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. History In 1971 Sir Robert Menzies and Sir Alec Douglas-Home, former Prime Ministers of Australia and the United Kingdom, re-founded the pre-existing Australia Club to form two apolitical and non-commercial societies, based in the United Kingdom and Australia. Aims 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 Branches Branches are maintained in Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Leicestershire, Lincoln, Portsmouth, and the West Country. Regional functions are held by these branches in addition to centrally-organised activities. Events 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. Awards 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. Past recipients have been Barry Humphries, Lord Hague, Kylie Minogue, David Attenborough, Lord Carrington and Samantha Cohen CVO. Officers The Patron of the Society was The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh KG KT OM GCVO GBE ONZ QSO AK GCL CC CMM. The President is The Rt Hon. Lord Hague of Richmond (the founding President was Lord Carrington) The Chairman is Damian Walsh Vice Presidents: The High Commissioner for Australia – Ex Officio Mr Peter Benson AM Sir Christopher Benson DL OAM The Earl of Buckinghamshire Sir Roger Carrick KCMG LVO FRGS Mr Rohan Courtney OBE The Lord Goodlad KCMG, PC Mr Brian Harris Mr Michael Whalley OAM Mr George Vestey DL Honorary Vice-presidents: Dale Eaton FRGS The Baroness Liddell of Coatdyke PC Sylvia Countess of Limerick June Mendoza AO OBE Mr Barry Tuckwell AC OBE Board of Management Mr Damian Walsh – Chairman Ms Elizabeth Ames Mr Tim Dillon - Agent-General for Victoria (ex-officio observer) Ms Julie Heckscher – Deputy High Commissioner (ex-officio observer) Mr John Langoulant AO – Agent General for Western Australia (ex-officio observer) Mr Keith Newton – Chairman West