Beijing: It would have been highly contentious in mainland China, let alone in Australia's largest cities.

A planned concert series next month glorifying the life of controversial Communist Party icon Chairman Mao at the Sydney and Melbourne town halls has sparked outrage among Chinese-Australians, while serving to highlight the widening schism within the local diaspora.

China's rise as an economic superpower has impacted Australian cities beyond trade figures, tourist arrivals and international student enrolments. With mainland Chinese migration sharply increasing in recent years, state-backed political astroturfing has become more pronounced, from pro-Beijing South China Sea demonstrations in Melbourne and Sydney, to mobilising cheering, flag-waving crowds to drown out Free Tibet and Falun Gong demonstrators during President Xi Jinping's visit in 2014.

The organisers are typically business, community and patriotic associations with close ties to the Chinese embassy and consulates which harness the local community in an attempt to advance the mainland's strategic interests and have a greater influence on public discussion in Australia.