National Foundation for Australia-China Relations (NFACR) 澳中基金会

Researchers from the The University of Queensland’s Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation discussed Australia-China collaboration in sustainable agricultural intensification and net zero agriculture with networks in Nanjing, China. ? The Australian research delegation visited farms, production and testing facilities, gleaning insights into crop management practices and discussing opportunities for increasing crop productivity, while mitigating harmful environmental impacts. ? The Foundation is supporting Australia’s agricultural industry share our experiences internationally, build capacity in our region and develop partnerships to support Australian farmers. Nanjing University

George Ernest Morrison (1892-1920) was an Australia traveller, medical doctor, journalist, and political advisor who witnessed some pivotal moments in China’s history.? ? A symposium on Morrison’s personal archive, much of which was entrusted to the State Library of New South Wales, was held last week with Foundation Deputy CEO Helen Horsington delivering opening remarks.?Linda Jaivin re-examined Morrison’s legacy in the keynote speech, and scholars from Japan, Singapore and mainland China discussed the archive and its ongoing relevance today.? ? These important documents will now be more readily accessible to the public and researchers as a result of this project supported by the Foundation.??

Every year for 14 years Australia-China Youth Dialogue have convened emerging leaders from Australia and China to discuss issues across the breadth of the bilateral relationship. CEO Gary Cowan spoke to the group about the importance of people-to-people connections, dialogue and exchange in supporting the Australia-China relationship. We look forward to see how this year’s delegates go on to contribute to the bilateral relationship in future.?

Another successful workshop hosted by Victoria University that brought together Chinese students studying in Melbourne to learn about Australian sporting culture. The Foundation-supported Active Sports Workshop held on 22 November was the final workshop in the Embrace Program, which attracted over 300 Chinese international students.

There is exceptional leadership, drive and achievement in Australia’s diverse communities.?CEO?Gary Cowan?celebrated the recipients of this year’s Asian-Australian Leadership Awards in Sydney last week.?Congratulations to all.

Cooperation between Australia and China on climate change challenges can help tackle this global challenge. University of Southern Queensland hosted a Climate Smart Agriculture Forum this October at Lanzhou University. Supported by the Foundation, the Forum brought together experts from Australia and China to explore climate change resilience in the agricultural sector. University of Southern Queensland will host the second Climate Smart Agriculture Forum in regional Queensland in mid-2025, welcoming Chinese university representatives and researchers to discuss this important topic with Australian university and industry representatives. John Bell Professor Ren Yi. (PhD, IEAA-SF, Fellow of ARMS) Prof Ben Lyons

Sports diplomacy bridges cultures and builds connections, proving the universal power of teamwork and shared passion. CEO Gary Cowan participated in the Sports Diplomacy Consultative Group and presented the grant opportunities available for sports programs between Australia and China supported by the Foundation. We look forward to the release of the new Australian Sports Diplomacy Strategy.

We were delighted to welcome last week the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations (NFACR) 澳中基金会 Advisory Board to Museum of Contemporary Art Australia.? ? The Advisory Board explored exhibitions showcasing living artists at every stage of their career, guided by MCA Curator Manya Sellers. Highlights included Lindy Lee's major public commission, ‘Secret World of a Starlight Ember’ (2020), Chun Yin Rainbow Chan’s (陳雋然) ‘Long Distance Call?長途電話’(2024) featured in this year ‘Primavera: Young Australian Artists’ and the MCA’s enduring commitment to First Nations artists. ? Through international collaborations with museums around the globe supported by government, individual and corporate partners, we bring the world of contemporary art to Australia and take Australian art to the world. ? Special thanks to Pru Bennett, Foundation Chair, Gary Cowan, CEO, and the Advisory Board members for joining us. Your visit reinforces the importance of greater artistic and cultural exchange in fostering understanding and cooperation between Australia, China and the world. ?

Asian Australian Professionals Collective advocates for Asian Australian professional representation in leadership and was borne out of the inaugural William Ah Ket Leadership Program at The Australian National University’s ANU Centre for Asian-Australian Leadership a program supported by the Foundation.

There is exceptional leadership, drive and achievement in Australia’s diverse communities.?CEO Gary Cowan celebrated the recipients of this year’s Asian-Australian Leadership Awards in Sydney last night.?Congratulations on your achievements! Asialink