AACC NEWS AND EVENTS 

JUNE 2026

AACC President

Dawn Lillington

Hello AACC Members and Friends, 

San Francisco and Australia has been buzzing for weeks in the lead-up to today's match against Paraguay at San Francisco Stadium (otherwise known as Levi's Stadium, although I have to admit the rebranding has been pretty clever!).

The excitement really started late last year when the Oakland Roots agreed to host the Socceroos at their training facility in Alameda. Since then, the Roots leadership team has been absolutely incredible - welcoming and supporting Football Australia and our boys in green and gold every step of the way. From training sessions and visits with government officials to a Big Aussie-themed match day, Australian-inspired food across Oakland, and some very cool collaborative merchandise, it's been amazing to watch two organizations come together to create something genuinely special. What started as a sporting connection has become a wonderful example of community, partnership, and friendship that will last well beyond the final whistle.

Mel and I also had the chance to finally meet our Australian American Chamber of Commerce colleagues from Seattle and Houston in person. By pure luck, we all happened to be at the USA vs Australia match last Friday. Our sister organization put together a fantastic series of events highlighting the role sport can play in strengthening business, trade, and people-to-people connections between our countries.

The result on the field wasn't quite what we were hoping for, but being part of the green and gold army in a packed stadium was an unforgettable experience. The atmosphere was electric and truly a once-in-a-lifetime moment. A huge thank you to our friends at DFAT, Austrade, and Amazon for helping create such a memorable week.

Yesterday, our wonderful partners at Penfolds hosted Football Australia leadership and members of the Australian community here in the Bay Area. It was exciting to hear more about Football Australia's long-term vision for building a stronger presence in the United States as they look ahead to LA28 and the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2031. There is enormous opportunity ahead, and we look forward to rallying behind and supporting those efforts.

And now, all eyes turn to today. Australia's Prime Minister has called on Australians everywhere to proudly wear the green and gold, and I suspect there will be plenty of Aussies doing exactly that across the Bay Area.

Here's hoping the Socceroos deliver another special performance. If they do, Dallas awaits.

Go Australia! ⚽️

Dawn

On behalf of the AACC Board

AACC Team: Amy Conacher (Houston), Dawn Lillington, Claire Manson (Seattle), Ambassador Greg Moriarty, Martin Gorman (Seattle), Melissa Zajic, Katherine Carlson (Seattle).

UPCOMING EVENTS

UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE ALUMNI EVENT * Tonight *

📆 Thursday, June 25

🕘 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

📍 Klamath (Historic Ship), San Francisco, CA

🌈 AUSSIE x KIWI SF PRIDE PARADE 🌈

We are bringing the Down Under spirit to San Francisco Pride this Sunday. Join us for breakfast, join us to march, or hang with us all day!

📆 Sunday, June 28

🕘 9:00 am - breakfast

🕚 11:00 am - depart for march

📍 575 Market St, San Francisco, CA

WEBINAR: US TAX EXIT

Planning to move back to Australia from the US? Before you do, make sure you understand the potential impact of the US Exit tax. 

Join Atlas Wealth for an upcoming webinar hosted by James Ridley and Martin Jack and special guest Joshua Ashman.

📆 Wednesday, July 1 | 4:00 pm

RECENT EVENTS

OAKLAND ROOTS x SOCCEROOS

Open Community Training Session

The Oakland Roots and Soul training facility decked out in green and gold to welcome the Socceroos.

Aussie-themed match day at Oakland Coliseum

SYDNEY @ BIO2026 MIXER

Mike Hess Brewing, San Diego | June 22, 2026

Investment NSW, the AACC and BioNSW came together for an exclusive networking event last night on the first night of BIO2026. A packed room, beautiful San Diego weather, and a room full of investors, founders, and industry leaders made for the perfect way to kick off the week.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

FEDERAL BUDGET 2026 - WEBINAR RECORDING

Last month saw the release of the 2026–27 Federal Budget, introducing significant proposed changes for Australians, particularly expats with financial interests back home.

In a recent Atlas Wealth Group webinar, the key proposed changes impacting Australian expats were unpacked, including reforms to negative gearing and CGT. These measures represent one of the most significant shifts to the Australian property and tax landscape in decades, prompting many Australians living overseas, or considering a return home to reassess their financial structures and long-term plans.

To better understand how the Budget may affect your investments, tax position, or future planning, you can watch the webinar recording and access the presentation below. Alternatively, contact us to arrange a consultation with our qualified advisers specialising in Australian expat financial planning, for tailored guidance based on your circumstances.

TRAVEL HEALTH CHECKLIST: WHAT TO DO 6 WEEKS BEFORE YOU FLY

Planning an overseas adventure? Before you focus on flights, hotels, and packing, make sure your health is travel-ready. The Village Doctor's latest guide outlines a practical travel health checklist to complete six weeks before departure, including travel medicine consultations, vaccinations, malaria prevention, medication planning, food and water safety, and packing a personal medical kit. Whether you're heading on safari, cruising through Southeast Asia, or taking a family holiday abroad, a little preparation can help prevent illness and ensure a safer, more enjoyable trip. Start planning now so you can travel with confidence.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

AUSSIE WATCH PARTIES HOSTED BY THE GGAFL

Don't have a ticket to the game? Join the GGAFL at Buzzworks.

🇦🇺 Australia v 🇵🇾 Paraguay

📆 Thursday, June 25

🕖 7:00 pm

📍 BuzzWorks

AUSTRALIA'S FAVORITE PASTIME IS COMING TO THE OAKLAND COLISEUM THIS SUMMER

Catch the San Francisco Unicorns and global cricket stars live, at the Coliseum, during the MLC Regular Season (June 24-28) and Finals (July 15-18).

AACC members get an exclusive 10% discount when purchasing tickets using promo code MLCAUSSIE10.

If you are interested in corporate hospitality or group seating for 15 or more, click here to Express Interest so we can get a strong Aussie contingent in the stands!

To celebrate hosting the Australian Men's National team in Alameda, Oakland Roots and Soul SC has launched Australia à la carte, a community-driven food, soccer, and storytelling initiative, bringing a taste of Australia to Oakland through partnerships with beloved East Bay restaurants and businesses creating Australian-inspired menu items throughout June and July. 

MEMBER OFFERS

Exclusive deals and discounts from fellow AACC members - just for you.

Free consultation with Spott, Lucey & Wall, valued at $900. Contact Tyler Dixon to redeem. 

Friends and family rates for AACC Members. 

20% off your first year with The Village Doctor

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