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2005 Public Affairs Programs
Andy Thomas Space Medallion Prize Winner
July 2005
Young Australians were challenged by Australian-American astronaut Andy Thomas and Engineers Australia to answer the question: “Why is studying math and science important to Australia’s future?” Participants submitted 750-word essays, judged by Engineers Australia, with seven winners announced from space by Thomas during his flight on the Space Shuttle Discovery in July 2005. Thomas carried the prizes – solid silver medallions modeled on the STS-114 crew emblem and including the engraved launch and landing dates – with him on the mission that marked the first return to space following the Colombia accident.
Western Australia’s recipient of the Andy Thomas Space Medallion is Sophie Bowen from Corpus Christi High School in Perth. Consul General Robin McClellan presented the medallion, along with Engineers Australia Schools Project Coordinator, Janice Clark.
More photos
September 11 Observed at the U.S. Consulate General Perth
11 September 2005
Trees were planted, special music was performed and prayers were said in memory of those lost on September 11, 2001.
Members of the UN Association, the Australian American Association, the American Women’s Club, along with students from the Australian School for International Education, members of Australia’s only Boy Scout troop and the North American Veterans Unit joined Consulate staff and land council experts in planting 500 trees in memory of 9/11 victims.
In a visit supported by Consulate General Perth, American conductor Marin Alsop conducted “On the Transmigration of Souls” by American composer John Adams. Choirs from three Perth high schools joined an adult choir and the West Australian Symphony Orchestra to perform the piece, which Adams wrote to create a “memory space” for the victims of 9/11.
A Rabbi, an Anglican bishop, and a Muslim Imam joined the Consul General and 40 participants for an evening service hosted by the Consulate General at ANZAC Cottage. Imam Jalil focused his remarks on the tragedy of innocent loss of life and the need to ensure that religious teachings were not perverted for evil. The candle-lit event closed with a moment of silence at 8:46 pm., to coincide with the timing of the impact of the first plane four years ago. The Anglican church also held a service in remembrance of September 11 victims on Sunday morning.
The Role of Bilateral and Multilateral Agreements in Global Trade Liberalization
8 to 16 August 2005
The Cato Institute’s Director of Trade Policy Studies, Daniel Griswold, visited Australia on August 8-16 to discuss the role of bilateral and multilateral agreements in global trade liberalization. He met with government officials, lobbyists, academics, students and businesspersons in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. Perhaps the highlight of his visit was addressing the inaugural session of the new “Confucius Institute” at the University of Western Australia. Griswold’s vigorous advocacy of free trade, observations on Sino-Australian FTA negotiations, and characterization of its possible impact on U.S. relations with both countries were timely and well received by the audience.
Venture Capital Digital Video Conference
28 April 2005
On April 28, the Consulate hosted a DVC featuring the President of the National Venture Capital Association in the US. The Small Business Development Corporation co-hosted the event, which was designed to inform interested Australian businesses on how to gain access to US venture Capital. Audience members included business professionals, academics, and several state government representatives.
Trafficking in Persons Digital Video Conference
23 June 2005
The “U.S. Government’s Perspective on Prosecuting People Traffickers” was our topic on June 23. America has recently adopted a new “Trafficking Victims Protection Act,” an approach which focuses on offering asylum and assistance to victims of people. The DVC was attended by over 30 participants, including Australian customs officials, Australian Federal Police Forensic and Intel Personnel, Corruption and Crime Commission reps, academics from local universities and reps from the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs.
Anzac Day
April 25, 2005
Consul General Robin McClellan participated in the wreath-laying ceremony during Dawn Services on Anzac Day, April 25, at the Flame of Remembrance part of the State War Memorial in Kings Park. She also attended the Returned Service League Gunfire Breakfast and joined Governor Sanderson and other members of the diplomatic corps in viewing the parade which proceded along St. Georges Terrace.
Consul Mark Prokop represented the Consulate at the Fremantle Dawn Services and parade.
Liquid Natural Gas Digital Video Conference
April 15, 2005
A diverse audience of oil and gas executives, government department officials, journalists, and Senators attended a Digital Video Conference (DVC) at the Consulate. The topic discussed was “The Expanding Liquid Natural Gas Market in the United States,” with guest speakers Mr. Richard Foley and Mr. David Maul from Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and California Energy Commission, respectively.
Participants noted the presentation was “very informative with respect to content” and offered “excellent insight into U.S. system and procedures in relation to approvals.” One official stated that he applauds the Consulate’s “initiative in implementing these sessions” as they are “the next best thing to a face to face meeting.”
Unveiling of Portraits of Royal Agricultural Society Hall of Fame Inductees
March 16, 2005
The Consul General and the State Minister of Agriculture were the featured speakers at the unveiling of portraits of the inductees into the Royal Agricultural Society’s Hall of Fame. Drawing from her own farm background, Consul General Robin McClellan spoke of the similarities between the rural sectors in the United States and Australia, and encouraged support for soil conservation and a science-based approach to biotechnology. She also discussed potential increased areas of cooperation under the bilateral Free Trade Agreement.
Last update Sunday, 15 June 2008
