what is The AAA?

The Association was first formed in 1936 in New South Wales and was originally known as "The British American Co-operation Movement for World Peace". It first became known as The Australian-American Association in 1941 in Queensland.

The aim of the Australian American Association is to contribute to the maintenance and development of friendship, mutual understanding and co-operation between of the peoples of Australia and the United States of America.

Since its foundation in 1936, the achievements of the Association include:

• A successful campaign for direct diplomatic representation between our two nations. This was achieved in 1940.
• A nation-wide appeal to raise funds to erect the Australian American Memorial in Canberra. The Memorial was dedicated by HM The Queen in February 1954.
• Launch of the American Field Service (AFS) secondary school student exchange program in Australia.
• A pivotal role in the establishment of the Sister City relationships between Australian and American cities and towns. The AAA is represented on the Sister City national planning committees.
• Unparalleled work in R&R centres during the Vietnam conflict.
• Funding and establishment of a permanent exhibit at the Australian War Memorial to commemorate the 1942 Battle of the Coral Sea.
• Continuing programs undertaken by our Divisions, particularly in the area of student exchange.

The Association's activities include:

• Encouraging community awareness and participation in the annual Australian American Friendship Week, incorporating the commemoration of the Battle of the Coral Sea.
• Celebrating days of national importance to both countries such as Australia Day, Independence Day and Thanksgiving.
• Welcoming Americans working or settling in Australia.
• Entertaining visiting United States service personnel.
• Disseminating United States Consular information in areas where there is no resident consular presence.
• Facilitating contact and exchange between the peoples of Australia and the United States.

The membership of the Association is diverse both in age and occupation. Its common theme is a belief in the democratic process, an interest in the United States, whether through work or personal contact and a fondness for the friendly attitudes and similar lifestyles found in our two countries.