The Society was formed in January 1996 under the leadership of Phillip Ainsworth. Phillip was a resident of Ingleburn at the time and - recognising the lack of an organised astronomical Society in South Western Sydney - he decided to do something about it.

Phillip publicised a proposal to form a new astronomical organisation in the Campbelltown newspapers and invited anyone interested in amateur astronomy to attend a meeting at his home.

This initial meeting was held in Phillip's garage due to the large attendance. The neighbours must have wondered what what was going on when over thirty people tried to park in his quiet back street. Phillip, his wife and family were surprised at the number who turned up as well but it backed his belief that the formation of a society of like-minded amateur astronomers was indeed feasible.

 Noel Sharpe 

It was a hot summer evening. Some stood, whilst others sat in as many chairs as the Ainsworth family could muster and it was moved and carried that Macarthur Astronomical Society be formed.

The second meeting (the first AGM) was held in February 1996, at the University of Western Sydney. Phillip was elected President and he went on to hold the position from 1996 to 2000, guiding the fledgling Society through it's formative years, establishing it's constitution and promoting it in the community.

All subsequent monthly meetings were held at the University of Western Sydney.

Very few of the early members possessed telescopes but this began to change as regular star nights were held in member's back yards, including a member's property near Wilton.

A club telescope was purchased in June 1997, a 6” Dobsonian, assisted by a generous donation of $500.00 from the Campbelltown Branch of the Commonwealth Bank. This scope soon became known as “MacDob”. Later, two permanent homes were found for regular star nights, including the Forest with it's spectacular dark skies.

The Society commenced community educational talks and regular public star nights.

In 2000, Phillip Ainsworth stood down from the Presidency and later moved away from the district. He was awarded honorary membership in recognition of his role in founding the Society and guiding it through it's early years.

Vice-President Noel Sharpe was elected to succeed Phillip as President and continued to lead the Society until 2007, when John Rombi took over and served for four years, before standing aside in favour of Trevor Rhodes in 2011 and then Chris Malikoff in 2012.

All MAS Presidents have promoted a friendly and informal club atmosphere and have been instrumental in bringing an increasingly impressive list of talented monthly guest speakers, including distinguished professional astronomers and specialised amateurs.

        Trevor Rhodes

Several of the members who joined in 1996 remain current members, including two who were at that inaugural meeting (Phil. Ainsworth & Roger Powell) and several more who joined immediately after (See Awards page). Many more have already been awarded ten-year membership badges, as the Society goes from strength to strength.

During the mid 2000's, the Society introduced its own website and also began 'branding' its activities, introducing a new MAS logo in 2008; followed by the 'Magnitude' brand for DVD's and Exhibitions; and in February 2011, the General Monthly Meetings were rebranded as the Macarthur Astronomy Forum (with its own logo). Professor Fred Watson AO was the inaugural guest speaker.

Merchandising activities were increased and the position of Merchandise Officer was created to manage purchasing and sales activities, including books, mugs, star wheels etc.

The Society sought to strengthen its ties with Campbelltown, Camden & Wollondilly Local Councils; local MPs; local media; and began the difficult task of seeking advertisers and sponsorships. It also began a series of fundraising barbecues at Bunnings (Narrellan) and organising Macastro-tours.

In June 2012, a 'milestone' decision was made by the Management Committee: "That this committee aspires to achieve the financial growth and scientific excellence that will empower the future acquisition of advanced astronomical equipment and the property in which to house it. To achieve this we resolve to increase our membership programme; improve our practical expertise; and institute a fund raising programme, whilst still giving value for money to our members and continuing with our outreach programme."

A sub-committee was formed to investigate potential observatory locations; select a suitable site; and pursue authority approval to gain access to it.

The Society's monthly journal continued to be produced every month since 1996, however, after over sixteen years of non-stop publication, a decision was made that the October 2012 edition would be the final edition.

Date

President

Vice-President

Secretary

Treasurer

Committee Members

Feb. 1996

Phil Ainsworth

John Lodge

Sally Jackson

Robbie Charlton

Diana Farmer, Bob Bee

May 1996

Phil Ainsworth

Noel Sharpe

David McBean

Robbie Charlton

Diana Farmer, Bob Bee

Mar. 1997

Phil Ainsworth

Noel Sharpe

David McBean

Robbie Charlton

Karen Bates, Peter Druery, Bob Bee

June 1997

Phil Ainsworth

Noel Sharpe

David McBean

Eric Brown

Karen Bates, Peter Druery, Bob Bee

Aug. 1998

Phil Ainsworth

Noel Sharpe

David McBean

Noel Sharpe

Karen Bates, Peter Druery, Bob Bee

April 1999

Phil Ainsworth

Noel Sharpe

Daniel Ross

Peter Elston

Bobbie Elston, Peter Druery, Bob Bee

April 2000

Noel Sharpe

Daniel Ross

Phil Ainsworth

John Koster

John Rombi, Peter Druery, Bobbie Elston,
Peter Elston, Bob Bee

April 2001

Noel Sharpe

John Rombi

Ian Cook

John Koster

Daniel Ross, Phil Ainsworth, Bob Bee

April 2002

Noel Sharpe

John Rombi

Ian Cook

John Koster

Lloyd Wright, Bob Bee

April 2003

Noel Sharpe

John Rombi

Ian Cook

Dick Everett

Lloyd Wright, Bob Bee

April 2004

Noel Sharpe

John Rombi

Ian Cook

Dick Everett

Lloyd Wright, Daniel Ross, Bob Bee

April 2005

Noel Sharpe

John Rombi

Ian Cook

Dick Everett

Lloyd Wright, Daniel Ross, Bob Bee

April 2006

Noel Sharpe

John Rombi

Ian Cook

Dick Everett

Lloyd Wright, Daniel Ross, Bob Bee

April 2007

John Rombi

Martin Ferlito

Bob Bee

Dick Everett

Lloyd Wright, Daniel Ross, 

April 2008

John Rombi

Daniel Ross

Roger Powell

Dick Everett

Lloyd Wright, Ivan Fox, Stewart Grainger

April 2009

John Rombi

Trevor Rhodes

Roger Powell

Tony Law

Lloyd Wright, Ivan Fox, Stewart Grainger

Trevor Rhodes

Nicole Ireland (resigned Nov 2012)
Tony Law