The Australian Orchid Council Inc. of today is a far cry from that founded in 1960. After a number of years of turmoil, a new Constitution was adopted in 1997. Perhaps the most significant changes here were: the State representation at Council being handed to a STRO (State or Territory Representative Organization) with the former State member bodies being termed "Foundation Members" and having equal voting with other clubs in their home state; the introduction of Personal Membership as part of a subscription to Orchids Australia; and the separation of the regional Judging Panels from their former ‘State’ managerial status. Each State now has a number of panels which elect their Deputy Registrar of Judges, who are directly responsible to the AOC Registrar General.

Foundation Members:

• Orchid Society of New South Wales Inc.
• Victorian Orchid Club Inc.
• Tasmanian Orchid Society Inc.
• Orchid Society of the Northern Territory Inc.
• Queensland Orchid Society Inc.
• Orchid Society of Western Australia Inc.
• Orchid Club of South Australia Inc.

What does the Australian Orchid Council Inc. do?
The AOC provides:

• A national forum for the coordination of orchid growing across Australia and resolution of issues;
• A direct voice to clubs in the management of the affairs of the Council;
• Publication of one of the world’s best orchid magazines, Orchids Australia, and other cultural books and literature for growers across Australia;
• Operation of this website, providing information and links to other quality sites to the world;
• A unified national judging system granting awards of excellence to growers and not only providing the basis for show judging but in many cases the judges;
• Access to a comprehensive slide program library of some 140 programs;
• A national group insurance scheme for liability insurance coverage;
• A national focus through the AOC Conservation Director for the conservation of our native orchid species;
• Ability to purchase at significant discount, a range of quality orchid specific products and cultural books for re-sale;
• A quality range of orchid-specific trophies for use in shows or for awards;
• Coordination and allocation of national conferences and provision of conference medals;
• Opportunity for members to participate in official AOC tours to World Orchid Conferences;
• A national badge symbolizing the unity of our national hobby, for growers to purchase;
• Liaison with Government on national issues of relevance, e.g. CITES;
• Australian point of contact for other international orchid bodies.

Applications for Membership:

• Group Members: Orchid clubs and societies, apply in writing to The Secretary, Australian Orchid Council, 11 Warren Court, HOWRATH, TAS. 7018
• Personal Members: This is automatically part of a subscription to Orchids Australia. Subscription can be made by using the Order Form, or fax or mail the order form to the Treasurer. Details are printed on the Order Form