The National Foundation for Australia-China Relations has announced the recipients of its 2025-26 grants round and revealed new appointments to its Advisory Board. These grants aim to foster cooperation and engagement between the people of Australia and China, furthering the stabilisation of the bilateral relationship.
This year’s initiatives will support risk-informed engagement with China, enhance Australia’s capabilities regarding China, and promote meaningful connections with Chinese-Australian communities. The funded projects will focus on a variety of priorities that align with the Foundation’s mission to strengthen ties between the two nations.
New Advisory Board Appointments
In addition to the grants, the Foundation has appointed three new members to its Advisory Board. The Hon Mr Simon Birmingham, currently the CEO of the Australian Banking Association, joins the board alongside Mr Clinton Dines, a Non-Executive Director and Adjunct Professor at Griffith University Asia Institute, and Dr Darren Lim, a Senior Lecturer at the Australian National University.
These new board members bring extensive expertise in trade, foreign policy, business, and research, which will help guide the Foundation’s efforts to promote enhanced cooperation between Australia and China, ultimately supporting Australia’s national interest.
The Foundation expressed gratitude to the outgoing Advisory Board members, including Mr Douglas Gautier AM, Dr Wesa Chau, and Mr Rowan Callick OBE, for their valuable service and contributions. Their efforts have laid a strong foundation for the ongoing work of the organization.
As the Foundation moves forward with its objectives, the upcoming projects and new leadership signal a commitment to strengthening the relationship between Australia and China, which is increasingly important in a changing global landscape. The initiatives funded through the grants are expected to play a pivotal role in fostering deeper connections and understanding between the two countries.
