Public Affairs Programs - February 2009

February 2009 Programs and Events

Players in the Junior Golf Champion Teams from Victoria and California.

Junior Pacific Cup Teams Face Off

Melbourne — Late February 2009

The U.S. Consulate General welcomed to Australia the Junior Golf Champion Team from California for the inaugural Junior Pacific Cup. The competition was a friendly match between Victoria’s and California’s junior champions and was done in Ryder Cup format. In addition to being a cultural exchange the tournament was designed to give the participants, ages 15 to 18, the experience of playing in an international championship. The event was sponsored by U.S. Pro Tour Champion Aaron Baddeley, directed by Ron Baddeley and hosted at the Croydon Golf Club at Yering Meadows. The event began with a ceremony remembering the Victoria bushfire victims. The weeklong competition celebrated the strong friendship that exists between the US and Australia and our appreciation for sports. The competition ended in a tie, coming down to the last putt at the last hole. Next year the event will be hosted in San Diego, California.

Economic Counsellor Edgard Kagan chats with some of the students at the barbeque.

“Obamaque!”

Canberra — 27 February 2009

Chargé d’ Affaires a.i. Dan Clune hosted an “Obamaque” (barbeque held in honor of Obama) and invited members of the ACCESS youth wing of the Australian Institute of International Affairs at the end of the first week of classes at the ANU. The event gave over 40 youth mostly from ANU the chance to meet with people from the Embassy and discuss the new Obama administration.

CG Chern with undergraduate students active in AIIA.

Obama’s First Hundred Days

Perth — 25 February 2009

Consul General Ken Chern took part in a February 25 lively breakfast panel on “Obama’s First Hundred Days: Lessons in Leadership,” organized by the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) and the Hay Group. The Consul General led off with remarks on President Obama’s leadership style, and how it has served him and the United States one month into his Administration. Dr. Chern explained how the President’s selections of Vice Presidential running mate Joe Biden and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton displayed his willingness to create a strong “team of rivals” to meet the challenges America faces. The selection of Special envoys such as George Mitchell (to deal with Israeli/Palestinian issues), Richard Holbrooke (Afghanistan/Pakistan), and Stephen Bosworth (North Korea) — and figures like Timothy Geithner, Lawrence Summers, and Paul Volcker to address the financial crisis — similarly reflect the President’s confident leadership style, and his determination to get the most talented people to deal with foreign policy and the economy. Other panelists from the University of Western Australia, the Hay Group, GESB, and Woodside Energy also commented on the President’s leadership, and on what local private-sector leaders could learn from it. An audience of over 100 offered a wide variety of comments and questions.

Chargé Clune and AAA President Mark Huck watching the lunch performance.

Alliance Barbershop

Canberra— 24 February 2009

The Alliance Quartet offered a range of old and new barbershop classics at a special performance hosted by the Australian American Association and the American Embassy. Chargé d’Affaires Dan Clune was among those attending the event which featured the award-winning Australian group. Barbershop singing has its roots in American gospel and spiritual singing.

Consul General Ken Chern and AIIA President Dr. Sue Boyd.

CG Chern Discusses Foreign Policy Outlook

Perth — 23 February 2009

Consul General Ken Chern spoke to the Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA) February 23 on “the U.S. Foreign Policy Outlook under the Obama Administration.” Presenting remarks to an AIIA audience of 75 at St. Catherine’s College, University of Western Australia, Dr. Chern discussed President Barack Obama’s overarching goals — reconnecting with America’s friends and allies; reaching out to those adversaries “who unclench their fists”; cooperating internationally to meet the global economic crisis; working together to defeat terror; and addressing climate change and other environmental challenges. The Consul General also discussed Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s visit to Japan, Indonesia, Korea, and China, and explained how her travel to Asia in her first trip abroad as Secretary of State reflected the strength of America’s commitment to the Asia-Pacific region, including a number of undergraduate students active in AIIA, raised questions about issues ranging from U.S.-China economic relations to the importance of Indonesia to Southeast Asian stability.

CG Thurston welcomes American firefighters to Australia.

CG Thurston Welcomes Firefighters

Melbourne — 15 February 2009

Consul General Thurston welcomed the arrival of a 60-person strong American fire deployment this weekend. The team will be working to help the Country Fire Authority, police and other emergency service personnel in this time of intense pressure and great need.

Helmets and jerseys from local American football teams.

Gridiron Supporters Gather for Super Bowl

Canberra — 2 February 2009

Members of local American football (“gridiron”) teams gathered to watch the 53^rd Super Bowl between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Arizona Cardinals.

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Last update: Tuesday, 14 April 2009 GMT+1000

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