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During 1990 the Centre for Australian Language and Literature Studies has gone some way towards fulfilling its aims of providing a regional focus for research and teaching in the field of Australian Literature. There has been significant interaction with the communities covered by the amalgamated University of New England and, at the same time, the members of the Centre have maintained their national and international associations. ... The year's activities began with the publication of the 'Handbook' and a drive for membership. Three hundred copies of the 'Handbook' were sent out: to people within the community who were likely to be interested, to members of the Association for the Study of Australian Literature, and to overseas colleagues. The resulting membership of eighty-five, fifty-four of whom are local, is very pleasing. What is more important is that the Centre and its activities are well known and attract favourable comment throughout Australian literary circles, and in those overseas institutions which teach and promote Australian literature. We have had many congratulatory letters on the formation of the Centre from within Australia, from the Universities of Berne, Graz, Bologna, Lecce, the University of Texas at Austin, and from many other centres. |
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