Australian-American Association, 1942-83

Component identifier:

Series 6

Content Summary:

The Australian-American Association was established by Sir Ernest White in 1936 with the aim 'to maintain and develop friendship, mutual understanding and co-operation between the peoples of Australia as a member of the Commonwealth of Nations and the United States of America for their advancement and strength in the interests of freedom and world peace' (Australian-American Association news, NSW annual edition, Oct. 1973).

Activities of the Association include the annual Coral Sea Week and Coral Sea Sunday in commemoration of the Allied victory in the Battle of the Coral Sea in 1942; sponsorship of the American Field Service (AFS) international scholarships; study of American civilisation by the American Studies Committee; creating an informed opinion on matters affecting Australia and America through its Australian-American Forum; and ensuring American visitors gain a better knowledge of Australia.

Yorston was active in the Association from 1937 until his death. In the NSW Branch he held the positions of Honorary Treasurer, first Chairman of the Council and President (1957-63, 1965-74) and federally served as President (1960, 1962-64, 1966-67, 1972) and Council member. He founded the Canberra and Hobart Branches of the Association in 1962 and 1963 and the Junior Association in Sydney in 1958. He became the National Patron of the Association and of American Field Service scholarships in 1976.

See also series 4 folders 19-22 for further addresses relating to the Association.

This series also comprises General Files containing correspondence, Articles of Association, Federal Constitution, submissions, minutes of Council meetings, lists of office bearers, Federal conference papers and other papers.

Immediate source of acquisition:

The papers were donated to the Library by Lady Yorston in 1983.

Names:

Keith Yorston

Contents

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