Australian Science Fiction Convention

The Australian Science Fiction Convention was the first science fiction convention held in AustraliaConvention timeline - Fancylopedia3 and likely the first Australian fan convention, with the first event held in 1952. Much of the initial organisation was done by the Futurian Society of Sydney, but other groups - and individual fans - also contributed.Garry Dalrymple's latter-day, revised version of; The Official Report of the First Australian Science Fiction Convention, Sydcon, 1952 
Ten conventions were held in total, with the first four held in Sydney and the latter six held in Melbourne. The 1956 convention was called Olympicon as it was held the same year (and city) as the Summer Olympics of that year. Between the 6th and 7th conventions there was a six year gap (with the Melbourne Science Fiction Convention held in 1968) and between the 7th and 8th there was a three year gap.
Following the 10th Convention, it became the Australian National Science Fiction Convention, modelled after WorldCon with its rotating committees.
== First Australian Science Fiction Convention - 1952 ==
The first convention was held in the G.U.O.O.F. (Grand United Order of Oddfellows) Hall in Sydney on March 22nd, 1952. William D. Veney was the Chairman, and 58 people attended.
The committee/organisers of the convention were Graham Stone, Nick Solntseff, Arthur Haddon, Lex Banning, Vol Molesworth; David Cohen, Ian Driscoll, Ken Martin, Bruce Purdy and Roy Williams. There was no Guest of Honour.
=== Activities ===
* Auction
* "What is Science Fiction?" - an address given by Vol Molesworth, director of the Futurian Society of Sydney.
* "What is Fandom?" - an address by Graham Stone, secretary of the Futurian Society of Sydney.
* Display Stands and Exhibitions
** Australian Science Fiction Society display of professional and fan zines;
** Vol and Laura Molesworth display of Futurian Books;
** Arthur Haddon display of Auction items;
** Australian Fantasy Foundation display of science fiction books.
* Formal Business Session for the convention committee
* Convention Dinner and Films
* Open Meeting of the Futurian Society of Sydney
=== Con Reports ===
Vol Molesworth - Fantasy Times, Issue 152 Vol. 7, No. 8Fantasy Times, Issue 152, Vol 7, No 8 - Fanac, and reproduced in issue 20 of Mumblings from Munchkinland.First Australian Science Fiction Convention, Fancylopedia3
== Second Australian Science Fiction ConventionFantasy Times Issue 179 Vol 8 number 11 - 1953 ==
Also known as SydCon II, the convention was held in the G.U.O.O.F. (Grand United Order of Oddfellows) Hall in Sydney on May 2 and the Sydney Bridge Club on May 3, 1953. Vol Molesworth was the Chairman, and over 80 people attended. There was no Guest of Honour.
=== Activities ===
==== May 1st ====
* Pre-Convention Cocktail Party (May 1st)
==== May 2nd ====
* Preliminary rally - informal conversations, display stands and exhibitions
* Formal Opening speech by Vol Molesworth and distribution of welcome packets
* "Science Fiction as a Development In Modern Literature” - an address by Vol Molesworth, Committee Director
* ”Historical Development of Science-Fiction” - an address and art slideshow by Doug Nicholson
* ”The Place of Science In Science Fiction” - a debate by "Bluey" Glik and Rex Mayer
* ”The Development of Science-Fiction Fandom” - an address by Graham Stone
* Film Program
===== May 3rd =====
* Auction
* Formal Business Session for the convention committee
** Reports from the Futurian Society of Sydney, Australian Science Fiction Society and interstate fan groups on their activities and membership.
=== Con ReportsSecond Australian Science Fiction Convention - Fancyclopedia3 ===
* Rex Meyer, first published in Jimmy Taurasi's Fantasy Times, Issue 179, Vol 8, Number 11 and reproduced in issue 22 of Chris Nelson's Mumblings from Munchkinland.
* I. J. Crozier, Etherline, Issue 5 (1953)Etherline, Issue 5 (1953) - via Fanac
== Third Australian Science Fiction ConventionThird Australian Science Fiction Convention - FancyclopediaScience Fiction News, Issue 9 (1954) - Fanac - 1954 ==
The third Australian Natcon was held April 17-18, 1954 (Easter weekend) at Federation Hall in Sydney. Walter Judd was the Organiser, Rex Meyer was Chairman and it was organised by the Futurian Society of Sydney. 135-plus fans attended. There was no Guest of Honour.
=== Activities/Program ===
==== April 16 ====
* Welcome to the out-of-towners at various homes.
==== April 17 ====
* Preliminary rally - informal conversations, display stands and exhibitions.
** Australian Fantasy Foundation display of sci-fi magazines, fan zines and book covers.
** Blue Centaur Book Co. display of Dave Cohen's collection of sci-fi content, including the original, covers of the Malian Press series
* Formal Opening speech by Rex Meyer.
* "Cavalcade of Science Fiction" - an address written by Graham Stone and presented by Neville Cohen on the history of science fiction.
* "Science Fiction and the Film" - an address by Don Larson
* Symposium "The World of Tomorrow"
** "The Future of the Machine" - S. Dunk
** The Future of Man" - Harry Brunen
** "The Future of Culture" - Vol Molesworth
** Forum Discussion
* Film Night
April 18
* Auction
* Formal Business Session for the convention committee
** Reports from the Futurian Society of Sydney, Australian Science Fiction Society, Adelaide Science Fiction Group, the Newcastle and Hunter Valley Science Fiction Club and other interstate fan groups on their activities and membership.
** Discussion of the Australian Science Fiction Society being managed by another society
** Discussion of a schism between the Futurian Society of Sydney and the North Shore Futurian Society.
** Discussion of which group would run the convention the next year - the North Shore Futurian Society was appointed the job for 1955 and Melbourne for 1956.
* Variety Night and more films.
=== Con Reports ===
* Graham Stone, Science Fiction News, Issue 9 (1954) and reproduced in issue 23 of Chris Nelson's Mumblings from Munchkinland.
* I. J. Crozier, Etherline, Issue 28 (April 1954)
== Fourth Australian Science Fiction ConventionFourth Australian Science Fiction Convention - Fancyclopedia3 Etherline, Issue 47 (1954) - via Fanac- 1955 ==
The fourth Convention was organised by the North Shore Futurian Society, with Pat Burke as Chairman. The con was held March 18-20, 1955 at Dunbar House, Watson's Bay. Arthur C. Clarke was the first Guest of Honour. The convention committee were: W. Hubble (Organizer), A. Haddon (Secretary), P. Burke (Chairman), M. Bos (Local publicity), and D. Cohen (Treasurer).
=== Activities/Program ===
==== March 18 ====
* Fancy Dress Ball
==== March 19 ====
* Preliminary rally - informal conversations, display stands and exhibitions.
* Formal Opening speech by Pat Burke and introduction of speaker John Blatt.
* "Science in Science Fiction" - an address by John Blatt.
* "Transportation in the Future" - an address by John Spence
* "Dianetics" - an address by Ian Scott
* Guest of Honour Q&A session, with Arthur C . Clarke and John Blatt.
* Film Night
==== March 20 ====
* Auction
* Formal Business Session for the convention committee
** Reports from the Futurian Society of Sydney, Adelaide Science Fiction Group, the Melbourne Science Fiction Society, the North Shore Futurian Society and other interstate fan groups on their activities and membership.
** Discussion of the Obscene Publication Bill
** Discussion of the schism between the Futurian Society of Sydney and the North Shore Futurian Society and if any progress had been made. I. J. Crozier was drafted to act as Chair as a neutral party. No resolution reached.
* Play - "Miss Denton's Dilemma".
=== Con Reports ===
* I. J. Crozier, Etherline, Issue 47
* Roger Dard, unknown publication, republished issue 23 of Chris Nelson's Mumblings from Munchkinland.
== Fifth Australian Science Fiction Convention/Olympicon - 1956 ==
The fifth Convention was was held December 8-9, 1956 and was the first convention held in Melbourne and organised by the Melbourne Science Fiction Club. It was named Olympicon in honour of the Summer Olympics which were held at Richmond Town Hall in Melbourne; the con was held the weekend after the Olympics finished, a plan which had first been discussed in 1954. The Guest of Honour was Frank Bryning, an Australian science fiction writerFantastic Times Issue 253, p5. 147 people registered to attend. 
=== Activities/Program ===
==== December 8 ====
* Preliminary rally - informal conversations, display stands and exhibitions.
* Formal Business Session for the convention committee.
** Reports from the Brisbane Science Fiction Group, Tasmanian Fandom, South Australian Science Fiction Society, Melbourne Science Fiction Club, Amateur Science Fiction Publications of Australia, and other interstate fan groups on their activities and membership.
** Discussion of the site for the Sixth Australian Fiction Convention; no nominations were received, so Melbourne was chosen, for Easter 1958.
* Play "Balance of Power, written by Norma Hemming.
==== December 9 ====
* Auction Part 1.
* Formal opening speech by Committee Organiser R. J. McCubbin and introduction of Guest of Honour Frank Byrning.
* "Some Things We Should Expect from Science Fiction" - address by Frank Byrning.
* "Science Fiction" - address by Wynne Whiteford.
* "Science Fiction" - address by Harvey Blanks
* Auction Part 2
* Film Night
=== Con Reports ===
* I. J. Crozier, Etherline, Issue 80
== Sixth Australian Science Fiction Convention - 1958 ==
The Sixth Convention was held the weekend of April 5-6, 1958 in Melbourne at the Richmond Town Hall. As the fifth convention was held in December 1956, it was felt there wasn't enough time to organise the next con to be held in 1957. There was no guest of honour and Bob McCubbin was once again chair. 
=== Activities/Program ===
Unknown.
=== Con Reports ===
Unknown.
== Seventh Australian Science Fiction Convention - 1966 ==
The Seventh Convention was held April 8-11, 1966 in Melbourne at the Melbourne Science Fiction Club. There was no guest of honour, and the committee was Merv Binns (chairman), Lee Harding, John Foyster, and Bob Smith. Approximately 60 people attended at least one of the two days.
=== Activities/Program ===
* Four feature films plus about two hours of short features.
* Auction.
* Talks and lectures.
* Author's panel.
* Overseas tapes.
=== Con Reports ===
* John Forsyth, Australian Science Fiction Review Issue #1 (1966)
== Eighth Australian Science Fiction Convention - 1969Eight Australian Science Fiction Convention - Fancyclopedia 3 ==
The Eighth Convention was held April 4-6, 1969 in Melbourne at the Melbourne Science Fiction Club. Guests of Honour were: Lee Harding (professional) and John Foyster (fan). Bill Wright was the "Honourable Secretary". Diane Bangsund was "convention coordinator." Between 60-80 people attended, with over 100 coming on Sunday for the movie day.
=== Activities/Program ===
The first two days (Friday and Saturday) were held at the Melbourne Science Fiction Club headquarters. 
==== April 4 ====
* Reports - interest groups and individuals reporting on the previous year, including:
** Melbourne Fantasy Film Group
** Sydney Science Fiction Foundation
** Melbourne Science Fiction Club
** Monash Science Fiction Association
** Melbourne Grammar School S F Group
** proposed sf group at Sydney’s Macquarie University
** various Australian fanzines.
* Film Showing
==== April 5 ====
* Guest of Honour Speech - Lee Harding
* Fan Guest of Honor Speech - John Foyster
* Author Panel, featuring Lee Harding, Phil Collass, George Turner, David Boutland and Wynne Whitford.
==== April 6 ====
The Australian Science Fiction Achievement Awards (the Ditmar Awards) were first presented at this convention.
*Best Australian Science Fiction of any length, or collection - Spartan Planet (False Fatherland), A. Bertram Chandler
*Best International Science Fiction of any length, or collection - Camp Concentration, Thomas M. Disch
*Best Contemporary Writer of Science Fiction - Brian Aldiss
*Best Australian Amateur Science Fiction Publication or Fanzine - Australian Science Fiction Review, John Bangsund
* Special Committee Award: Most Active Australian S F Fan - Leigh Edmonds.
Sunday afternoon and evening were held at the Capri Cinema, Murrumbeena.
* Film Showings
* Film Panel: "New Directions in S F Cinema".
=== Con Reports ===
SF Commentary, Issue #8
== Ninth Australian Science Fiction Convention - 1970 ==
The Ninth Australian Natcon was held at the Capri Theatre, Murrumbeena, and the Melbourne Science Fiction Club in Melbourne in 1970. The was no GoH. 
The Ditmar Award for Best Australian Fanzine went to The Journal of Omphalistic Epistemology by John Foyster 
=== Activities/Program ===
Unknown.
=== Con Reports ===
None
== Tenth Australian Science Fiction Convention - 1971Tenth Australian Science Fiction Convention - Fancyclopedia 3 ==
The Tenth Australian Natcon was held 1-2 January 1971 at a portable lecture room assigned to the Meteorology Department of the University of Melbourne, in Melbourne. It was also known, informally, as Gelaticon, on account of an incident where scheduled programming was abandoned in favour of queueing for ice cream from a gelati van that had arrived outside.
Fan GoH: Robin Johnson.
Chairs: John Foyster, Lee Harding & Leigh Edmonds.
=== Activities/ProgramSF Commentary #20 - pages 5-7 ===
==== January 1 ====
* discussion groups - attendees could choose one of four groups on different topics.
* speech by Dick Jensen on "Why I No Longer Read Science Fiction".
* interviews:
** Alf van de Poorton interviewed by John Foyster on the "average fan's view of science fiction today".
** Leigh Edmonds interviewed by Lee Harding on fanzine production.
** Bruce Gillespie interviewed by John Foyster on attitudes to critics.
* auction (proceeds to the Aussiecon 75 campaign).
* masquerade
==== January 2 ====
* panels
* business session, including the successful Sydcon bid for the 11th ASFC and the the progress report for Aussiecon.
* interviews
** Ron Graham, interviewed by Lee Harding on Visions of Tomorrow.
* panels
*auction, continued.
*banquet at the Golden Age Hotel.
*"Paul Stevens Waiting for Godot Half Hour", plays and skits
*Ditmar Award presentation, including Special Awards to John Baxter for "Science Fiction in the Cinema" and Ron Graham for the "Vision of Tomorrow".
*slide show by Harold Eggleton and film presentation by Ron Clarke
====January 3 ====
*films show run by the Melbourne Fantasy Film Group.
===Con Reports ===
*SF Commentary Issue #20 by Bruce Gillespie
*The Fanarchist Issue #8 by David Grigg.
==References==
Category:Science Fiction Conventions
Category:1952 Conventions
Category:1953 Conventions
Category:1954 Conventions
Category:1955 Conventions
Category:1956 Conventions
Category:1958 Conventions
Category:1966 Conventions
Category:1969 Conventions
Category:1970 Conventions
Category:1971 Conventions
Category:Conventions in Australia