Ambassador McCallum Honors Ramadan with Iftar Dinner

Canberra — 15 September 2008

On September 15, Ambassador McCallum and Mrs. McCallum hosted an Iftar Dinner at the Chief of Mission Residence in honor of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The invited guests included members of the Diplomatic Corp, academics, and Muslim community leaders. At the conclusion of the dinner, Ambassador McCallum read the President’s message for Ramadan.

Amongst Friends, the U.S. Embassy Marks the 7^th Anniversary of the September 11 Attacks

Canberra — 11 September 2008

Australian political and religious leaders and representatives of local first responder groups joined with the American Embassy community to mark the seventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11 in a solemn ceremony in the Embassy compound.

Deputy Chief of Mission Daniel A. Clune and Australian MP Robert McMullan, Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance, honored the memory of those killed on September 11, 2001. Nearly 3,000 people from 90 countries, including 10 Australians, were killed that day in separate attacks in New York City, Washington, DC and Pennsylvania.

Participants observed a moment of silence after the flag was lowered to half staff. Embassy photo by Adam P. Wilson.

Among those attending the morning ceremony were Governor General Quentin Bryce; Chief of the Defence Force Air Chief Marshall Angus Houston; and ACT Senator Gary Humphries.

“Besides remembering the victims and honoring the survivors of September 11, we gather today to express our opposition to the voices of hatred and intolerance around the world, and to reaffirm our commitment to the values of individual freedom, diversity, equality, and liberty,” said DCM Clune. “Our struggle against terrorism is not a struggle against any nation or any religion. It is a struggle against extremism and a radical ideology used to justify brutality, violence, and murder of innocent victims for political ends.”

DCM Clune also acknowledged the heroism of the first responders, including public safety officers, emergency medical personnel, police and firefighters who were killed as they responded to the attack, and members of the U.S. and Australian military who have died in Afghanistan and Iraq. “This ceremony allows us all the opportunity to acknowledge and thank those here in Canberra and around the world who risk their lives daily to save and protect their fellow citizens,” said DCM Clune.

More information

• DCM Clune’s Remarks

Fulbright Scholar Offers Election Insights

Canberra — 11 September 2008

James Lengle, the 2008-09 Fulbright Australian National University Distinguished Chair in American Political Science, has presented a number of special programs on the U.S. presidential conventions and coming elections in Canberra and Perth. Professor Lengle, a long-time member of the faculty at Georgetown University, is a noted U.S. political commentator.

Professor Lengle is the third Fulbright ANU Distinguished Chair in American Political Science. This Fulbright Scholarship was established through the support of the Australian National University, the U.S. Department of State and the Australian-American Fulbright Commission. He will be based at ANU in Canberra through December.

Great White Fleet Visit Marks a Century of Friendship

20 August 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.

The USS John S McCain, a destroyer and member of the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet based in Japan, is visiting ports in Sydney, Melbourne and Albany as part of the 100th anniversary of the famous voyage. It is being escorted for the commemorative visit by the HMAS Darwin and HMAS Sirius of the Royal Australian Navy.

The visit is part of re-enactment celebrations of the fleet’s epic 14-month voyage around the world from December 1907 to February 1909. The flotilla of 16 American warships painted all in white and carrying 14,000 sailors had been sent by President Theodore Roosevelt to test naval readiness, establish a global presence and generate international goodwill. It made more than 20 port calls including Japan, the Philippines and Brazil, but its stops in Australia during August and September 1908 were among the most notable.

The visit became a turning point in Australia-US relations, helping to cement a century-long friendship. Thousands lined the shore to welcome the fleet as it steamed into the Australian harbors. The visit also saw a surge in popular support for an independent Australian navy, which was inaugurated just three years later in 1911.

Ambassador McCallum in the press gaggle as the USS John S McCain was welcomed in Melbourne.

“This experience in diplomatic outreach to Australia set the stage for a century of closer ties and warm relations between the United States and Australia,” according to Donald C. Winter, Secretary of the U.S. Navy. “May the bonds of friendship between our navies and our nations always be strong and based on mutual respect.”

On hand to greet the USS McCain in the Sydney Harbor were U.S. Ambassador Robert McCallum and Australian Defense Minister Joel Fitzgibbon, as well as members of the Royal Australian Navy Band and the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet band. A flotilla of vessels from the Royal Motor Yacht Club and the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia are also participating in the welcome. “We are delighted and honored to host the USS John S. McCain and her crew during their visit to Australia, just as our forefathers did 100 years ago,” said Defense Minister Fitzgibbon. “This visit serves to further strengthen the close ties our nations enjoy.”

In Sydney, Ambassador McCallum co-hosted with the Commander of the Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Nigel Coates, a reception on board the USS McCain. The Ambassador also participated with Foreign Minister Stephen Smith in the official launch of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s traveling exhibition, “Great White Fleet to Coral Sea: Naval Strategy and the Development of Australia-United States Relations, 1900-1945.” He also spoke to the American Australian Association’s Great White Fleet Ball.

On Friday, August 29, the USS John McCain made its way to Melbourne where Ambassador McCallum again co-hosted a reception on board with Admiral Coates. Earlier that day, Ambassador McCallum went with representatives from the U.S. Navy and the Royal Australian Navy to pay courtesy calls on Governor David de Kretser and Lord Mayor John So. Ambassador McCallum also participated in the opening of the Great White Fleet Traveling Exhibition at the Melbourne Museum. On Monday, September 1, Ambassador McCallum spoke at the Naval & Military Club luncheon in honor of the Centenary of the Great White Fleet.

Next week Ambassador McCallum heads to Albany, Western Australia, for the final leg of the Centenary of the Great White Fleet.

The McCain has a crew of 24 officers and 270 enlisted personnel.

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 1^st 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.

U.S. Climate Change Expert Shares Views on Effective Policies

Canberra — 13 August 2008

W. Michael Hanemann, an expert on environmental and resource economics, shared his insights on developing effective climate change policies during a visit to Australia’s major cities in early August. The trip, which included stops in Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney, was sponsored by the American Embassy.

Guests Join Ambassador for “Williamsburg 2008” Independence Day Event

Canberra — 4 July 2008

On July 4^th, 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 4^th, 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 1^st, 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.

Radio interview with Umeewarra — Aboriginal Media Center.

Free Concert in the park that went late into the evening.

Master Class with local school in Port Augusta.

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

• U.S.–Australia Joint Communiqué
• IRC AUSMIN Resources
• IRC U.S.–Australia 2008 Resources

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!”