CAPSIG NSW began in 1989, starting from humble beginnings. Our original committee consisted of six passionate individuals from the pharmaceutical and cosmetic manufacturing industries, and microbiology laboratories. We held our monthly meetings at the old EML Consulting Laboratory in Newtown and our five annual seminars at the CSIRO Labs in Delhi Road, North Ryde. Our attendance cost was a mere $5, and we provided snacks and soft drinks. As our group grew, we moved to Trethaway Gardens in Petersham, where we held our regular meetings and three formal seminars each year. Our continued growth eventually led us to Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL, where we held our regular meetings and three successful formal seminars per year in the downstairs Seganhoe Lounge, with attendance ranging from 60 to 200 people. As our numbers increased, the club moved us to the main auditorium, where we continued for many years, with our organising committee growing to eight to eleven members. In late 2023, we relocated to Wests Ashfield Leagues Club. In 2023, CAPSIG NSW expanded its technical and regulatory education and training to include veterinary pharmaceuticals, cosmeceuticals, nutraceuticals and vaccine production, reflecting industry growth. CAPSIG NSW is a non-profit group, and our success is due to many factors: free membership, subsidised events, support from regulators, industry and educational presenters, seminar sponsors and the ongoing support from our attendees. Without their continued support, our group would not exist. Our venues, their catering and technical support services have also played a crucial role. Last but not least, our committee members, past and present, who have volunteered their time over the years. Our aim is to assist in the development and mentoring of less experienced individuals, advancing their microbiological knowledge and skills within the respective industries. We aspire to nurture a community of technical members that will continue to support, promote and be actively involved within this group to ensure its future longevity and ongoing success.
CAPSIG NSW's mission is to foster advancements in microbiological technical education, training and regulatory requirements related to the manufacturing and microbiological testing of cosmetics, personal care products, complementary medicines and pharmaceuticals. Over the years, we have been supported by representatives from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), local educational and industry experts. We've sponsored numerous overseas and specialised experts to present at various states' ASM Scientific Meetings and in Sydney for our members.
Our seminars provide technical and regulatory information, developments in new equipment and methodologies relevant to our industries. We are supported by recruitment and training agencies, microbiology contract testing laboratories and scientific supply companies. For our attendees, CAPSIG NSW seminars focus on educating and training, providing industry and regulatory updates, and offering a forum for professional development through networking and discussing job opportunities within related industries. In recent years, we've worked with lecturers from local universities, TAFE and private educators to encourage students to attend our seminars, either for free or at a low cost. This initiative aims to expand students' education in microbiology within manufacturing and regulatory requirements, and to help them network with industry professionals.
