On February 21st, 2026 the Australian American Chamber of Commerce marked a truly special milestone - the 50th Australian Gala in San Francisco! Five decades of celebrating the enduring friendship, partnership, and shared ambition between Australia and the United States. And what a night it was to honor that legacy.

We started the night with a video address from Australian Ambassador to the US, Kevin Rudd who will be concluding his term at the end of March. AACC President Dawn Lillington paid tribute to Presidents and Board Members over the last 50 years, as well as drawing attention to the other milestones being celebrated this year - 100 years of United, 75 years of Penfolds Grange, 80 years of the Australian Consulate in San Francisco, and America 250. Consul General and Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner Chris Ketter shared reflections on the last Gala of his term in San Francisco. Our inimitable MC Gordon Stirling guided us through the evening, we were treated to performances of the National Anthems, as well as rousing rendition of "I Still Call Australia Home" from Australia soprano Morgan Balfour. 

The night was made all the more meaningful by recognizing extraordinary people and organisations shaping the future of the Australian-US relationship.

• Ambassador Bill Lane "Spirit of Australia Award" - Viki Forrest 
• Australian Innovation Excellence award - Airwallex
• US-Australian Expansion Award - Silicon Catalyst
• Lifetime Achievement for Australian Innovation - CSIRO

Each of these recipients reflects the very best of what our two nations can achieve together.
Here's to 50 years - and to the next 50. 🥂

A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR 2026 GALA SPONSORS

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