About Us

Who are we?

Founded in 1935 we are volunteer run, members organisation committed to perpetuating the memory of the pioneer settlers of South Australia and promoting their unique history.

What are our aims?

• To foster an interest in, and to perpetuate the memory of the pioneers who contributed to the early settlement of South Australia
• To collect, record and share accurate records for the benefit of present and future generations
• To encourage the preservation of historical materials associated with early South Australia
• To promote awareness of early South Australian history
• To engage with the wider community and to collaborate with organisations that share an interest in the history of South Australia.

Who is eligible to join?

To be awarded membership of the Pioneers Association of South Australia (Pioneers SA) a person must have at least one ancestor who arrived in the Province, now the state, of South Australia, on or before 28th December 1846.

"It was standing room only when, on Thursday evening, 19 September 1935, the inaugural meeting of The Pioneers Association of South Australia was held in the parlour of the Adelaide Town Hall, courtesy of Lord Mayor Jonathon Cain. Sir Henry Newland’s formal proposal ‘That it is desirable to form a Pioneers’ Association in South Australia’ was seconded by Mr Stewart Duff and carried unanimously. The constitution was adopted, and 221 persons agreed to become members.

During his address Sir Henry Newland paid tribute to Mabel Marryat for suggesting the formation of the Association.

As a result of Miss Mabel Marryat’s desire to establish a pioneer club for women, and her commitment and diligent persistence, The Pioneers Association of South Australia came into being."

The Pioneers Association of South Australia - The First 80 Years by Cheryl Williss