Foundation for Australian Literary Studies About FALS

About FALS

The Foundation for Australian Literary Studies aims to foster the study and appreciation of Australian literature. The foundation is funded through the generosity of the late Professor Colin Roderick CBE, his wife Mrs Margaret Roderick as well as donations and membership from the general public.

The Foundation is a registered not-for-profit that offers memberships as well as accepts donations from members and supporters. Contributions are actively sought from lovers of Australian literature throughout Australia.

The Foundation is governed by a board of directors and is based at James Cook University, Townsville.

History of the Foundation


The Foundation was formally established on 18th July 1966 amidst messages of support from leading figures in Australian literary and academic fields. Sir Stephen Roberts, Vice Chancellor of the University of Sydney, described the formation of the Foundation as "a major educational achievement".

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Queensland, Sir Fred Schonell, saw it as "a means of charting the past, vitalizing the present, and influencing the future for the increasing number of Australians seeking a literary conscience".

The Foundation celebrated its 50th year in 2016, to commemorate a history of the Foundation was published. This publication commemorates and celebrates the first fifty years of the Foundation for Australian Literary Studies (FALS), an organisation designed to promote and encourage Australian literature at a local and national level.

Life Governors

The Foundation recognises with thanks the contributions made by the following people to the study of Australian literary studies:

Life Governors morning tea, June 2017 left to right The Hon Kieran Cullinane, Prof Richard Nile, Mrs Margaret Roderick, Prof Sandra Harding, Prof Don Gallagher
Image: Celebrating Life Governors morning tea, June 2017. L-R: The Hon Keiran Cullinane AM, Prof Richard Nile, Mrs Margaret Roderick, Prof Sandra Harding AO, Prof Don Gallagher OAM.

The Hon Kieran Cullinane receiving Life Governors certificate with Foundation Chair Justice Cullinane was appointed to the Supreme Court on 16th November 1992 following a highly successful 26 year career at the bar, for the last decade as the first Queen’s Counsel to be appointed outside Brisbane.

His community contribution has embraced substantial commitment to James Cook University, serving on its Council, and acting as honorary lecturer in comparative law, contributions which led to the conferral by the University of an honorary Doctorate of Laws in the year 2007

His Honour’s judicial and other community contributions were appropriately recognized by the nation in 2009, with his admission to the Order of Australia.

Image: The Hon Keiran Cullinane AM receiving Life Governors certificate with Foundation Chair Prof Richard Nile, June 2017.

Prof Don Gallagher receiving Life Governors certificate with Prof Sandra Harding
Image: Prof Don Gallagher OAM receiving Life Governors certificate with Prof Sandra Harding AO, Foundation Deputy Chair, June 2017.

Adjunct Prof Stephen Torre receiving Life Governor certificate with Prof Richard Nile, Foundation Chair and Prof Sandra Harding, Foundation Deputy Chair
Image: Adjunct Prof Stephen Torre receiving Life Governor certificate with Prof Richard Nile, Foundation Chair and Prof Sandra Harding AO, Foundation Deputy Chair, October 2018.