Collection 1: Country Network records, 1977-2000

MLMSS 8297

sub-fonds

1977-2000

Textual Records, Graphic Materials, Photographs

413657

0.34 metres of textual material (2 boxes)

The Country Social Network Inc., known as the Country Network, was created following a 1977 meeting in Dubbo, with an initial membership of about 20 men, mainly from New South Wales. Most of the early meetings of the group were held in the Blue Mountains, both for convenience and reasons of anonymity. As the membership expanded meetings spread to various regional centres.

At the 1991 Annual General Meeting in Adelaide, an initial constitution was created and accepted, and a new committee was elected headed by a President. The organisation was registered in 1994 as an incorporated body and a more formal constitution was adopted.

The Country Network aims that by promoting contact and friendship, gay men and lesbians living in regional and more remote places in Australia can feel they too belong in the gay and lesbian communities of the World. They hope to promote a sense of community among homosexuals; ensure homosexuals in the country enjoy the same civil rights as all other citizens; engage in and promote charitable services and other activities within the gay and lesbian communities; and promote an interest in the preservation of the natural environment and heritage.

The Network also organises activities including social events such as parties, picnics, conventions and other gatherings; the provision of support and information services; hospitality and assistance to homosexuals travelling in the country; and the publication of a newsletter and other literature.

Reference:
Country Network http://www.countrynetwork.com.au (accessed 28 February 2012)

BOX 1
Folder 1
Meeting papers, Annual General Meetings, Sydney AGM Sub-Committee, Executive Committee, November 1982-March 1999

Folder 2
'The Country Network 20 Years: 1977-1997'; Survey 1996; 'Discrimination, the other epidemic', 1992-1997

Folder 3
Financial reports and statements, October 1978-June 2000

Folder 4
Photocopies of photographs and articles, newspaper clippings, Country Network promotional material, ca. 1970-1997

Folder 5
Photographs, mostly colour, of Country Network events, tours, and meetings, ca. 1980-2000

BOX 2
Country Network newsletters and magazines, number 1 (October 1977) to number 139 (May 1991), missing numbers 11 and 48; and volume 14, number 140 (May 1991) to volume 23, number 11 (December 2000)
Folder 1
October 1977-December 1986

Folder 2
January 1987-December 1991/January 1992

Folder 3
February 1992-December 1994

Folder 4
January 1995-December 1997/January 1998

Folder 5
February 1998-December 2000

Copyright status:: In copyright
Approval for reproduction required: From copyright owner
Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Information upgraded as part of the Manuscripts Unprocessed eRecords Project 2011-2012