Last updated on 27 January 2024
Macau’s Australian community celebrated Australia Day at Grand Hyatt Macau in Cotai today. The Aussie BBQ was organised by Australian Chamber of Commerce in Macau (AustCham) and was attended by new Australian Consul-General in Hong Kong and Macau Gareth Williams among other consular officials.
Observed annually on 26 January, Australia Day is Australia’s National Day, marking the landing of the first British fleet, comprising 11 ships, and the raising of Great Britain’s Union Flag by Arthur Phillip, the first governor of the Colony of News South Wales, at Sydney Harbour in 1788. Today, Australia Day also celebrates the diversity and achievements of Australian society throughout time.
AustCham Macau Chairman Billy Chan told Good News Macau: “We are marking this incredible occasion to celebrate and honour our heritage inclusively with all Australians, from the descendants of the first fleet to the new migrants who have become Australians,” while also acknowledging the “extraordinary historic custodians of the land, the first Australians [Aboriginals] who have been around for more than 65,000 years.”
He added, “As Australians, we have endured droughts, floodings and various hardships in the past. From bushfires to cyclones, and from depressions to pandemics. We have faced it all, and yet, we still stand together. And though we may be here in this region [Macau], we continue to still call Australia home.”
Williams, who visited Macau for the first time around 15 years ago, said in his speech during today’s Australia Day celebration, “I’m just amazed in my second visit here now to see how much the city has grown and I know that many of you here today have played a significant role in helping this city grow up, build and become such an emerging and successful city.”
He continued, “As Billy said, Australia’s a very diverse country. We’re very proud of that diversity. It’s what connects us to the world. And you [local Australians] are making those connections yourselves. While I’m the consul-general here, you are really the diplomats that represent Australia here in Macau.” (Gilbert Humphrey)
Photos: Good News Macau/Gilbert Humphrey
Captions:
Main Image: AustCham Macau Chairman Billy Chan (left) and Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes pose for a photo during today’s Australia Day event at Grand Hyatt Macau.
Image 2: Australian Consul-General in Hong Kong and Macau Gareth Williams (right) gives a speech.