http://canberra.usembassy.gov http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20101015.html On October 15, Sheldrake Point Winery of Cayuga, New York won the award for “Best Sweet Riesling Wine in the World” and the perpetual American Ambassador’s trophy for Best U.S. Wine in the Canberra International Riesling Challenge 2010. Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20101015.html http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20101009.html On October 9, Ambassador Bleich joined Prime Minister Julia Gillard at the $43 billion Gorgon liquid natural gas project on remote Barrow Island in Western Australia to announce the U.S. Department of State’s contribution of $500,000 to the Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute (GCCSI). Ambassador's remarks http://photos.state.gov/libraries/adelaide/171311/speeches/20101009.pdf Ambassador's remarks Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20101009.html http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100726.html While plastic bottles are destroying our oceans, the Plastiki crew were able to transform some of those bottles into a message and an adventure. This normal crew from Britain, France, America, and Italy was able to "turn trash to triumph" and inspire us all to become part of the solution. Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100726.html /events20100721a2.html In an event hosted by ANU Professor Harvey Raymond Butcher, Ambassador Bleich and over 40 scholars gathered at Mt. Stromlo to discuss the future of climate change and the intersections of policy and science. The event was part of the weeklong 2010 ANU Climate Change Institute Young Scholars Conference organized by the Australian National University with funding from the U.S. Embassy. Full entry /events20100721a2.html Full entry Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 /events20100721a2.html http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100121a.html At the invitation of Canberra Boys Grammar, Ambassador Bleich addressed a group of 160 high school seniors and faculty on the subject of the “The U.S./Australia Alliance – 70 Years On.” The Ambassador spoke specifically of the two nations' history of shared values and continued commitment to ongoing challenges from climate change to Afghanistan. Full entry http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100121a.html Full entry Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100121a.html http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100720.html Taking a break from a grueling schedule of speeches and meetings, Ambassador Bleich took the afternoon to enjoy a friendly rugby match between the U.S. and Australia. The U.S. “All Services Rugby Team” took on the Australian Services Rugby Union Team at the Royal Military College Port Sea, Duntroon. Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100720.html http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100701.html Embassy staff and their Australian and diplomatic guests were California Dreamin’ at this year’s Independence Day Celebration in Canberra, Australia. More than 900 people (one of the largest groups in recent memory) attended the celebration, which drew on everything California in honor of Ambassador Jeffrey Bleich’s home state. Video http://www.youtube.com/usembassycanberra Video Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100701.html http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100625-1.html Ambassador Bleich congratulated Julia Gillard on becoming the Prime Minister of Australia at Parliament House on June 25th. President Obama called with his congratulations earlier in the day. Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100625-1.html http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100625.html At the invitation of the National Security Institute at the University of Canberra, Ambassador Bleich presented the fifth lecture in the National Security Lecture series. The Ambassador discussed his views on the U.S.-Australian alliance, the changing security environment, and the importance of multilateral cooperation. Remarks as prepared http://photos.state.gov/libraries/adelaide/171311/speeches/20100625.pdf Remarks as prepared Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100625.html http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100622.html As part of CEDA’s annual “State of the Nation” conference, Ambassador Bleich joined Her Excellency Sujatha Singh, High Commissioner to Australia, High Commission of India, in a panel discussion on international policies and global challenges. Both Ambassador Bleich and High Commissioner Singh discussed the challenges and opportunities of growing global integration and the need for establishing a new security framework. Remarks as prepared http://photos.state.gov/libraries/adelaide/171311/speeches/20100622.pdf Remarks as prepared Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100622.html http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100616.html In his first address at the National Press Club, Ambassador Bleich made the case for optimism and President Obama’s agenda. Joined by members of the Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery and other members of the press club, Ambassador Bleich also assured the Australian public and press of the President’s continued commitment to the Australian partnership. Remarks as prepared http://photos.state.gov/libraries/adelaide/171311/speeches/20100616.pdf Remarks as prepared Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100616.html http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100605.html Ambassador Bleich delivered the keynote speech at the 2010 Scouts Australia Gala Benefit Dinner, lending his support to the common goals of youth development, volunteerism, and respect for the environment. Remarks as prepared http://photos.state.gov/libraries/australia/39176/pdf/20100605.pdf Remarks as prepared Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100605.html http://canberra.usembasy.gov/events20100526.html Partisan U.S. politics looks doomed for failure. Or is it? ANU students, professors, visiting Fulbright scholars and a Embassy official squared off in an open debate about the future of the U.S. political system. Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembasy.gov/events20100526.html http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100525.html Ambassador Bleich joined with Dr. Miriam Baltuck and David Thompson at the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex to dedicate a plaque marking the historic significance of three Australian tracking stations near Canberra to space exploration. Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100525.html http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100514.html Ambassador Bleich, ACT Chief Minister John Stanhope and Mrs. Bleich planted Giant sequoias at the new National Arboretum in Canberra. Photos http://www.flickr.com/photos/usembassycanberra/sets/72157623932576417/ Photos Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100514.html http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100508.html Ambassador Bleich tours the AIS in Canberra with aboriginal runners training in hopes of running in the New York City marathon later this year. Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100508.html http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100506.html Governor General Bryce and Ambassador Bleich were joined by political and military representatives of both nations to lay wreaths in honor of those who lost their lives in the battle that saved Australian shores from the Japanese Imperial Navy and helped to cement the relationship between our to countries. Photos http://www.flickr.com/photos/usembassycanberra/sets/72157624008157620/ Photos Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100506.html http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100425.html To commemorate ANZAC Day 2010, US Marine Corps joined the parade at the Australian War Memorial. The US Embassy’s Marine Security Guard Detachment marched to represent US forces and our long history of partnership with Australians and New Zealanders. Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100425.html http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100421.html Franz Litz, a senior fellow with the World Resources Institute think tank, shares his views on the prospects for climate change legislation in the US with students and faculty at Australian National University in Canberra. Litz also visited Sydney and Adelaide as part of a speaking tour sponsored by the U.S. Embassy. Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100421.html http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100416.html Consul General Thurston traveled to Tasmania for Ambassador Bleich’s first official visit to the Apple Isle. Ambassador Bleich views a 19th century Hawaiian flag presented long ago by Hawaii’s Queen Emma to the wife of the Lieutenant Governor of Tasmania. Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100416.html http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2010/s2872726.htm In a wide-ranging interview with ABC’s7:30 Report, President Obama spoke about hisrelationship with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Afghanistan, climate change, China, the US economy and his up-coming visit to Australia. Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2010/s2872726.htm U.S. Air Force Alaska Brass Band performs The U.S. Air Force Alaska Brass Band recently performed in Sydney. Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100319.html Ambassador Bleich congratulates the newest Australians who have been selected to participate in the prestigious Fulbright Program to study in the United States during the annual presentation dinner in Melbourne. He was joined at the event by University of Melbourne Vice Chancellor Glyn Davis. Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100319.html http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100318.html President Barack Obama has delayed his planned trip to Australia because of the forthcoming vote on health care legislation in the U.S. Congress, the White House has announced. The President now expects to visit Australia in June. Statement http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/statement-press-secretary-robert-gibbs-delay-presidents-trip Statement Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100318.html http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100306.html Ambassador Jeffrey Bleich and Consul General Michael Thurston attended the Wayne Shorter Quartet performance, hosting a pre-show reception with the Adelaide Festival's Artistic Director Paul Grabowsky. The U.S. Embassy supported the festival, helping to bring this jazz legend to South Australia. Ambassador Bleich noted that America was the birthplace of jazz and that one could not exist without the other. Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100306.html http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100305.html Curators Kate Darian-Smith and Rachel Jenzen, together with Professor Glyn Davis Vice Chancellor of the University of Melbourne and Consul General Thurston mark the opening of "Over-Paid, Over-Sexed and Over Here?". The exhibition celebrates the arrival of U.S. Marines into wartime Melbourne 1943. Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100305.html http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100303-3.html Ambassador Bleich conducted an interview with Madonna King on ABC local radio in Brisbane. As this was the Ambassador's first trip to Brisbane, he was thrilled to have the opportunity to reach out to some of the locals through the interview. Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100303-3.html http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100303-2.html During his first trip to Brisbane, Ambassador Bleich met with Courier-Mail Editor David Fagan and his staff. The Courier-Mail is Brisbane's daily newspaper. Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100303-2.html http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100303-1.html Consul General Ken Chern was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters by Murdoch University at its March 3 graduation ceremony. In his citation for the award, Vice Chancellor John Yovich spotlighted the Consul General's extraordinary contribution to the community, his work to expand U.S. ties with Murdoch University, and his overall contributions to U.S.-Western Australia relations in cultural diplomacy, science, outreach to youth and minorities, and support for business. Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100303-1.html http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100228.html Ambassador Bleich met with Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus during his recent visit to Australia. The Navy Secretary visited a number of sites in Sydney, including the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) energy center in Newcastle, Australia. Photos http://picasaweb.google.com/Secnavph/SydneyAustralia?feat=directlink# Photos Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100228.html http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100227.html Ambassador Bleich attended the Royal Canberra Show where he was invited to sash the winning Poll Hereford bull and the grand champion Merino sheep. Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100227.html http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100225.html Ambassador Bleich joins NASA officials and Australian government representatives at the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex at Tidbinbilla to break ground on new communication antennas. This also marks the 50th anniversary of CSIRO's partnership with NASA in solar system exploration. Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100225.html http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100222.html Ambassador Bleich talks with Ross Solly of ABC Local 666 breakfast show about the expected visit by President Obama. This is one of several interviews the Ambassador has given lately about the visit. Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100222.html http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100221.html American music, picnic baskets and good fellowship were the focus of the annual PROMs concert by the Canberra Symphony Orchestra on February 20. Former Fulbright scholar Julian Thompson was a featured soloist with conductor Maestro Nicholas Milton. Photos http://www.flickr.com/photos/usembassycanberra/sets/72157623482744894/ Photos Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100221.html http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100216.html U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III and wife, Mary Murphy, tour the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, Australia, Feb. 16, 2010. Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100216.html http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100215.html Ambassador Jeffrey Bleich joins Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III and South Australia Premier Mike Rann at the official launch of Techport, one of the most modern shipbuilding plants in the world, in Adelaide on February 15, 2010. Coverage http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2010/0210_lynn/ Coverage Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100215.html http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100211.html Consul Neal Vermilion speaks at a graduation function for 35 graduates and their families at the Centre for Aboriginal Studies at Curtin University. The graduates are part of an innovative program that brings people from all over Australia to Curtin for up to 8 weeks throughout each year, allowing the students to continue working in their communities while earning their degrees. Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100211.html http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100209.html US Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia and Ambassador Bleich were among the presenters at the recent International Legal Exchange (ILEX) Briefing Trip to Australia and New Zealand sponsored by the American Bar Association in collaboration with the Law Council of Australia, Law Society of New South Wales and New South Wales Bar Association. Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100209.html http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100210.html Ambassador Bleich introduced indigenous leader Noel Pearson to visiting American lawyers attending the recent International Legal Exchange (ILEX) Briefing Trip to Australia and New Zealand sponsored by the American Bar Association. Remarks as prepared http://photos.state.gov/libraries/adelaide/171311/speeches/20100208.pdf Remarks as prepared Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100210.html http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100206.html Sporting likenesses of President Obama and the First Lady, Embassy staff manned a tent at the Multicultural Festival, answering questions about the U.S. as people posed for photos with the First Couple. The Multicultural Festival is held annually in Canberra, with Saturday featuring information, food and drink stalls and entertainment. Photos http://www.flickr.com/photos/usembassycanberra/sets/72157623374783914/ Photos Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100206.html http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100202.html Following the announcement of President Obama's trip to Australia, Ambassador Bleich spoke with a number of media outlets about the President's plans. Press briefing http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/briefing-white-house-press-secretary-robert-gibbs-2110 Press briefing Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100202.html http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100121.html A tour of a new solar panel project and a visit to Pine Gap were on the agenda for Ambassador Bleich’s trip to Alice Springs on January 21 and 22. At Desert Knowledge Australia, the Ambassador learned about efforts to develop effective strategies for communities to live and grow in the desert, including solar power. Ambassador Bleich's journal entry /ambassador/from-the-ambassadors-desk/up-close-and-personal-in-alice-springs Ambassador Bleich's journal entry Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100121.html http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100108.html Ambassador Bleich was among those on hand to break ground for the Family Violence Prevention Fund’s new international center at the Presidio National Park in San Francisco. He was joined by Australian actress Nicole Kidman, the Goodwill Ambassador for UN Development Fund for Women, and Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi. Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20100108.html http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20091230.html Ambassador Bleich had a chance to learn more about education and athletic opportunities for Australians in the United States during a recent meeting at St Mary's College, a liberal arts university in Moraga, California. A number of Australians play for the school's basketball teams. Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20091230.html http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20091220.html Ambassador Jeffrey Bleich was formally sworn in by U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts in a ceremony on December 20 at the White House. The event was attended by the Ambassador’s family, government officials and Elizabeth Ward, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Australian Embassy in Washington. Ambassador Bleich and Justice Roberts worked together as clerks for the former Chief Justice William Rehnquist. Remarks as prepared http://photos.state.gov/libraries/171311/speeches/20091220-SwearingIn.pdf Remarks as prepared Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20091220.html http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20091209.html Ambassador Bleich addressed a large audience of the Melbourne Press Club for his first address in the Melbourne Consular District. The Ambassador spoke of the strong and enuring U.S Australian friendship, and his commitment to and enthusiasm for being President Obama’s representative in Australia. Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20091209.html http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20091207-1.html Coinciding with the first day of the Copenhagen conference, Ambassador Bleich visited the new exhibition at the National Museum of Australia titled "Water H2O = Life" from the American Museum of National History in New York City. Photos http://www.flickr.com/photos/usembassycanberra/sets/72157622957845096/ Photos Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20091207-1.html http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20091207.html Reading President Barack Obama’s Proclamation at a Pearl Harbor Remembrance Service hosted, PAO Aric Schwan celebrates with two WWII Veterans the enduring friendship between The United States and Australia. Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20091207.html /events20091205.html In the newly named 2010 home for the Canberra club in the Australian Baseball League, Ambassador Bleich presented the 6th Ambassador's cup to the Rebels Baseball Club which recruited the most under 10 players for the 2009 season. The Ambassador spoke of the importance of sport, particularly baseball in teaching the basic civil skills of fairplay , while being healthy and fun. Photos http://www.flickr.com/photos/usembassycanberra/sets/72157622949373080/ Photos Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 /events20091205.html /events20091204.html Newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Australia Jeffrey Bleich met students from the University of Sydney at the U.S. Studies Centre for a roundtable discussion. A group of 25 undergraduate and postgraduate students had the unique opportunity to discuss with Ambassador Bleich the Australia-United States relationship. Photos http://ussc.edu.au/gallery/US-Ambassador-meets-students-at-the-US-Studies-Centre Photos Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 /events20091204.html /events20091201.html Ambassador Bleich joined Australian Government representatives on Barrow Island in northern West Australia to break ground on Chevron’s Gorgon Project. Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 /events20091201.html /events20091130-4.html American Actress and State Department’s Envoy for Women’s Health Issues, Ms. Fran Drescher visited the Royal Melbourne Hospital with Consul General Michael Thurston. While at the hospital Fran met with cancer patients, doctors and administrators, listening to their stories and sharing her own experience. Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImJMbXrYuzo Video Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 /events20091130-4.html /events20091130-3.html Speaking at The West Australian Event Program in Perth, Ambassador Bleich introduced himself to West Australians, outlining how the U.S. plans to partner with Australia, both domestically and internationally. Remarks as prepared http://photos.state.gov/libraries/australia/39176/pdf/20091130-WestAustralian.pdf Remarks as prepared Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 /events20091130-3.html /events20091130-2.html During his time in Perth, Ambassador Bleich called in on Lisa Scaffidi, the Lord Mayor of Perth. Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 /events20091130-2.html /events20091130-1.html Ambassador Bleich took time to visit HMAS Stirling south of Perth. He met with sailors stationed there and took a tour of the HMAS Farncomb. Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 /events20091130-1.html /events20091129.html Consul General spent two days visiting the regional hub of Shepparton in the Goulbourn Valley. Hosted by Shepparton Mayor, Geoff Dobson the Consul General appreciated the opportunity to see how vibrant the regional city is, and the many U.S Australian links the city boasts. Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 /events20091129.html /events20091126-5.html Ambassador Bleich held his first reception for key Embassy contacts at the Ambassador’s Residence following the presentation of his credentials to the Governor General earlier in the day. Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 /events20091126-5.html /events20091126-4.html Ambassador Jeffrey Bleich meets with Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd at the Prime Minister’s office at Parliament House in Canberra. Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 /events20091126-4.html /events20091126-3.html Ambassador Jeffrey Bleich meets with Australian Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard at Parliament House in Canberra. Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 /events20091126-3.html /events20091126-2.html Ambassador Bleich introduces his family to the media at a press conference immediately following his presentation of credentials to Governor General Quentin Bryce. He and his wife Becky have three children, Jake, Matthew and Abby. Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcym1IdzwaU Video Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 /events20091126-2.html /events20091126-1.html Ambassador Jeffrey Bleich presents his credentials to Governor General Quentin Bryce as the 24th American ambassador to the Commonwealth of Australia. Ambassador Bleich was appointed by President Obama in September to head the U.S. Mission in Australia. Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 /events20091126-1.html http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20091126.html The Bleich family takes up residence in the Ambassador’s residence. Ambassador Jeffrey Bleich has come to Australia with his wife Becky and their children, Jake, Matthew and Abby. Sun, 09 May 2010 10:07:58 -0400 http://canberra.usembassy.gov/events20091126.html