AACC NEWS AND EVENTS 

JANUARY 2025

G'Day from AACC Interim President  

Dawn Lillington

Hello AACC Members and Friends,

Happy New Year to all! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season filled with joy, connection, and perhaps even some time with family and friends Down Under.

As we step into the new year, we bid a heartfelt farewell to our long-serving President, Jackie Yuen. Jackie has dedicated over 15 years of service to the AACC, contributing countless volunteer hours to lead the board and shape our strategy. She guided us through the challenges of the COVID-19 years, pivoting our services online and keeping our community connected during uncertain times. Jackie’s unwavering support and friendship have left an indelible mark on the AACC, offering guidance to Australian wine companies entering the U.S. market and fostering relationships with Consul Generals. While Jackie will now split her time between Australia and the U.S., we hope you’ll join us at one of our upcoming events to personally thank her for her invaluable contributions.

We also enter 2025 with heavy hearts as we witness the devastating fires in Los Angeles. Our thoughts and support are with Angelenos and the Australian community in LA during this difficult time. These events remind us of the shared experiences California and Australia have with bushfires, underscoring the importance of collaboration on climate challenges. Read below about the experiences of Angie Silvy, an Australian photographer and former AACC SF member, now living in LA. 

This week, we also welcome a new U.S. administration, and we eagerly anticipate the opportunities and potential changes ahead, particularly in areas like immigration, climate action, and trade tariffs. We remain optimistic about what this year holds for our two nations.

We'd like to extend our sincere gratitude to AACC Board Member Cameron Briggs, for shining a bright light on the Global Entry for Australian Citizens initiative. We are thrilled that the rollout has now begun. This is a significant milestone for Australia and will further enhance our international connections and opportunities. 

Looking forward, we are thrilled to kick off the year with the Australian Gala on February 8. Dust off your finest attire and join us for an evening celebrating Australian culture, creativity, and the robust business connections between our nations. We’ll also recognize outstanding contributions to our community and the broader Australian-American partnership.

We are always excited to open expressions of interest for community members who are passionate about Australia and its interests. If you have a keen interest in fostering business connections, celebrating Australian culture, and bringing fun and engaging events to life, we would love to hear from you! Join our dedicated team of volunteers as we work together to design and implement the 2025 AACC Strategy. Your contributions will help shape the direction of the Chamber and strengthen the ties between Australia and the United States.

If you’re ready to make an impact and get involved, please reach out to us for more details on how to apply.

Cheers to an Incredible 2025!

We’re excited for the year ahead, filled with new opportunities, collaborations, and celebrations. Let’s make 2025 a year to remember as we continue to strengthen the bond between Australia and the United States.

Cheers,

Dawn

On behalf of the AACC Board

LAST CHANCE TO BUY GALA TICKETS!

AACC MEMBER

Individual $295

Table of 10 $2,995


NON MEMBER

Individual $350

Table of 10 $3,200


A sample of auction prizes that will be up for grabs on the night.

VIP Travel package for 2 people to NRL in Las Vegas, March 1st.

Courtesy of the NRL

A four night stat at a spectacular vacation home in Darwin.

Courtesy of Dany Kelly & Eric Weiss

A Diamond Station bracelet.

Courtesy of Appelblom Jewelry Co

Special thanks to our 2025 Australian Gala sponsors

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

LATEST NEWS FROM AACC MEMBERS

LIVING BEYOND THE POINT OF NO RETURN - VIDEO

In a time of global instability and uncertainty, traditional ways of thinking are under pressure. Are we truly facing societal collapse and global chaos, or is it time to accept the world has fundamentally changed and embrace a new perspective?

The shifting economic landscape presents challenges that defy conventional predictions. Resilient stock markets thrive amidst global crises. The Australian dollar underperforms despite economic strength. Interest rates remain high, defying global trends and public sentiment. Meanwhile, Australia's booming property market shows no signs of slowing.

Watch Steve Douglas' free video as he shares his unique perspective and future predictions on how to navigate these unprecedented times.

WATCH THE VIDEO

 

TECH & COMMS: TREND PREDICTIONS 2025

What's on the horizon for technology in 2025?

The rapid pace of technological change is revolutionising industries, bringing groundbreaking innovations and presenting complex challenges. From AI and quantum computing to cybersecurity and data privacy, the future demands advanced solutions to protect data and drive ethical progress.

Our global team of Tech & Comms specialists have highlighted some key trends and predictions for 10 core areas, including: AI; Cybersecurity; Data; Cloud, IoT, Edge Computing, and 5G; Digital Infrastructure and more.

READ MORE

 

LUNAR NEW YEAR AFTERNOON TEA

January 30 - February 9 | Thursday - Sunday

Experience Lunar New Year Afternoon Tea featuring a selection of Asian-inspired sweet and savory delicacies, meticulously crafted by the hotel’s culinary artisans, alongside a curated assortment of teas by TEALEAVES, and a complimentary glass of champagne to toast the new year.

BOOK NOW
 

FESTIVAL NAPA VALLEY CONCERT

February 6

An intimate concert featuring the renowned Beijing Guitar Duo. Known for their virtuosity and emotional depth, Meng Su and Yameng Wang seamlessly blend Eastern and Western influences, creating an unforgettable musical experience. The evening includes a reception featuring the wines of Domaine Carneros, as well as hors d'oeuvres.

BOOK NOW

STORIES FROM THE LA FIRES

Angie Silvy

On January 7th, as I drove home, I could see the flames raging in the Palisades from the 405 freeway. That night, as I sat on my rooftop in horror, watching the fire pour down the mountains like lava. It was surreal - like watching the 911 tragedy unfold on TV, but this time, it was happening right in front of me.

I've donated money, but I felt a pull to do more. That's when I connected with The AList, a PR company using its resources to gather new clothing from brands and generous donors like J. Lo, Madewell, and Lululemon. Along with slightly used items, the donations were incredible. 

The first day volunteering was the hardest. People arrived with only the clothes on their backs - broken, crushed, and in complete shock. While they came in devastated, they left smiling, grateful, and a little lighter. Here are some of the stories that will stay with me forever.

Rachel - a 94 year old from Pacific Palisades lost everything. Despite it all, she still had her sense of humor. As we built her a new wardrobe, she tried on a pair of sunglasses donated by J.Lo and cracked a joke.

Kim - I met Kim the day after the fires, she shared that everything happened so fast, she didn't have time to grab her temporary tooth. I smiled a said "I bet you'll find it in the ruins.' A few days later, showed up at the volunteer center where I was working, and with a big grin, declared "I found my tooth!" We laughed so hard it felt like a moment of light in all the darkness.

Jennifer Grey - the beloved actress from Dirty Dancing, lost everything. When she arrived, I gave her a gentle hug. By the time she left, she was smiling again and thanked me. 

In the midst of such darkness, I have never witnessed so much kindness from humanity. People are showing up for one another in ways I never imagine. Sometimes, in the hardest moments, humanity shines the brightest. 

COMMUNITY EVENTS

AUSTRALIAN HERITAGE NIGHT AT SAINT MARY'S COLLEGE

Aussies in the Bay Area join the Saint Mary's College Men's Basketball to celebrate Australian Heritage Night.

 

📅 Thursday 23 January, 2025
⏱ 6:00 pm
🏀 vs University of San Francisco Men's Basketball
📍 Saint Mary’s College, Moraga

BUY TICKETS

📅 Saturday 25 January, 2025
⏱ 5:00 pm
🏀 vs Santa Clara University Women's Basketball
📍 Saint Mary’s College, Moraga

BUY TICKETS

STEVE IRWIN GALA - VEGAS

On May 10, we invite you to join Terri, Bindi and Robert Irwin for the exclusive event in Las Vegas. Guests are treated to a scrumptious three-course dinner and a night of wild fun and dancing with roving animals, entertainers, guest speakers and a live auction. In a khaki-decked ballroom, surrounded by fellow Wildlife Warriors, it’s a remarkable night honouring one extraordinary man.

Be part of our Wildlife Warriors family as we follow Steve’s legacy.

'MATES RATES' OFFERS FOR AACC MEMBERS

Take advantage of AACC member rates from 2025 Australian Gala sponsor Currencies Direct. 

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