[Australia]: Britain-Australia Society

[Owen]

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Overview​

The Britain–Australia Society was established in 1971 as a friendship society to promote historic links between the United Kingdom and Australia. It has headquarters in the Australia Centre within Australia House in London, and branches throughout the United Kingdom. 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. The aims of the Britain–Australia Society are to: Strengthen existing friendship between the United Kingdom and Australia Promote educational exchanges Arrange social events for members Provide a point of contact for Australians visiting the United Kingdom Maintain links with Australia Be a forum for personal and professional development of talented youth. A primary activity is organising events including diplomatic dinners, seminars, and social gatherings. The West Country branch arranges an annual service of remembrance and lunch in Bath honouring the memory of Admiral Arthur Phillip. The Society grants an occasional Britain–Australia Society Award to recognise a person who has demonstrated a long-term contribution to relations between the United Kingdom and Australia.

Officers​

The Patron of the Society is The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. The President is The Rt Hon. William Hague. The Chairman is Damian Walsh. Vice Presidents: The High Commissioner for Australia – ex officio Peter Benson The Earl of Buckinghamshire Sir Roger Carrick Rohan Courtney The Lord Goodlad Brian Harris Michael Whalley George Vestey Honorary Vice-presidents: Dale Eaton The Baroness Liddell of Coatdyke Sylvia Countess of Limerick June Mendoza

Affiliates​

Three Charitable Trusts are maintained by the society: The Britain–Australia Society Educational Trust provides sponsorship for young people of both countries, particularly for skills exchange The Northcote Trust funds postgraduate scholarships to Australia The Royal Flying Doctor Service – Friends in the UK. The Cook Society was founded in 1969 on the initiative of Prime Ministers Sir Alec Douglas-Home and Sir Robert Menzies, with the aim of promoting British-Australian relations at a high level. It has counterparts in Australian states with which it is in constant touch. Membership of the Society in Britain is limited to 100, excluding honorary members, and represents a wide range of national interests including senior business and professional people, politicians, civil servants and academics. Membership is by invitation only. The Britain-Australia Society administers the Cook Society and shares some events. Australian Britain-Australia Society members have reciprocal rights when in Britain, and vice versa.