Lea Thompson (center left) talks with University of Canberra journalism students.

Exploring the Future of Journalism

Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane — September 2009

Award-winning American correspondent Lea Thompson talks to a group of aspiring journalists at the University of Canberra about what it takes to be an effective reporter in the new media market during her recent visit to Australia. The former NBC Dateline correspondent also talked to journalism students in Sydney and Brisbane.

• Video from University of Queensland

Consul General Michael Thurston (right) with Orhan Cicek, the Australian Intercultural Society Executive Advisor.

Breaking the Fast with a Diverse Community

Melbourne — 15 September 2009

Fifty of Melbourne's Muslim community leaders gathered for Consul General Michael Thurston's first Iftar dinner at post. Drawn from a range of organizations including mosques, consulates, and community groups, these men and women illustrated the diversity of Islamic culture in Australia. After breaking fast and praying, the guests listened to President Obama's Ramadan message, and a short speech from the Consul General. Following this, several guests addressed the gathering, and spoke of their welcoming of the President and the State Department's efforts to build a stronger connection with the Muslim community, locally and across the world.

Consul General Thurston with Chief Jay Jonas who survived 9/11.

Celebrating a Survivor

Melbourne — 11 September 2009

Consul General Michael Thurston welcomed American and Australian firefighters, religious leaders, and friends to an interfaith ceremony commemorating the anniversary of September 11, 2001. Chief Jay Jonas from the New York Fire Department, a survivor of the attack on the World Trade Center, and his wife Judy were special guests for the Commemoration.

• President Obama’s Proclamation

Australian Federal Police officers look on as Chargé Dan Clune commemorates the atrocities of September 11th.

Remembering the Fallen and Honoring the Survivors

Canberra — 11 September 2009

Surrounded by Embassy staff and members of the Australian Federal Police, Chargé Dan Clune and Defense Minister Senator John Faulkner led a commemoration ceremony for the victims and survivors on the 8^th anniversary of the September 11^th attacks on the United States. Deputy Leader of the Opposition Julie Bishop and Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston showed their support on this somber occasion, while a U.S. Marine color guard raised and lowered the flag to half mast to the sound of "Amazing Grace" played on the bagpipe by John Wombley from AFP Pipes and Drums.

• Chargé Clune’s remarks as prepared for delivery
• Senator Faulkner’s remarks as prepared for delivery
• President Obama’s Proclamation

Consul General Michael Thurston (right) with the Peter Harcourt Center Chair, Tim Robertson (center), and the 2009 Annual Report winners.

Supporting Disabilities and Providing Community Service

Melbourne — 2 September 2009

Consul General Michael Thurston was the guest speaker at the 2009 Peter Harcourt Centre Community report. Consul General Thurston spoke to the audience of community members, families and staff of Peter Harcourt about the initiatives being undertaken by the Obama Administration in the areas of disability service, and community service.

Peter Harcourt Disability Services Ltd. is a non profit community organization which provides services to over 200 people with a disability in the areas of education, personal development and supported employment programs.