The Victorian Cichlid Society was formed at Mulgrave in March 1972, thus becoming the first specialist fish society in Victoria.

Heinz Staude was elected President, and for 12 months meetings were held at Dunoon Court, Mulgrave.

The first newsletter of the Society appeared in April 1972, thanks to the efforts of Robert Dinn.

Society meetings were moved in April 1973 to Noble Park Hall (Dunblane Road, Noble Park). Subsequent changes of venue were made to the AMRA Hall (Wills Street, Glen Iris) in November 1975; the Ashburton Library (High Street, Ashburton) in July 1982; the Ashburton Primary School (Fakenham Road, Ashburton) in October 1986; the Northvale Primary School (Albany Drive, Mulgrave) in February 1989; St John's Church Hall (Finch Street, Malvern) in March 1992; the Courtyard Room (Nunawading Community Centre, Whitehorse Road, Mitcham) in February 1994; Antonio Park Primary School (Whitehorse Road, Mitcham) in February 2001; and the Mitcham Scout Hall (Brunswick Road, Mitcham) in February 2002.

In March 1973 the Society became a Foundation Member of the Victorian Federation of Aquarium Societies. Due to a perceived lack of any benefit to the society or the hobby from its continued membership, the VCS withdrew from the VFAS in April 1991.

November 1976 saw the staging of the inaugural 'Cichlid Expo' which was held at the AMRA Hall, Glen Iris. In March 1978 the VCS combined with Eastern Districts Aquarium Society and other societies to stage the first of six annual 'Aqualife' exhibitions. 'Cichlid Expo' was again staged in 1988 as the society's contribution to Australia's Bicentenary celebrations.

May 1979 saw the first of the bi-annual meetings held at the Melbourne University, hosted by Professor Angus Martin, a keen cichlid-keeper, honorary member and member of the university's Zoology Department.

In 1984 the 'Elaine Turner Memorial Art and Photographic Competition' was established to honor the late fish enthusiast who contributed so much to the Society and the hobby in general.

A significant milestone in the history of the Society was reached with its incorporation in March 1987. Steve Butcher was the Society's first Public Officer.

The Society was keenly involved with the Australian Federation of Cichlid Societies (AFCS) from its formation in 1987 until it appeared to "go into recess" in 1994. VCS members travelled to interstate AFCS conferences and the Society was host to the national 'Cichlid Conference' in June 1989; and again in 1993.

Despite the lack of an effective national body, good interaction continues between the various cichlid societies both as clubs and at a personal level.

In 1999 the publication of `The Cichlid Monthly' was aligned with the financial (calendar) year. Therefore, Volume 27 consists of only nine rather than the normal 11 editions.

Last Updated on Friday, October 26, 2007 1:48