HISTORY OF ANAA
Early in 1984 a Melbourne daily newspaper then called “The Sun” published a letter written by Barbara Wolff (now our patron) of Far North Queensland, offering to share her knowledge of the American Acoustic Neuroma Association (A.N.A.) with Australians who had undergone Acoustic Neuroma (A.N.) surgery. Similar letters were printed in some daily papers in other states.
The American Association was not only willing, but anxious, to share with us the information they had acquired about A.N. and gave permission for us to use their literature.
Barb was visited in Cairns by one of her Victorian respondents, Bev Denny (Collins). Barb told Bev she’d be passing through Melbourne in July-August. The possibility of holding a social get-together at Bev’s Melbourne home while Barb was in Melbourne was discussed. When Bev returned to Melbourne she and the late Zoe Armstrong made contact through a doctor and they organised a formal meeting instead. The late Grace Hercules came into the picture, making contact with all Victorians on the respondent list Barb had sent her. The association was born at that meeting in the Camberwell Community Centre on 21st August 1984 with more than 20 people present. During debate on whether to call it the Acoustic Neuroma Association of Victoria or Australia, Barb's opinion was sought (more respondents were from Victoria, the association was the first to be formed in Australia). She suggested that as it was the only AN association in Australia and several respondants were from othe states, 'Acoustic Neuroma Association from Australia' would seem more appropriate. Those present agreed to form a self-help group to be known as the Acoustic Neuroma Association of Australia. Thirteen people paid their subscriptions that day. All respondents to Barb’s outreach not at that meeting were notified, and within a very short time people from country Victoria and Interstate were enrolling.
At our first Annual General Meeting it was agreed that we become affiliated with the American A.N.A. On 1st December 1988 we became affiliated with Better Hearing Australia who have provided much support, including allowing us to have our Association listed in the Melbourne telephone directory, using their telephone number. They refer enquirers to the appropriate A.N.A.A. officer.
Following a small amount of national publicity on 14th December 1985, enquiries came from far and wide, including New Zealand, and it was decided our name should Acoustic be changed to Acoustic Neuroma Association of Australasia as a result of this interest beyond Australia.
On 24th October 1985 we obtained incorporation and are now known as the Acoustic Neuroma Association of Australasia, Inc.
On 18th January 1988 the Health Department, Victoria, granted us Benevolent Status. This enabled us to apply to the Federal Taxation Department for exemption from sales and other Government taxes, and for donations of $2.00 and over to be tax deductible for the donors. Exemption was granted on 7th March 1988.
By 30th June 1987 our membership had peaked at 170, a big increase from the initial 13 who joined on 21st August 1984.
Due to widespread interest in the Association, separate associations were formed in Queensland, New South Wales and New Zealand. In addition informal groups are meeting in South Australia and West Australia (supported by A.N.A.A.) and Toowoomba (supported by Queensland Acoustic Neuroma Association (Q.A.N.A.)