Malcolm Groom has been
a stalwart of organized philately in Tasmania since first becoming a
member of the Tasmanian Philatelic Society some 37 years ago, during which
time he served as President [1983-84], Treasurer [1980-82] and long-time
committee member – his service being recognized by the awarding of Life
Membership. Since 1987, he has served on the Tasmanian Stamp Council, and since 2001 as its
President. Malcolm
chaired the Organizing Committee of the PHILITAS
'89 State Exhibition and more recently the successful TASMANIA
2003 National Exhibition.
Malcolm gave 10 years' dedicated service to the APF as its Philatelic Development Officer [1987-89], Treasurer [1989-91], Vice President [1995-97], President [1997-99] and IPP [1999-2001]. His skills have been used as a presenter for the APF's Executive Development Program, and 2002 National Judges' Training Course.
Malcolm is currently in his third year as Secretary-General of FIAP. He has been a member of the FIP Postal History Commission since 2000 and during last year appointed as Chairman of the Organizing Committee of Australia's third FIP Exhibition, PACIFIC EXPLORER 2005.
In the area of philatelic study and research, Malcolm has formed several notable collections. Foremost among them are his Tasmanian Postal History to 1912 [FIP Large Vermeil and National Gold], Postal Stationery of Tasmania [FIP Large Vermeil and National Gold], Australian Contract Mails [FIP & FIAP Large Vermeils], Tasmanian Sidefaces & Tablets 1870-1912 and Tasmanian Pictorial Issues 1899 [both National Large Vermeils].
It will be clear from the aforementioned exhibits that Malcolm has a passionate and abiding interest in Tasmanian philately – both traditional and postal history. This has led to his co-authorship and contribution of articles in numerous exhibition catalogues and journals.
Malcolm has served on 12 Australian National Exhibition juries since 1986, which included being chairman in Brisbane 2001. Malcolm served his FIP jury apprenticeship in London 1990, and subsequently served on overseas juries at Indepex 1993, Norwex [Oslo] 1997, London 2000, Hong Kong 2001 and Philanippon [Tokyo] 2001.
Malcolm has acted as Tasmanian State Commissioner on 8 occasions and as a National Commissioner to China 96, Hong Kong 1997, Bangkok 2000 and España 2000. The experience so gained equipped him well to be a presenter at the National Commissioners' Courses in 2000 and 2003.
Malcolm has been a member of Australia Post's Stamp Advisory Council since 1999, and the APPMAC Committee from 1999-2001.
Malcolm's wide and valued contribution to Australian Philately strongly supports his membership of the Australian Philatelic Order.