About CAHS
Chinese Australian Historical Society Inc.
The CAHS was founded by Professor Henry Chan (University of Newcastle, NSW) in 2002. CAHS has been active in pursuing its goal of advancing the study of the history of Chinese in Australia by holding seminars, workshops, and conferences.
Areas of Interest
The Society’s areas of interest include: expanding access to Chinese Australian history resources, by sponsoring projects such as Bew Chip’s Register by Juanita Kwok; furthering research and family histories through the Chinese Australian Research Interest Group; and providing advocacy for the preservation of Chinese Australian heritage, such as the Sydney’s Chinatown buildings, and the recording of culturally significant objects through the Scattered Legacy project. These activities advance the study and preservation of Chinese Australian history and heritage.
Image: Trevor jack (on right) and unknown person, Hong Yuens & Co, Inverell, c193os. Source: Kira Brown
Image: Femme de Canton, Artist: Raimund von Stillfried (Austrian, 1839–1911) Date: 1870s
Objectives
According to the Society’s Constitution, the objective of CAHS is to advance education in the field of the history of the Chinese in Australia and:
- a) to encourage and promote research in and the study of the history of the Chinese, their families, institutions, and communities, in Australia and in particular in New South Wales, and the preservation of Chinese Australian heritage
- b) to promote the collection, compilation and preservation of authentic records relating to the Chinese in Australia
- c) to promote the preservation of objects, buildings, or sites of significance to the heritage of Chinese Australians
- d) to promote interchange of information among members of the Society by lectures, seminars, workshops, conferences, exhibitions of historical significance, and any other appropriate means
- e) to print, publish (in any media) and circulate such newsletters, journals, periodicals, books and other literary or other undertaking as may seem conducive to any of the objects of the Society
- f) to undertake any other activity that is conducive to the Society’s objective.
Governance
CAHS is a not-for-profit organisation incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act 1984 (NSW). CAHS is governed and managed by a management committee in adherence to the Society’s Constitution. The management committee is elected annually. In the Constitution, you can find further information about the objects and rules of CAHS. You can view here a pdf version of the CAHS Constitution.