The Association was first formed in 1936 in New South Wales and was originally known as "The British American Co-operation Movement for World Peace". It first became known as the Australian-American Association in 1941 in Queensland.;;Its aim is to contribute to the maintenance and development of friendship, mutual understanding and co-operation between the peoples of Australia and the United States of America.;;Since its foundation its achievements have included achieving diplomatic representation in 1940; fund-raising to erect the Australian American Memorial in Canberra in 1954; launching the American Field Service (AFS) secondary school exchange program in Australia; establishing Sister City relationships between Australian and American cities and towns, work in R&R (Rest and Recreation) centres during the Vietnam conflict; funding and establishing a permanent exhibit at the Australian War Memorial to commemorate the 1942 Battle of the Coral Sea.;;Its activities include encouraging community awareness, participating in and celebrating Australian American Friendship Week, incorporating the commemoration of the Battle of the Coral Sea; celebrating Australia Day, Independence Day and Thanksgiving; welcoming Americans working or settling in Australia, entertaining visiting United States service personnel; disseminating United States Consular information in areas where there is no resident consular presence and facilitating contact and exchange between the peoples of Australia and the United States.;;Membership is diverse in age and occupation and has a common belief in the democratic process and an interest in the United States and a fondness for the friendly attitudes and similar lifestyles found in the two countries.;;The Hobart Branch of the Association was formed in 1963.