2008 Gala Dinner

JANUARY 19, 2008

The Australia Day Foundation invited guests to celebrate the fifth Australia Day Gala Dinner at Australia House, the 80th anniversary of The Royal Flying Doctor Service, a unique icon of Australian culture, and the 60th anniversary of the Qantas Kangaroo Hop from UK to Australia. Not surprisingly the Foundation chose to theme the Gala

'Flying Down Under'

Pilots Scott Oster and Michael Quinton from the State of South Australia Office welcomed guests on board for an unforgettable Flying Down Under experience at Australia House.

The Royal Flying Doctors Service has served Australia's vast and remote outback since 1927. The role of the RFDS has changed considerably over the years – in earlier times its primary role was more or less that of a flying ambulance. The first flight was made using a De Havilland model DH50 aircraft hired from the fledgling Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Service, or Qantas as it is known today and Australians take pride in the fact that Qantas has been operating since 1920 and is now the world's continually serving airline.

GOLD SPONSORS

BHP Billiton

Cobham

Fosters EMEA

Macquarie Group

National Australia Group Europe

Qantas

Rio Tinto

Telstra

Westfield

SILVER SPONSORS

Anglo American

Deutsche Bank

International Power

Proudfoot Consulting

Robert Walters

Tourism Australia

The Weir Group

UBS Global Asset Management

AWARDS 2008

AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR IN THE UK

With his extraordinary global business success and philanthropy the Australian Day Foundation considered Michael Hintze a truly worthy recipient of the 2008 'Australian of the Year in the UK' Award.

[Awards]

HONORARY AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR IN THE UK

Since serving as High Commissioner he has actively maintained his affection for Australia and together with his extraordinary achievements in public life the Australia Day Foundation considered Lord Carrington a most worthy recipient of the 2008 'Honorary Australian of the Year in the UK' Award.

[Awards]

YOUNG AUSTRALIAN ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR IN THE UK

This award was presented by the Australian High Commissioner to the UK, The Hon Richard Alston, at the Australia Day Party held in the Grosvenor House Hotel, on 26 January. For her extraordinary vision and total commitment to making a difference to many lives in Africa, the Australia Day Foundation considered Chloe Chick a worthy recipient of the 2008 'Young Australian Achiever of the Year in the UK' Award.

[Awards]

CHEF

Guest Australian chef Skye Gyngell (on right of picture) created a memorable four course dinner that included Australian loin of lamb, supplied by Meat & Livestock Australia. The delicious accompanying wines were from Australia’s famous Wynns Coonawarra Estate. Skye is Head Chef at the award winning Petersham Nurseries in Richmond, Surrey and her first book 'A Year In My Kitchen' was winner of the Guild of Food Writers Award 'Best Cookery Book 2007', and her second book is underway. Skye says that for her to cook is the most natural thing in the world and she can't think of anything more exciting than to welcome in the new season’s ingredients. Skye travels regularly to Australia.

SPOTLIGHT

The Spotlight was on three very talented young Australians making their mark in London's West End. Mark Dickinson, Natalie O’Donnell and Craig Schneider wowed the guests with a medley of iconic songs associated with Australia and Australian performers.

Melbourne born Mark Dickinson made his professional debut with Opera Australia and has a long list of theatrical credits in Australia; on the stage, in film and television. Mark has appeared on the West End, most recently in 'The Drowsy Chaperone' with Elaine Paige. He is currently playing the principal role of Coach Bolton in the UK Premiere of Disney’s 'High School Musical' and when he finds the time he likes nothing better than to perform with his swing band Hoosier Daddy!

Natalie O'Donnell hails from Victoria although graduated from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. She originated the role of 'Sophie' in the original Australian 'Mama Mia' production and has appeared in numerous television series and was part of the remake of the new screen version of 'South Pacific' with Glenn Close and Harry Connick Junior. Natalie has just completed filming 'My Life in Ruins' with Richard Dreyfuss.

Craig Schneider is Australia’s multi award-winning pianist, vocalist, composer, arranger and bandleader. A respected jazz artist, Craig has performed at most of Australia's major jazz festivals. He has released five CDs and his latest album, 'Trio' features his own original compositions. Craig is Musical Director for 'The Rat Pack, Live from Las Vegas'.

Nina Ferro is a truly gifted singer who has performed throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. She most recently supported international artists at the legendary jazz club Ronnie Scott's. We were delighted when Nina agreed to sing the Australian National Anthem at the dinner.

Guests danced the night away to the band 'AS IS' before departing at 1.30am.