About
Australian Natives Association Fraternal is the surviving organisation of Australian Natives Association Friendly Society established 149 years ago in 1871 at a meeting at Grimwade's Hotel, corner Lonsdale and Elizabeth Street where Myer now stands. Its aim was to provide private health insurance and mutual improvement through social, cultural and sporting activities for men born in Australia who were a minority group at the time, and who were excluded from other friendly societies because they were not British born.The philosophy of ANA was a forum to advance Australia. They made a significant contribution to the development of the constitution and to the movement for federation. Prime Ministers Barton, Deakin, Bruce, Scullin, Menzies and Holt. First Australian born Governor General, Sir Isaac Isaacs and Governor General Zelman Cowan were also ANA members.
