On September 7th, Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Julie Bishop MP, announced the establishment of the “Australia-China Achievement Awards” – a new initiative by the Australia-China Council.

The announcement coincides with the visit to Australia of China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi for the Australia-China Foreign and Strategic Dialogue.

The Australia-China Achievement Awards will celebrate the leadership, entrepreneurship and creativity of Australian organisations and people in advancing Australia-China relations. The Awards will showcase the depth and diversity of Australia-China connections and recognise champions of engagement.

In 2014, the Awards will be presented in three categories: Education, Entrepreneurship and the Arts. The Awards will be presented in the form of a prize of A$5,000 (in each category) and certificates. Australian organisations and individuals (Australian citizens and permanent residents) are eligible for the Awards.

Awardees will be selected through a competitive nomination process.

The nominations will open on 8th September and close on 6th October, 2014.

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced in November-December 2014.

Australia-China Achievement Awards

The Australia-China Achievement Awards is a new initiative of the Australia-China Council at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Awards will celebrate successes of Australian organisations and individuals in advancing Australia-China relations. The Awards profile and promote the leadership, entrepreneurship and creativity of Australian organisations and people in building stronger connections between the two nations. The Awards will, over time, become a national platform to showcase the diversity and depth of the bilateral relationship and recognise champions of engagement.

In 2014, the Awards will be presented in three categories: Education, Entrepreneurship and the Arts. The Awards will be presented in the form of a prize of A$5,000 (in each category) and certificates. Australian organisations and individuals (Australian citizens and permanent residents) are eligible for the Awards.

Awards will be selected through a competitive nomination process. The Australia-China Council Board will coordinate the assessment of nominations, in consultation with a range of government and non-government stakeholders. The shortlist of nominations will be presented to the Minister for Foreign Affairs for consideration and decision. The Awards will be presented at an annual ceremony.

The Awards are administered by the Australia-China Council at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Objectives

• To celebrate entrepreneurship, creativity and excellence of Australian organisations and people who contribute to the development of stronger and broader economic, cultural and education ties between Australia and China.
• To promote new areas of bilateral economic, education and cultural engagement.
• To harness and showcase leadership of Australian communities and individuals in advancing Australia’s relationship with China.

Further information about the Awards and the nomination process is available at www.dfat.gov.au/acc/awards