Mark Wainwright Appointed as Chair of Australia-China Council

I welcome the appointment of EmeritusProfessor Mark S. Wainwright AM as the new Chair of the Australia-China Council. Professor Wainwright brings strong academic linkages with China and a wealth of experience to the role. The new Chair will further the vital work of the Council in enhancing “people-to-people” relations between Australia and China.

The Australia-China Council plays a crucial role in cross-cultural and education programs and enjoys strong ties with Australia’s large, diverse and long-standing Chinese Community. Census figures for 2001 show that 557,000 Australians claim Chinese ancestry, the sixth largest ancestry grouping in Australia.

Professor Wainwright, has held the prestigious position of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and International) and Vice Chancellor of the University of UNSW. His experience overseeing of a large number of research, educational and cultural exchanges with China will be invaluable to the Council.

The Australia-China Council has evolved significantly. The biggest single category of spending is currently scholarships and youth exchange programmes. Other major initiatives include funding for Australian Studies in China, cultural exchanges and residency programs.

The Australia-China Council supports an exciting range of tangible projects, recently approving the funding for six new grants that range from supporting the 2007 Australian Children’s Choir’s China Tour, to aiding the Taiwanese Hsiao Hsi Yuan Puppet Theatre’s tour of Tasmania.

I encourage the Council under Professor Wainwright to keep up its excellent work in promoting the extensive people to people links that are essential to our future political and economic relations with China.

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