About Us
Illawarra Bonsai Society Incorporated was inaugurated on 21 July 1970. The club has a long and illustrious history with Bonsai in Sydney.
Who We Are
Illawarra Bonsai Society Incorporated was inaugurated on 21 July 1970. The club has a long and illustrious history with Bonsai in Sydney, and provides a place of learning in the art of Bonsai in southern Sydney and beyond.
The club has one main objective: “To provide a community service to members interested in the art of bonsai and activities pertaining thereto.”
The objective is simple and forthright and the club has been achieving its objective successfully and consistently for over 50 years. The club holds workshops, demonstrations, discussions, displays and critiques in order to promote bonsai and pass on the wealth of knowledge and collective experience of the club members.
Our Objective
To provide a community service to members interested in the art of bonsai and activities pertaining thereto.
Our Story
The following short history has been compiled from excerpts and quotes contained in “Illawarra Bonsai Society Inc, A History of 30 Years, 1970-2000”. The publication was written and produced by Illawarra Bonsai Society member, Mr John Cross, and presented at the 30th Anniversary Dinner of the society, which was held on 22 July 2000.
On 21st July 1970, in the small hall at Gymea Community Centre, Illawarra Bonsai Society held its first meeting.
One of the people at the meeting was Mrs Dorothy Koreshoff. Dorothy recalls that she, together with her husband Vita, took many enquiries from interested people about the possibility of a local club in the area, and with the help of their friend, Mrs Dawn Hughes, found a venue in Gymea to hold a meeting. At the meeting, which started with a “how to” demonstration, followed by supper, a unanimous response was received for the formation of the club, and Illawarra Bonsai Society was born.
In the early days the meetings were held in the small smaller hall at the centre, as it was comfortable and large enough. (It is later recorded in 1972 that the average attendance at meetings was 24 out of a total of 38 members). However, in 1976 the meetings were changed to the larger hall so that everyone could be comfortably accommodated.
Illawarra Bonsai Society’s first show was held on 17 September 1977.
The club continued to grow and thrive, celebrating 10 years in 1980 and 15 years in 1985. In 1990, under the guidance of the then President, Mr Geoff Henderson, Illawarra Bonsai Society prepared a new constitution and became an incorporated body. In the same year, the 20th anniversary celebrations were held.
In 2010, the club celebrated their 40th anniversary, and in the same year hosted the 23rd National AABC Convention, "A Bonsai Celebration".
In 2020 the club celebrated it's 50th anniversary.
Meet the President,
Brenda Parker
I have been very proud to be associated with Illawarra since 1987 and since then I have not only studied and appreciated bonsai with a passion but I have made many wonderful friends from all walks of life that I would not have met otherwise.
Over the years the people who have guided me through my learning curve in bonsai were always obliging with many hints to help guide me in my quest for a great tree. To this day I can quite honestly say that the wonderful spirits in its members and tutors still stands.
As I see new members coming through the ranks, I can still sense the wonderful generosity that I experienced all those years ago. Even though throughout the club we are all at different levels of accomplishment (as in any club or art form), to me the camaraderie and friendship is foremost, otherwise the club would not survive. We are all there to help one another, to learn and grow and to have fun is an added bonus that is the benefit of belonging to a club such as Illawarra.
Brenda has been President of Illawarra Bonsai since February 1998. It has been and still is a wonderful journey in promoting and enjoying the art of bonsai and suiseki (stone appreciation) within our club and doing workshops and demonstrations at other clubs to spread the experience at what she has learnt over the past 35 plus years.
Liaising with international and national demonstrators for the annual event held every year at The Tops, at the Stanwell Tops Convention Centre and our annual show held in May every year is also something that Brenda is passionate about in bringing the art of bonsai to the general public and to other clubs.
Every member is able to attend workshops guided by Brenda every Sunday morning at various member's houses. Newer members within the club benefit greatly from these events.
Your Committee Members
-
![Andrew Christy]()
Andrew Christy
Vice President
When I first moved to Mortdale in 1993 I attended an evening class in Bonsai at Peakhurst High School being run by Terry McKenna. Ross Miller was also in the class and from these classes I was introduced to the IBS. I have been a committee member and the Vice President of the club for many years now. I originally thought I would join the club to get access to Bonsai materials (this was pre Southside Bonsai Nursery) but once I got involved in the club via digs, trips, shows and weekend workshops I felt I wanted to be a bit more active. -
![Julie Smith]()
Julie Smith
SECRETARY
As Secretary I try to support our overworked President. Record and distribute the minutes of committee meetings. Meet and greet new members, organise stock and sales table at the club's monthly meetings. Assist with setting up the IBS Annual show. Supervise registrations, accommodation and facilitate the smooth running. -
![Lilian Slowik]()
Lilian Slowik
Treasurer
-
![Chris Di Nola]()
Chris Di Nola
COMMITTEE MEMBER
-
![Laurie Carroll]()
Laurie Carroll
COMMITTEE MEMBER
-
![Rupert Mathews]()
Rupert Mathews
NEWSLETTER EDITOR
-
![Julian Mulholland]()
Julian Mulholland
COMMITTEE MEMBER
-
![Lynne Smith]()
Lynne Smith
MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY
