Britain–Australia Society

The Britain–Australia Society was established in 1971 as a friendship society to promote historic links between Britain and Australia. It has headquarters in the Australia Centre within Australia House in London and branches throughout the UK.

History

Britons and Australians share a rich heritage of family ties, history, culture, language, sport and business. In 1971 Sir Robert Menzies and Sir Alec Douglas-Home, former Prime Ministers of Australia and Great Britain, re-founded the pre-existing Australia Club to form two sister societies based in the United Kingdom and Australia in order to recognise the value of a continuing cultural exchange between the two countries. Despite being founded by two former politicians, the societies are apolitical and non-commercial.

Aims

The aims of the Britain–Australia Society are to:

The society provides a comfortable and welcoming forum in which talented youth of both nations are introduced to influential diplomatic and commercial circles to contribute to their personal and professional development.

Branches

Branches are maintained in Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, Norfolk, Leicestershire, Lincoln, Portsmouth and the West Country. Regional functions are held by these branches in addition to centrally-organised activities.

Events

Annual events normally include a Summer Reception at the House of Lords and a Garden Party at the residence of His Excellency the High Commissioner.

Other events have included tutored wine tastings, theatre evenings, cocktail parties, after-hours visits to the Tower of London and ascending the Queen Elizabeth Tower to see the Great Clock and watch Big Ben chime.

The West Country branch arranges a number of regional events, including a prestigious annual service of remembrance and lunch in Bath honouring the memory of Admiral Arthur Phillip.

Officers

The Patron of the Society is HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh KG KT OM GBE ONZ QSO AK GCL CC CMM

The President is The Rt Hon The Lord Carrington KG GCMG CH MC PC

The Chairman is Peter Benson OAM

The Vice-Chairman is Richard Robins

Vice Presidents:

Honorary Vice-Presidents:

Board of Management

The National Director is Dale Eaton

The Honorary Chaplain of the Society is The Revd George Bush, Rector of St Mary le Bow church.

Sponsors

As a non-profit society, administration and events are funded by subscriptions and corporate sponsors, including Australian Government agencies and businesses and organisations with an Australian interest in Britain.

Affiliates

External links

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