Cirrus@Austlit

A prominent Australian science fiction fan between the early 1960s and 1990s, John Bangsund estimates that he published up to around 200 or so zines during this time. His fanzine, Australian Science Fiction Review (1966-1969), did much to help revive science fiction fandom in Australia during the 1960s. Among his other, more prominent, publications were Scythrop (1969-72), Australian Science Fiction Monthly (1970-71), First Draft (1975-), Parergon Papers (1977-), the long-running Philosophical Gas (1970s-1990s), Stunned Mullet, Bundalohn Quarterly, The New Millennial Harbinger, Procrustean Papers, The Wrekin Heaves (1990-), and Fibonacci and Mehitabel (1994-).

After co-chairing the 9th Australian S.F. Convention (1970), and attending as Fan Guest of Honour at Ozcon (1974 Australian National SF Convention), Bangsund played a significant role in helping Australia win the rights to host the 1975 Aussiecon (along Andrew I. Porter). He also acted as Toastmaster at the Hugo Award ceremony during the convention. Bangsund's contributions to science fiction fandom were acknowledged in 2001 when he became the recipient of A. Bertram Chandler Memorial Award.

Aside from his work as a science fiction fan, Bangsund worked primarily as an editor, working in the areas of general and non-fiction. He has worked for Materials Handling and Packaging (assistant editor), The Age, Hansard (sub-editor), the Australian Government Publishing Service (his first position as editor), Rigby (Adelaide), and Meanjin (assistant editor, 1988-92). Bangsund was also closely involved for many years with the Victorian Society of Editors (he was eventually made a life member in honour of his many contributions to the Society).