2010 Gala Dinner

JANUARY 23, 2010

One of Australia's greatest strengths is our cultural diversity. We benefit enormously from our people, drawn from a wide variety of cultural, ethnic, linguistic and religious backgrounds. The country's original inhabitants, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples, are the custodians of one of the world's oldest continuing traditions. They have been living in Australia for at least 40,000 years. The rest of Australia’s people are migrants or descendants of migrants who have arrived in Australia from about 200 countries since Great Britain established the first European settlement at Sydney Cover in 1788. When the Australian Government first created the 'Assisted Passage' scheme to attract British migrants down under travel was by ship and in 2010 guests were invited on board the 'S.S. Australia' to celebrate ' Multicultural Oz'.

Gold Sponsors

Fosters

Macquarie Bank

National Australia Group

Qantas

Rio Tinto

Telstra

Silver Sponsors

Anglo American

BAE Systems

BG Group

BHP Billiton

CQS Management

Robert Walters

Tourism Australia

The Weir Group

Westfield

AWARDS 2010

AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR IN THE UK

"John William's talent is awe inspiring and there is no doubt he has influenced many to take up the guitar. As the foremost ambassador of the guitar we consider John Williams a truly worthy recipient of the 2010 Australian of the Year in the UK award", said Philip Aiken, Chairman of the Australia Day Foundation.

[Awards]

HONORARY AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR IN THE UK

Embracing both mining and energy resources, his stewardship of a number of major projects has contributed significantly to Australia’s economic wealth and the Australia Day Foundation consider Sir Robert Wilson a worthy recipient of the 2010 Honorary Australian of the Year in the UK award.

[Awards]

YOUNG AUSTRALIAN ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR IN THE UK

"Ainsley Newson has a clear idea of where she is heading and her desire to continue with her research and pass on her valued knowledge to others is why the Australia Day Foundation considers her a worthy recipient of this award" said Philip Aiken, Chairman of the Australia Day Foundation.

[Awards]

CHEF

It has been said that Sydney born Michelin star chef David Thompson probably knows more about Thai cooking than any other 'Westerner'. An expert on Thai food, David has researched Thai culinary techniques and ancient recipes which have led to a greater appreciation of Thai food in the West. David took on the challenge to design a Thai dinner for just under 300 guests that included 6 main dishes. One of the main courses was Australian kingfish braised in soy with shredded ginger, or dtom kem plaa insiri as the Thais call it. David’s menu was sensational.

The Thai Ambassador in London H.E. Mr. Kitti Wasinondh, Tanongsak Yordwai, David Thompson and Philip Aiken.

SHOWTIME

Philip Quast charmed the audience with his extraordinary singing voice and choice of songs, in particular his medley of quintessentially 'Aussie' folk tunes. Philip was born in Tamworth and began his career with the State Theatre Company of South Australia after graduating from Australia’s premiere drama school NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Arts). His theatre achievements are vast but his magnetic performance as Javert in Les Miserables is famous. Philip was the first actor to receive three Olivier Awards for Best Male Performance in a Musical category. His film and television credits are too numerous to list and it is not surprising that this extraordinary performer is in great demand in Australia and London.

Kirby Hughes hails from Sydney and has been living in London for the past 2 years. In July of 2009 she graduated from the Royal Academy of Music with a post graduate diploma in Music Theatre. She recently performed in 'Crazy for You', 'The Pyjama Game' and with Elton John at the Royal Albert Hall. Kirby is currently performing in the UK version of 'High Society' at the Gatehouse theatre.

Sam Harrison was in the original cast of 'Beyond the Game' at the Sydney Opera House before moving to London where he recently graduated from the Royal Academy of Music with a post-graduate degree in musical theatre. He most recently performed in 'Salad Day' at the Riverside Studios before heading north to perform as Prince Rupert in 'Snow White'.