About Ballarat Cactus and Succulent Society

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Established in 1972 in the kitchen of the then head gardener at the Ballarat Base Hospital.

Meeting at first in members homes.

 Inaugurated on 10th May 1973 now moving its meetings to Dr Pounds room in the Mechanics Institute under the Britannia Theatre.

March 1975 society mounts its first Begonia Festival Display inside the Marquee containing the Floral Carpet.

 April 1977 society moves to Victoria League rooms, a venue used for 17 years.

 May 1995 Ballarat Cactus and Succulent Society becomes first group to hold a meeting in the newly constructed Robert Clark Centre and the first group to hold a display in the Robert Clark Conservatory, both of which were constructed by a  $2 million bequest from the grandson of Mr Robert Clark, the co-founder and proprietor of the Ballarat Courier.

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Over the years the society has hosted many international speakers, held one day happenings, hosted Succulenticon 2012 in conjunction with the Melbourne Society. Published almost 500 newsletters, Organised bus trips, told countless corny jokes and generally enjoyed each others company.

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We still have 2 foundation members current for the entire history of the club. Noel Main one of these members was awarded the John Pascoe Fawkner medal for his services to Horticulture by the Royal Horticultural Society of Victoria in 2003.  One unusual aspect of the Society is that it has only had 2 Secretaries since it was formed, Noel Main from 1973-2003 and Bill Morrison from 2003 onwards. Both have been honoured with life memberships. Recently two other members have been awarded life membership, Margaret Eedle and Judith Lewis for outstanding service. They join former President Don Kay bringing our total life members to 5.