March 2026 Newsletter

Dear Members and Friends,

February was such a short month, but we packed a lot in as planning for our busy programme progressed.

On Monday 9 February, a capacity audience in the Downer Room enjoyed a discussion with the Hon. Alexander Downer AC as we stepped through his remarkable life in politics and diplomacy. The discussion was prompted by the recent publication of a biography by Tony Parkinson, “A Step to the Right - the Life and Times of Alexander Downer” which reflected on the many international challenges faced by Australia during Alexander’s almost 12 years as Foreign Affairs Minister. We were especially privileged to be welcomed by our new High Commissioner, His Excellency the Hon Jay Weatherill AO. See below for the chance to win a hardback copy of Alexander’s biography.

This week sees one of the biggest events of the year, our annual International Women’s Day event on 4 March in Australia House. The event sold out very quickly and guests will enjoy an inspiring discussion with a panel of amazing Australian women. Thank you once again to the Australian High Commission for partnering with us on this significant event and to NAB for its support. As mentioned last month, Papa Salt Coastal Gin has generously agreed to provide delicious cocktails during our reception. We will also enjoy fabulous “Australian inspired” food from the Daisy Green Collection and we will be serving wonderful wines from Western Australia, courtesy of the Office of the Agent General for WA.

And we have just launched a very special “Meet the High Commissioner” event on Thursday 26 March, 6-8pm in the beautiful Exhibition Hall of Australia House. We will have the opportunity to hear about His Excellency’s views on the critical relationship between Australia and the UK and his plans for his tenure as High Commissioner - and a little about his personal background. This will be an excellent opportunity for you to hear directly from, and to meet, our new High Commissioner. A huge thank you to BUPA who are very generously sponsoring the event and also to Treasury Wine Estates and the Office of the Agent General for South Australia for the delicious SA wines we will be serving. This event will sell out quickly and I urge you to book your tickets now, if you haven’t already done so. See the booking link below.

We are thrilled that The Hon Dr Brendan Nelson AO will again speak at our annual ANZAC event on 29 April. Continuing with our tradition of hosting these events in one of London’s military clubs, this year’s event will be held in the prestigious Army & Navy Club (“the RAG”) - thank you to Air Cdre Matthew Harper CSC DSM, head of the Australian Defence Staff at the High Commission for his support in this regard. Details for this exceptional event will be released shortly. Last year’s event was a stunner (there is no other word for it), and capacity is limited so please keep an eye on your inboxes! A huge thank you to Babcock International for its generous sponsorship of this event.

And don’t forget to save the date for our Summer Party on 27 May in the glorious gardens of the Royal Over-Seas League - an event which is always over-subscribed. We have a surprise in store this year so watch this space!

While our events are open to all, we always give priority to our Members - if you are not already a Member of the B-AS, please join us and support the work we do. We need your membership! Please click here to join. We also need the companies you represent to become Corporate Members to support our activities and our contribution to, and celebration of, the critically important UK/Australia relationship that is a platform for business success. Please email Louise at ceo@britain-australia.org.uk for more information on Corporate Membership.

Following the acclaimed international triumph of The Picture of Dorian Gray, Aussie producer Michael Cassel AM, Aussie director Kip Williams and producer Adam Kenwright return to London with an electrifying new production of the Sydney Theatre Company’s Dracula at the Noel Coward Theatre. Three-time Oscar nominee and TONY, Emmy and Grammy winner Cynthia Erivo transforms into all 23 roles and has been hailed as “a one-woman tour de force”. I am looking forward to attending this limited run production (ending 30 May 2026) and encourage all of you to celebrate and support these creative Australians - click here for more information.

Finally, Jacqui and I are very much looking forward to attending the 2026 Koala Gala in aid of the Australian Wildlife Conservancy on 23 April 2026 at Drapers’ Hall, London. This very popular event sold out in minutes. However, the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (UK) has a very special offer for all B-AS supporters this month with a chance to win two complimentary tickets to this fabulous black tie Gala by entering its wildlife quiz here. Have fun and good luck. I hope to see you there!

Damian Walsh

Chair