The Australia China Friendship Society History of the National Council
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clockwise from top, Bill Morrow, Tom Loy, Sid Clare, James Flowers, Jeff Emmel, Professor Bruce Johnson, Dr Geoff Stillwell The Early Days
     In 1951 and 1952, the Australia China Society (ACS), as the Australia China Friendship Society was then known, was established in Melbourne and Sydney. This was only two years after the founding of the People's Republic of China on 1st October 1949. Active members rendered numerous effective and beneficial works in increasing Australia-China friendship. This later contributed to the promotion of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
     Diplomatic relations were established between Australia and China in 1972.		 A National Council
     In 1972 the National Council of the Australia China Society was established in Melbourne. The first National President was Dr Geoffrey Stillwell (Victoria). We became Australia China Friendship Society in 1982.
The Society becomes a Company
     It became obvious in later years that the National Constitution needed revision. Accordingly legal opinion was sought and in 2006 the ACFS National Body became Australia China Friendship Society Ltd. Branch affiliates have director representation in the new company.
National Council Leaders
     National Presidents succeeding Dr Stillwell in chronological order are Jack Lazarus (Victoria); Sidney Clare (NSW); Professor Bruce Johnson (Tasmania); Tom Loy (Queensland); Jeff Emmel (South Australia); James Flowers (NSW); Keith Jenvey (Qld);