The THANZ was founded following discussions amongst coagulation enthusiasts led by Beng Chong, who had met together for the 1993 annual HSA meeting in Hobart. Until that time, clotters had consoled themselves within a loose association or “club” and the membership of this club was automatically inherited by THANZ.
The first official meeting was held in the Burswood Convention Centre, Perth with a Council and Officers being elected at the AGM held on 13 October 1994. Beng Chong was the inaugural President, with Alison Street, Vice-President, Ross Baker, Secretary and Tom Exner, Treasurer. The inaugural membership totaled 112 financial members. The following meeting was held in Brisbane as part of the highly successful International Society of Hematology meeting in October 1995.
The THANZ was officially registered as a limited company in New South Wales on 11 August 1995 with a series of objectives which have now been incorporated into our mission statement. Since then, successful meetings have been held in Adelaide (1996 and 2002), Auckland (1997), Sydney (1998 and 2005), Hobart (1999 and 2006), Perth (2000), Brisbane (2001), Christchurch (2003), and Melbourne (2004). The Society produces a regular newsletter and has instituted an annual Award, the ASTH Medal, for young investigators.
A number of Sub-Committees have been created to act as the “working arm” of the Society and we look to these groups for advice and policy on clinical trials, new technology and scientific investigation. New members are always welcome and details on how to join can be found here.
