Australia—Cuba Friendship Society (Brisbane)

In brief:

The branch was established in 1985. Initially the branch gave support to visiting Cubans and built the annual work/study Southern Cross Brigade to Cuba. It organised public meetings, concerts for touring bands, and other events to raise awareness and support for the Cuban Revolution, and raised funds for developmental projects in Cuba

The branch works in conjunction with the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP) based in Havana.

Projects

In early 2024 the society contributed to Project Hatuey, supporting the purchase of cancer-treating medicines for the Cuban Children's Hospital.

In 2019 the Branch financed the purchase of equipment for Children's Theatre Company 'Dream Circle' in Holguin, Central Cuba, in association with the Cuban Ministry of Culture and the Holguin City Cultural Directorate

Our project for 2016/17 supported the purchase of sporting equipment in the regional community of Blanca Rosa, Majibacoa municipality in Central Cuba.

In early 2015 the society completed a health project, funding the digitising of medical records in Granma Province.

Prior to that we undertook a project to develop environmental education programs in the University of Las Tunas.

In 2005 the ACFS Brisbane, in conjunction with other branches in Sydney, Perth, Adelaide finalised the payment for the refurbishment of the climate control facilities in the Camilo Cienfuegos University Hospital in Sancti Spiritus.

Previously the Brisbane Branch had funded, along with branches in Adelaide and Perth, the purchase of solar panels for a remote medical centre in Granma Province.

Visiting Cubans

The society offers support for visiting Cubans particularly for those on official business, such as visiting scientists, conference attendees, medical workers and athletes.