Background
On 5th November 2005, the Cubberla-Witton Catchments Network Inc held a fungi conference in Brisbane. Seminars were presented by mycologists from around Australia. This was attended by 150 enthusiastic people who subsequently expressed interest in forming a macrofungi interest group.
At a public meeting on 8th December 2005 it was decided to form the Queensland Mycological Society (QMS), with membership open to anyone with an interest in the discovery, survey or research of macrofungi.
QMS became incorporated on 14th May 2006.

Objectives
1. Provide a forum and a network for amateur and professional mycologists to share their common interest in macrofungi;
2. Stimulate and support the study and research of Queensland macrofungi through the collection, storage, analysis and dissemination of information about fungi though workshops and fungal forays;
3. Promote, at both the State and Commonwealth levels, the identification of Queensland's macrofungal biodiversity through documentation and publication of its macrofungi;
4. Promote an understanding and appreciation of the roles macrofunal biodiversity plays in the health of Queensland ecosystems;
5. Promote the conservation of indigenous macrofungi and their relevant ecosystems

The Logo - Geastrum sp
The Gasteromycetes that is on the QMS logo has the common name used for this genus - “earth star”.
Mature specimens of this genus are very easy to recognise – the outer covering, the exoperidium and its lining the mesoperidium, split open and unfold away from the central sac, the endoperidium, to give the appearance of a ball resting in the centre of a star like bed. In some species these stellar points eventually bend backwards to form a stand supporting the endoperidium. The endoperidium is the spore sac and has a slightly pointed bump at the apex, the peristome, through which puffs of spores are released into the air.

F.A.Q
Q. Who can join the Queensland Mycological Society?
A. Anyone interested macrofungi an any level, even if it is a recently acquired interest or a scientist doing post graduate research.
Q How much does membership cost?
A. Currently, membership is $20.
Q.Is it edible?
A. If it was bought at the Supermartket; Yes.
Q. If the fungi in the bush are not edible what use are they?
A. Fungi are extremely important in the ecosystem as decomposers and recyclers of bush litter from huge logs to leaves, animal dung and even insect bodies; some are mutualistic biotrophs - forming a symbiotic relationship with a specific plant, at root level, to exchange nutrients; some are a food source for some small mammals such as the potoroo.
Q. What is the difference between a mushroom and a toadstool?
A. Both are fungi. Some people seem to think a mushroom is edible and a toadstool is not but this is not scientifically valid. Traditionally, the true "mushrooms" are those belonging to the genus Agaricus. Some of these are also toxic, however.
Q. Does Australia have any truffle?
A. Not in the true sence of the word. Australian "truffles" (subterranean) are small and essential element in the diet of small mammals. Farms have been established in Australia, however, in an attempt to grow European truffles for the gourmet food market.