Our History
For more than 60 years, the Humanist Society has brought people together to explore ideas, discuss important questions and promote a humanist approach to life and society. Since its beginnings in 1961, the Society has provided a community for non-religious people, encouraged public discussion and debate, and contributed to social reform, human rights and secularism in Australia.
This page celebrates our history, the people who have shaped Australian humanism, and the ideas and achievements that continue to inform our work today.
The Humanist Society of Victoria was mainly a product of members of the Unitarian Church and the Rationalist Society of Victoria. Its founders considered that, although various organisations of freethinkers existed, it was considered that a society dedicated to Humanist values was needed. They thought the Unitarians too left wing, despite calling themselves a church and with clergy, and the Rationalists too academic to get the broader message across to the public.
Source: History of the Humanist Society of Victoria, 1961-2011 (50th Anniversary publication)
The Society's Beginnings
The foundations of the Humanist Society of Victoria were laid in 1959, when Ray Dahlitz of the Rationalist Society sought advice from the Rationalist Press Association in London about establishing a new humanist organisation.
Dr L. M. M. “Miffy” Beadnell subsequently advertised a public meeting, held in Melbourne on 15 March 1961. A provisional committee was formed, and the Society’s first constitution was adopted in July that year.
The Society soon established a program of public lectures and discussions, bringing people together to explore humanist ideas and engage with the social and ethical questions of the day.
Celebrating Australian Humanists
Throughout its history, the Australian humanist movement has recognised individuals who have made outstanding contributions to humanism, public life, social progress and the wellbeing of others.
The Australian Humanist Awards celebrate people whose achievements reflect the breadth and influence of humanist thought and action across Australian society.
Historical Archives
The Humanist Society holds a collection of original magazines and publications from the 1970s and 1980s, offering a fascinating glimpse into the ideas, debates and social issues that engaged Australia’s humanist community during this period.
We are gradually digitising these publications to preserve this important part of our history and make it accessible to a wider audience. The collection documents the contribution of humanists to public debate, including discussions about civil liberties, women’s rights, education, social reform and the role of religion in Australian society.
Our magazine archive
As an example of this ongoing project, we are pleased to share the Winter 1970 edition of The Australian Humanist.
This issue features contributions from prominent Australians, including feminist Beatrice Faust on women’s liberation and Don Dunstan on civil liberties. Other articles explore family planning, early childhood education, social work and the teaching of biology.
The magazine also records a resolution from the 1970 Australian Humanist Convention calling on humanist societies to establish local groups to campaign for the decriminalisation of homosexuality. At a time when consensual homosexual activity remained criminalised across Australia, this demonstrates how humanists were pioneers in the nascent LGBT movement and actively advocating for equality and individual freedom well ahead of broader legislative reform.
Reading these publications today reveals not only how Australian society has changed, but also the important role humanists have played in challenging established attitudes and advancing social progress.
A glimpse into 1970
Accessing our archives
Our digitisation project is ongoing, and many of our historical publications are not yet available online. If you are interested in accessing particular issues or researching the history of Australian humanism, please contact us to enquire about the collection.
Explore our web archives
Explore the Humanist Society’s archives, documenting decades of public discussion, events and advocacy. These collections offer a glimpse into the people, ideas and activities that have shaped the Society over the years.
Articles Archive
A collection of articles and writings exploring humanism, ethics, secularism and other issues of interest to the humanist community.
Explore the Articles Archive →
Events and Public Lectures Archive
Records of past events, lectures and discussions reflecting the Society’s long tradition of bringing people together to exchange ideas.
Explore the Events and Public Lectures Archive →
Submissions to Government
Submissions and policy contributions illustrating the Society’s engagement with public debate and government decision-making.