A series of meetings throughout the 1950s, mostly led by Angas Leggett, discussed band affairs in the state(with particular emphasis on those who were currently members of the VHPBA), and on 21 July 1954, the South East Pipe Band Centre(SEPBC) was formed.
The five bands present [Blue Lake Highland, Blue Lake Ladies, Tarpeena Highland, Naracoorte, Millicent Caledonian Society and Penola & District Caledonian] made the choice to adopt the Victorian contest rules, and work on promoting the music within the area.
Months afterwards, the first president Frank Collins, and secretary A. Turnbill held discussions with the remaining non-member bands in Adelaide, resulting in their subsequent merge.
In 1997 the Australian Highland Pipe Band Association was formed, and in 1999 SAPBA applied to become a state branch of this entity.
Prior to this time, the association was governed by a council comprising a president, secretary, treasurer, two councillors and four members for each of the contest elements.