About Us

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The Alliance franҫaise de Ballarat provides a range of opportunities for French language and culture enthusiasts in the Ballarat region through social and educational activities and events. These include our weekly French language classes during school terms, monthly soirées and annual celebrations, such as La Fête Nationale (Bastille Day) in July. 

The Alliance franҫaise has a rich history. It was founded in Paris in 1883 as a national association to promote the French language around the world. Eminent public figures including Jules Verne, Louis Pasteur and Paul Cambon, were at the forefront of the organisation’s development. Today it is the leading cultural network worldwide with more than 1,000 branches on all five continents. 

Each Alliance franҫaise is a local not-for-profit organisation operating autonomously without political or religious affiliations. All work towards three essential tasks:

• Offering French classes for all;
• Spreading awareness of French and francophone culture;
• Promoting cultural diversity.

The 2026 Committee of the Alliance franҫaise de Ballarat is as follows:

Président: Dr Alastair Hurst

Vice-Présidente: Karin Miller

Trésorière: Dinah Toohey

Secrétaire: Peter Nicholson

Membres du Comité Général: Tamara Barrett, Judith Glaubitz, Helen Harrison, Troy Olcorn

Our committee comprises eight volunteers, with roles defined as follows:

Président(e) – Chairs meetings, guides the organisation’s direction, acts as spokesperson for the organisation

Vice-Président(e) – Supports the President and represents the organisation when required.

Trésorier/Trésorière – Manages finances, writes financial reports, and generates invoices.

Secrétaire – Manages organisation records, keeps minutes of meetings, co-ordinates external correspondence, receives and files documentation.

Membres du Comité Général – Attend meetings, contribute to events, French language education, marketing and communications activities, and support the goals of the organisation.