[Come Together] Australia and New Zealand Association

-Name of Club: ANZA (Australia and New Zealand Association)

-Location: Seoul

-Number of members: Currently 180 family memberships

-Started: ANZA’s beginnings were in the Aussie Connections group that was started in Seoul in the late 1970s by Rachel Miller, wife of the then Australian Ambassador, to give expat spouses and missionaries a place to feel more comfortable. Money was raised for Korean charities over the years by this group of Australians by making and selling handicrafts and cakes.

This is a regular feature introducing associations and clubs for expats. This week, Expat Living spoke to Amitha Mather, marketing and communications manager of the Australia and New Zealand Association ― Ed.

In August 2001, Aussie Connections joined with a New Zealand organization to become The Australian and New Zealand Association, Korea. ANZA was already a well-established expat organization internationally, having been founded in 1948.

ANZA is still following in Aussie Connection’s footsteps, and hosts a number of key social functions a year to raise money for non-government funded Korean charities.

ANZA supports various local charities through its fundraising activities including the Jeon Jing Sang Center, which supports financially disadvantaged families; Mor Hyun Hospice, which provides compassionate care for the terminally ill; Raphael House, which supports disabled children; and Kidam, which helps financially disadvantaged families of children with leukemia and cancer.

Who is it for, and what goes on?

ANZA membership is open to all Australians and New Zealanders as well as other residents of South Korea who have an interest in or connection with Australia or New Zealand.

Whether you are new to Seoul or a long term resident, ANZA provides information, networking, social, recreational and sporting activities for its members.

The membership period is for the 12 months from Sept. 1 until Aug. 31 the following year.

How to join?

You can join via our website www.anzakorea.com.

Are there any membership fees?

50,000 won for annual family membership. This membership fee entitles members to the following: discounted ticket rates for all ANZA events, special membership offers (i.e. a New Zealand wine offer twice a year), monthly global cafe, annual fundraising ball, Melbourne Cup Lunch, social functions, sporting activities and special interest groups.

What is the highlight of the year for your club?

Our Annual Ball is the highlight of the year for ANZA, which this year is on Saturday 30 April at the Grand Hyatt. Tickets are available via the website.