American Australian Association Celebrates 75th Anniversary With Opening of the Murdoch Center

News Corp executive chairman Rupert Murdoch marked the 75th anniversary of the American Australian Association with the opening of a new HQ named in honour of his family.

Rupert Murdoch opens the American Australian Association’s new New York headquarters. Picture: Jenna Bascom Photography

News Corp executive chairman Rupert Murdoch has opened the American Australian Association’s new New York headquarters named in honour of his family.

Fresh from the AUKUS announcement in San Diego, Australia’s US ambassador Arthur Sinodinos and US Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy helped cut the ribbon at the Murdoch Center, alongside Visy executive chairman Anthony Pratt and News Corp co-chairman Lachlan Murdoch.

The association, founded by Sir Keith Murdoch in New York in 1948, strengthens political, business and cultural ties between Australia and the US through scholarships, events and exchange programs.

“The Murdoch Center was made possible by a very generous grant from News Corp and Fox Corporation, and with the wonderful support of the Pratt Foundation,” chair Craig Chapman said.

“Their investment in our future undergirds the values of freedom and democracy that our two great nations will always share.”

From left: AAA chair Craig Chapman, US Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy AAA president John Berry, Rupert Murdoch, Lachlan Murdoch, businessman Anthony Pratt, Australian Ambassador Arthur Sinodinos, and JP Morgan’s Jennifer Nason. Picture: Jenna Bascom Photography

Mr Murdoch said he remembered his father launching the association in 1948.

“Australia had entered the Second World War as a member of the British Empire and ended having been saved by the United States, resulting in this new bilateral relationship becoming crucial,” Mr Murdoch told the crowd of business and political leaders.

“What was true then is absolutely the case now, with the world facing many historic challenges, including the rise of a belligerent China.

“To further this understanding, the association plays an important role in creating postgraduate scholarships for talented young Australian and American researchers, whose work has transformed and saved lives,” Mr Murdoch said.

Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch at the American Australian Association opening of the Murdoch Center in New York City. Picture: Jenna Bascom Photography

“It means much to me to have Lachlan here today sharing in this important moment and continuing the family tradition.”

Ms Kennedy said there was “no more important relationship in the world right now than the US and Australia”.

Mr Pratt agreed and said he was honoured to support the new centre, which will host business roundtables, conferences and other collaborative events.

It will also allow the association to showcase more than 1000 graduate artists, scholars and veterans who have shared in $US15m ($A22m) in grants, while bringing top research from Sydney’s United States Studies Centre and the Perth USAsia Centre to the US.

Originally published as American Australian Association Celebrates 75th Anniversary With Opening of the Murdoch Center