It seemed appropriate that last year's silver anniversary of ACF (Inc) was held in Perth, WA, because there is a strong possibility that the impetus for the formation of a new, national body might have come from the then infant FCCWA.
At its AGM on November 27th, 1969, the following suggestion was put: "It was suggested endeavours be made to form a National Controlling Body.  Resolved that Council be requested to contact the major councils in Australia for the formation of a National Body".
Later at another FCCWA meeting on 19th February, 1970, the following appeared:  "National Body Resolution: Resolved that the proposed affiliation between Victoria and Queensland is an initial step for a National Body."  Then on 22nd June, 1972:  "National Feline Council: Resolved that the FCCWA are in favour of the formation of a National Council.  The committee emphasised that it would be fair to have 1 vote per 1 state, as in some states there were more than one representative."  We must note here that this has now changed to one vote per body.

1972
The inaugural meeting (sponsored by Uncle Ben's) was held in Melbourne on October 21st, 1972.  Chair: Mrs J E White; present were: Co-ordinator, Dr M Tait (GCCFV), delegates from Qld Mrs M Dougan (Cat Fanciers Assn & Independent clubs), Mr R Shead (Feline Council of Qld), Mrs M Haas (Gov Council of Qld); from Vic: Mr D J C Chandler (GCCFV), Mr V Bumak (DCCV); Miss M Horne (GCCFSA), Mr K Dobbie (CCCT), Mrs D Oaten (CANT), Mrs B T Sparkes (Murray Valley Cat Authority) and Mr H Klopper (FCCWA).  Among observers present were Mrs Mary Hinchcliffe (FCCV), Mrs M Oliver and representatives of Uncle Ben's Aust P/L (Whiskas).

The question of eligibility for affiliation was raised, and it was determined not to exclude the few organisations not represented that day, but that there was sufficient national representation present to go ahead with the formation of a steering committee.  The councils not present were to be kept abreast of developments, and should they wish in the future to become involved, they could be co-opted onto this committee.

The steering committee was to produce a draft constitution for presentation to the next meeting, and it was suggested that the first National should be held in SA, because of its central location.  Miss Horne accepted the proposition.  The constitution of the Australian National Cat Federation (ANCF) was accepted in March, 1973.

1973
That inaugural ANCF show was staged in Adelaide, on August 5th, 1973, and guest international judges were the FIFe secretary, Brita Kastengren-Remborg, and Mrs. E. Chan from New Zealand.

This very first "Whiskas International" show had almost 700 exhibits from all states and New Zealand, and a public of 3500 attended.

At the 1973 AGM, Harold Klopper (WA) was elected President, and it was resolved that ANCF "make application for reciprocal affiliation with FIFe providing restrictive clauses are not placed on such affiliation.".  It was also decided at this meeting to produce a bi-monthly "National Cat" magazine.  In one form or another, this publication was produced until 1977.

1974
The 1974 National Show was scheduled for Brisbane on August 3rd/4th.  After a disastrous flooding of the scheduled venue, the show went on elsewhere.  This year also saw the first ANCF Judges' seminar held.  Visiting judge/speakers were FIFe President, Mme Ravel and Mr Terry Hiroaka (CFA USA) and almost 800 exhibits appeared at this show.  This year the Murray Valley Cat Authority withdrew from the ANCF, when GCCFV decided not to join.

1974 is famous in Australia's history, it was the year Cyclone Tracy hit Darwin on Christmas Day.  Many NT breeders and their cats were evacuated to other states, and it speaks volumes for the tenacity of CANT that it was able to remain afloat.  One breeder related the story of hiding in the wardrobe with her husband and two cats whilst watching their house blow away through a crack in the wardrobe door.

1975
The action switched to Victoria in 1975, and the National was run by FCCV for the first time on the Queens Birthday weekend.  This show attracted an entry of 950 cats and was staged at the Royal Showgrounds.  The guest international judge was Mrs. Ruth McDonald of New Zealand along with twenty-six Australian colleagues.

In November 1975, the present name of our organisation was registered (Australian Cat Federation - ACF), and the body incorporated.  Also during 1975, the ACF register of prefixes was initiated; this was to avoid the then common duplication of prefixes around Australia.  The Australian National Champion was also implimented.

1976
1976 saw the show reverting to Adelaide with over 950 exhibits on display.  Making history was the Best in Show winner, a cat that had been brought over from New Zealand especially for the National (see Roll of Honour).

1977
In 1977, the National was held for the first time in Tasmania with approximately 500 exhibits.  The guest international judge was Dr. Bill Groom, Chairman of The GCCF, UK.  This year also saw the first judges' and breeders' tour of Europe.  Thirty-five people participated, with many of that number gaining FIFe national or international accreditation as a result.  According to the tour organiser's report ... this tour was designed to bring our judges into closer contact and co-operation with the International Cat Fancy overseas; the people of other nations who are active with exactly the same interests as our isolated Australian Cat Fancy!  All involved paid their own way, and were split into three groups, each of which wended its way in different directions.  Those still a part of ACF who participated were: breeders - Val Harney (now a judge) (Qld) and Risse Harmath (Vic).  Judges were - Margaret Horne (SA), Ruth Neilson (SA), June Richardson (SA), Judith Russack (SA), Julie Schuller (NT), Dianne Plessnig (Dolman) (SA), Lesley Hollingsworth (Morgan-Blythe) (Tas) and Trixie Pettman (Pettman-South) (SA).

1978
Brisbane hosted this years National and by now there had been an amalgamation of Queensland bodies with the formation of QFA being the result.  The guest international judges for this year were Dorrie Brice-Webb and Shirley Bullock, both of the UK.

1979
1979 saw the National weekend return to Perth, and this time it was a cultural exchange; eight European judges began their tour of Australia at this event, including Lucy Koh, of Singapore.  There was a line-up of 658 cats and "real" panel judging was employed for the first time in Australia.

As there was a suitable panel of FIFe judges present, Mr Terry Dever (Qld) was examined and awarded FIFe National status for Shorthairs.  He is the only judge thus qualified who gained that title without leaving Australia.