Chapter Three - Implementing change

Abstract

The decision to incorporate, professionalise and nationalise the Australian Society for Microbiology heralded a transformation. After lengthy debate, spanning the best part of a decade, the steady evolution of the Society gave way to rapid change. Implementation commenced immediately. Membership categories changed and continued to evolve throughout the 1980s as the ASM adapted to the needs of its broadening membership base. Relationships with state branches and communication with members became increasingly important. Maintaining its unique character, closeness and sense of community despite its rapid growth became a major challenge for the ASM.