CG Chern Hosts Interfaith Reception

Perth — December 2007

U.S. Consul General Ken Chern and Mrs. Ronni Chern hosted an interfaith reception in their home. Approximately 60 of Perth’s religions leaders attended the reception, which was held in the spirit of cultural and religious sharing. During his remarks, the Consul General said that the group was gathered to celebrate our diversity — our different religious and cultural backgrounds — that make our lives and countries so much richer. He stressed all that we hold in common, particularly a common commitment to freedom of religion and conscience. He noted that throughout American history, from the arrival of the Pilgrims and the adoption of the First Amendment to the Constitution, to President Franklin Roosevelt’s “Four Freedoms” and the current day, freedom of religion has been vital to the fabric of American society. Every individual has the right to practice his or her beliefs without fear of discrimination. The Consul General expressed gratification that the Australian and American peoples share strong values of religious diversity, freedom, and tolerance. Guests at the reception included religious leaders and members of Perth’s Baptist, Bahai, Buddhist, Catholic, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Hindu, Jewish and Muslim communities.

WA Fulbright Dinner

Perth — November 2007

Speaking at the Western Australia Fulbright Alumni Association annual dinner, U.S. Consul General Ken Chern congratulated approximately 60 Fulbright alumni and friends for the energy, imagination, and determination that secured the financial support of the WA government for a second annual WA Fulbright Fellowship. The Consul General noted that the Fulbright program had just begun to tap the talent of Western Australia, and that the establishment of distinctive WA Fellowships will raise the Fulbright profile throughout the state and strengthen research and educational links between WA and the United States. Citing the new challenges of a far more dangerous post-9/11 world, the he recalled the words and deeds of Senator J. William Fulbright, who accomplished so much to mitigate dangerous passions and expand international understanding. The Consul General called on those present to rededicate themselves to advancing the ideals of Senator Fulbright and the Fulbright program.

Professor Don Smart, Chair, Western Australia Chapter, Australian-American Fulbright Association, spoke about the progress WA is making in meeting funding targets for the two dedicated WA fellowships to study in the United States. Mr. Mark Darby, Executive Director of the Australian-American Fulbright Commission, visiting from Canberra, spoke about the direction of the national Fulbright program. Professor Don Markwell, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Western Australia, spoke to welcome participants to the UWA Club, where the dinner was held. Vice-Chancellors John Yovich (Murdoch University), Jeanette Hacket (Curtin University), and Kerry Cox (Edith Cowan University), were among the other distinguished dinner guests.

2007 Remembrance Day

Perth — 11 November 2007

The 2007 Remembrance Day ceremony was held on Sunday 11 November at the Flame of Remembrance in Kings Park. Over 60 wreath layers attended the service along with several hundred other participants, including Minister for Education, Science and Training the Hon Julie Bishop, representing the Prime Minister, and Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd.

The official handover of the ‘Keys to the Crypt’ of the State War Memorial took place, with outgoing Warden Commodore Clem Littleton AO RAN (Rtd) passing the ‘Keys’ to Professor the Honourable David K Malcolm AC QC KCSJ. The tradition for this handover commenced on 11 November 1930 and has continued annually each 11 November since.

U.S. Consul General Ken Chern, his wife Ronni, and U.S. 7^th Fleet Representative LCDR Phil Francois also attended - with the Consul General and LCDR Francois also laying wreaths.

The North American Veterans’ Unit was well represented with eight members in attendance: Senior officer CAPT Mike Donnelly USN (Ret) who layed NAVU’s wreath; WWII veterans Victor Lane (97 years young), Len Weinstein, Dan Borison, and Jack Fletcher; Marine veterans James Maughmer and recently retired new member John Idland; and, NAVU President Michael Munjak.

CG Chern Host Musician, Choreographer and Dancers

Perth — 25 October 2007

The Consul General and his wife Ronni hosted a reception in their home in honor of renowned U.S. jazz saxophonist Bob Sheppard and U.S. choreographer and dancer Charlie Hodges. Approximately 70 leaders and members of the Western Australian arts community, including Director of the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) Julie Warn, the Artistic Director of WAAPA’s LINK Dance Company Michael Whaites, and 8 LINK dancers, as well as WAAPA professor and pianist Graham Wood and Consulate staff attended. The CG welcomed Bob Sheppard and Charlie Hodges and spoke about the vibrancy of cultural ties between the American and Australian peoples. The guests had the opportunity to hear Bob and Graham jam on the sax and keyboard and they responded warmly. WAAPA hosted and sponsored the visit to Perth of the American artists, and the U.S. Consulate General assisted WAAPA and LINK Dance Company bring the artists to Perth through the provision of a cultural grant.

USS Bonhomme Richard Sailors Volunteer Around Perth

Perth — 24 October 2007

Over 100 U.S. sailors and Marines from the USS Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group took part in a range of Community Service Projects at the Perth Zoo, Cohunu Koala Park, and Westcare Home for the Disabled, and several other venues during their visit to Perth. Senior Chaplain Mudd of the USS Bonhomme Richard worked with his colleagues to coordinate the activities for all three ships and also organized a special tour onboard for the Starlight Foundation “Wish” children.

“Community relations projects are a wonderful way for our Australian friends to interact with the best of America, our sailors and Marines,” said Lt Michael Foskett, BHR Chaplain. “It is also a wonderful way for our sailors and Marines to lend a helping hand and experience the unique culture of our Australian allies.”

LT Lee of the USS Denver said that the Conhunu Koala Park COMREL “was the highlight of the entire visit. My sailors/Marines are still talking about it.”

The young sailors and Marines from the three ships that were in port — the USS Bonhomme Richard (BHR) (LHD 6), the USS Denver (LPD 9) and USS Rushmore (LSD 47) — shared their time, energy, and expertise on ten (10) different community relations projects across the metropolitan area. From renovating and cleaning accommodation sites for the intellectually disabled and visiting children in hospital, to landscaping and cleaning at a synagogue, to helping out at a native animal rehabilitation centre, the sailors and Marines gave of themselves in a hands-on way to make life better for all of us in Western Australia.

The teams of sailors and Marines received an exceptionally warm reception from the community organizations where they volunteered.

Consul General addresses American Chamber of Commerce

Perth — 27 September 2007

U.S. Consul General Ken Chern spoke at an American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Executive breakfast on the importance of engagement with China. Guests at the 27 September breakfast included business professionals, academics, media representatives, and government officials.

During his talk, CG Chern provided some historical context for China’s development and explained that the purpose of engagement is to establish constructive and candid relationships so that China will engage positively on issues ranging from trade to human rights, military modernization, and regional issues pertaining to Iran, North Korea and Burma. He said it was important to encourage China to develop as productive an engagement as possible with Asia and the rest of the world.

Questions raised from Perth guests focused on the significance of the visit to Perth by President Hu prior to APEC 2007; whether China can continue to sustain its current economic growth rate and the impact China’s growth will have on the environment; the purpose behind changes in the Chinese Navy; and whether Western Australian businesses can engage with China.

The breakfast was sponsored by Fragomen Migration Services.

CG Chern visits Carmel Adventist College

Perth — 21 September 2007

U.S. Consul General Ken Chern spoke to an enthusiastic group of Carmel College High School history students on 21 September about the reasons why the Founders of the United States wrote the Declaration of Independence of 1776, the U.S. Constitution, and first ten amendments to the Constitution -- the Bill of Rights.

CG Chern explained that in the early 1700s, the North American colonies were relatively autonomous, with Britain paying little attention to them. However, in the mid-18th Century, this changed as various restrictions were placed on the colonists, who saw the restrictions as an imposition of tyranny. He noted that after the war for independence, the colonists sought to limit the scope of government through the Articles of Confederation.

However, for close to a decade the government was ineffective and tension developed in American thinking between the imperatives to limit the power of government and to avert chaos. The Constitutional Convention of 1787 was an effort to swing the pendulum back to middle ground. In order to bring the pendulum back to the true center point and protect the American people, ten amendments were made to the Constitution to ensure freedom of speech and religion and other basic rights, and these amendments constituted the famed Bill of Rights.

Questions raised by the students included who will win the upcoming U.S. Presidential election; what processes are involved in the U.S. Electoral College; what the duties of a Consul General entail; and what is the current situation and outlook in Iraq.

Battle for Australia Commemoration

Perth — 5 September 2007

The third annual ceremony commemorating the Battle for Australia was held at the Flame of Remembrance in Kings Park on Wednesday 5 September 2007 - in honor of those who fought in WWII (and those who supported them at home) ensuring Australia’s survival and freedom that Australia enjoys today. An estimated 200 were in attendance.

The Battle for Australia denotes the period in Australia’s history between December 7th, 1941 and the end of the war in the Pacific in August 1945. In between those events the battles of the Coral Sea, Midway, Kokoda, Milne Bay and Guadalcanal took place, and Darwin and other Northwest towns were attacked by the Japanese.

U.S. Consul General Ken Chern attended the wreath laying service along with representatives from the Australian Army, Navy and Air Force, the RSL, the RAAF Association of WA (the hosts), the WA Police Dept, the Department of Veterans Affairs, WWII Veteran Mr. Len Weinstein and other members of the North American Veterans’ Unit, and representatives from many kindred organizations.

Mission Enhances U.S.–Australia Bilateral Web Resource

Canberra — 30 August 2007

The U.S. Mission to Australia is proud to announce the release of a newly-updated compendium of documents relating to the bilateral relationship between the United States and Australia. This archive features articles from both sides of the Pacific from 2001, including AUSMIN communiqués dating back to 1998, and aims to highlight the special relationship shared between our two countries. The resource has been completely reorganized and will continue to be updated by the Mission’s Information Resource Center as more documents become available.

Fulbright Scholar Speaks at Murdoch College

Perth — 23 August 2007

American Fulbright Scholar Dr. Surya Singh spoke to over 200 high school students and educators on 23 August on how robotics and design not only spans disciplines, but also crosses borders. The talk was held at Murdoch College and focused on the need to find smarter ways to work and the importance of working past today’s trends and exploring opportunities for the future. Dr. Singh is a lecturer of Mechatronics at UWA and holds a PhD from Stanford and has done research in Japan as well as in Australia.

41^st Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan

Perth — 19 August 2007

U.S. Consul General Ken Chern and Mrs. Ronni Chern were among 500 attendees at the ceremony observing the 41^st anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan held at the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Pavilion in Kings Park on Sunday 19 August.

Current serving representatives of all branches of the Australian Defense Forces laid wreaths at the ceremony and all former members of the military were invited to lay a poppy in remembrance of those who had paid the supreme sacrifice on our behalf.

The U.S. flag was proudly carried by James Maughmer of the North American Veterans’ Unit (NAVU). Five other NAVU members attended the ceremony, including Michael Donnelly, Senior Officer, and Michael Munjak, President.

After the formal event, Perth television media interviewed the Consul General, and he spoke briefly about his just concluded 3-year assignment in Ho Chi Minh City and the sacrifices made by those individuals who served in Vietnam. The CG mentioned he was looking forward to his 3-year assignment in Perth and to further strengthening the relationship between Australia and the U.S.

Secretary of the Navy Visits Perth

Perth — 15 to 19 August 2007

The Honorable Donald C. Winter, U.S. Secretary of the Navy, visited Perth August 15 to 19. In a packed visit the Secretary met with the Chairman of Austal Ships and toured their ship building facility in Henderson – Austal is building the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) in their subsidiary located in Alabama. The Secretary also attended several Royal Australian Navy briefings and toured an HMAS Collins Class submarine in Stirling as well as the Australian Marine Complex in Henderson. He undertook media engagements including a one-on-one print interview and a pre-record radio interview to an audience of over 200,000. Consul General Ken Chern participated in a dinner hosted in honor of the Secretary which included guests from the Royal Australian Navy.

Editor of Azizah Magazine Visits Perth as Ambassador for Islam and the U.S.

Perth — 30 July to 3 August 2007

Ms. Tayyibah Taylor, the editor of Azizah magizine, visited Perth between July 30^th and August 3^rd to attend the Fulbright Symposium on “Muslim Citizens in the West: Social Cohesion.” Ms. Taylor had a variety of speaking arrangements to members of all faiths that caused her listeners to reflect on what it means to be a Muslim woman in America, and provided herself as an example of how there is no dichotomy between being a “good Muslim” and a “good American.”

Orientation for New Intake of U.S. University Students at Curtin University

Perth — 20 July 2007

American study abroad students at Curtin University in Bentley, Perth, met with Senior Consular Assistant, Mrs. Mary Robinson, July 20, to discuss the experience of living and studying in Western Australia. Mrs. Robinson also took the time to discuss what it means for the students to be studying in Australia and representing the U.S. while here.

Students from various universities in the U.S. come to Curtin University every semester to study and experience Australian life and culture.

U.S. Jazz Trio Beaux J. Poo Boo Performs in Perth

Perth — 6-10 July 2007

The International Association for Jazz in conjunction with the U.S. Consulate General brought U.S. Jazz Trio Beaux J. Poo Boo to Perth as part of the Australian Society for Music Education’s (ASME) National Conference held in Perth July 6 - 10, 2007. The prestigious U.S. jazz trio consists of internationally renowned jazz performers and jazz educators: Shelly Berg, piano; Steve Houghton, drums; and Lou Fischer, bass. The highlights of the trio’s recital engagements included a performances at the Perth Convention Centre and the Hyde Park Hotel that finished with standing ovations and an encore.

Web Chat with Ambassador McCallum on Climate Change

3:30pm to 4:30pm — 20 June 2007

The webchat with Ambassador Robert D. McCallum, Jr. about Climate Change has now finished. A transcript is now available of the event.

DVC: “The Current Situation in the Middle East” with Walter Russell Mead

Perth / New York — 23 May 2007

Walter Russell Mead, a Henry A. Kissinger Senior Fellow of U.S. Foreign Policy at the Council on Foreign Relations, presented his views on how the Bush Administration has approached the situation in the Middle East. In particular, he noted how the Administration’s foreign policy has shifted to a more conventional approach during the second term. Mr. Mead also commented on U.S. relations in Latin America and Asia, and how particularly close the U.S. relations are with Europe and Mexico.

USS Boxer Sailors Perform Community Service During Visit to Perth

Perth — Early May 2007

While the USS Boxer Expeditionary Strike Group was in the port of Fremantle, more than 100 sailors and marines participated in community service projects throughout the Perth area. From conducting maintenance to accommodation sites for intellectually disabled residents and visiting patients in Perth’s highly-regarded children’s hospital to regenerating a wetland reserve and caring for rescued native animals — these sailors and marines made a difference to several Perth communities and learned a lot about some very special parts of Australia.

DCM Clune Meets with UWA Students to Discuss the U.S.–Australia Bilateral Relationship

Perth — 18 April 2007

Deputy Chief of Mission Dan Clune delivered a focused address: “U.S.–Australia Bilateral Relations” to an intimate group of university students, Ignite Young Leaders, a political science professor and Consulate staff. In his remarks, the DCM addressed three key areas in which the U.S. and Australia work closely together: security and defense, climate change and trade liberalization, which is an area under threat. The DCM thoroughly answered questions from around the table which included a description of the role of a Deputy Chief of Mission, whether a change of leadership in the U.S. will have an impact on the U.S./Australia alliance, how the image of the U.S. is used by modern and progressive Muslims to promote different kinds of Islamic identity across the world, and how the State Department promotes its policy of engaging Muslims how Muslim communities fit into this.

Consular Web Chat

3:00pm to 4:00pm — 17 April 2007

Thank you to everyone who participated in the web chat! You can read a transcript of the chat if you missed it.

If had a question that was not answered in the chat, please send Non-Immigrant Visa questions to AmVisa@state.gov and your Immigrant Visa questions to SydneyIV@state.gov.

Third Debate Between Sister Cities: Perth, Houston and San Diego

4 April 2007

The debate between the Kinkaid School in Houston and the combined Mercedes and Trinity College team in Perth was the third event in a series of international debates between secondary schools in Perth and its sister cities in Houston and San Diego. It provided a wonderful opportunity for an educational and cultural youth exchange and was a joint initiative of the City of Perth and the U.S. Consulate in Perth.

Ambassador McCallum Visits with Students at Notre Dame University

Fremantle — 3 April 2007

American study abroad students at The University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle met Ambassador McCallum to discuss the experience of living and studying in Western Australia. The Ambassador also took the time to discuss what it means for the students to be studying in Australia and representing the U.S. while here. The event provided the Ambassador with the opportunity to provide advice to the students about the importance of making the most of the time they had in Australia. He spoke of the great diversity in the make-up of people in the U.S. – the person from Rhode Island being different from the one from New York and different again to someone from Oregon – and that this diversity meant they could make a great contribution to life on campus. He let the students know that they are all “ambassadors” for America.

Students from different Catholic universities in the U.S. come to Notre Dame every semester to study and experience Australian life and culture. While here they take classes in Aboriginal studies and Australian history, and spend time on the Broome campus and visiting Aboriginal communities.

Solomon Islands: Early Morning Earthquake and Tsunami

Washington, D.C. — 3 April 2007

The United States offers its condolences to the people and government of the Solomon Islands on the tragic loss of life and the homelessness caused by the April 2 earthquake and resulting tsunami.

Our Ambassador to the Solomon Islands has spoken with Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and Foreign Minister Patteson Oti to express our sympathy and to offer U.S. assistance.

The United States has released $250,000 in disaster assistance funds to support immediate relief needs in the Solomon Islands. These funds will support humanitarian assistance organizations addressing shelter, health, water, and sanitation needs in the affected area.

More information

• Statement on the Department of State website

U.S. Welcomes Australian Forest and Climate Initiative

Washington, D.C. — 29 March 2007

The United States welcomes the announcement today by the Government of Australia regarding the establishment of a new Global Initiative on Forests and Climate. This ambitious initiative presents an important opportunity to help save the world’s forests and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Australia will engage key countries and international organizations in the initiative to support new forest planting, limit destruction of the world’s remaining forests, and promote sustainable forest management.

More information

• Read the entire statement…
• U.S./Australia Joint Statement on Forests and Climate

Perth Hebrew Congregation’s Special Festive Shabbat

24 March 2007

Consul General Robin McClellan was a special guest at the Perth Hebrew Congregation’s Festive Shabbat service held on 24 March. The Chief Rabbi of Western Australia, Rabbi Dovid Freilich, spoke during the service about how according to the Torah, the members of the Jewish community are obliged to care for and support other. At the conclusion of the service, the Rabbi invited the Consul General, who was seated next to his wife Aviva, to the front of the synagogue to speak to the audience. The Consul General praised the congregation (who had previously hosted Iman Yayha Hendi who visited Australia on a sponsored speaker program) for its efforts to focus on the elements that unite people of different backgrounds, rather than the elements that divide us.

Reception in Honor of Rotary Exchange Visiting from the U.S.

8 March 2007

On March 15, Consul General Robin McClellan hosted and spoke at a reception in honor of a visiting Rotary Exchange from the United States. The exchange is designed to link young American and Australian professionals to help them learn from each other, by gaining a greater appreciation of different business styles and cultures, and seeing how business practices between the two nations can improve. The U.S. team has been in Australia for a few weeks touring and meeting with professionals in their related fields, and are being home hosted with Australian families. The Australian delegation will go to Southern California in 50 days and likewise will be home hosted by a number of U.S. families.

CG McClellan Speaks at International Women’s Day Events

7-11 March 2007

Perth Consul General Robin McClellan spoke at a number of events to mark International Women’s Day this year, including: the Momentum Women’s Forum; as a member of a panel of five female speakers for guests of Ernst & Young; and, in Bunbury for an International Women’s Day Breakfast.

CG McClellan spoke about her role as a diplomat in Western Australia, overseas trends of women in business, global challenges faced by women, and the similarities and differences between those challenges in Australia and America.

Women in Environmental Science: DVC with Dr. Maria Fadiman

Perth — 2 March 2007

On March 2^nd, Dr. Maria Fadiman spoke via DVC with great passion and excitement about her experiences as an Ethnobotonist and her career in science to an audience government officials, scientists, students and teachers. She discussed the challenges she faced when entering the science field, and encouraged everyone to step out of their comfort zone to pursue the field of science— and her energy and conviction encouraged many in the audience to take her message at heart.

U.S. Artist Carmen Lundy Plays as Part of a Cultural Exchange

7 to 12 February 2007

The U.S. Consulate General Perth and the Bunbury International Jazz Festival sponsored the six-day visit to Perth of U.S. visiting jazz and blues vocalist Carmen Lundy.

Lundy’s visit to Perth and Bunbury was part of a cultural exchange between U.S. blues and jazz enthusiasts and like-minded artists in Western Australia. This cultural exchange highlighted the diversity of American culture and reached over a thousand Western Australians.