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AACC PresidentDawn Lillington
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Hello AACC Members and Friends, For those who know me well, you’ll know I’m not a fan of cold weather, especially when summer fades. Thankfully, San Francisco is at its best over the next two months, and I couldn’t be happier. We have plenty to showcase as we wrap up the year, so I hope you’ll join us for the events below. Here are a few highlights from me:
A Fresh Vision Ahead
We’re excited to share our new vision statement! It reflects where we’re headed as a community, building stronger connections, sparking innovation, and creating opportunities for all of us to grow together. Find it here on our homepage.
Visa News You Should Know
The U.S. State Department has just announced a change for nonimmigrant visa applications, these appointments should now be scheduled in the country of nationality. This announcement comes just weeks after it was announced that E3 visas were no longer eligible for an interview waiver, stay up to date here.
Congratulations in advance to Gordo & Tiffany!
A huge shout-out to Gordon, who is tying the knot with Tiffany this weekend. Wishing them every happiness as they start this exciting new chapter. 💍🎉
United Airlines Back On Board
We’re thrilled to announce that United Airlines is returning as the major sponsor of our 50th Annual Australian Gala in 2026! With United by our side, this milestone celebration is shaping up to be truly unforgettable.
Gala Sponsorship
We’ve been overwhelmed by the incredible outreach and interest from sponsors for our 50th Anniversary Gala. Now is the perfect time to jump in and secure your spot to be highlighted. Reach out to Mel, who can share the benefits package with you! Cheers,
Dawn
On behalf of the AACC Board
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...FROM THE VICTORIA DESK
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AACC DirectorHelen Fairclough MAICD
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Hi there!
Spring has arrived in Melbourne and with it a renewed sense of energy. The city is buzzing (with a few protests and) as footy finals fever starts to ramp up (did I mention the Pies are in the mix... again ;)), the racing season is around the corner, and the warmer weather is bringing people out to our cafes, laneways and parks.
On the economic front, the Australian picture remains mixed. The economy rebounded in the June quarter 2025, with real GDP up 0.6%, household spending lifted 0.9% thanks to Easter and ANZAC Day holidays, end-of-financial-year sales and new product launches, while annual inflation eased to 2.1%, the lowest since early 2021. Labour demand strengthened, the proportion of vacant jobs increased though wage growth held steady. The housing market remained buoyant, with average new home loans hitting a record value of $678,000 and imports showed Australians continue to embrace EVs, hybrids and, of course, Utes.
The standout moment in September was Melbourne hosting the14th World Chambers Congress - a truly global gathering of business leaders, policymakers and changemakers.
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SAN FRANCISCO NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE
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If you're new to San Francisco, or thinking about where to buy, check out our neighborhood guide from fellow Aussie and San Francisco Real Estate professional Caitlin D'Aprano.
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ARE YOUR MEMBERSHIP DETAILS UP TO DATE?
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Keeping your details up to date helps other members find you in our member directory.
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COFFEE MEET UP - SF
Join us tomorrow at Bluestone Lane, SOMA.
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📅 Friday, September 19 🕔 10:00 am - 11:00 am 📍 Bluestone Lane, 55 2nd St, San Francisco
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THE AUSTRALIAN BATTERY INNOVATION DELEGATION AACC members are invited to join CSIRO and Austrade for a light reception with the Australian Batteries Delegation.
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📅 Thursday, October 2 🕔 5:30 - 7:30 pm 📍 Withers San Francisco 909 Montgomery St
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SPORTS TECH AN #SFTECHWEEK EVENT We've got a great lineup of speakers from across the sports industry ready to discuss how technology is transforming sport.
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📅 Monday, October 6 🕔 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm 📍 SAP Labs, 135 Townsend St, San Francisco
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PENFOLDS MASTERCLASS Savor carefully selected wines paired with artisanal charcuterie as you discover what makes each vintage exceptional. Special event pricing available on Penfolds wine purchased.
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📅 Thursday, October 23 🕔 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm 📍 Withers San Francisco, 909 Montgomery St
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50TH ANNUAL AUSTRALIAN GALA
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📅 Saturday, February 21 🕔 6:00 pm - Midnight 📍 Westin St. Francis on Union Square, San Francisco
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HOLEY MOLEY HAPPY HOUR WITH THE BABC
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LATEST NEWS FROM AACC MEMBERS
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ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL ACT - HOW THE NEW TAX LAW AFFECTS YOUR FUTURE
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The One Big Beautiful Bill Act introduces a range of complex changes, from trust structuring and estate planning to cross-border transactions and reporting obligations affecting family offices, non-exempt organizations and private businesses. Withers launched a dedicated webpage with insights about the OBBBA and its impact, and our attorneys will continue to add to the resource and address key topics impacting our clients. We invite AACC members to visit the page as a resource to help you navigate the changes.
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US TAX & ESTATE PLANNING - SEMINARS IN PERTH & MELBOURNE
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Marsha Laine Dungog from Withers and David Laanemaa from Bentleys NSW will present on US tax and estate planning sensitivities that accompany individuals and families who are relocating or moving to Australia from the United States and vice versa. For those in Perth and Melbourne at the end of September, read more and RSVP below.
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FOUR PILLARS ATTAINS NATIONAL US DISTRIBUTION
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Four Pillars has gained full national distribution in the United States as part of the Heritage brand portfolio of existing distributor Winebow. The movie positions Four Pillars as one of very few Australian spirits brands available across all 50 US states.
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HOW MUCH PROTEIN DO YOU REALLY NEED? A DOCTOR EXPLAINS
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We’ve all heard the advice: “Eat more protein.” But how much do you really need—for long-term health, fat loss, and preserving muscle as you age? As a physician who regularly counsels adults on weight and healthy aging, I’ll walk you through what the research says about the protein needs by age, and how to apply it practically.
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MARIN CRICKET CLUB CRICKET CAMPS
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2025 AFL GRAND FINAL WATCH PARTY
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The Golden Gate Australian Football League is once again teaming up with BuzzWorks to bring you the most fair-dinkum AFL Grand Final watch party in the Bay area!
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📅 Friday, September 26 🕔 6:30 pm 📍 Buzzworks, 365 11th St, San Francisco
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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. 💶 50% off initial 2 hour fit meeting with Arete Wealth Strategists, valued at $250. Contact Ashley Murphy to redeem. 🍷 15% off select Penfolds products with offer code AACCmates.
🤝 Free consultation with Spott, Lucey & Wall, valued at $900. Contact Tyler Dixon to redeem.
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JOIN OUR ONLINE COMMUNITY >
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