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About Us
The Australia-Britain Society's inaugural dinner was held at Sydney, New South Wales, on the 26 August 1971 in the company of 350 guests including the then Commonwealth Governor-General, Sir Paul Hasluck, and the then Prime Minister of Australia, Sir Robert Menzies, under whose auspices the society was created.
The society was formed to nurture and promote cultural links which both Britain and Australia share through their common heritage. This was reflected by the British Prime Minister, Sir Alec Douglas-Home, establishing a complementary sister society in Britain called, “The Britain-Australia Society”.
The Australia-Britain Society is an independent non-political Australian organisation, whose role is to maintain, encourage and strengthen the numerous links between Australia and Britain in a spirit of friendship. These bonding links are expressed through history, language, literature, education, art, sport and cultural events.
Today, at the national level, the society is made up of a national body called “The Australia-Britain Society Foundation” (a grant giving organisation) with branches in Sydney (New South Wales), Canberra (Australian Capital Territory), the Gold Coast (Queensland), Melbourne (Victoria) and Perth (Western Australia).
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The Foundation, based in Canberra, holds reserves and raises money in its own right directly and from investment earnings. Grants are given to worthwhile cultural activities that support our British heritage.
The WA branch was founded in 1982 and a number of the original founders are still members. Our patron is His Excellency, Dr Ken Michael, AC, the Governor of WA. We hold many social activities for members throughout the year. We are developing home-grown special projects, including the “Art Idol” art competition. We make sure that we are present at British events in Perth, to 'fly the flag' and to encourage new membership.
Malcolm Allen President
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