Alliance Française d'Atherton

The Alliance Française, founded in 1883 in Paris, is a cultural non-profit association. Among its fathers were Victor Hugo, Louis Pasteur and Ferdinand de Lesseps. Their aim was to promote meaningful cultural dialogue and friendly relations between the peoples of the world through the promotion and teaching of the French language.
The Alliance is made up of over 1100 branches in 134 countries, with more than 35 000 students per year. There are more than 30 branches in Australia, and all of these have joined into a Federation which has its headquarters in Canberra. Delegates of the Federation meet once a year to discuss common interests in teaching French and arranging cultural and social events for their communities.
Through the Federation, the Atherton Alliance is affiliated with all the Alliances Françaises world-wide and it receives a small annual grant from the French government to help it achieve its objectives.
The Alliance Française d’Atherton (Inc) was founded in 1975 with the aim of promoting the French language and culture on the Atherton Tableland. Its first secretary was M. John Huon de Navrancourt, who remained a key figure for the next 20 years, frequently serving as its president. He is fondly remembered as the promoter of the annual Joan of Arc celebration, held in Atherton throughout the 80s and 90s. For over 25 years, the Alliance has provided French courses and fostered cultural exchange on the Atherton Tablelands.
Members receive in addition a bi-monthly newsletter, l’Athertonnais, which contains articles in both French and English. The Alliance is also able to assist with translation and other services that may be needed by French nationals living on the Tablelands.
The Alliance has a library of French texts and videos that members may use; it holds annual 14th July celebrations, and promotes concerts, film-evenings, play-readings, and other cultural events associated with France. Members receive in addition a newsletter, l’Athertonnais, which contains articles in both French and English. The Alliance is also able to assist with translation and other services that may be needed by French nationals living on the Tablelands.
The Atherton Alliance supports Médecins Sans Frontières Australia. MSF are the world’s leading independent humanitarian organisation for medical aid with some 3,000 volunteer doctors, nurses and support staff working in trouble spots around the world helping those living on the edge of human tolerance.