Thriving Down Under

The Australian Psychological Society (APS) has just celebrated reaching the milestone of its 20,000th member. The organisation started out as an overseas branch of the British Psychological Society in 1944 with just 50 members, before gaining independence in 1966. It now boasts nine specialist colleges, 40 regional branches and 40 interest groups devoted to various areas of psychology. Over the last five years, against a backdrop of increased interest in psychology from the government and public, they've grown by an average of 1000 new psychologist members each year.

Professor Lyn Littlefield, their Executive Director, said: 'The APS has thrived throughout its 66-year history, as community demand for the evidence-based expertise of psychologists has grown. From helping troubled individuals to boosting the performance of business leaders, APS members are a force in a huge variety of fields, ranging from government services to the corporate world and private practice to academia. This now 20,000-strong voice harnesses the expertise of a vast group of psychologists to enhance the health and well-being of Australians, and provides valuable insights on all psychological matters relating to our diverse population.'