National Foundation for Australia-China Relations Sydney headquarters

The new National Foundation for Australia-China Relations, which will build links between our country and China, will be located in Sydney and will open formally in 2020.

The Foundation is the first of its kind. It will bring together state, territory and local governments, business, education institutes, community and cultural sectors, and Chinese Australian communities to further build and strengthen our bilateral engagement.

Over four years, the Foundation will provide grants to support Australian business, cultural, sporting and education sectors in building their connections, markets and audiences in China and to support community programs in Australia.

Building on the valued work of more than four decades of the Australia-China Council, the Foundation will also commission research, support training, and coordinate exchange programs.

Our relationship with China is underpinned by deep and enduring institutional, business, cultural and community links. The Federal Government is committed to building cooperation in areas of shared interest.

Continuing from his strong leadership as Australia-China Council Chair, the Hon. Warwick Smith AO will serve as the Foundation’s Advisory Board’s inaugural Chair. Further board members will be announced in early 2020.

Sydney was home to Australia’s first known Chinese settler, Mak Sai Ying, in 1818. Today, Sydney is a leading international economic and financial centre, a vibrant cultural hub, home to our largest Chinese Australian communities, and the gateway for more than 1 million Chinese tourists each year. As such, Sydney is a natural home for the new Foundation.