Ambassador’s Activities
Guests Join Ambassador for “Williamsburg 2008” Independence Day Event
Canberra — 4 July 2008
On July 4th, Ambassador McCallum and Mrs. McCallum hosted nearly 700 guests at their residence for a celebration in honor of America’s Independence Day. The theme for the reception was “Williamsburg 2008”, featuring the history, music, and food of Colonial Williamsburg. Williamsburg was the capital of the Virginia colony from 1698 until 1780 and one of the first colonial settlements to define a peculiarly “American” identity and character. The political philosophy developed there was central to the birth of our new, democratic nation. Our embassy buildings and residence in Canberra are Colonial Williamsburg in architectural design, unique among U.S. embassies around the world. The compound was constructed during the Second World War to reflect this quintessentially American style and was opened in 1944 by then-First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Our Colonial Williamsburg residence seems an especially appropriate place to reflect upon the fundamental principles generated in Williamsburg and incorporated into the Declaration of Independence.
Orange and Parkes Host Ambassador McCallum
Orange & Parkes — 17-19 June 2008
From June 17th to June 19th, Ambassador McCallum and Mrs. McCallum traveled to regional New South Wales to participate in outreach activities in Orange and Parkes. While in Orange, they had lunch with Mayor Cr John Davis, they visited the Orange Regional Gallery, and interacted with students at Orange High School. They also had morning tea with the Country Women’s Association of Orange, toured an apple farm courtesy of the New South Wales Farmers Association, and learned more about Orange’s local products through Taste Orange. While in Parkes, they toured more farming property thanks to the New South Wales Farmers Association, visited “The Dish” at the Parkes Observatory, had afternoon tea with the organizers of the annual Parkes Elvis Festival, and participated in a civic reception hosted by Parkes Mayor Cr Robert Wilson. Ambassador McCallum and Mrs. McCallum also spoke at a dinner hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Orange and Parkes, held at the Orange Ex Services Club.
Ambassador Reaches Out to Queensland
Brisbane & Townsville — June 2008
In early June, Ambassador McCallum and Mrs. McCallum traveled to the state of Queensland for a week of outreach activities. While in Brisbane, they ventured to the Australia Zoo to deliver anti-wildlife trafficking public service announcements, featuring Harrison Ford, and to thank the Zoo staff for their efforts in wildlife conservation. They also were interviewed by ABC Radio Brisbane, met with the editorial board of the Courier Mail, toured the Port of Brisbane, spoke to students and professors at Griffith University, and visited Queensland’s Gallery of Modern Art.
After Brisbane, they flew to Townsville. While in Townsville, Ambassador and Mrs. McCallum visited the 3rd Brigade to thank Brigadier John Caligari and his soldiers for their efforts and sacrifices in Afghanistan, East Timor, and throughout the world. They met with James Cook University Vice-Chancellor Professor Harding, toured the university campus, and interacted with students. They also were interviewed by ABC Radio Townsville, spoke to a local business organization, received briefings from the Institute of Marine Science, and participated in a reception hosted in their honor by Mayor of Townsville Cr Les Tyrell.
Ambassador McCallum Visits the University of Wollongong
Wollongong — 1 May 2008
On Thursday, May 1st, Ambassador McCallum and Mrs. McCallum visited the University of Wollongong. During the visit, the Ambassador and Mrs. McCallum met with University Vice-Chancellor Professor Gerard Sutton and staff from the University’s Centre for Transnational Crime Prevention. They participated in a meeting with students, including several of the over 300 American students who are currently studying at the University. The day concluded with a luncheon with Professor Sutton, Senator Connie Fierravanti-Wells, Member for Throsby Jennie George, and other guests.
Ambassador McCallum Presents Medals to RAAF Forward Air Controllers
Canberra — 24 April 2008
On April 24, at the Chief of Mission Residence at the U.S. Embassy in Canberra, Ambassador McCallum presented United States Air Medals to former or the family of former Forward Air Controllers of the Royal Australian Air Force. These medals were awarded for the Forward Air Controllers’ service and innovation in Vietnam from 1964 to 1972.
Read Ambassador McCallum’s remarks from the medal presentation ceremony.
Ambassador McCallum Presents Medals to RAAF Heroes
Canberra — 4 April 2008
On April 4, at the Australian War Memorial, Ambassador McCallum presented more than 80 United States Air Medals to members or family of members of the 35th Squadron of the Royal Australian. These medals were awarded for the 35th Squadron’s participation, support, and heroism in Vietnam from 1964 to 1972. The 35th Squadron was the first Royal Australian Air Force unit to serve in Vietnam and the last to depart.
Read Ambassador McCallum’s remarks from the medal presentation ceremony.
Ambassador McCallum Visits Adelaide
Adelaide — February-March 2008
During their five day visit to South Australia, Ambassador Robert Jr. and Mimi McCallum met with a number of South Australia's political, academic and community leaders. Some of their activities included a meeting with Governor Kevin Scarce, discussion with members of the American Chamber of Commerce the economic relationship between the United States and Australia, talk on the American political system to a packed room of Public Policy students at the Carnegie Mellon Australia University campus, and a number of rural outreach events.
The McCallums were also special guests of the Adelaide Festival for their opening night celebrations, which drew more than 10,000 people to watch a unique performance by Australian acrobats to the music of DBR and DJ with a light show and fireworks that dazzled the crowd.
Outreach in the Outback
South Australia — February-March 2008
With a grant from the U.S. Mission and in partnership with the Adelaide Festival of Arts and the Country Arts SA, American artists Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR) and Elan Vytal (aka DJ Scientific) conducted some outreach activities in Australia's Outback.
Ambassador McCallum Presents Ambassador’s Cup to Local Baseball Players
Canberra — 13 February 2008
The U.S. Embassy has a long and historical link to baseball in Australia. As a part of an ongoing program for youth and sports diplomacy, Ambassador and Mrs. McCallum joined Major League Baseball Australia’s director Tom Nicholson and over seventy participants from the ACT Baseball Association’s Play Ball program to present the annual Ambassador’s Cup. The Cup was initiated in 2004 by Ambassador Tom Schieffer, who was part owner of the Texas Rangers baseball team with President Bush.
The Play Ball program is designed to increase participation by Canberra’s young ballplayers through local schools and baseball clubs. This year’s winner was the Ainslie/Gungahlin Bears, coached by Peter Soskin.
Ambassador and Mrs. McCallum recounted stories of playing baseball in their youth and the game’s role in the United States as the “National Pastime.” Ambassador McCallum thanked the organizers for putting on a quality program, and congratulated all of the young ballplayers for “giving it a go and trying something new.” “I hope you’ve learned a little something about sportsmanship, fair play, and teamwork,” said the Ambassador, “and most of all, I hope you had fun!”
Ambassador McCallum comments on Prime Minister-elect Kevin Rudd and the new Labor Government
Canberra — 30 November 2007
Ambassador McCallum recently emphasized the enduring nature of the U.S.–Australian alliance on two ABC radio programs. On Wednesday, November 28, Ambassador McCallum made remarks to ABC Radio’s ‘AM’ program prior to the American-Australian Association’s dinner in honor of retiring BHP Billiton CEO Chip Goodyear. On Thursday, November 29, Ambassador McCallum spoke with Kate O’Toole of Triple J’s current affairs program “Hack.”
Embassy Commemorates 6th Anniversary of 9/11
Canberra — 11 September 2007
Ambassador and Mrs. McCallum and the Embassy community were joined today by Deputy Prime Minister Mark Vaile in marking the sixth anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001. A moment of silence recognized the nearly 3,000 individuals, including 10 Australians, who died on that day. Ambassador McCallum acknowledged that “besides remembering the victims and honoring the survivors of September 11, we gather today to express our opposition to the voices of fanatical hatred and intolerance around the world, and to reaffirm our commitment to the values of individual freedom, diversity, equality, and liberty.” Also on hand to commemorate the day were representatives from Australia’s first responder services and Canberra’s religious community.
More information
New Collaboration in Counter Terrorism
Canberra — 24 August 2007
Ambassador McCallum and Deputy Secretary Michael Pezzullo congratulate Daniel Boettcher on his upcoming year in the United States to participate in Georgetown University’s Homeland Security program. A joint effort between the U.S. Embassy and the Australian Department of Defense, Mr. Boettcher will be the first of five Australian Defense employees to participate in this program. While in the United States Mr. Boettcher will participate in a variety of Department of State and Department of Defense programs designed to promote enhanced cooperation in the areas of counter terrorism and homeland security.
U.S. and Australia Partner for New Science and Technology Exhibition
Canberra — 15 August 2007
The Australian Prime Minister, John Howard and U.S. Ambassador, Robert McCallum and Mrs. McCallum celebrated the successful public-private partnership between Raytheon and Questacon. The partnership between one of America’s technology leading companies and Australia’s National Science and Technology Center resulted in a new hands-on science exhibition titled “The Imagination Factory — Invent and Play.” The exhibition is designed to promote student interest in the areas of science and technology. Ambassador McCallum applauded the partnership and congratulated 15 year old Canberra Girls Grammar student Shanee Conran for her idea and initiative that resulted in a collaboration worth more than one million dollars. Prime Minister Howard took advantage of the occasion to publicly express his appreciation to the United States for their continued friendship and goodwill.
Ambassador McCallum Welcomes Boston City Singers
Canberra — 10 August 2007
Ambassador McCallum and Mrs. Mimi McCallum welcomed the Boston City Singers today at the U.S. Embassy. The youths performed a song for the Ambassador and Mrs. McCallum, and the Ambassador thanked them for serving as cultural ambassadors for the United States. While in Canberra, the young Americans performed at Old Parliament House with the Woden Valley Youth Choir. They will perform with other youth choirs during the tour, including the Sydney Children’s Choir and the Young Voices of Melbourne.
Ambassador McCallum Speaks at the 2007 Banksia Gala Honoring Governor Schwarzenegger
Sydney — 20 July 2007
Ambassador McCallum delivers remarks during the 2007 Banksia Environmental Foundation Awards Gala, honoring California Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger as this year’s recipient of the International Environmentalist Award.
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.
Last update Friday, 11 July 2008
