Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1976-2000 (Creation)
Level of description
Series
Extent and medium
2 boxes
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
Box 1:
Staff applications – 1981-1984
Draft reports for Australian Council – 1984
Creative planning committee – 1984-1985
Staff – 1984
Northern Territory – general – 1981-1984
Northern Territory – general – 1985
South Australia – general – 1982-1984
Victoria – general – 1982-1985
Box 2:
Australian Council meeting – 1982
National Distribution Centre – Product and Marketing Manager – 1983-1984
Donations – 1986
Biggest & best book in the world – 1984-1985
UBS Orthodox consultant – 1980-1981
Manual of policies – 1976-1982
Staff manual - 2000
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Chronological within files. Files yet to be sorted.
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Permission of Bible Society Australia required to access records 50 years old or less.