The Australian Consulate of Los Angeles, with the full backing of the Australian Government and key allies such as Austrade, the Australian Tourism Commission, Invest Australia and Qantas Airways will host North America's first annual "Australia Week" in Los Angeles, 15-25 January 2004. The celebration coincides with "Australia Day," observed every January 26th, when Australians show their national pride and acknowledge their achievements.

Promoting Australia's Capabilities

A key theme of Australia Week 2004 is "Australia - a great place to do business, source products, invest or visit and a great base from which to connect with the Asia Pacific market." The Los Angeles event will focus on promoting Australia's capabilities in the following target sectors:

• Food & Wine
• Arts - Film, TV, Music, Dance & Art
• Lifestyle - Tourism, Sports & Fashion
• Culture & History

Business Related Events

Business-related, invitation-only aspects of Australia Week will include a CEO-level golf tournament, addresses from high- profile business leaders on doing business with Australia, food and beverage showcases for the trade, business matching networking opportunities and a gala black tie dinner honouring three high profiled individuals for their work in promoting Australia in the US and/or their contribution to Australia's economic growth.

Events for the Public

Events geared to the public will include a film festival, exhibition of Aboriginal and/or contemporary art, family day barbecue and food and beverage samplings through Westfield Shoppingtowns. Promotions with top restaurants and hotels will feature Australian wines and specialties. Partnerships within the cultural community will focus on Australian theatre, music and dance performances.

Australia Week is presented and organized by the following organizations:

• Australian Consulate-General Los Angeles
• Qantas Airways Ltd.
• Australian Tourist Commission
• Australian Trade Commission
• Consuming Passions
• Invest Australia
• Sequoia Productions
• Bragman Nyman Cafarelli

To check out all the exciting details go to http://www.australia-week.com