necessary, the defence of geographical research, scholarship and education. It encourages geographical submissions to appropriate authorities on the management of environmental and social issues in Australia. The Society aspires to an expansion of geographical literacy among the public of NSW.
Objectives:
The objectives of the Society are to encourage the growth and diffusion of geographical knowledge by:
- publishing a journal;
- arranging a program of lectures, discussions, films and excursions;
- organising a program of study tours;
- accumulating a library of written works and maps;
- awarding prizes to recognise excellence in geography;
- encouraging of quality teaching and research; and
- collaborating with kindred bodies on matters of common interest.
Activities:
The Society endeavours to expand public interest in geography through the provision of lecturers for student and teacher conferences; the organisation of forums for the presentation and review of geographical research; the granting of academic prizes for contributions to the activities of the Society and to geography and for teaching excellence. The Society is responsible for Australia's oldest academic international geography journal Australian Geographer, it publishes newsletters, and maintains a series of conference proceedings. The Society supports a series of Study Tours that are organised and run at regular intervals to interesting and topical destinations. The Society monitors and makes recommendations on policies and plans which will impact upon geographical research and teaching. It encourages geographical submissions to appropriate authorities on the management of, environmental and social issues in Australia.
FAQ About the Society
What is the Geographical Society of NSW?
When was the Geographical Society of NSW established?
What does the Geographical Society of NSW do?
Does the Geographical Society of NSW have an academic journal?
How do I join the Geographical Society of NSW?
What is the Geographical Society of NSW?
The Geographical Society of New South Wales is a professional society whose members are geography academics, teachers, practising geographers from both the public and private spheres, and other interested members of the public. The Society's mission is to advance geography in New South Wales and throughout Australia.
When was the Geographical Society of NSW established?
The desirability of founding a geographical society in New South Wales was proposed by Associate Professor Thomas Griffith Taylor during a public lecture at the Royal Colonial Institute in Sydney on 26 April 1927. The first meeting of the new Society was held that year on 10 August, with Taylor as President. There had been a precursor in the Royal Geographical Society of Australasia. Its New South Wales branch existed from 1883 until 1921, but other branches of the RGSA have survived for the past 120 years in South Australia and Queensland.
What does the Geographical Society of NSW do?
The Geographical Society of NSW is a professional organisation dedicated to the promotion, support and, when necessary, the defence of geographical research, scholarship and education. It encourages geographical submissions to appropriate authorities on the management of environmental and social issues in Australia. The Society aspires to an expansion of geographical literacy among the public of NSW. The Geographical Society of NSW also operates a Travellers Club and supports a varied program of Study Tours that are led by Colin Sale, an experienced and knowledgeable tour leader.
Does the Geographical Society of NSW have an academic journal?
Yes. Australian Geographer was launched in 1928. The journal is a peer-reviewed academic journal that is distributed all over the world. It focuses primarily on two areas of research: Australia and its region, including developments, issues and policies in Australia, the western Pacific, the Indian Ocean, Asia and Antarctica; and environmental studies, particularly the biophysical environment and human interactions with it.
How do I join the Geographical Society of NSW?
We welcome new members who share our aim to promote geography in NSW. Please see our Membership Application form.
Yes. We are now offering a one year 50% membership discount to all new members who have not previously been a member of the GSNSW. The Geographical Society of NSW seeks to advance geography in New South Wales and throughout Australia, and we would like people who are interested in geography to join us in this endeavour. This special offer is our way of saying welcome, and thank you.