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.

Following the recent passing of our President, Dr Alastair Hurst, the Alliance Française de Ballarat continues its activities under the leadership of the Executive Committee. The election of a new President will be arranged in accordance with the association's constitution.

The Alliance Française de Ballarat is governed by a volunteer committee, with roles defined as follows:

Président(e) – Provides leadership to the organisation, chairs committee and general meetings, guides the organisation's strategic direction, and acts as its principal spokesperson.

Vice-président(e) – Supports the President, undertakes delegated responsibilities, and performs the President's duties when the President is unavailable or the position is vacant.

Trésorier/Trésorière – Manages the organisation's finances, prepares financial reports, oversees banking and financial records, and issues invoices when required.

Secrétaire – Maintains the organisation's records, prepares agendas and minutes, manages official correspondence, and ensures that statutory and governance records are maintained.

Membres du comité – Attend committee meetings, contribute to the organisation's activities and events, support French language education, marketing and communications, and assist in achieving the organisation's objectives.

The 2026 Executive Committee is as follows:

Président: Vacant (pending election).

Vice-présidente: Karin Miller (performing the duties of President)

Trésorière: Dinah Toohey

Secrétaire: Peter Nicholson

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