A record number of attendees descended upon the historic gold-rush city of Ballarat over the pre-Easter weekend for the fifth National Annual General Meeting of the revived Australian Natives’ Association.
The Victorian branch was thrilled to host what is not only the most important business event for the ANA but also its biggest social occasion, which provided an opportunity to showcase to members from across the country the stunning Victorian architecture and natural beauty of one of the state’s key regional centres. In addition to strong showings from the Victorian, Canberra and Brisbane branches, the event hosted for the first time associate members from both metropolitan New South Wales and Tasmania, a development that bodes well for the incorporation of future branches and, ultimately, the incorporation of the national body.
Proceedings commenced on Friday with visits to sites of deep nativist significance. These included Australia’s largest World War I commemorative arch, the Arch of Victory, and several locations relating to the Eureka Rebellion – an event that, despite being claimed as part of the legacy of a host of competing ideological causes, has a clear nativist connection given it provided the foundation for the anti-Chinese demonstrations of the following decade.
Saturday was dedicated to formal business, which centred on officially appointing and congratulating the incoming national committee for 2025/26 and farewelling and acknowledging the work of the outgoing 2024/25 committee. Then, either side of a traditional Australian barbecue on the picturesque shores of Lake Wendouree, attendees were treated to presentations on a range of relevant topics, including the task and future of the ANA, our upcoming property syndicate, nativist ideology, and national cultural revival. Upon the conclusion of formalities, the evening was given over to a trivia competition and impromptu debates in response to such contentious prompts as “Monarchy or Republic”, “Victoria is the greatest state”, and “Australia was better off under the British Empire”. The latter provided attendees with a chance to sharpen their rhetorical skills under pressure and provide a few laughs with some light ribbing of their opponents.
While many attendees departed early on Sunday for their long journeys home, a significant number stayed on throughout the late morning and early afternoon to continue to take in the rich history of Ballarat, paying respects to the fallen men of Eureka at Ballarat Old Cemetery and visiting the heritage-listed ANA Hall in Camp Street – once home of one of the earliest and most active branches in the original incarnation of the ANA. Upon departure from Ballarat, attendees were unanimous in their praise for the weekend as both hugely enjoyable and incredibly inspiring, and they were buoyed by the prospect of what lies ahead for our organisation.
Plans are already underway for next year’s event, and hopes are high that, despite the impressive standards set this year, new heights will again be reached.
If you’ve been considering getting involved in the ANA, there’s never been a better time to join. We boast a stable membership of high-quality men who are committed to each other and to the realisation of ambitious yet achievable goals that will lay the foundation of a bright future for our children. To get in touch with your local branch, CLICK HERE.
