History of Noosa District Orchid & Foliage Society Inc
In 1984 a group of like minded orchid lovers met one August evening
in Eumundi to discuss the possibilities of forming an Orchid Society.
One month later the inaugural meeting was held on the 18th September
1984 and the Noosa District Orchid & Foliage Society Inc. (N.D.O.F.S)
was formed. It was to cover an area from Peregian, Yandina, Cooroy,
Kenilworth Noosa and Tewantin. The first President elected
was Barry Anderson and the Secretary – his wife Coral.
Some of the Founding Members of N.D.O.F.S
Barry & Coral Anderson – first President & Secretary
Clyde & Joyce Cunningham
Graham & Jean Wilersdorf
Lorna Vieritz – (Deceased)
Neville & Denise Sutton
Clive & Pat Mann
In the early years the Sunshine Coast Orchid Society – Caloundra offered moral support. Raising funds in the early days was hard work; some members went prawn fishing overnight and sold them the next day at the Eumundi Market. Displays at shopping centres, and school fetes helped raise the profile. It was also the beginning of The Annual Spring Show at Cooroy, which is currently still one of the Societies main annual show events.
Membership grew slowly in the early days from about 24 members in 1992. It is pleasing to note that some of the founding members are Life Members today.
N.D.O.F.S held its first Show at the end of August 1985 at the Noosaville Baptist Church Hall and was reported in the local paper, a feature being“the best display of Cymbidiums ever seen in the district”. After that more regular Displays followed with shows at the CWA Hall – May 1987 and the first Mother’s Day Show in May 1990 at Cooroy. The Mother’s Day Show has also became an annual event for the Society in May.
In 1990 and 1991 we succeeded in winning the Reg Heyer Shield for the highest aggregate points for displays throughout the STOCQ region for the year. It is through these shows and displays that we gain new members and interest in our society.
Each year we make a contribution to a local charity from funds raised through shows held. Recipiants have included the 2011 Flood Victims, Katy Rose Cottage ****
A number of our growers are only very small growers, but what they lack in plant quality, they certainly don’t lack in enthusiasm. We are please to see Junior members becoming enthusiastic in the cultivation of Orchids.
We owe a great deal to these founding members for their hard work in getting the Society off the ground, raising funds, which is still a challenge today.