About

Early Days 1977

Beginnings of Country Network. David Sergeant founded the Country Network in 1977 to connect isolated gay men in rural Australia. After moving to Dubbo, he placed an ad in The Land, leading to the formation of a small group. Early gatherings in Cudal, Mendooran, and Katoomba shaped the network’s structure. Over time, it expanded, held annual meetings, and became a web-based organization. David’s wife, Beth, played a key role in its early days. His dedication fostered friendships and support for country gays. Despite Alzheimer’s in his later years, his legacy endures

1977

Following a 1977 meeting in Dubbo, a group of about 20 men mainly from within NSW, created the Country Network, , with no formal structure to start

1978

It was not until after the first get-together in 1978 that there was a vision to make the new group an Australia-wide organisation. A Coordinator was elected to head the group, supported by a female Coordinator, Secretary and Treasurer.

early 80’s

Most of the group’s early meetings were held in the Blue Mountains for convenience and anonymity. As the membership expanded, meetings spread to various regional centres.

1989

By the end of the 80’s, the organisation had grown, and there was a need for a more business-like management system to ensure the ongoing survival of Country Network. The answer was to form a formal committee structure with elections.

1990

At a meeting held in Canberra in 1990, a visitor from Western Australia advised that he represented an informal group of WA guys who would be interested in joining up with CN. This influx of new members from the west made a significant contribution to membership numbers, and CN finally became a truly national organisation.

1991

At the 1991 AGM in Adelaide, we instituted an initial constitution and elected a new committee headed by a President. The country was divided into Areas, each with a Coordinator to bring management closer to local areas.

1994

After years of discussion, Country Network was registered in 1994 as an incorporated body and adopted a more formal constitution to govern and provide the necessary framework for our large and diverse membership. The membership list continued to connect members and retained its confidentiality as required by the founders.

2016

After years of just being a social group getting new members to join our organisation by word of mouth.

Country Network came out, at the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras with our first ever float in the parade and information stall at Mardi Gras Fair before starting our online social presence with a private member only Facebook group, and a Public Facebook page and Instagram.

2022

After many years of a simple newsletter, the Country Networker magazine was launched. The magazine keeps members up to date about activities and functions, as well as news from members, coordinators and office bearers, and any organisational and administrative issues. This year also saw the launch of the new Country Network website.

Aims

By promoting and fostering networking and friendship among male-identifying members of the LGBTIQ+ community regardless of where they are in Australia, Country Network aims to:

• Provide our members with greater social and networking opportunities, especially in remote or regional areas.
• Help improve social circumstances, connection and wellbeing for all of our members.
• Build positive, healthy and stronger communities for our members, especially in regional and rural areas.
• To engage in and promote charitable services and social activities, within the LGBTIQ+ community and other LGBTIQ+ organisations.