Melbourne celebrates the 230^th anniversary of American Independence

Melbourne — 3 July 2006

On Monday July 3^rd, Consul General Earl Irving hosted Melbourne’s celebration marking the 230^th anniversary of American Independence in the elegant Plaza Ballroom in Melbourne. Consul General Irving welcomed fellow Americans, Australians and guests from many other countries that joined together in friendship to celebrate the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The Southwestern College Concert Choir, touring Australia from California, performed the American and Australian national anthems leaving the 400 guests with goose bumps. Consul General Earl Irving and The Honorable John Brumby addressed guests, which included distinguished members of State and Federal Parliaments, members of the Consular Corps, sponsors, community leaders and the Consulate’s many friends.

Read a transcript of Consul General Irving’s speech.

Consul General Irving launches Fulbright Tasmanian Award

9 February 2006

Launching the Fulbright Tasmanian Award on February 9, 2006, the first ever state-based Fulbright Award in Australia, Consul General Earl Irving praised the initiative saying, “The mandate to recognize academic excellence while spreading international goodwill is the special strength of the Fulbright Program. Mutual understanding through education and exchange is just as important now — perhaps even more so — than when the Fulbright Program was founded in 1946.”

The Tasmanian State Government and the University of Tasmania combined resources to establish the Tasmanian Fulbright Award, whereby Tasmanian residents can undertake 3-12 months research or study in the USA. This Tasmanian investment in the Fulbright Program signifies the importance the people of this state place on educational programs.

Consul General Irving welcomes visiting American Fulbright scholars

Melbourne — 2 February 2006

Consul General Earl Irving hosted a welcome reception for the visiting American Fulbright scholars and their Australian hosts on February 2, 2006. This year there are five American Fulbright scholars studying in Melbourne, the highest concentration in Australia. The scholars represent a variety of fields including law, science and engineering