The Society

Foundation of the Society

The Neurosurgical Society of Australasia was formed in Melbourne on April 19, 1940, initially as the Society of Australasian Neurological Surgeons. The eight founding members of the NSA were:

A E Coates
H C Tumble
F P Morgan
R A Money
G Phillips
I D Miller
L C E Lindon
D McKenzie

About Us

The Neurosurgical Society of Australasia is a professional not for profit organisation. The Society was incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act in New South Wales in July 1988. The Act is administered by the Office of Fair Trading in New South Wales. Every incorporated association must have documented rules. The rules for the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia are outlined in the Constitution.

Membership to the Society is voluntary and currently includes approximately 95% of neurosurgeons in Australia and New Zealand. The high membership level reflects the commitment of neurosurgeons to the advancement, maintenance of standards and the delivery of the highest standard of neurosurgical care. Membership confers no rights of privileges for admission to practice as a neurosurgeon.

The objects of the Society are the study and advancement of the art and science of neurosurgery and research into the cause, prevention and cure of disease in human beings in the field of neurosurgery.

The Emblem

The Neurosurgical Society of Australasia emblem displays two lizards; the Australian stumpy-tailed (Trachysaurus rugosus) and the New Zealand tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus). These lizards both have well developed third eyes in the median parietal region. These animals were chosen for our emblem following a witty after-dinner speech by Ken Jamison in which he emphasised the value of the third eye in neurosurgical hindsight. The emblem symbolises the partnership of Australia and New Zealand in the work of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia.

Governance

The Neurosurgical Society of Australasia is managed by an elected Board of Management known as the Board of the NSA. The Board is constituted by a President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and five elected ordinary members. In addition, reflecting key relationship portfolios, the Chairman of the Board of Neurosurgery and the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Neurosurgical Specialty Councilor are also members of the Board in an ex-officio capacity. Click here for the current Board Member Listing.