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The Early Days
In 1951 and 1952, the Australia China
Society (ACS), as the Australia China Friendship Society was then known,
was established in Melbourne and Sydney. This was only two years after
the founding of the People's Republic of China on 1st October 1949.
Active members rendered numerous effective and beneficial works in increasing
Australia-China friendship. This later contributed to the promotion
of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Diplomatic relations were established
between Australia and China in 1972 .
A National Council
In 1973 the National Council of the Australia
China Society was established in Melbourne. The first National President
was Dr Geoffrey Stillwell (Victoria). We became Australia China Friendship
Society in 1982.
National Council Leaders
National Presidents succeeding Dr Stillwell
in chronological order are Jack Lazarus (Victoria); Sidney Clare (NSW);
Professor Bruce Johnson (Tasmania); Tom Loy (Queensland); Jeff Emmel
(South Australia); James Flowers (NSW);
Senator Bill Morrow
Born in Queensland, Bill Morrow was elected
in 1947 as a Senator representing the Labor Party in Tasmania. He looked
upon New China as an important force for world peace and worked tirelessly
for its recognition. The Society conducts a 'Bill Morrow Memorial Lecture'
at every National Conference. ACFS
national web site.
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