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

1. 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.
2. To promote new areas of bilateral economic, education and cultural engagement.
3. To harness and showcase leadership of Australian communities and individuals in advancing Australia’s relationship with China.

For more information and to submit your nomination, please visit the Australia-China Council website at: http://www.dfat.gov.au/acc/awards/

For any queries regarding the awards, please feel free to contact Australia-China Council Manager Philipp Ivanov at auschina.council@dfat.gov.au, or call at (02) 6261 3818.