Ambassador’s Activities
Ambassador Hosts Leaders of Minority Councils
Canberra — 18 September 2008
On September 18, Ambassador McCallum and Mrs. McCallum hosted a morning tea in honor of the visiting members of the Australian Indigenous Minority Supplier Council and the U.S. National Minority Supplier Development Council. Members of the U.S. National Minority Supplier Development Council traveled to Australia to engage in a peer-to-peer exchange of best practices with members of the Australian Indigenous Minority Supplier Council. Two of the individuals who made the trip from the U.S. were National Director of the Minority Business Development Agency Ronald Langston and President of the National Minority Supplier Development Council Harriet Michel.
2008 Fulbright Scholars Welcomed
Canberra — 17 September 2008
On September 17, Ambassador McCallum and Mrs. McCallum hosted an afternoon tea in honor of the 2008 Fulbright U.S. Enrichment Program. During the tea, the Ambassador presented the official Fulbright pins to the 21 U.S. Scholars. The following evening, Ambassador McCallum delivered remarks at a dinner hosted at Old Parliament House in honor of the scholars. Threatened coral reefs, breast cancer and the history American convicts in Tasmania are just some of the topics that the scholars will be studying during their time in Australia.
The Fulbright Program was established through the initiative of Senator J. William Fulbright and the United States government in 1946. Further details on the Fulbright Commission can be found on the Australian-American Fulbright Commission website.
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 Corps, academics, and Muslim community leaders. At the conclusion of the dinner, Ambassador McCallum read the President’s message for Ramadan.
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.
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.
“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.
The fleet completed its visit with port calls in Albany, Western Australia.
The McCain has a crew of 24 officers and 270 enlisted personnel.
Guests Join Ambassador for “Williamsburg 2008” Independence Day Event
Canberra — 4 July 2008
On July 4th, 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.
Ambassador McCallum Visits the University of Wollongong
Wollongong — 1 May 2008
On Thursday, May 1st, 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.
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.
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!”
Ambassador McCallum comments on Prime Minister-elect Kevin Rudd and the new Labor Government
Canberra — 30 November 2007
Ambassador McCallum recently emphasized the enduring nature of the U.S.–Australian alliance on two ABC radio programs. On Wednesday, November 28, Ambassador McCallum made remarks to ABC Radio’s ‘AM’ program prior to the American-Australian Association’s dinner in honor of retiring BHP Billiton CEO Chip Goodyear. On Thursday, November 29, Ambassador McCallum spoke with Kate O’Toole of Triple J’s current affairs program “Hack.”
Embassy Commemorates 6th Anniversary of 9/11
Canberra — 11 September 2007
Ambassador and Mrs. McCallum and the Embassy community were joined today by Deputy Prime Minister Mark Vaile in marking the sixth anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001. A moment of silence recognized the nearly 3,000 individuals, including 10 Australians, who died on that day. Ambassador McCallum acknowledged that “besides remembering the victims and honoring the survivors of September 11, we gather today to express our opposition to the voices of fanatical hatred and intolerance around the world, and to reaffirm our commitment to the values of individual freedom, diversity, equality, and liberty.” Also on hand to commemorate the day were representatives from Australia’s first responder services and Canberra’s religious community.
More information
New Collaboration in Counter Terrorism
Canberra — 24 August 2007
Ambassador McCallum and Deputy Secretary Michael Pezzullo congratulate Daniel Boettcher on his upcoming year in the United States to participate in Georgetown University’s Homeland Security program. A joint effort between the U.S. Embassy and the Australian Department of Defense, Mr. Boettcher will be the first of five Australian Defense employees to participate in this program. While in the United States Mr. Boettcher will participate in a variety of Department of State and Department of Defense programs designed to promote enhanced cooperation in the areas of counter terrorism and homeland security.
U.S. and Australia Partner for New Science and Technology Exhibition
Canberra — 15 August 2007
The Australian Prime Minister, John Howard and U.S. Ambassador, Robert McCallum and Mrs. McCallum celebrated the successful public-private partnership between Raytheon and Questacon. The partnership between one of America’s technology leading companies and Australia’s National Science and Technology Center resulted in a new hands-on science exhibition titled “The Imagination Factory — Invent and Play.” The exhibition is designed to promote student interest in the areas of science and technology. Ambassador McCallum applauded the partnership and congratulated 15 year old Canberra Girls Grammar student Shanee Conran for her idea and initiative that resulted in a collaboration worth more than one million dollars. Prime Minister Howard took advantage of the occasion to publicly express his appreciation to the United States for their continued friendship and goodwill.
Ambassador McCallum Welcomes Boston City Singers
Canberra — 10 August 2007
Ambassador McCallum and Mrs. Mimi McCallum welcomed the Boston City Singers today at the U.S. Embassy. The youths performed a song for the Ambassador and Mrs. McCallum, and the Ambassador thanked them for serving as cultural ambassadors for the United States. While in Canberra, the young Americans performed at Old Parliament House with the Woden Valley Youth Choir. They will perform with other youth choirs during the tour, including the Sydney Children’s Choir and the Young Voices of Melbourne.
Ambassador McCallum Speaks at the 2007 Banksia Gala Honoring Governor Schwarzenegger
Sydney — 20 July 2007
Ambassador McCallum delivers remarks during the 2007 Banksia Environmental Foundation Awards Gala, honoring California Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger as this year’s recipient of the International Environmentalist Award.
Web Chat with Ambassador McCallum on Climate Change
3:30pm to 4:30pm — 20 June 2007
The webchat with Ambassador Robert D. McCallum, Jr. about Climate Change has now finished. A transcript is now available of the event.
Last update: Monday, 29 September 2008 GMT+1000
This site is managed by the U.S. Department of State.
External links to other internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.
- Home |
- Citizen Services |
- Visas |
- Disclaimer |
- USRS
- Contact us |
- FAQ |
- RSS Feeds |
- Privacy |
- Webmaster