Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1805-2023 (Creation)
Level of description
Collection
Extent and medium
Loose papers in manila folders, bound volumes, photographic prints, photographic slides, metal and wooden objects, audio cassettes, video cassettes, cinema film and television film.
Context area
Name of creator
Administrative history
The NSW Auxiliary of the British and Foreign Bible Society was formed in 1817. The first meeting was held on 7th March, making it the oldest continuously operating organization in Australia. The Tasmanian Auxiliary was formed in 1819, followed by the Victorian Auxiliary in 1840, the SA Auxiliary in 1845 and the Queensland Auxiliary in 1855. The state Auxiliaries jointly formed a Commonwealth Council in 1925, which met annually. The affairs of the British and Foreign Bible Society were carried out in Australia by powers of attorney. In 1976 a constitution was drawn up and 'The Bible Society in Australia' was incorporated, with the Commonwealth Council being renamed the Australian Council. The stated aim of the Society was 'to promote and encourage the wider circulation, distribution and use of the Holy Scriptures...without doctrinal note or comment throughout the world..." A National Youth Division, Translation Department and Mission Support Division carried out the work of the Society, with State Secretaries in charge of each state division. It became and continues to be a member of the United Bible Societies. In 2010 the state divisions were dissolved to form a national organization - Bible Society Australia. The Bible Society Australia group now includes Koorong, Eternity newspaper and the Centre for Public Christianity.
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
The archives of Bible Society Australia include the minutes of the state Auxiliaries of the British and Foreign Bible Society, subject files, correspondence, financial records, photographs, realia and audio-visual material.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Permission in writing of Bible Society Australia Group COO required for business records less than 50 years old. For records containing personal information, permission of Bible Society Australia and the person in question or their next of kin is required, if the person is still alive or died less than 30 years ago. Permission is not required to access promotional material.