ACFS

About Us

The Australia-China Friendship Society is a voluntary non-profit organization which aims to promote friendship and understanding between the peoples of Australia and China, through language and cultural activities.

With these actions, we work to strengthen the bonds between Australia and China, promoting mutual respect and cooperation. We would welcome your involvement and joining us on this journey.

History

In 1951 and 1952, the Australia China Society (ACS, as the Australia China Friendship Society was then known) was established in Melbourne then Sydney. Active members undertook numerous effective and beneficial works to increase Australia-China friendship, with ACFS branches being established in every State and Territory in Australia. This later contributed to the promotion of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Australia and China in 1972.

ACFS state branches run varied programs promoting cultural events representative of China’s 56 ethnic groups. ACFS promotes access to the study of the Chinese language and fosters people-to-people friendships with the goal of enhancing greater understanding of China and its people.

The structure of the National Body, ACFS Ltd

AIMS:

  • To promote friendship and understanding between the peoples of Australia and the People’s Republic of China; 
  • To further, advance and encourage the above objects through any means including endeavours, contacts,  or exchanges in the fields of education, culture, the arts,  music languages, literature, health, medicine, science or benevolence.

Management Structure

ACFS is managed by a National Executive (a Board of Directors of the Society acting together to direct and manage the Society).

  • Each Member State of ACFS National may nominate a member to represent them as a Director on the Board.
  • Directors are elected at Annual General Meetings of the Society for a two-year term.
  • A Director may be re-elected by their state branch to serve additional two-year terms.

State Delegates:

  • Each delegate has the right to cast one vote.
  • For a general meeting, each Member State may appoint two State Delegates.

The National Executive

The National Executive consists of the following Directors:

  • The Chair
  • Senior Deputy-Chair
  • Junior Deputy-Chair (At least one of whom shall be female if suitably qualified for the role)
  • The Immediate Past Chair

The Officers of the Society:

  • The Chair, Senior Vice-Chair, or Junior Vice-Chair are elected by the Directors of the Society from among their members.

The National Executive appoints individuals to the following positions (Directors are not excluded from holding these positions):

  • Secretary
  • Financial Officer
  • Communications Manager
  • Inbound and Outbound Tours Organiser

Key Events

Every two years, ACFS Ltd holds a National Conference (which includes the AGM) in various cities around Australia.

Activities for Members:
Members of ACFS Ltd are invited to participate in:

  • Youth Camps
  • Special Conferences (poetry, painting, writing, environmental)
  • Friendship Forums
  • Milestones of Australia-China diplomatic relations

Photos of Past Events