1934

On January 13th, during the Fourth Session of the Australian Medical Congress of the British Medical Association held in Hobart, Tasmania, an informal meeting of anaesthetists from all States discussed the formation of an Australian Society of Anaesthetists. It was decided that the society would be limited to members of the British Medical Association, who were honorary anaesthetists of recognised teaching hospitals and others who were approved by the executive.

The founders of the society were elected the interim office-bearers, Dr Gilbert Brown of South Australia serving as President and Dr Geoffrey Kaye of Victoria as Secretary. Others present at this inaugural meeting were: Drs G. L. Lillies (Vic.), G. Troup (W.A.), G. Duncombe (Tas.), H. J. Daly and W. I. T. Hotten (N.S.W.).

1935

On September 16th and 17th the First General Meeting of the Australian Society of Anaesthetists was held in Melbourne. A constitution was adopted at this meeting. A decision to establish a library and a museum was made and by the middle of the year a small collection was displayed at the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

1939 to 1945

Between 1939 and 1945, many members were abroad on war service and no meetings were held.

1945

In October, 1945, the British Medical Association accepted the Australian Society of Anaesthetists a a Federal Specialist Group to present a united front in our opposition to the suggested plan for the nationalisation of medical practice.

1946

The library and museum were formally opened at the University of Melbourne by Professor R D Wright, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, at a scientific meeting commemorating the centenary of the first demonstration of ether anaesthesia in 1846 by William T G Morton at the Massachusetts General Hospital.

1947

As a conjoint board The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and The Royal Australasian College of Physicians were asked to introduce an examination to provide a Diploma in Anaesthetics. They replied that this action was not permitted under their constitution.

1949

A new constitution was adopted which gave some degree of State autonomy and State Sections were created. Affiliation with the New Zealand Society of Anaesthetists was proposed, but not implemented.

1950

A formal request was made to the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons to form a Faculty of Anaesthetists. In 1950, G Kaye offered to buy a building in Melbourne and to house the museum and a library of the Society. The offer was accepted and 49 Mathoura Road, Toorak, Melbourne, became the headquarters of the Society.

1951

June, 1951, saw the first Newsletter of the Society issued from the headquarters of the Society. The Royal Australian College of Surgeons decided to establish a Faculty of Anaesthetics.

1955

At the Annual General Meeting in 1954 it had been suggested that an Australian Journal of Anaesthesia should be published. The majority of members were not in favour of the proposed journal. The Newsletter was produced in Sydney.

1956

The constitution was completely re-drafted and submitted to a referendum of all members. This 1956 constitution was adoted. The headquarters at Mathoura Road was vacated.

1963

Try to find something else

1965

A trade exhibition was included in the AGM venue for the first time.

1966

To ensure continuity in office the principle was adopted that office bearers can stay in office for two years - subject to election.

1967

A sub-committee was elected to organise the Third Asian and Australasian Congress of Anaesthesiologists in Canberra in 1970.

1968

The Jackson Rees Research Fund was awarded for the first time.

1970

The AGM took place in conjunction with the III AACA in Canberra. The decision was taken to establish permanent headquarters and to employ full time secretarial help.

1971

The ASA Action Fund Sub-committee was formed. A decision was made to publish a scientific journal.

1972

Permanent Headquarters were established in Elizabeth Bay Road, Sydney. The ASA Journal 'Anaesthesia and Intensive Care' was published for the first time.

1975

It was decided to make a bid for the Eighth World Congress of Anaesthesiology.

1977

The AGM was held in Christchurch, NZ as a combined Scientific Meeting with the New Zealand Society of Anaesthetists.

1978

A new ASA emblem was adopted. The Kevin McCaul Prize was initiated and the CIG Medishield/ASA Research Grant established.

1979

The Society purchased a property as a new home for its headquarters.

1980

The Society moved into its Headquarters in 50 Gurner Street, Paddington.

1981

A decision was taken to write the official History of the ASA for its 50th anniversary. This was undertaken by Dr Gwen Wilson.

1983 to 1984

A computer was installed in the Secretariat.

1984

50th Anniversary of the ASA. A Scientific Meeting was held in Sydney in January, a Jubilee Meeting of the Executive Committee in Hobart in May. The opening ceremony was held in the Sydney Opera House, with Dr Geoffrey Kaye as a Guest Speaker.

1985

The ASA moved into new Headquarters at Edgecliff.