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2008 Public Affairs Programs
Guests Join Ambassador for “Williamsburg 2008” Independence Day Event
Canberra — 4 July 2008
On July 4th, Ambassador McCallum and Mrs. McCallum hosted nearly 700 guests at their residence for a celebration in honor of America’s Independence Day. The theme for the reception was “Williamsburg 2008”, featuring the history, music, and food of Colonial Williamsburg. Williamsburg was the capital of the Virginia colony from 1698 until 1780 and one of the first colonial settlements to define a peculiarly “American” identity and character. The political philosophy developed there was central to the birth of our new, democratic nation. Our embassy buildings and residence in Canberra are Colonial Williamsburg in architectural design, unique among U.S. embassies around the world. The compound was constructed during the Second World War to reflect this quintessentially American style and was opened in 1944 by then-First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Our Colonial Williamsburg residence seems an especially appropriate place to reflect upon the fundamental principles generated in Williamsburg and incorporated into the Declaration of Independence.
Orange and Parkes Host Ambassador McCallum
Orange & Parkes — 17-19 June 2008
From June 17th to June 19th, Ambassador McCallum and Mrs. McCallum traveled to regional New South Wales to participate in outreach activities in Orange and Parkes. While in Orange, they had lunch with Mayor Cr John Davis, they visited the Orange Regional Gallery, and interacted with students at Orange High School. They also had morning tea with the Country Women’s Association of Orange, toured an apple farm courtesy of the New South Wales Farmers Association, and learned more about Orange’s local products through Taste Orange. While in Parkes, they toured more farming property thanks to the New South Wales Farmers Association, visited “The Dish” at the Parkes Observatory, had afternoon tea with the organizers of the annual Parkes Elvis Festival, and participated in a civic reception hosted by Parkes Mayor Cr Robert Wilson. Ambassador McCallum and Mrs. McCallum also spoke at a dinner hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Orange and Parkes, held at the Orange Ex Services Club.
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.
DCM Clune Participates in the Sri Chinmoy World Harmony Run
Canberra — 12 May 2008
On Monday, May 12, Chargé d’ Affaires a.i. Dan Clune participated in the Sri Chinmoy World Harmony Run, carrying the torch in the 12.3km leg from the New South Wales border to Parliament House. Upon arriving at Parliament, Mr. Clune spoke to the gathered crowd about the Sri Chinmoy events he competed in while living in Chicago, Illinois. The 12.3km run was part of the more than 15,000km torch-relay around the border of Australia, which is taking place from April 27th to August 15th.
Conservation Volunteers and Embassy Community Plant Trees at Tidbinbilla
Canberra — 4 May 2008
On Sunday, May 4th, over 40 members of the US Embassy community teamed up with Conservation Volunteers Australia to plant some 800 trees, shrubs and grasses at the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. The group enjoyed the beautiful day with their hands in the soil, and even helped to weed a large area of unwanted species and weeds. The event coincided with the American National Volunteer Week and will help to shape the landscape in the recently opened “Sanctuary” portion of the reserve.
Ambassador McCallum Visits the University of Wollongong
Wollongong — 1 May 2008
On Thursday, May 1st, Ambassador McCallum and Mrs. McCallum visited the University of Wollongong. During the visit, the Ambassador and Mrs. McCallum met with University Vice-Chancellor Professor Gerard Sutton and staff from the University’s Centre for Transnational Crime Prevention. They participated in a meeting with students, including several of the over 300 American students who are currently studying at the University. The day concluded with a luncheon with Professor Sutton, Senator Connie Fierravanti-Wells, Member for Throsby Jennie George, and other guests.
Ambassador McCallum Presents Medals to RAAF Forward Air Controllers
Canberra — 24 April 2008
On April 24, at the Chief of Mission Residence at the U.S. Embassy in Canberra, Ambassador McCallum presented United States Air Medals to former or the family of former Forward Air Controllers of the Royal Australian Air Force. These medals were awarded for the Forward Air Controllers’ service and innovation in Vietnam from 1964 to 1972.
Read Ambassador McCallum’s remarks from the medal presentation ceremony.
Ambassador McCallum Presents Medals to RAAF Heroes
Canberra — 4 April 2008
On April 4, at the Australian War Memorial, Ambassador McCallum presented more than 80 United States Air Medals to members or family of members of the 35th Squadron of the Royal Australian. These medals were awarded for the 35th Squadron’s participation, support, and heroism in Vietnam from 1964 to 1972. The 35th Squadron was the first Royal Australian Air Force unit to serve in Vietnam and the last to depart.
Read Ambassador McCallum’s remarks from the medal presentation ceremony.
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 will be available within 7 days.
Ambassador McCallum Visits Adelaide
Adelaide — February-March 2008
During their five day visit to South Australia, Ambassador Robert Jr. and Mimi McCallum met with a number of South Australia's political, academic and community leaders. Some of their activities included a meeting with Governor Kevin Scarce, discussion with members of the American Chamber of Commerce the economic relationship between the United States and Australia, talk on the American political system to a packed room of Public Policy students at the Carnegie Mellon Australia University campus, and a number of rural outreach events.
The McCallums were also special guests of the Adelaide Festival for their opening night celebrations, which drew more than 10,000 people to watch a unique performance by Australian acrobats to the music of DBR and DJ with a light show and fireworks that dazzled the crowd.
Outreach in the Outback
South Australia — February-March 2008
With a grant from the U.S. Mission and in partnership with the Adelaide Festival of Arts and the Country Arts SA, American artists Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR) and Elan Vytal (aka DJ Scientific) conducted some outreach activities in Australia's Outback.
AUSMIN 2008
Canberra — 22-23 February 2008
Top officials from the U.S. and Australian governments met in Canberra for the 2008 Australia–United States Ministerial (AUSMIN) Consultations and reaffirmed the strong bond between our two nations. The U.S. delegation, led by Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte, and the Australian delegation, led by Minister for Defence Joel Fitzgibbon and Minister for Foreign Affairs Stephen Smith, met and pledged continued cooperation on common challenges, including proliferation and terrorism.
The AUSMIN consultations provide a valuable bilateral forum to discuss matters of foreign affairs, defense, and strategic matters.
More information
Ambassador McCallum Presents Ambassador’s Cup to Local Baseball Players
Canberra — 13 February 2008
The U.S. Embassy has a long and historical link to baseball in Australia. As a part of an ongoing program for youth and sports diplomacy, Ambassador and Mrs. McCallum joined Major League Baseball Australia’s director Tom Nicholson and over seventy participants from the ACT Baseball Association’s Play Ball program to present the annual Ambassador’s Cup. The Cup was initiated in 2004 by Ambassador Tom Schieffer, who was part owner of the Texas Rangers baseball team with President Bush.
The Play Ball program is designed to increase participation by Canberra’s young ballplayers through local schools and baseball clubs. This year’s winner was the Ainslie/Gungahlin Bears, coached by Peter Soskin.
Ambassador and Mrs. McCallum recounted stories of playing baseball in their youth and the game’s role in the United States as the “National Pastime.” Ambassador McCallum thanked the organizers for putting on a quality program, and congratulated all of the young ballplayers for “giving it a go and trying something new.” “I hope you’ve learned a little something about sportsmanship, fair play, and teamwork,” said the Ambassador, “and most of all, I hope you had fun!”
Last update Friday, 11 July 2008
