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G'Day from AACC President Dawn Lillington
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G’day Friends,
As we roll into summer, we're happy to leave the first 100 days of the Trump administration in the rearview mirror. There’s been some media coverage around Australians having difficulties entering the U.S., and questions raised about the safety of travel. If you, or someone you know has had a recent experience—good or bad—navigating immigration or entering the U.S. via air, we’d love to hear from you. Your stories help inform and support our community.
This month, we’re thrilled to welcome five fantastic new Board Members to the Chamber: Brian Carnahan, Sofia Chancey, Lexie Werblow, Cindy Muscio, and Danyelle Kelly.
These new voices bring fresh energy and ideas, and we’re excited for what’s ahead. You can learn more about them here on our website.
As many of you know, the Australian Federal Election is set for Saturday, 3 May 2025. If you're overseas, you can still vote! In-person voting will be available at the Australian Consulate-General in San Francisco (575 Market St, 18th Floor) starting April 22, full schedule is available here.
One of the most meaningful events on our calendar is the annual ANZAC Day Service. Please join us as we honour the sacrifice of our diggers and reflect on their enduring legacy. The service will take place on April 27, and all are welcome, please RSVP.
And of course—don’t forget our next Happy Hour is coming up! We’d love to see you for a chat, a toast, and a great evening with fellow Aussies. As always, reach out if you need a hand - we're here for you. Cheers,
Dawn
On behalf of the AACC Board |
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📅 Thursday, April 24th 🕔 4:15 - Seminar on New Zealand and Australian immigration, tax and investment. 🕔 5:30 - Happy Hour |
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Join us for a happy hour and informational seminar at Withers San Francisco's office. Hear from special guest Roger Thomson, founder and director of tax and accounting firm Bentleys New Zealand. In conversation with Withers partner and AACC Board member Marsha Dungog, Roger will discuss immigration and tax considerations for globally mobile Kiwis and Australians, and in particular those in the US and considering or preparing to return to New Zealand or Australia. Following the seminar, enjoy Australian wines and beer at the AACC Happy Hour in the Withers cafe and (weather permitting) on the terrace. |
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Join the AACC and BABC for the 13th Annual International Golf Scramble, at the picturesque Crystal Springs Golf Course on June 5th. Here's what awaits you:
- Compete in teams of four: Gather your colleagues or friends and take on the course together in a shotgun start format. Playing as an individual? We'll pair you with other individuals.
- Showcase your skills: Vie for bragging rights in on-course games like longest drive and closest to the pin.
- Win big: Sink a hole-in-one and take home a cash prize!
- Celebrate your achievements: The day concludes with a celebratory awards dinner.
- Raise your profile: Sponsorship packages are available to elevate your brand visibility.
Sponsorship opportunities are available, please reach out to melissa@sfaussies.com for more details. |
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VIRTUAL PANEL - AUSTRALIAN IMPACT, WOMEN INNOVATORS IN THE US |
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We recently hosted an insightful virtual panel discussion in celebration of Women's History Month. Moderated by AACC Board member Helen Fairclough, the event featured and impressive lineup of accomplished women leaders: Neeti Mehta Shukla - Co-founder, Chief Social Impact Officer at Automation Anywhere, Naomi Seddon - Author, lawyer, advocate, keynote speaker, and Dr. Yelda Kaya - Doctor, lawyer, global R&D deal-maker. The panelists shared insights from their personal journeys and professional experiences, including using cultural differences to your advantage, learning to deal with feelings of self doubt, rather than fighting against them, and relishing the joy of a reaching expert status. |
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LATEST NEWS FROM AACC MEMBERS |
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WITHERS AND BENTLEY LAUNCH INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION |
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A CONVERSATION WITH COMMISSIONER MICHAEL RODRIGUES, OFFICE OF THE 24-HOUR ECONOMY IN SYDNEY |
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The Bay Area Council is hosting a discussion on ways to reinvigorate urban economies through activity that happens 24 hours a day, not just during business hours. As head of Sydney's Office of the 24-Hour Economy, Commissioner Michael Rodrigues has successfully stimulated urban revitalization and grown Sydney's creative sector by drawing music, arts (performing and creative), restaurants, bars, and nightlife into vibrant communities. In this conversation, he will share Sydney's experience and best practices as the world's first "24-Hour Commissioner". Sydney's success offers insights for the efforts of San Francisco and other Bay Area cities to revitalize their downtown cores and we hope you can join us for this lively exchange.
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UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE SAN FRANCISCO ALUMNI SPRING SOCIAL |
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📅 Thursday, May 15 🕔 5:30 - 7:30 pm 📍 Executive Order Bar & Lounge |
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Join the University of Melbourne’s San Francisco Alumni Chapter for a Spring Social as the Chapter kicks off its 2025 events! Reminisce and share stories about your University days and make new connections within our vibrant San Francisco alumni community. Celebrate spring with good company, drinks and light bites – arrive early to take advantage of the open tab!
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CAN AUSTRALIAN EXPATS VOTE IN THE FEDERAL ELECTION WITHOUT IMPACTING THEIR TAX RESIDENCY? |
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Australian expats living overseas can vote in the upcoming federal election by registering as an overseas elector, but many wonder if voting could affect their tax residency status. While voting alone doesn’t automatically change your status, it may be considered one factor among others in a review by the ATO. If your ties to Australia are strong—such as maintaining a home or business—the ATO may consider these when determining your residency.
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GET EARLY BIRD TICKETS FOR THE SF UNICORNS |
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The San Francisco Unicorns are back for an action-packed season of Major League Cricket—and early bird tickets are officially live! As proud supporters of sport, community, and international connection, we’re excited to extend this opportunity to the Australian American Chamber of Commerce community.
Catch top-tier T20 cricket featuring Aussie talent right here in the Bay Area. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the game, this is the perfect chance to experience the thrill, energy, and fun of live cricket. |
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Get your early bird tickets now – limited availability!
Oakland Coliseum
June 12th (14th and 15th already sold out!)
Bring your family, bring your mates, and come cheer on the Unicorns! |
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ASIAN AMERICAN & PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH |
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✨ May is Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month! From live performances and tasty food experiences to interesting films and books, get your Celebration Guide at apasf.org
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SVDP CEO & EXEC'S SLEEPOUT |
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You’ve probably heard of the CEO Sleepout back home – an annual night where business and community leaders sleep rough to raise awareness and funds for homelessness. Now, for the first time, it’s coming to the San Francisco Bay Area.
We’re inviting Australian expats to be part of this powerful initiative. One night. Outside. In solidarity with those who do it every night. This is your chance to step up, sleep out, and make a real difference in our local community.
Interested? Learn more and register at svdpceosleepout.org (Or, reply to this email for more information and we’ll pass you onto the organiser!)
Let’s show the Bay Area what Aussie spirit and compassion really look like. ❤️ |
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 Flightless Bird
 Friday, April 18th
 8:00pm
 Palace of Fine Arts
 Open to AACC members only.
Flightless Bird sees journalist David Farrier learning about what makes America special, from his unique perspective as a Kiwi accidentally marooned in the Land of the Free. Infinitely curious but never judgmental, each week David seeks to understand what makes America so unique, strange and wonderful.
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How to enter: email chamber@sfaussies.com with "Flightless Bird" in the subject line.
Open to AACC Members only.
Thanks to Another Planet Entertainment for the tickets!
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'MATES RATES' OFFERS FOR AACC MEMBERS |
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One of the perks of being an AACC member is having access to special offers. Log in to the member portal to access the full Mates Rates offering. |
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JOIN OUR ONLINE COMMUNITY > |
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