Recent Consular Outreach in Queensland

Brisbane & Cairns — 30 June to 3 July 2008

From June 30 to July 3, 2008, Sydney Consular Officer Kent May and Senior Consular Assistant Louise Sawyer provided consular services to over 200 Queensland residents and their families in Brisbane and Cairns. With the kind cooperation of the Macarthur Museum Brisbane, Kent and Louise assisted Queenslanders with their passport applications, birth registrations, and other U.S. citizenship services. Kent also appeared on ABC 612 Brisbane radio with host Kelly Higgins-Devine to provide Queensland residents with information on the U.S. visa application process, including upcoming changes to the Visa Waiver Program, the new Fingerprint Reissue/Reuse Program, the E-3 Visa for Australian professionals, and the Student Work and Travel Pilot Program.

To stay informed on our plans for future visits to Queensland, send us an email at queenslandacs@state.gov. In your email, please include the applicant’s name, date of birth, contact name, address, telephone number, and the type of service requested. We look forward to seeing you on our next visit!

Ambassador Reaches Out to Queensland

Brisbane & Townsville — June 2008

In early June, Ambassador McCallum and Mrs. McCallum traveled to the state of Queensland for a week of outreach activities. While in Brisbane, they ventured to the Australia Zoo to deliver anti-wildlife trafficking public service announcements, featuring Harrison Ford, and to thank the Zoo staff for their efforts in wildlife conservation. They also were interviewed by ABC Radio Brisbane, met with the editorial board of the Courier Mail, toured the Port of Brisbane, spoke to students and professors at Griffith University, and visited Queensland’s Gallery of Modern Art.

After Brisbane, they flew to Townsville. While in Townsville, Ambassador and Mrs. McCallum visited the 3rd Brigade to thank Brigadier John Caligari and his soldiers for their efforts and sacrifices in Afghanistan, East Timor, and throughout the world. They met with James Cook University Vice-Chancellor Professor Harding, toured the university campus, and interacted with students. They also were interviewed by ABC Radio Townsville, spoke to a local business organization, received briefings from the Institute of Marine Science, and participated in a reception hosted in their honor by Mayor of Townsville Cr Les Tyrell.

Commemoration of the 66th Anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea

Brisbane — May 2008

Queensland's commemoration of the 66th anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea spanned several days and included memorial services and wreath layings, band concerts, the running of the Coral Sea cup, receptions, and teas. The Commander of the U.S. Seventh Fleet, Vice Admiral Doug Crowder, and U.S. Consul General Judith Fergin joined representatives of the Governor and the state and federal governments to honor those who fell in the Battle of the Coral Sea and to express our thanks to the survivors. The USS Cleveland visited Brisbane so that her commanding officer and crew could participate in the commemoration. Members of the Seventh Fleet Band joined Australian counterparts at the several services as part of their concert series in southeast Queensland. U.S. President Bush send the following greetings to mark the anniversary:

The White House, Washington, May 2, 2008

I send greetings to those observing the 66th anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea.

The Battle of the Coral Sea is an important milestone in the history of freedom and signifies the enduring friendship between the American and Australian people. In May 1942, the armed forces of both countries fought to prevent an invasion of Port Moresby, to protect Australia, and ultimately to defeat the power of tyranny in World War II. This anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate all those who fought with valor in the face of great danger to protect freedom and democracy.

I appreciate the service members from the Battle of the Coral Sea for their heroic accomplishments and all those working to advance peace and liberty.

Laura and I send our best wishes on this special occasion.

Signed, George W. Bush

Visa Chat: Non-Immigrant Visas

Wednesday, 2 April 2008

The chat on Non-Immigrant Visas is now concluded. Thank you to everyone who participated, and we hope that the session was helpful and informative to all! The full transcript of the session is now available.

Visit to Griffith Asia Institue by State Department Officials

Brisbane — 25 February 2008

Griffith Asia Institute Director Michael Wesley and Griffith University colleagues welcomed Glyn Davies, the U.S. Department of State's Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, to the university on February 25 for a lively luncheon discussion of U.S. policies in the Asia-Pacific region. Mr. Davies, accompanied by Consul General Judith Fergin and State Department colleague Aleisha Woodward, focused on U.S. policy throughout the region as well as the bilateral relationship. Having just participated in the annual AUSMIN meetings in Canberra, Mr. Davies commented on the strength and vitality of the bilateral relationship and the importance of continuing to work together on the regional and global challenges that our two countries face.