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G'Day from AACC President, Jackie Yuen
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Dear AACC Members and Friends,
I write to you on the eve of the US Thanksgiving Holiday and hope that you will be spending time with family and friends. Even though Thanksgiving is not a holiday I grew up celebrating, it is one that I've happily adopted and enjoy because of its focus on being with your loved ones (and of course indulging in a Thanksgiving feast!)
As we begin to close out 2021, it seems an appropriate time to reflect on the past year. To start, the SF Bay area was in essentially a 'lockdown mode' and even though Covid-19 vaccinations were being rolled out, a sense of normalcy would still be months away. Like everyone, the AACC has had to adapt to an ever-changing environment.
January
We kicked off the new year with our Australia Gala, presented virtually for the first time. Over 150 guests joined us on-line for an evening of fun & entertainment and to generally reconnect. We all celebrated with the delivery of a hamper of Aussie goodies that were generously donated by our friends at Penfolds Wines, Old Bridge Cellars, Bluestone Lane, Driftwood Gifts and RM Williams. Another first is that we partnered with the AACC Houston community so our Texan counterparts joined in the celebrations. Our sincere thanks to all of our generous and supportive sponsors, Chevron, Telstra, BHP, United Airlines and Mateship ~ Australian Government.
March
We partnered in a Future of Women in Tech virtual event, and I was invited to join a panel to explore the intersection of women, tech and policy with top female technology leaders across government and industry. My esteemed panelists were from the US Air Force, US Space Force, Dept of Agriculture and Amazon Web Services. While I learned there are a number of women in leading positions, there is still a major gap before women reach a more equal representation in senior positions. Not likely an easy path, however, one worthy of our attention to improve.
April
The ANZAC Service was held at Hero's Grove in Golden Gate Park with a very small gathering including Consul-Generals from Australia, New Zealand and Great Britain and representatives from Canada and Turkey. This was livestreamed along with a recorded component. Our thanks to Ian Colrain, our bugle player, who has been a fixture on Anzac Day for many years.
May
Our first in-person event and our inaugural Australian Retreat took place at Skywalker Ranch, where 25 participants and their partners/guests were treated to a special blend of American hospitality with an Australian flavour. While entertainment was a key objective, we also incorporated business roundtable sessions including one with Australian Ambassador Arthur Sinodinis, beamed in from Washington DC. Overall, it was a unique forum to forge new connections and one we're looking forward to hosting again in 2022. Our thanks to all who joined us, our sponsors, plus the wonderful staff at Skywalker, especially Kathryn Ingraham, who created an unforgettable experience.
June
We haven't been able to give as much attention to Sports as in years past, so it was great to host a panel of AFL athletes from San Francisco and Victoria to discuss Bridging the AFL Gap. We had players from both men's and women's teams in both countries and to learn the biggest obstacle to growing the game in the US is to find enough fields that can be adapted to play the game. Despite this, there is a solid fan base and one the local Golden Gate AFL club hopes to expand.
August and October
With the vaccination rates increasing we were able to finally host our first in-person Aussie drinks at the W Hotel in SF. It was a fabulous night, quite the raucous one, and it was clear there was a lot of pent up emotion around seeing friends for the first time in ages and to give them the biggest hug. Over 40 people joined us and I know I will remember it as my re-entry to a new "normal"
So, that's the year in review.
Save the Date
Other events to add to your calendar
Gaming Panel & Seminar ~ 8 December, 2021, Virtual
Australian Retreat ~ 1 April 2022, Skywalker Summit Ranch, Nicasio
Golf Tournament ~ 8 April 2022, Presidio Golf Course, SF
Australian Gala
Many of you have asked about our plans for the Australian Gala next year and initially we feared we would not be able to find a venue that was feasible. However, hot off the press, we believe have found a new venue that can host us - the Golden Gate Yacht Club off the Marina Green, and we have tentatively set the date for Saturday February 5, 2022. We are in planning mode right now, so it would help us determine feasibility if you could let us know if you would be interested in attending by completing the survey below. |
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New Members
ARKOSE LABS bankrupts the business model of fraud and is hailed by customers as a user-friendly solution to an ever-evolving fraud landscape. We warmly welcome Richard Dufty and the team at Arkose Labs, our newest Benefactor member, to the AACC community.
As we look forward to 2022 our aim is to continue to be a support to you whenever we can. For those travelling to Australia, please be sure to check the latest conditions for travel via the Australian Government's resource found here: COVID19: Stay Informed | Australia in the USA (embassy.gov.au)
I wish that you all have an enjoyable start to the festive season and that you have fun connecting with family and friends, particularly if you haven't seen them in a long time.
Thank you, as always, for support of the AACC.
Happy Thanksgiving!
With gratitude and much appreciation,
Jackie |
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AACC Director, Helen Fairclough…from the Victorian Desk
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Victoria is back in action, and it’s a pleasure to update you all on the state of play from across the way.
With the economy kicking back into gear, like many other places around Australia, we are experiencing COVID-related supply chain disruptions and surging demand for goods however the topic on the mind of most business (and Victorian businesses are no exception), is the skills shortage and lack of employee availability. According to the preliminary Internet Vacancy Index released by the National Skills Commission yesterday, the problem is only set to grow with online job advertisements rising by 7.8 per cent, or approximately 18,000 vacancies, over October. In total, more than 250,000 vacancies were recorded last month, the highest level in 13 years.
Andrew McKellar, Chief Executive, Australian Chamber of Commerce Industry (AACI) said “Australian businesses of every size, across every industry, right around the country are facing tremendous pressures to fill open jobs. The worker shortage is holding back business and is holding back the economy. With pent-up consumer demand and record household savings straining employers who are already facing severe labour and skill shortages, there has never been a better time for unemployed Australians to get back into the job market. However, there simply aren’t enough domestic workers to fill vacancies, so we must turn elsewhere.” ACCI has been advocating strongly for the Federal Government to reopen borders and resume quarantine free travel to all fully vaccinated skilled migrants, working holiday makers and international students to help more employers find the staff they desperately need.
The CEO of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce, Paul Guerra had the following to say “There is still plenty of work to do in our recovery, but we are on our way… The Chamber welcomed the announcement on Friday that the NSW and Victoria borders will allow free travel between them. This is the news that we have been jointly advocating for alongside Business NSW. It will help to turbocharge the country’s two most powerful economies and set our nation up for global success. Importantly, this opens up the vital tourism industry across both states as we head into summer. Now that we are able to finally close this chapter, we should embrace the lessons learned and continue with this strong state collaboration so that we can drive the nation’s economic recovery.” Finally, major events are back, with theatres, galleries and restaurants reopening and over the weekend, the Victorian Government announced a $20 million package targeting the live music industry and advised today that it will commit an additional $241 million for the Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation to include new parklands, cafes and restaurants along with an extensive restoration of the city’s State Theatre. The upgrade will include two new restaurants and bars at the northern end of 18,000 metre² of new elevated public parkland connecting Hamer Hall to the new NGV Contemporary.
So ‘What’s on in Melbourne’ here’s a sample of the line-up:
- Baz Luhrmann’s iconic film Moulin Rouge! is a Broadway sensation, and now Moulin Rouge! The Musical is playing at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre. Winner of 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, this new musical mash-up extravaganza features over 70 songs, including many of the iconic hits from the movie, as well as additions from Adele, Katy Perry, Sia, Beyonce, Rihanna and more. A celebration of truth, beauty, freedom and — above all — love, Moulin Rouge! is more than a musical; it is a state of mind. From 12 November through to April 2022
- THE LUME Melbourne is OPEN and is re-igniting Melbourne’s art scene. THE LUME Melbourne is an expansive 3,000 square metre, 11 metre high digital art gallery delivering a truly awe-inspiring adventure into art. Van Gogh at THE LUME. The inaugural experience at THE LUME Melbourne featuring the vibrant works of the Dutch master Vincent van Gogh. Van Gogh’s works have been exhibited and admired for over a century – but never like this. Transcend time and space as you accompany Van Gogh on a multi-sensory journey through the Netherlands, Paris, Arles, Saint Rémy and Auvers-sur-Oise while his beloved masterpieces come alive on an epic scale. THE LUME Melbourne at MCEC operates seven days a week, 365 days a year.
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, exclusive to Melbourne - the most awarded new play in history, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, will soon be experienced as one thrilling theatrical event. Direct from Broadway, the original creative team has boldly re-staged the production and brought it to Australian audiences. See the original two-part production only at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre before 27 March 2022 and from May next year audiences will enjoy all the adventure of the continuation of Harry’s story in one magical afternoon or evening.
- Melbourne Fashion Week 15 Nov - 21 Nov Colourful pop-up runways, insightful conversations and a huge three-day shopping party, Melbourne city wide. MFW is back with a bang, and heaps of the best events are free. Attendees can try the roaming tour, see what's next in streetwear or listen in on more than 25 free digital discussions.
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NEW DATE & NEW PARTNER WELCOME GABA!
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The Australian American Chamber of Commerce, the British American Business Council and the German-American Business Association are pleased to announce the 10th Annual International Golf Scramble will be held on Friday, April 8th, 2022. This fun tournament, returning to the Presidio Golf Course, offers companies an opportunity to enjoy a unique way to entertain clients and employees, participate with the Bay Area international business communities as well as support the efforts of the International Chambers of Commerce.
Ticket price includes: range time/balls, golf cart, 18 holes of golf, on-course games, lunch, competitions and trivia questions throughout the course. Dinner also included
This event regularly sells out quickly so don't delay in purchasing your Tickets or Foursomes.
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UPCOMING AACC CHAPTER EVENTS
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The 2021 Australia US Innovation and Investment (AUSii) conference will focus on “Technology - the Intersection of Energy, Space and Medicine”. Technology is the linchpin connecting the rapid evolution of these three great economic forces benefiting the economies of Texas and Australia.
Topics covered in the conference include:
- The Intersection of Energy, Medicine and Data - The use of data across industries to drive decision making and industry advancements.
- The Energy Transition - The use of technology to achieve "Net Zero Carbon Emissions".
- Medicine – The impact of technology on innovations in healthcare.
- Space – How the return to space travel and exploration has led to technological breakthroughs impacting multiple industries across the globe.
- Technology – How advancements in Digitalization, Data Analytics & AI will drive the future and interconnectivity of the three economic forces of Energy, Medicine and Space.
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WELCOME OUR NEWEST AACC MEMBERS |
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Arkose Labs bankrupts the business model of fraud. Recognized by Gartner as a “Cool Vendor in Fraud and Authentication”, the company offers an industry-first warranty on account protection. Its AI-powered platform combines powerful risk assessments with dynamic attack response that undermines the ROI behind attacks, while improving good user throughput. Based in San Francisco, Calif., with offices in Brisbane, Australia, London, UK and Tokyo, Japan, the company was honored as the 195th fastest growing companies in the United States on the 2021 Inc 5000 list.
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Download iSponsor Intro.pdf
iSponsor is the easiest way for Aussie sporting clubs and charities to raise funds.
We connect local businesses to sporting clubs and charities through a simple, easy to use app.
Download it for free today!
Are you a sporting club or charity you didn't support?
Join iSponsor today
Are you a business wanting to give back to your community?
Become a sponsor |
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THANKS TO RENEWING MEMBER
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iMatrix Systems provides a complete portfolio of wireless Humidity, Temperature, Air Quality, CO2 Sensors. “These are the sensors you have been looking for™" In addition, the iMatrix Gateways enable all wireless sensor configuration, control, monitoring, and associated analytics to be managed through iMatrix’ proprietary and robust Cloud services.
iMatrix™ – “Monitored in the Cloud, Managed at the Edge™”
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Our newest member - PREZZEE!
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The Emerging Space Race: How Satellite Operators and Telcos Must Work Together
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There’s a lot going on in space today: new satellite mega-constellations are springing up in multiple orbits, high-throughput satellites (HTS)
have been launched into the skies, and SpaceX, OneWeb and Amazon are planning huge rollouts of satellites in a low Earth orbit (LEO) over the coming years. In light of such moves, it’s possible that space may completely transform the global connectivity landscape. Read this white paper from Telstra about how satellite operators and telcos should work together in this new “space race”.
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How to Expand your Business to Australia Guide
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Get started with your expansion project with our FREE guide! Full of insider tips, tricks, and quick easy solutions to set up for success, this guide is your ticket to setting up quickly & compliantly in Australia.
Written by local experts who've helped thousands of businesses like yours grow globally, you know you're in good hands.
What's in the guide?
Learn how to expand your business to Australia to best suit your business goals & strategy. |
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International business update from Bird & Bird: Australian privacy overhaul on the horizon
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In Australia, extensive privacy reforms have now been canvassed in more detail than previously, and a Bill proposing a privacy code for certain online businesses has been released. If implemented, these changes will have a fundamental impact on the reach, enforcement risk and effect of Australian privacy laws. It is important for entities which carry on business in Australia to consider the proposed changes carefully so that any unacceptable practical implications can be addressed before the laws are finalised and implemented. Submissions will be accepted until 10 January 2022.
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There are a few Stained and Soiled cases left (and a few more added) for the bargain hunters among us. For those interested, email shipping@obcwines.com and ask Lisa for the most recent list. |
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Keep an eye out on Old Bridge Cellars soon to be revealed Black Friday/Cyber Monday Deal across their social channels below. |
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Remember Old Bridge Cellars also offer AACC Members 25% off obcwines.com as part of the many 'Mates Rates' on offer by our members to our members.
See below all 'Mates Rates' |
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CHECK OUT 'MATES RATES' FOR SOME GREAT OFFERS FROM OUR MEMBERS! |
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One of the many perks of being an AACC Member is having access to Member-only special offers, promotions and discounts. To access the codes for these fantastic AACC Member ‘Mates Rates’ please login to the Member Section of our website. |
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15% off select products with complimentary shipping
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Free consultation ($650 Value) |
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3 bottles off "Bliss" Sparkling Shiraz for $195 plus tax |
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Senior Technical Advisor (Boeing) |
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A Netflix Film BACK TO THE OUTBACK Tired of being locked in a reptile house where humans gawk at them like they’re monsters, a ragtag group of Australia’s deadliest creatures plot a daring escape from their zoo to the Outback, a place where they’ll fit in without being judged for their scales and fangs. Leading the group is Maddie (Isla Fisher), a poisonous snake with a heart of gold, who bands together with a self-assured Thorny Devil lizard Zoe (Miranda Tapsell), a lovelorn hairy spider Frank (Guy Pearce), and a sensitive scorpion Nigel (Angus Imrie). But when their nemesis — Pretty Boy (Tim Minchin), a cute but obnoxious koala — unexpectedly joins their escape, Maddie and the gang have no choice but to take him with them. So begins a hair-raising and hilarious road trip across Australia, as they are pursued by a zookeeper Chaz (Eric Bana) and his adventure-seeking mini-me (Diesel La Torraca). Directed by Clare Knight and Harry Cripps, and also featuring the voices of Rachel House, Keith Urban, Celeste Barber, Wayne Knight, Lachlan Power, and Jacki Weaver, BACK TO THE OUTBACK is an animated adventure that proves just because something’s different, doesn’t mean it isn’t beautiful. |
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JOIN OUR ONLINE COMMUNITY > |
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