Welcome Piers,
Yes definately check out the ASV. Also there is the Mornington Peninsula Astronomical Society (
http://www.mpas.asn.au/). And there is the Snake Valley Astronomical Association, just outside Ballaarat (
http://svaatest.site88.net/). It will depend on where you live, and whic is more convienient for you to travel to.
What scope have you bought, Piers?