Australian Consulate-General, Guangzhou
Media Release PD02/08 24 January 2008
Australian Consulate-General celebrates Australia Day
On 24 January the Australian Consulate-General in Guangzhou celebrated Australia’s National Day with an exciting Australian-themed function in the Grand Ball Room of the Westin Hotel, Guangzhou. The event was attended by VIPs from Chinese government and business circles as well as some of the top Australian business and community leaders in southern China.
Australia’s National Day is celebrated every year on 26 January, and marks the beginning of European settlement of the Australian continent over 220 years ago. It is also a day to acknowledge the rich culture of Australia’s indigenous peoples, whose history stretches back many thousands of years.
“Australia Day is a day when Australians come together to celebrate our nation’s achievements with family and friends,” the Australian Consul-General in Guangzhou, Mr Sean Kelly, said today. “This Australia Day event is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the strong and important relationship between Australian and China and for Australians in southern China to celebrate with our many Chinese friends from government, business and community circles,” he added.
The Australia Day event this year featured performances from Australian Indigenous performance duo Kullilla Art and Dance. Guests also enjoyed some unique Australian produce, including kangaroo, emu and crocodile meats, and Australia’s world-renowned wines.
The Australian expatriate community in Guangzhou will also celebrate Australia Day this Saturday 26 January with a community event at Golden Lake Garden. For a small entry fee, Australians and their family and friends can enjoy arts and sports activities, buy a barbeque lunch and visit a wine tasting tent where participants will have a chance to sample Australia’s world-class wine. An exciting entertainment program has also been organized for the day which includes performances by Australian jazz group The Sam McNally Duo featuring Roshini, Australian Indigenous performing duo Kullilla Art and Dance and the Australian Consulate Choir.
All Australians, alumni and friends with links to Australia are welcome. For more information about the event, contact Connie Zhao from Austcham – South China on 020 2237 2866.
For further information, please contact Ms Willow Li, Research Assistant
(Tel: 020 3814 0186, E-mail: [email protected])