Ambassador Bleich, Wayne Shorter and Paul Grabowsky.

Adelaide Festival time

Adelaide — 6 March 2010

Ambassador Jeffrey Bleich and Consul General Michael Thurston attended the Wayne Shorter Quartet performance, hosting a pre-show reception with the Adelaide Festival's Artistic Director Paul Grabowsky. The U.S Embassy supported the festival, helping to bring this jazz legend to South Australia. Ambassador Bleich noted that America was the birthplace of jazz and that one could not exist without the other. The performance had a sellout audience of 2000 and ended with two standing ovations for this icon of American music. Following the performance the Ambassador, his family, and the Consul General met with Wayne Shorter to express their appreciation for the role he has played as an American cultural Ambassador.

Ambassador Bleich with a giant stuffed koala and Madonna King from ABC radio in Brisbane.

Getting local

Brisbane — 3 March 2010

Ambassador Bleich conducted an interview with Madonna King on ABC local radio in Brisbane. As this was the Ambassador's first trip to Brisbane, he was thrilled to have the opportunity to reach out to some of the locals through the interview.

Ambassador Bleich with Brisbane Courier-Mail Editor David Fagan and his staff.

Meeting the Courier-Mail

Brisbane — 3 March 2010

During his first trip to Brisbane, Ambassador Bleich met with Courier-Mail Editor David Fagan and his staff. The Courier-Mail is Brisbane's daily newspaper.

Ambassador Bleich met with Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus during his recent visit to Australia.

Military and scientific partnerships

Sydney — 28 February 2010

Ambassador Bleich met with Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus during his recent visit to Australia. The Navy Secretary visited a number of sites in Sydney, including the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) energy center in Newcastle, Australia. Photos »

Ambassador Bleich with the grand champion Merino sheep at the Royal Canberra Show.

Best in show

Canberra — 27 February 2010

Ambassador Bleich attended the Royal Canberra Show where he was invited to sash the winning Poll Hereford bull and the grand champion Merino sheep. Read the Ambassador's journal entry »

Ambassador Bleich is part of the breaking ground ceremony for the new antenna at the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex.

Ambassador helps break ground

Canberra — 25 February 2010

Ambassador Bleich joined NASA officials and Australian government representatives at the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex at Tidbinbilla to break ground on new communication antennas, expected to be completed in 2016.

Australian Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, remarked "As we mark 50 years of working with NASA, this is a great endorsement of the strength of our partnership in space discovery."

Ambassador Bleich talks with Ross Solly of ABC Local 666 breakfast show about the expected visit by President Obama.

Presidential interest

Canberra — 22 February 2010

Ambassador Bleich talks with Ross Solly of ABC Local 666 breakfast show about the expected visit by President Obama. This is one of several interviews the Ambassador has given lately about the visit.

Fulbright scholoar Julian Thompson performs with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra at the annual PROMs concert.

Musical connections

Canberra — 20 February 2010

American music, picnic baskets and good fellowship were the focus of the annual PROMs concert by the Canberra Symphony Orchestra on February 20. The event marked the 60th anniversary of the orchestra as well as the 60th anniversary of the Australian-American Fulbright Program and the 70th anniversary of the formal diplomatic relations between the US and Australia for an evening of American music or music inspired by America. Former Fulbright scholar Julian Thompson was a featured soloist and Ambassador Bleich served as guest conductor for a rousing version of “Stars and Stripes Forever.” Photos »

Ambassador Bleich meets the Lord Mayor of Darwin, Graeme Sawyer.

Visiting Darwin

Darwin — 18 February 2010

On Thursday 18th February the U.S. Ambassador to Australia, his excellency Mr Jeffrey L. Bleich and the Consul-General Mr Michael Thurston visited the Lord Mayor of Darwin, Graeme Sawyer. The American Ambassador to Australia is the personal representative of President Barak Obama of the United States.

The Ambassador is visiting Darwin for the commemoration ceremony for the 68th anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin and is accompanied by his wife and the Consul-General Mr Michael Thurston. Ambassador Bleich's journal entry »

Ambassador Jeff Bleich joins Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III and South Australia Premier Mike Rann at the official launch of Techport, one of the most modern shipbuilding plants in the world, in Adelaide on February 15, 2010.

Starting production

Adelaide — 15 February 2010

Ambassador Jeff Bleich joins Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III and South Australia Premier Mike Rann at the official launch of Techport, one of the most modern shipbuilding plants in the world, in Adelaide on February 15, 2010.

Ambassador Jeff Bleich with Justice Scalia in Sydney.

Legal collaboration

Sydney — 8 February 2010

US Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia and Ambassador Bleich were among the presenters at the recent International Legal Exchange (ILEX) Briefing Trip to Australia and New Zealand sponsored by the American Bar Association in collaboration with the Law Council of Australia, Law Society of New South Wales and New South Wales Bar Association.

The theme of the session was "Cross-Border Collaboration, Convergence and Conflict: The Internationalization of Domestic Law and Its Consequences."

• Ambassador Bleich's speech
• Ambassador Bleich's journal entry

Ambassador Jeff Bleich with Noel Pearson in Sydney.

Introducing Noel Pearson

Sydney — 8 February 2010

Ambassador Bleich introduced indigenous leader Noel Pearson to visiting American lawyers attending the recent International Legal Exchange (ILEX) Briefing Trip to Australia and New Zealand sponsored by the American Bar Association.

Ambassador Bleich performs a TV interview on the lawn in front of the Residence.

Fielding media queries

Canberra — 2 February 2010

Following the announcement of President Obama's trip to Australia, Ambassador Bleich spoke with a number of media outlets about the President's plans.

John Huigen of Desert Knowledge Australia explains to Ambassador Bleich how solar energy can play an important role in providing energy in desert cities like Alice Springs. He was accompanied on the tour by Alice Springs Mayor Damien Ryan.

The power of the sun

Alice Springs — 21 January 2010

A tour of a new solar panel project and a visit to Pine Gap were on the agenda for Ambassador Bleich’s trip to Alice Springs on January 21 and 22. At Desert Knowledge Australia, the Ambassador learned about efforts to develop effective strategies for communities to live and grow in the desert, including solar power. Alice Springs now gets 20% of its power from solar energy. The ambassador also met with Mayor Damien Ryan who gave him a tour of the city including the Mbantua Gallery and Cultural Museum. The trip was capped off with a visit to the Pine Gap facility. Ambassador Bleich's journal entry »

Ambassador Bleich and Nicole Kidman at the launch of the Family Violence Prevention Fund in San Fancisco. (more)

Preventing family violence

San Francisco — 8 January 2010

Ambassador Bleich was among those on hand to break ground for the Family Violence Prevention Fund’s new international center at the Presidio National Park in San Francisco. He was joined by Australian actress Nicole Kidman, the Goodwill Ambassador for UN Development Fund for Women, and Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi. The Family Violence Prevention Fund is one of the world’s most innovative and respected agencies working to stop violence against women and children. The Ambassador was one of the founding members of the Fund’s Founding Fathers campaign, a national effort that engages fathers in helping combat domestic violence and features the “Coaching Boys into Men” program.

Front row L to R: Brother President Ronald Gallagher, Kate Gaze, the Ambassador, Jorden Page. Back row L to R: Matthew Dellavedova, Mitchell Young, Ben Allen, Clint Steindl, Louella Tomlinson.

Basketball diplomacy

Moraga, California — 30 December 2009

Ambassador Bleich had a chance to learn more about education and athletic opportunities for Australians in the United States during a recent meeting at St Mary's College, a liberal arts university in Moraga, California. A number of Australians play for the school's basketball teams. During his visit, the Ambassador also spoke with Brother President Ron Gallagher and with staff members at the Center for International Programs at the school. Australian Patrick Mills played two seasons with the Gaels before he was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers National Basketball Association team in June 2009.

Ambassador Bleich is sworn in by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts as his wife and daughter look on.

Ambassador Bleich takes his Oath of Office

Washington, D.C. — 20 December 2009

Ambassador Jeff Bleich was formally sworn in by U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts in a ceremony on December 20 at the White House. The event was attended by the Ambassador’s family, government officials and Elizabeth Ward, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Australian Embassy in Washington. Ambassador Bleich and Justice Roberts worked together as clerks for the former Chief Justice William Rehnquist. Remarks »

Ambassador Bleich at the Melbourne Press Club.

Saying hello to Melbourne

Melbourne — 8 December 2009

Ambassador Bleich addressed a large audience of the Melbourne Press Club for his first address in the Melbourne Consular District. The Ambassador spoke of the strong and enuring U.S Australian friendship, and his commitment to and enthusiasm for being President Obama’s representative in Australia.

National Museum of Australia Curator Matthew Higgins (right) takes Ambassador Bleich on a tour of the Water H₂O = Life exhibit.

Copenhagen in Canberra

Canberra — 7 December 2009

Coinciding with the first day of the Copenhagen conference, Ambassador Bleich visited the new exhibition at the National Museum of Australia titled Water H₂O = Life from the American Museum of National History in New York City. A class of year 10 students that had been studying climate change was touring at the same time and they challenged the Ambassador with questions about their U.S. policy and culture. Photos »

Ambassador Bleich with some of the winning Rebels.

Baseball a hit with Aussie under 10s

Canberra — 5 December 2009

In the newly named 2010 home for the Canberra club in the Australian Baseball League, Ambassador Bleich presented the 6th Ambassador's cup to the Rebels Baseball Club which recruited the most under 10 players for the 2009 season. The Ambassador spoke of the importance of sport, particularly baseball in teaching the basic civil skills of fairplay , while being healthy and fun. He also highlighted the similarity in the great sporting traditons of the U.S. and Australia and applauded the establishment of a new professional baseball league club in Canberra in 2010. Photos »

Ambassador Bleich with students at the U.S. Studies Centre at the University of Sydney.

The best seminar of the semester

Sydney — 3 December 2009

Newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Australia Jeff Bleich met students from the University of Sydney at the U.S. Studies Centre for a roundtable discussion. A group of 25 undergraduate and postgraduate students had the unique opportunity to discuss with Ambassador Bleich the Australia-United States relationship. Photos »

Ambassador Jeff Bleich (center) with the West Australian Premier Colin Barnett (left) and the Federal Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson (right) at Chevron’s Gorgon project site on Barrow Island.

Breaking ground at Chevron’s Gorgon Project

Barrow Island — 1 December 2009

Ambassador Bleich joined Australian Government representatives on Barrow Island in northern West Australia to break ground on Chevron’s Gorgon Project.

Ambassador Jeff Bleich speaks at The West Australian Events Program in Perth.

Introducing Ambassador Bleich to West Australia

Perth — 30 November 2009

Speaking at The West Australian Event Program in Perth, Ambassador Bleich introduced himself to West Australians, outlining how the U.S. plans to partner with Australia, both domestically and internationally. Remarks as prepared for delivery »

Ambassador Jeff Bleich meets with Lisa Scaffidi, the Lord Mayor of Perth.

Calling in on the Lord Mayor of Perth

Perth — 30 November 2009

During his time in Perth, Ambassador Bleich called in on Lisa Scaffidi, the Lord Mayor of Perth.

Ambassador Jeff Bleich with Consul General Ken Chern with sailors at HMAS Stirling.

Going under the waves at HMAS Stirling

Perth — 30 November 2009

Ambassador Bleich took time to visit HMAS Stirling south of Perth. He met with sailors stationed there and took a tour of the HMAS Farncomb.

Welcome video

Canberra — 27 November 2009

Becky Bleich looks on as Ambassador Bleich welcomes guests to his first reception at the Ambassador’s Residence.

Ambassador’s first reception

Canberra — 26 November 2009

Ambassador Bleich held his first reception for key Embassy contacts at the Ambassador’s Residence following the presentation of his credentials to the Governor General earlier in the day.

Ambassador Jeff Bleich meets with Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

Ambassador Bleich meets PM Rudd

Canberra — 26 November 2009

Ambassador Jeff Bleich meets with Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd at the Prime Minister’s office at Parliament House in Canberra.

Ambassador Jeff Bleich meets with Australian Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

Meeting the Deputy Prime Minister

Canberra — 26 November 2009

Ambassador Jeff Bleich meets with Australian Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard at Parliament House in Canberra.

Ambassador Bleich introduces his family to the media at a press conference immediately following his presentation of credentials to Governor General Quentin Bryce.

Introducing the Ambassador and the Bleich family

Canberra — 26 November 2009

Ambassador Bleich introduces his family to the media at a press conference immediately following his presentation of credentials to Governor General Quentin Bryce. He and his wife Becky have three children, Jake, Matthew and Abby.

Ambassador Jeff Bleich presents his credentials to Governor General Quentin Bryce. (Photo Courtesy Australian Government DFAT/Andrew Taylor)

Ambassador Bleich presents his credentials

Canberra — 26 November 2009

Ambassador Jeff Bleich presents his credentials to Governor General Quentin Bryce as the 24th American ambassador to the Commonwealth of Australia. Ambassador Bleich was appointed by President Obama in September to head the U.S. Mission in Australia. Ambassador Bleich’s journal entry »

Ambassador Bleich and his family on the balcony of the residence.

Ambassador Bleich and his family take up residence

Canberra — 26 November 2009

The Bleich family takes up residence in the Ambassador’s residence. Ambassador Jeff Bleich has come to Australia with his wife Becky and their children, Jake, Matthew and Abby.