Sixty years ago, the Australian Stamp Dealers' Association (ASDA) was founded to ensure that the interests of Stamp dealers were better protected and that the stamp market continued to prosper.  Today, the Australasian Philatelic Traders' Association (APTA) - the new name adopted by ASDA in 1998 - has achieved much during it's more than half a century's existence.  APTA remains the premier body in Australia, representing the interests of all those involved in servicing the needs of stamp collectors.

The first meeting of the Australian Stamp Dealers' Association ('Australasian' was substituted in 1959 to embrace New Zealand dealers) took place in September 1948 at Scott's Hotel in Melbourne.  The Association's logo first appeared that month in the advertisements of its charter members.  From its inception the Association was a national body and ASDA met on a monthly basis.

At APTA's 60th Birthday Dinner on November 8th APTA will also celebrate Max Stern's amazing achievement of 60 years in business in Melbourne.  As the longest serving ASDA/APTA member, still active in stamp dealing and whose firm is arguably the largest retail philatelic operation in Australia.  Max Stern was admitted to membership of ASDA in February 1950.

To commemorate the anniversary, APTA have produced a 60th Anniversary limited edition numbered booklet and mini-sheet which will be presented in a specially printed souvenir folder.  Information on availability and pricing can be obtained direct from the APTA website.

2009:
February 14 - 15:  APTA Melbourne Stamp & Coin Show, Malvern Town Hall
March 21 - 22:  APTA Tasmania Stamp & Coin Shows
July 23 - 26:  Melbourne Stampshow 2009, National Tennis Centre
November 14 - 15:  APTA Melbourne Stamp & Coin Show, Malvern Town Hall

Important:
Dates are subject to confirmation / change by the organisers - watch your local Print Press in the week prior to shows or check the APTA website for event details.