The Irish Studies Association of Australia and New Zealand encourages and supports the study of Ireland and of the Irish Diaspora in Australia, New Zealand and internationally, by facilitating the exchange of information and ideas among its members.

Information is circulated through regular newsletters to members and through the Australasian Irish Studies Conferences. In 2013 this will be hosted by the Global Irish Studies Centre at University of New South Wales. Details here soon

Since February 2012 Perry McIntyre has been the Chair of the Great Irish Famine Commemoration Committee (GIFCC). This committee raised funds and built the Australian National Famine Memorial which is incorporated in the wall of the Hyde Park Barracks in Macquarie Street, Sydney. It was unveiled in 1998. Historic Houses Trust are the custodians of the Memorial and work together with GIFCC to host an annual event in August. This year we host the International Commemoration. GIFCC aims to have stories of all 4412 young women who came to Australia from the workhouses of Ireland during the Famine period 1848-1850. See www.irishfaminememorial.org for details of this emigration scheme, the work of GIFCC and the names and details of the Famine orphan girls.