About Us

The South Australian Branch of the ACFS was formed in 1965 with the aim of promoting friendship and understanding between the people of Australia and China, and seeking diplomatic recognition of The People’s Republic of China by Australia. The latter objective was fulfilled in 1972.

In pursuit of its aims, the ACFS has sought to involve as great a cross-section of the Australian public as possible in its membership and in its activities. These activities include tours to China including special interest group tours, regular meetings for members and friends, a regular bulletin, hosting individuals and groups from China, fundraising for various Chinese organisations, including the Charles Foundation, Chinese language classes, and much more.

The ACFS is a respected and responsible body which has advised and assisted government, business, sporting, cultural and educational organisations in Australia. Its valuable contribution was recognised with the awarding of the Medal of the Order of Australia to the late Secretary of the SA Branch, Roy Baynes.

Representing hundreds of members in South Australia, the ACFS is a not-for-profit organisation, that relies on the continued support of its members and others in the community to continue its work of promoting friendship and understanding between the people of Australia and China.

The success of the SA Branch was celebrated at a recent exhibition at the Migration Museum of South Australia. Over one hundred invited guests, including South Australian Premier Mr Mike Rann, Cultural Counsellor of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China Mr Wang Zhigang, other parliamentarians both state and federal, representatives from the South Australian Branch of the society and local community leaders, attended the opening of the exhibition 'Past, Present, Future' earlier this year. The success of the exhibition was a testimony to the important role the society plays within the South Australian community and abroad.

Represented in each State and Territory within Australia, and at a national level, the Australia China Friendship Society continues to highlight the importance of understanding between the cultures of our two nations. We invite future and existing members to play an active role in the Society, and encourage you to inform others of its work and benefits of membership.

ACFS SA Branch

[ To download a comprehensive history of the ACFS SA Branch, please click here ]