The Society in New South Wales was formed in 1974 by a small group of parents and sufferers drawn together by the lack of information, support and gluten free products in Australia. With the co-operation and support of doctors and dietitians from the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital, Camperdown and the Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, a meeting was arranged to discuss the formation of a Society.

The first meeting held in April 1974 was not without complications, as it coincided with a petrol strike. However, there was sufficient interest from those who attended to make the formation of a Society viable.

With a steering committee of just six very enthusiastic people they got under way. By June of that year they had circulated the first newsletter to announce the first General Meeting in July. By March 1975, as the Society’s first year of operation drew to a close, membership, Australia-wide, stood at 350. 

The Society had made amazing strides in that first year, fulfilling its stated aims and bringing much needed help to families struggling to cope with Coeliac Disease. The Society’s newsletters were eagerly awaited by members, for the recipes, helpful hints, advice on new products and medical information about the condition. The Society organised a Christmas party and cooking demonstrations, allowing members, young and old, to meet others with the same problem.

With the increasing number of members Australia wide, steps were taken to set up branches of the society in other states. By the end of 1975 there were branches in the ACT, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania, each being financially independent.

The AGM in July 1976 saw more changes evolve. Representatives of the Queensland, Victorian and South Australian Societies attended the meeting. It was agreed that a national body be set up to represent the States at a Federal level. This was to be known as “The Australian Council of Coeliac Societies” (now called “The Coeliac Society of Australia Inc”). It was necessary for the meeting to identify the Society with the State, hence the change of name to “The Coeliac Society, NSW Branch” (now called “The Coeliac Society of NSW Inc”). 

The Society has grown from strength to strength. The Coeliac Society of NSW Inc is a well respected; self help organisation. It owes this respect, built up over the past twenty-six years, to its members. All those who have served on the committee, organised local groups or supported the Society’s work, have played their part. Perhaps the Society’s motto should be ‘by the members, for the members”. 

In 2005 the role and objectives of the Society are the same as they were twenty-six years ago. 

From such small beginnings, the NSW Coeliac Society now has a membership base of over five thousand seven hundred, more than doubling in the last five years. Through the work of the Society, members are kept informed, have access to an ever-increasing variety of gluten free food and have the security of knowing that their Society has their interests at heart.

DROP IN CENTRE AND OFFICE:

The Coeliac Society of NSW Inc

Suite 1

41 - 45 Pacific Highway (Entrance on Yardley Avenue)

WAITARA  NSW  2077

MAILING ADDRESS:

PO Box 271

WAHROONGA NSW  2067

Open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday

Telephone:   (02) 9487 5088

Facsimile:    (02) 9487 5177

Email:          nsw@coeliacsociety.com.au

Information and support is disseminated from the centre. A range of gluten free products is on display and additional resources are available for sale. Please feel free to drop in for advise or to say hello.

The Centre/Office is at present staffed by –

Coordinator – Cheryl Price: Cheryl was diagnosed with Coeliac Disease over 25 years ago

Dietitian and Manager Administration – Penny Dellsperger: Penny is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian and has Coeliac Disease. Penny is available for consultation. Please phone the Society Office if you would like to make an appointment

Administration Assistant - Diane Coleman: Diane's sister has coeliac disease and her husband is a chef.

Graham Price (Volunteer): Australian Society Technical Officer & NSW President

Part Time Office Workers

Lyn Azzopardi: Lyn and three of her four children have Coeliac Disease

Volunteers

A dedicated team of volunteers assist with office duties and the smooth running of the office