Australian Consulate-General

New York CG, United States of America

Consulate-General address: 150 East 42nd Street, 34th Floor, New York - Telephone: 212 351 6500 - Fax: 212 351 6501

Consulate News 2012 Part 2

Aussie Music, Fashion and Art Centre Stage in Central Park

18 August 2012

This past weekend saw Aussie music, fashion and art on centre stage in New York's Central Park as part of the city's Summerstage festival. In perfect Summer weather, Australia's most current and emerging sounds from our own backyard were heard in Central Park. The line up included Husky, Sheppard, the High Highs, George Byrne, Maya Jupiter and DJ Ashley.

This was the first time in the festival's 26 years that Australia's music scene had been introduced to New York as a feature of Summerstage.

"Australia is an exempary model of a flourishing creative and multicultural country. Today we share that with New York City."

"The people of Australia are our best ambassadors. I'm proud of the very talented and creative Australians who are here in that role today," said Consul General Phil Scanlan, at the festival.

Cameron McCarthy, the Cultural Affairs Officer at the Consulate-General, opened the concert with a didgeridoo performance which drew in the crowds from the park and those who attended the concert continued to be mesmerised by the program produced and curated by Frank Madrid.

Other highlights included Michael Chugg introducing Sheppard to the New York audience and Kid Zoom, as MAMBO's Ambassador, creating a live artwork on stage.

The event was made possible thanks to the generous assistance of the Australian International Cultural Council, with the support of MAMBO, QANTAS and The Australian Consulate- General, New York.

For the first time in its 26-year history, Summerstage, will celebrate contemporary Aussie music, fashion and art in the surrounds of New York City’s Central Park. On Saturday 18th August, the fresh, new voices of Australia’s thriving music scene will be heard at a mini-festival that represents the most current and emerging sounds from Australia’s backyard.

The one-off jam-packed program, is the vision of creative producer and curator Frank Madrid from Australian based agency FAMA, in a joint production with New York’s City Parks Foundation. The program draws together a variety of indie fusions from pop, folk and electro with a sophistication and sensitivity that encapsulates Australian youth culture.

“Our aim is to promote Australia through one of its best cultural products, its music, while developing a platform for new Australian bands keen to conquer the competitive US market,” said Frank Madrid.

The outstanding artists will travel from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra to the Big Apple to make their mark on the global stage.

"We are delighted that Australia Day at Summer Stage is sharing some of our best new Aussie musical talent with New Yorkers. It's a celebration of summer, creative talent and friendship. We are proud that Australia will have center stage in Central Park for all to enjoy", said the Consul General of Australia, Mr Phil Scanlan, AM, on confirmation of the event.

Husky
“A shimmering fog of kaleidoscopic story telling, each song a Nick Drake-esque fairytale delivered with full indie-orchestration.” Rolling Stone.

Sheppard
"This is our first time performing in the United States and to be playing in fabulous New York City in the heart of Central Park representing Australia is a dream come true for all of us. We are going to start a park-wide Sheppard-style dance party!" Sheppard.

High Highs
"Known for gently sweeping, rich harmonies and layered vocals and synths, these guys are quickly becoming indie darlings." Huffington Post

George Byrne
"Absolutely delicious!" The Brag Magazine (Indie Album of the Week)

Maya Jupiter
“Boundlessness, soulful, full of culture and passion for humanity.” Soulful G

DJ Ashley (Ashley Feraude)
“The gentleman of disco.” BMA Magazine

Kid Zoom
MAMBO ambassador
Australia's Rembrandt with a spray can!

Australia Farewells Art Critic and Author Robert Huges

7 August 2012

Prime Minister, Minister for the Arts
Canberra

One of Australia and the world’s most respected art critics, Australian Robert Hughes, has died in New York at the age of 74.

With his death, Australia has not only lost a frank critic and writer, but also an esteemed historian who made significant contributions to tracing and telling Australia’s colonial history.

Few people who ever lived can have been so completely cosmopolitan, and completely Australian as Robert Hughes. His was, in every sense, a great Australian voice.

Through his writing and public role, he defined the artistic taste of a generation of educated Australians. He combined substance and style in a career of decades.

His writings were so significant and influential that the titles of his books entered our everyday language. His opinions were so influential – and controversial – that he established whole new orthodoxies which will long be debated and revised.

Mr Hughes was a highly respected author who wrote the important and comprehensive review of Australian painting from settlement to the 1960s, The Art of Australia.

He became the art critic for Time magazine in 1970 and furthered his already strong international reputation through the acclaimed television series and companion book The Shock of the New about the development of modern art. He later created an updated The New Shock of the New, which pictured an art world swamped by money and celebrity.

His book about England's colonisation of Australia The Fatal Shore was another major success.

Despite living overseas for more than 50 years Hughes remained an Australian citizen.

Among his many honours were a NSW Premier’s Literary Award for his memoir Things I Didn’t Know, and London’s Sunday Times 2000 Writer of the Year.

He received honorary degrees from the universities of Melbourne and New York, was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, declared an Australian National Living Treasure and made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1991.

Our thoughts today are with his wife Doris Downes Hughes and his family.

Sydney Theatre Company's Uncle Vanya 'Glorious' Debuts at Lincoln Center Festival

“I consider the three hours I spent on Saturday night…among the happiest of my theatergoing life…a brilliant daredevil performance by Cate Blanchett.”—Ben Brantley, New York Times

Sydney Theatre Company's acclaimed production of Uncle was a major program highlight during New York’s Lincoln Center Festival in July.

Tamás Ascher’s adaptation of Chekov’s classic featured a cast of extraordinary Australian talent including STC Co-Artistic Director Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving, Richard Roxburgh, Jacki Weaver, John Bell, Sandy Gore, Hayley McElhinney, Anthony Phelan and Andrew Tighe.

It was a cast that most theatre companies only dream of bringing together, one that conveyed breadth, boldness and great craftsmanship.

New York Times Theatre Critic Ben Brantley described the show as “glorious." While Theatre Mania reviewer Andy Propst wrote that "thanks to an exceptional company ... this show simply stuns from beginning to end".

The production also received exceptional reviews in Australia, where it was described as “gloriously fresh, funny and poignant” (John McCallum, The Australian) and “a magnificently mounted and playful production” (Elissa Blake, Sun Herald).

In promoting Uncle Vanya’s performances in New York, Blanchett said “Film is such an international medium, and our sporting prowess is well understood internationally, but I think, on a diplomatic level (theatre) does diversify the perception of what Australia is capable of culturally” (Gotham Magazine, Summer 2012).

Consul General Phil Scanlan and Mrs Julie Singer Scanlan were delighted to attend the performance which showcased Creative Australia in New York.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon. Bob Carr Delivers Ramadan Message

19 July 2012

The holy month of Ramadan begins this week and I extend my best wishes to Muslims in Australia and around the world. Ramadan Kareem.

Ramadan is a time of prayer and reflection for Muslims. It’s a time to reflect on the wisdom and guidance that for many people comes with faith. It is also an opportunity for families and friends to come together, and to promote goodwill and harmony in the wider community.

Australia is home to nearly half a million Muslims and Islam is our country’s fourth largest religion. The Australian Muslim community is diverse and is drawn from over 60 different ethnic backgrounds. Each contributes to modern Australian society and serves to underpin our engagement with the Muslim world.

The Australian Government is actively engaging Muslim communities around the world and promoting interfaith and intercultural dialogue with many of Australia’s close and important partners, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, the Gulf States and Egypt.

In my first speech to the Australian Parliament on March 21, I spoke about the importance of fostering the ‘overlap of cultures’ and encouraging racial and religious tolerance. I will continue to promote these values as Australia’s Foreign Minister.

Muslim Australians make a large and growing contribution to Australian society. As you welcome the beginning of Ramadan this week, I extend my best wishes to Muslims everywhere.

Ramadan Mubarak.

Australia's 'Tropfest' Makes New York Debut on 20th Anniversary

Ten thousand people gathered in Bryant Park on Saturday night to bring in the New York debut of Tropfest, the world's largest short film festival. Hugh Jackman hosted the evening, introducing the native Australian concept to the crowd, the short films and their talented makers. Shortly before 11pm, Jackman announced the winner of Tropfest to be Josh Leake of Portland Oregon, who made his film titled "Emptys" for a mere $1,300, earning $20,000 from the Motion Picture Association. Jackman joined Leake as he called his mother on speakerphone during his acceptance speech and then sang the chorus of "New York, New York" together, with the New York Public Library and the city's skyline as a backdrop.

"I still can't believe I was given this opportunity. With all these great films to compete with it's hard to accept I won, I feel like I'm dreaming," said Leake. "I was excited to tell the story of these people and I thought it was genuine. Good stories will conquer all no matter what it's filmed on and what it looks like. If people take anything from the film I just hope they start recycling."

The role of Tropfest bringing the short film to a national and then global audience was celebrated throughout the evening. The evening showcased eight "Best of Tropfest" films from the past 20 years in Australia.

Consul General Phil Scanlan and staff of the Consulate were there in full support. Tropfest has grown to annual event in Australia that is also televised via a live national broadcast. Founder, John Polson "can't wait to return next Summer" to New York and will also take the festival to China and South East Asia soon.

Joe Melillo Addresses Australian American Leadership Conversation

11 June 2012

Joe Melillo, the acclaimed executive producer behind Brooklyn’s Academy of Music (BAM) presented the address ‘Embracing the amoeba: Can we find productive and constructive solutions to importing and exporting global art and culture?’ at the Australian Consulate-General on Monday 11 June.

A long time friend of the Australian Consulate General, Mr Melillo has played a crucial role in the global export of contemporary American creative art over many decades.

As current producer of the cultural program, DanceMotion USA, Mr Melillo sends contemporary American dance companies to 14 countries and territories in the Asia Pacific, Middle East, South Central Asia regions to share the American dance experience with global audiences.

During his address, Mr Melillo spoke passionately about the need for states to think globally about cultural diplomacy as a gateway for mutual exchange, rather than through a narrow international lens.

The event was attended by a global audience of leaders from the creative arts, including musicians, stage performers and community organisations.

Pictured (from left to right): NYC Commissioner Kate Levin (NYC Department of Cultural Affairs), Joe Melillo, Julie Singer Scanlan and Consul General Phil Scanlan

Husky Set for American Release Through Renowned US Label, Sub Pop

Melbourne band Husky, whose debut album Forever So will be released in the US on July 10th.

Australian band Husky is set to celebrate the American release of its highly anticipated debut album Forever So on July 10. The band made international music headlines this year after becoming the first Australian act to be signed by venerable American indie label Sub Pop - home to Fleet Foxes, The Shins, and formerly, Nirvana.

After winning Australia’s Triple J Unearthed competition in 2011, the band continues to reach new heights, winning hearts with sold-out shows in the US, Australia and Europe. Recent performance highlights include supporting Devandra Banhart, Noah and the Whale, Kimbra, Jinja Safari and Gotye.

In reviewing Husky’s debut, Rolling Stone awarded ‘Forever So’ four stars “…Breathtaking in its ambition, a shimmering fog of kaleidoscopic storytelling, each song a Nick Drake-esque fairytale delivered with full indie-orchestration.”

Husky the band includes the collective talents of Husky Gawenda on vocals and guitar, Gideon Preiss on vocals and keys, Evan Tweedie on vocals and bass, and Luke Collins on drums and percussion. Despite their varied musical backgrounds, the band cites a love for classic pop (Leonard Cohen, Paul Simon, The Doors and The Beach Boys), rich harmonies, and artful songwriting as the common thread that draws them together.

June will see the band stage multiple shows in Texas, California, Chicago, Arizona and Toronto as they tour their debut throughout Canada and the US. Husky will also play to New York audiences at the Brooklyn Bowl on 15 June and at Central Park Summer Stage ‘Australia Day’ Concert on 18 August.

Sub Pop will release ‘Forever So’ to US record stores on CD and vinyl on July 10, 2012. The album is also currently available for purchase on iTunes.

Manta Iritit Jangku, Ngura Kut Jupalakutu: Ancient Land, New Territory- Aboriginal Art from South Australia Exhibited at Galler Nine5

Pictured: Artists Yangi Yangi Fox (centre) and Monica Watson (centre-right) celebrating the launch of their work at 'Manta Irititjangku, Ngura Kutjupalaktutu: Ancient Land, New Territory, Aboriginal Art from South Australia' with staff from New York's Gallery Nine5 and Ninuku Arts

An exhibition celebrating contemporary Australian Aboriginal artwork from the remote western APY Lands in South Australia is currently being showcased at Soho’s Gallery nine5.

In collaboration with Ninuku Arts and Harvey Art Projects, Manta Irititjangku, Ngura Kutjupalakutu: Ancient Land, New Territory, represents a bridge between one of the world’s oldest continuous art movements and the new, unchartered space of abstract contemporary art. The result is a bold and vibrant celebration of Indigenous art and culture.

This is the largest exhibit that the artists of the Ninuku Arts Center have produced for a single show - 30 pieces are being displayed for the first time in North America.

It is hoped that the exhibition, which includes work from the famed Harry Tjutjuna and Jimmy Donegan, will spark fresh interest in Australia’s Indigenous art industry.

Gallery nine5 director Sebastien Le Pelletier said the exhibition had already received a strong positive response from New York art collectors, with 12 pieces acquired during the exhibition's opening night.

“I personally love the work," said Mr Le Pelletier, who wants to promote the collection as "contemporary art in its own right."

The early success of the show reflects the growing popularity of Australian Aboriginal art, first introduced formally to New York by the Asia Society in 1988.

Manta Irititjangku, Ngura Kutjupalakutu: Ancient Land, New Territory is the largest and most impressive show that the Ninuku Arts artists have ever produced. The artists hail from the Pipalyatjara and Kalka communities, among the most secluded regions in the South Australian Desert.

The exhibition is supported by the Government of South Australia and the Australian Government National Arts and Crafts Industry.

Senator Conroy on Building the Infrastructure for the Global Economy

8 June 2012

Australian Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Stephen Conroy presented the address ‘Building the infrastructure for the Digital Economy’ at the Australian Consulate General on 8 June, 2012.

Minister Conroy’s speech focussed on Australia’s National Broadband Network (NBN), the single largest investment in infrastructure in our nation's history. The NBN is designed to change the way Australians live, do business, receive services and connect with the world.

Minister Conroy explained how the NBN would support a new wave of digital innovation that would improve efficiency and boost access for Australian businesses, deliver better health and aged care services, exceptional online education, and improved access to government services

The event was attended by a global audience of leaders from finance, enterprise, the creative arts, education and community organizations.

In addition, diplomatic representatives included Deputy Consul General Mr Nick McInnes, UK Trade and Investment, Director Trade and Investment USA, Consul General Ms Raushan Yesbulatoca of Kazakstan, Consul General Ms Marijan Gubric of Croatia, Vice Consul Ms Paula Kennedy of Canada, Ms Ruchira Bhuyam, Consulate General of Canada and Ms Hila Elroy, Consulate General of Israel.

Minister Conroy’s visit coincided with his being named the 2012 Intelligent Community Visionary of the Year by New York’s Intelligent Community Forum. The Forum's Founder addressed the audience and congratulated Minister Conroy. The Intelligent Community Forum seeks to share the best practices and success of the world's Intelligent Communities in adapting to the demands of “the Broadband Economy” by conducting research, hosting events, publishing, and producing this international awards program.

Pictured: Minister Stephen Conroy

Renaming and Dedication: Queen Elizabeth II September 11th Garden

2 May 2012

A crowd gathered under umbrellas at Hanover Square in downtown Manhattan on Wednesday 2 May. As the rain came down to water the British Garden, The Dean of Westminster Abbey, Dr John Hall, led a dedication ceremony to rename the Garden the Queen Elizabeth II September 11 Garden to honour all members of the Commonwealth whose lives were lost on September 11th.

Pictured: Commonwealth members of the New York diplomatic community and Garden Committee, gathered with the Dean of Westminster Abbey.

The British Garden was first opened in July 2010 to commemorate the 67 Britons who were killed on September 11 2001. The spirit of inclusion, in which the Garden was established, has recently found an opportunity for fuller expression. HM the Queen and HRH The Prince of Wales gave their approval to the Garden's Board of Directors to rename the Garden as a memorial to all those who lost their lives on September 11, who were members of the Commonwealth.

British Consul General, Danny Lopez, welcomed his fellow Commonwealth Consuls General to the dedication of the Garden. "United by our grief for those we have lost, and united by our unshakeable dreams for a peaceful future, this garden is living proof that even in the wake of destruction, life and beauty spring forth," said Consul General Lopez.

Consul General Phil Scanlan accepted on behalf of Australia the generous and open-hearted invitation from the Garden Committee to commemorate in the Garden those Australians who lost their lives in the September 11 attacks, and to do so alongside those from other Commonwealth nations.

"At Ground Zero, only a couple of blocks away, the names of those who lost their lives are clustered according to the connections that existed between friends, family and colleagues. This Garden allows for commemoration within our enduring Commonwealth. For Britons to be remembered alongside Canadians and Australians. I thank her Majesty the Queen and I thank the British Memorial Garden Trust for this," said Consul General Scanlan.

The Queen Elizabeth II September 11 Garden now honours the ten Australians whose lives were lost on that day.

Pictured: Consul General Phil Scanlan

Australian Chamber Orchestra Performs at Carnegie Hall

30 April 2012

'Intensity and virtuosity are hallmarks' of the Australian Chamber Orchestra, commented the New York Times in their review of the ACO's performance at Carnegie Hall on Monday 30 April. The ACO performed a highly original programme at Zankel Hall which included the New York premiere of 'Winter Morning Walks,' a cycle of nine songs by Maria Schneider, sung by the soprano Dawn Upshaw. The programme also included George Crumb's 'Black Angels,' Webern's Five Movements for String Quartet (Op. 5) and arrangements of Schumann's 'Mondnacht' ('Moonlit Night') and 'Der Tod und das Mädchen' ('Death and the Maiden').

It was an inspiring evening with Australian creativity on show in New York; the ACO performed standing up for the entire concert and this dynamism continued into the final piece performed - Richard Tognetti's arrangement of Grieg's String Quartet in G Minor.\

ANZAC DAY Commemorative Service Held at Rockefeller Center

29 April 2012

Consul General Phil Scanlan hosted the 2012 Commemorative Service in the ANZAC Garden on the rooftop of Rockefeller Center on Sunday 29 April. The Garden was originally established by a New Zealander, Nola Luxford-Dolberg, with the support of the Rockefeller family. The ANZAC Garden at Rockefeller Center provides a very significant place for the rememberance of the servicemen and women of Australia and of the other countries involved in the Gallipoli Campaign. A Commemorative Service is held each year in the Garden.

A bright New York April morning provided the backdrop for the 2012 Service attended by Australia and by our diplomatic and military colleagues of New Zealand, Britain, India, Belgium, France, Turkey, the United States and by those at the United Nations. Bishop Andrew St John, Rector of the Church of Transfiguration in New York, himself an Australian, officiated at the Service.

Consul General Phil Scanlan concluded his address in the rooftop garden by referring to the words of ANZAC poet Lester Lawrence who wrote;

“Some flower that blooms beside the Southern foam
May blossom where our dead Australians lie,
And comfort them with whispers of their home;
And they will dream, beneath the alien sky,
Of the Pacific Sea.”
[Lawrence, quoted in C E W Bean, Gallipoli Mission, Canberra, 1948, p.385]

"This garden is our home for today. Though under different skies, we pause to remember and reflect together. Lest we forget," said Consul General Scanlan.

Youth Symposium Held on ANZAC Day in New York

25 April 2012

On Wednesday 25 April the Turkish Consulate General in New York hosted the third annual Youth Symposium on ANZAC Day. The Symposium is attended by young leaders selected from from Australia, New Zealand, Turkey, Canada and Britain and is observed by our diplomatic colleagues in New York. The aim of the Symposium is to discuss the different meanings of ANZAC Day and to learn from one another, thus providing an opportunity for shared remembrance.

Pictured: Participants and observers of the Youth Symposium at the Turkish Consulate General

Rahul Anne and Nicole Hirst represented Australia. They suggested that while the ANZAC legend is intimately connected to the Australian national character, it is crucial to ensure that this identity does not glorify warfare and acknowledges the tragic historical reality of personal sacrifice.

Several themes emerged from the debate, including the need to acknowledge different national perspectives on common events, such as Gallipoli, in order to recognise, and appropriately reflect upon, the sacrifices made by each of the nations involved.

Australian Consul General Phil Scanlan noted the importance of the Symposium in strengthening bonds between generations and with the other nations present at Gallipoli.

"Hearing the perspective of today's youth provides great hope for the future," commented the Consul General M. Levent Bilgen of Turkey.

Australian Consulate-General Hosts ANZAC Day Dawn Service in Battery Park

25 April 2012

On Wednesday 25 April the Australian Consulate General, in partnership with the New Zealand Consulate General, hosted an ANZAC Day Dawn Service at the East Coast Memorial in Battery Park. Several hundred people participated in the service of solemn remembrance, recalling the wartime sacrifices of Australian and New Zealand servicemen and women.

Following a welcome by Consul General Phil Scanlan AM an address was delivered by Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, H.E. Mr Gary Quinlan, who spoke of the importance of the ANZAC spirit to the national character of all countries involved in the Gallipoli campaign. He specifically noted how ANZAC Day gives us a deeper faith in ourselves and our democracy, and a deeper understanding of what it means to be Australian and what it means to be a New Zealander. Ambassador Quinlan also made special reference to the presence of diplomatic representatives from Turkey, Consul General of Turkey Mr M. Levent Bilgen, and shared that it was Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s personal courage and conciliatory nature that ensured close relations between Australia and Turkey after the Gallipoli campaign.

Ambassador Bernadette Cavanagh, the Deputy Permanent Representative of New Zealand to the United Nations, delivered the ANZAC Statement, while Australian Consul General Phillip Scanlan AM recited Binyon’s Lines for the Fallen.

Consul General Greets Australian Galleries and Australian Artists Represented at the Affordable Art Fair- New York

18-22 April 2012

Between 18-22 April over 75 local, national and international galleries exhibited contemporary art at the Affordable Art Fair in New York City representing more than 600 emerging and established artists.

The Fair additionally offered panel discussions, installations and creative features. Since its founding in 1999, Affordable Art has set up fairs in Amsterdam, Bristol, Brussels, London, Los Angeles, Milan and Singapore with the intention of demystifying the art-buying experience and making it both welcoming and fun.

During their visit to the Fair on Saturday 21 April, the Consul General and Mrs Julie Singer Scanlan had the opportunity to meet several of the Australian artists and gallery representatives in attendance. The three Brisbane galleries which presented work at the Affordable Art Fair include: Cicada Aboriginal Art Gallery, Gallerie Bacchus and InArt Studio.

Australian artists represented at the Fair include: Wintjiya Napaltjarri / Arone Meeks / Anna Price Pitjara / Colleen Wallace Nungari / Kathy Maringka / Matjangka (Nyukana) Norris (Mrs Norris) / Sandra Ken / Gloria Petyarre / Patrick Tjungurrayi / Tiger Yaltangki / Whiskey Tjukangku / Charlie Tjapangati / Peter Bastaja / Candace Wilson / Susan Bowers / Carol Roche / Pene Edwards / Mark Feiler / Josh Kelly

Pictured (from left to right): Anne Speed of the Cicada Aboriginal Art Gallery and Consul General Phil Scanlan

Consul General Attends Opening Night Performance of Belvoir Theatre's "The Book of Everything" at New York's New Victory Theater

20 April 2012

On Friday 20 April 2012 Consul General Phil Scanlan and Mrs Julie Singer Scanlan attended the opening performance of Belvoir Theatre's The Book of Everything by Guus Kuijer at The New Victory Theater here in New York. The award-winning Aussie production received glowing reviews. Frank Scheck of The NY Post writes, "It’s not quite right to say that The Book of Everything is one of the best children’s shows in town. It’s one of the best shows, period."

Based on a Dutch novel set in in 1951 Amsterdam, the performance takes audience members on a journey with nine-year old Thomas Klopper, who records his thoughts in a diary he calls "The Book of Everything." Thomas has one simple but important wish, When I grow up, I'm going to be happy. On his journey he sees extraordinary things that most people ignore: plagues of hopping frogs, summer hailstorms and rivers bursting with tropical fish. The story tells us about a child who learns to act when beset by fear and faced by wrong as Tom grapples with issues such a religious views and domestic violence.

The piece is suitable for 9 year olds to 99 year olds and has been adapted for stage by Richard Tulloch; Directed by Neil Armfield; Set and Costume Design by Kim Carpenter. The performance is a co-production with Kim Carpenter’s Theatre of Image and is proudly supported by the Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.

Next week, Adelaide's Windmill Theatre will be performing the children's theatre production Plop! at the New Victory Theater 42nd Street Studios.

See the production's 4-star review in The NY Post and the Backstage New York review.

Consul General Hosts Australian American Leadership Conversation with the Honourable Kim Beazley AC for the Opening of "Enduring Bond: 60 Years of ANZUS" Photography Exhibition

17 April 2012

On 17 April 2012 Consul General Phil Scanlan AM hosted an Australian American Leadership Conversation and luncheon with the Honorable Kim Beazley AC, Australian Ambassador to the United States, for the opening of the "Enduring Bond: 60 Years of ANZUS" photography exhibition at the Australian Consulate in New York. The Ambassador welcomed the opportunity to deliver a speech, commemorating more than one century of shared military struggle and sacrifice that Australians and Americans have undertaken together, to both a bilateral and international audience in a global capital such as New York. Ambassador Beazley asserted that the ANZUS treaty is the base-plate of bilateral relations between Australia and the US, an alliance that dates back to the Battle of the Coral Sea and the US decision to risk the Pacific Fleet in defence of Australia. This historic event, which solidified US-Australia relations, provides a contemporary lesson regarding the global redistribution of power; that the US stands by its allies regardless of how dire a situation may appear. Read more here.

Pictured: Ambassador Beazley (centre) and members of the Society of Foreign Consuls

Consul General Visits Pittsburgh, Engaging with Carnegie Mellon and the Pittsburgh Community

10-11 April 2012

On 10-11 April, Consul General Phil Scanlan AM visited Pittsburgh, meeting with both university officials from Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and key representatives from the Pittsburgh civic, cultural and business community. The Consul General additionally participated in a number of events across the city. The visit to Pittsburgh provided the Consul General with a key opportunity to expand Pittsburgh's understanding of Australia and its role in the global playing field.

While at Carnegie Mellon, the Consul General met with Dean Rammayya Krishnan (Dean of the Heinz College School of Public Policy and Management), Dean Randal Bryant (Dean of the School of Computer Science) and Dean Pradeep Khosla (Dean of the College of Engineering). The Consul General's visit to CMU was facilitated by Dr. Kiron Skinner (Director of the CMU Center for International Relations & Politics).

At an afternoon public lecture titled, Global Engagement in an Ever-Changing World, the Consul General took questions from the CMU student body.

Later, the Consul General spoke to representatives of The Tarten, CMU's school newspaper. He then met with Australian Professor Peter Cooke (Head of CMU's School of Drama) and several Australian students presently studying at CMU. Read the article here.