Australian Vegetarian Society

The Australian Vegetarian Society's aim is to increase the number of vegetarians in Australia in order to stop cruelty to animals, benefit human health, protect the environment and preserve world food resources. We are a non profit-making, non-sectarian organisation dedicated to promoting the vegetarian way of life by campaigning, education, information and research.

The Society was founded in the late 1800s to spread the principles and benefits of vegetarianism and the ideal of a humanitarian way of life. Since its inception, it has played a major role in promoting vegetarianism throughout Australia by organising public meetings, lectures, films and videos as well as publishing and distributing literature. The magazine True Natural Health is automatically sent to all new members of the Society on payment of full membership.

We also publish a variety of literature which covers the main aspects of vegetarianism, provide an information service for those seeking nutritional advice as well as information on vegetarian products, restaurants, caterers, cooking classes and recipes.

The Society liaises with conservation and consumer groups, both to further its own aims and to support campaigns with similar interests. It also maintains close contact with vegetarian societies abroad and is a member of the International Vegetarian Union.

Our definition of a vegetarian is a person who eats foods which are free from any ingredients derived from the slaughter of animals (including chicken and fish). While other animal products not directly involving slaughter may be used, we encourage people to seek humane alternatives such as free range eggs and animal rennet-free cheeses. We also encourage the use of non-animal alternatives such as soya and rice milks, non-dairy spreads, ice cream alternatives, and so on.