Latest news 
Great White Fleet Visit Marks a Century of Friendship
August-September 2008
The historic visit by the Great White Fleet 100 years ago became a turning point in Australia-US relations, helping to forge an enduring alliance between the two countries. Visits by a U.S. Navy ship this August and September are helping to commemorate the endurance of that partnership.
Consul General Michael Thurston Arrives in Melbourne
Michael Thurston arrived in Melbourne in September 2008 to serve as the Principal Officer at the U.S. Consulate General.
From September 2007 to September 2008, Mr. Thurston was the Team Leader of the Diyala South Embedded Provincial Reconstruction Team in Diyala Province, Iraq. Before that he served as the Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Kigali, Rwanda from 2005 to 2007.
Attention: U.S. Citizens in Hobart, Tasmania
There will be a U.S. Consular Officer available in Hobart for all routine consular services including, passport and consular report of birth applications on Tuesday September 30, 2008. Please email MelbourneACS@state.gov by COB September 24, 2008 if you would like to schedule a meeting. Thank you, Melbourne ACS.
DCM Clune Visits the Northern Territory
Northern Territory — August 2008
In August, Deputy Chief of Mission Dan Clune spent several days in the Northern Territory participating in outreach events in and around Darwin. He met with government officials, including Chief Minister Paul Henderson and Federal Member for Solomon Damian Hale, and participated in a reception hosted by Darwin Lord Mayor Graeme Sawyer. He received briefings and tours from Northern Territory Emergency Response Commander Major General Dave Chalmers, Northern Command Commander Air Commodore Ian Meyn, and 1st Brigade Commander Brigadier Machael Krause. DCM Clune also spoke to students at Darwin High School, met with Managing Director of the Northern Territory News, and toured ConocoPhillips’ LNG plant.
Visa Chat: The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) & the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
Wednesday, 6 August 2008
The chat room is now closed. A transcript of the session is now available.
Presentation of a Presidential Letter of Thanks
Melbourne — 4 July 2008
On the auspicious occasion of American Independence Day, the enduring and strong friendship between the United States and The Royal Melbourne Hospital was marked by the presentation of a Presidential letter of thanks, written by the President George W Bush.
In his letter of congratulations, acknowledging the 160th Anniversary of The Royal Melbourne Hospital, President Bush made strong note of the outstanding role the hospital played in treating almost 35,000 Americans during World War II as the Fourth General Field Hospital of the United States Army.
The letter was accepted by Robert Doyle, Chairman of Melbourne Health, and Linda Sorrell, Melbourne Health Chief Executive, and placed alongside letters from the Prime Minister of Australia, and the Governor General of Australia.
In honor of this friendship forged throughout war time comradeship, representatives of the American Ex Serviceman’s Association were also in attendance to witness the hand over of the Presidential letter.
American Independence Day at the US Consulate General Melbourne
Melbourne — 4 July 2008
The Consul General Earl Irving, his family and Consulate staff welcomed around 200 guests to the residence to celebrate American Independence Day.
Guest were treated to an entertaining music, fabulous food and a warming atmosphere in the chilly Melbourne winter weather. Representing the Victorian Government, Minister Tim Holding spoke about the importance of the US Australian Friendship. The Victorian Parliamentary Opposition was also represented by their leader, Mr. Ted Baillieu.
Making his final week in Melbourne, Consul General Irving gave a special address on the importance of the strong and hearty friendship Australian and American’s share. He spoke of the common values between the peoples of our two countries, and how they are reflected by our genial closeness. Consul General Irving also reflected upon his time as Consul General for the Melbourne District of Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory, and shared with his guests some of the special and most memorable experiences.
U.S. Announces Electronic Authorization System for Visa Waiver Travel
3 June 2008
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today that, beginning on a voluntary basis in August 2008, travelers using the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) may provide certain information electronically before traveling to the United States. The system does not affect those travelers who have obtained a valid visa from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate overseas.
Currently, citizens of VWP countries complete a written form providing basic biographic, travel, and eligibility information while en route to the U.S. Under the electronic system, VWP travelers would provide this information online prior to their departure for the United States.
Once the electronic system becomes mandatory, likely in January 2009, all travelers entering the United States for temporary business or pleasure under the VWP will need to receive an electronic travel authorization prior to boarding a U.S.-bound airplane or cruise ship.
The Government of Australia has a similar program, called the Electronic Travel Authority.
More information
Prime Minister Rudd Makes First Official Visit to Washington
28 March 2008 — Washington D.C.
On Friday, President Bush welcomed Prime Minister Rudd to the White House as part of the Prime Minister’s first official visit to the United States. The two leaders met on Friday morning and then held a joint press availability where both reiterated how strong our alliance is, and their confidence that our “alliance has a strong, robust future” and how our “friendship will strengthen and endure under the leadership of Kevin Rudd.” The pair also discussed the global economy and the Doha Round, the environment, and helping developing nations, as well as Iraq, to which the President expressed his appreciation of the Prime Minister as “somebody who does what he says he’s going to do.”
More information
U.S. – Australia Student Work and Travel Pilot Program
The Student Work and Travel Pilot Program announced by President Bush and Prime Minister Howard in September went into effect October 31, 2007.
The program, which allows American and Australian post-secondary students and recent graduates to work and travel in Australia or the U.S. for up to one year, further strengthens the cultural and personal ties between our two nations. Although Australia has similar arrangements with other countries, this is the first program of its kind for the United States.
Interested Australian participants must first secure sponsorship from an approved exchange organization. The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has initially approved the following sponsoring organizations:
- American Institute for Foreign Study, Inc.
- Camp Counselors USA/Work Experience USA
- Core Consulting Solutions, LLC.
- Council on International Educational Exchange
- Cultural Homestay International
- InterExchange, Inc.
- International Cultural Exchange Organization, Inc.
- International Exchange of North America, Inc.
- Life Adventures, Inc.
- Walt Disney World Co.
Further information on program sponsorship for the Student Work and Travel Pilot and other exchange visitor programs is available on the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Website.
Please see our nonimmigrant visa page for general information on the U.S. visa application process, including how to apply for a U.S. visa in Australia.
Stax Music Academy Melbourne Tour
Melbourne — June 2008
In June 2008, Melbourne played host to the extraordinary talents of the Stax Music Academy band. The United States Consulate General was delighted to have this opportunity to share the wonderful music and rich story of Stax Records with the local community. The Stax Music Academy mentors young people in Memphis through music education and unique performance opportunities, to enhance their leadership and academic skills and inspire them to become facilitators for community change.
Over two days, the Stax group had a schedule packed with concerts and engagement with Melbourne’s communities. With help from The Song Room, the Starlight Room at the Royal Children’s Hospital, the American Women’s Auxiliary, Federation Square and ACMI, the Stax band brought great soul classics to hoards of Melburnians including hundreds of newly-arrived immigrant and sick children, film buffs and music fans.
The talent, warmth and generosity of these children from Soulsville, Memphis left a wonderful impression on everyone they encountered, and we hope to see them again soon.
Please take some time to look at the great work our friends do in the community:
See more Consulate highlights…
Updates from the U.S. Embassy
Embassy News and Notices
- The U.S. Consulate General in Melbourne will be closed on Monday, 13 October 2008, to observe Columbus Day
Consular News
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As of Monday, September 24, 2007, you must make an appointment via our website to be allowed entry into the consular section for routine (non emergency) services. You will need to bring evidence of an existing appointment in order to be permitted access to the Consulate.
Please follow the instructions for the particular service you require. You will find the link to making an appointment in the instructions.
If the particular service you need does not require a personal appearance at the Consulate, you will be instructed to submit your application by mail.
Please note: If you are collecting your passport you are not required to make an appointment. Instead, please come on or after the day listed on your collection slip and present the collection slip and a photo ID.
- Public Announcement - Worldwide Caution (16 July 2008)
- China Travel Alert (3 July 2008)
- Travel Warning: East Timor (15 February 2008)
- Avian Influenza information
- U.S. Consular Services in Australia - Find the Consulate for your region
Last update: Wednesday, 1 October 2008 GMT+1000
