The American Australian Association opened its latest headquarters in Manhattan on Tuesday night with a star-studded event to have a good time the 75th anniversary of its founding.p anniversary.
News Corp Executive Chairman Rupert Murdoch and other outstanding luminaries were in attendance to unveil the “Murdoch Center”.
The headquarters will function a cultural center and meeting place, supporting the association’s mission of strengthening ties between the United States and Australia.
“I remember when my father founded the American Australian Association 75 years ago. Australia entered World War II as a member of the British Empire and was saved by the United States, making this latest bilateral relationship crucial.” Murdoch said. “And what was true then is completely true now as the world faces many historical challenges, including the rise of warlike China. To further this understanding, the Association plays a vital role in creating postgraduate fellowships for talented young Australian and American scientists whose work has modified and saved lives.”
The opening event was also attended by Murdoch’s son Lachlan, Executive Chairman of Fox Corp., in addition to US Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy, Australian Ambassador to the US Arthur Sinodinos and Australian billionaire Anthony Pratt.
“Finally, I’d similar to to add that it means quite a bit to me that Lachlan is here today, sharing this essential moment and continuing the family tradition,” said the elder Murdoch. “So, thanks a lot to everyone for what you’ve done for the Association and for what you will certainly do for the two countries I call home, Australia and the United States.”
Positioned at 600 third Ave. in Manhattan, the Murdoch Center will host business roundtables and conferences for US and Australian firms, function a hub for presenting the work of the association’s fellows, and supply resources for newly arrived Australians, amongst other things.
“The Murdoch Center was built with a really generous grant from News Corp and Fox Corporation, and with the wonderful support of the Pratt Foundation,” said association chairman Craig Chapman.
“Their investment in our future underpins the values of freedom and democracy that can all the time share our two great nations,” added Chapman.
Kennedy added, “There is no such thing as a more essential relationship in the world today than the United States and Australia.”
The American Australian Association was founded in 1948 by Sir Keith Murdoch.