The American Australian Association opened its latest Manhattan headquarters on Tuesday night with a star-studded event celebrating the nonprofit’s seventy fifth anniversary.
News Corp executive chairman Rupert Murdoch and other notable luminaries were readily available to unveil the “Murdoch Center.”
The headquarters will function a cultural center and meeting place to help the association’s mission of fostering stronger ties between the US and Australia.
“I remember my father launching the American Australian Association 75 years ago. Australia had entered the Second World War as a member of the British Empire and ended having been saved by the US, with the result that this latest bilateral relationship became crucial.” Murdoch said. “And what was true then is totally the case now, with the world facing many historic challenges, including the rise of a belligerent China. To further this understanding, the Association plays a crucial role in creating post-graduate scholarships for talented young Australian and American researchers, whose work has transformed and saved lives.”
Rupert Murdoch and Lachlan Murdoch (center) cut the ribbon Tuesday with dignitaries that included Caroline Kennedy (2nd from left), Anthony Pratt (third from right) and Arthur Sinodinos (2nd from right).Jenna Bascom Photography
The opening event was also attended by Murdoch’s son Lachlan, Fox Corp.’s executive chairman, in addition to US Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy, Australian Ambassador to the US Arthur Sinodinos and Australian billionaire Anthony Pratt.
“Finally, I’d just add, it means much to me to have Lachlan here today sharing on this necessary moment and continuing the family tradition,” the elder Murdoch said. “So, many due to all for what you’ve done for the Association and for what you surely will do for the 2 countries that I call home, Australia and the US.”
Positioned at 600 third Ave. in Manhattan, the Murdoch Center will host business roundtables and conferences for American and Australian businesses, function a hub to showcase the work of the association’s grant recipients and supply resources for newly arrived Australians, amongst other functions.
Rupert Murdoch helps open the brand new Manhattan headquarters for the American Australian Association, a nonprofit founded by his father Sir Keith Murdoch in 1948.Jenna Bascom Photography
Rupert Murdoch, who was joined at event by his son, said it “means much to me to have Lachlan here today sharing on this necessary moment and continuing the family tradition.”Jenna Bascom Photography
“The Murdoch Center was made possible by a really generous grant from News Corp and Fox Corporation, and with the wonderful support of the Pratt Foundation,” the association’s chairman Craig Chapman said.
“Their investment in our future undergirds the worth of freedom and democracy that our two great nations will at all times share,” Chapman added.
Added Kennedy: “There is no such thing as a more necessary relationship on the earth without delay than the US and Australia.”
The American Australian Association was founded in 1948 by Sir Keith Murdoch.