Two sides of the Same Coin?

The first speaker in the new Stars of Australia Speaker Series, Dr. Peter Hartley, addressed the relationship between Energy Security and Climate Policy.  Click here for the paper that was the basis for the presentation.  

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Qantas Choir

The Qantas Choir performing "Get Here if You Can" at the 2011 Black Tie Gala 

The Qantas Choir performing "I Still Call Australia Home" at the 2011 Black Tie Gala 

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Returning to Australia?

In 2002, after 31 years in California, my wife and I decided to semi-retire back to Australia. For personal and family reasons, we wanted to settle within a couple of hour's drive from Sydney, so we rented a car, and zig-zagged our way South, starting at Newcastle. After a couple of weeks, we found the small town of Berry, about 2 ½ hours South of Sydney, and were lucky enough to pick up a house on 2 ½ acres of rural property.

The property has been a dream: zoned rural so cannot be surrounded by other houses, CA ranch-style 4 br house with mind-blowing views across a valley. As a country house, it is very energy efficient, with solar hot water (electric boosted), reverse cycle heating/cooling, a huge rainwater catchment tank and a 10 metre in-ground pool. The house is optimally oriented for passive solar heating and the surrounds are great for food gardening.

Returnees always have the worry of adaptation "have I changed too much to be happy back in Oz?" The community of Berry has been very welcoming and tolerant of our differences, and has given us a good home for our re-entry. The property and swimming pool is a magnet for grandkids.

After eight years, it is time for us to look ahead and acknowledge the aging process, so we are moving into downtown Berry. This move frees up our piece of paradise for sale, perhaps to another returning family. If you would like to hear more about it, see photos, or discuss the process of re-entry in general, contact me at noelmarshall@yahoo.com or telephone at +61 2 4234 1107.

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Australian Wine in the US

Martin Korson with Wine Australia went on to the radio show Southbound Foods to discuss the ends and outs of Australian Wines.  Click here to listen into the podcast.

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Jamie Durie Unveils Plans to Design PJH Outdoor Room

Jamie Durie, world-renowned landscape artist and HGTV host, announced his support for Project Joy and Hope's (PJH) Tulip Project at the Australian American Chamber of Commerce (AACC) Annual Gala recently during the Chamber's celebration of Australia Week in Houston. AACC gala guests shared Durie's enthusiasm for the PJH Tulip Project, a residential shelter facility currently under construction to provide shelter and supportive care services to children with life-limiting conditions and their families in the community.

With a client roster that includes A-list celebrities and five-star hotels, Jame Durie is an award-winning landscape designer and founder of the internationally recognized Australian company PATIO Landscape Architecture and Design. Jamie stated, "I am pleased to join the AACC and support Project Joy and Hope. It will be my pleasure to create the landscape design for this project and work with you to secure the additional funding to complete construction." A few hours prior to the announcement, Jamie met privately with Dr. Jan Wheeler, PJH Executive Director.

"Australia is my homeland," Jamie remarked. "I have a heart for bringing Australia and America together. This is a wonderful opportunity to do whatever I can to help."

The AACC is a loyal supporter of Project Joy and Hope and provides financial assistance for agency programs. 

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Australia Week Continues!

Through March 1st, Rice Epicurean Markets will be hosting a taste of Australia promotions. With over 100 of Australia's best foods and wines available, you'll be sure to find what your kitchen is missing. A sample of the products that are offered are Penfolds wine, Murray River Salt, Brookfarm macadamia oils and muesli, premium EVOOs, Robin Foods native flavored sauces, Punch ultra luxe coffee, Madura tea, King Island Dairy cheeses, and grass fed beef and lamb.

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