AACC Fall 2011 Newsletter

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INTERNATIONAL

Aussie News DETAILS FROM DOWN UNDER

SUNDOWNERS Every second Thursday of the month is our monthly “Sundowner”. A meet, greet and be merry event hosted by the Australian American Chamber of Commerce. Located in the heart of Houston, at Gravitas (807 Taft, Houston, TX. 77019), Australian American’s join together to mix and mingle.

G’Day Mate! Fall in Love with Australia Again & Again…

In this issue of Aussie News, we bring you highlights from the mother land, local Australian news, a taste of home with authentic recipes and local Houston gatherings celebrating Australian American culture. Whether you are born on the island and settled in America or are just passing through, the AACC-Houston Chapter strives to bring it all together. Join us for another edition of “Details from Down Under”.

Save the Date!

SUNDOWNER DEC. 8, 2011 5:30PM-7:30PM GRAVITAS 807 TAFT ST. HOUSTON, TX.

AUSTRALIA WEEK JAN. 19-29, 2012 See website for more details. www.aacc-houston.org

Visit us on the web at www.AACC-Houston.org Register for our monthly newsletter and see the upcoming events calendar.

AACC-HOUSTON CHAPTER NEWS

FALL 2012

2012 AACC EVENTS For more details, please visit us on the web at www.AACC-Houston.org

AUSTRALIA WEEK! JANUARY 19-29, 2012

AACC 2012 TOURISM EVENT January 19, 2012, Hilton Houston Post Oak Join us for a G’day USA tourism event kicking off 10 days celebrating Australia in the Houston community. Frosch International Travel along with Qantas Airways, Australia State Tourism Offices, cruise & land operators will be in attendance to help you organize your next journey to Australia. While learning about Australia you will also have the opportunity to taste Australian wines and spirits and enjoy tasting a bit of Australia’s cuisine. No admittance fee. Register online at or call 713-527-9688 or Email: mailto:info@AACC-Houston.org

Register Here

ENERGY CONFERENCE January 20, 2012: Hilton Houston Post Oak 8:00am-5:30pm. Register Here As part of the Annual G’Day USA program, this conference is an opportunity to participate in the dialog with experts from two countries that have much in common, yet approach challenges from different perspectives. All conference delegates should come prepared with opinions and should expect a day full of interactive discussions.

BLACK TIE GALA January 21, 2012: Hilton Houston Post Oak Cocktail Reception at 6:30pm Dinner at 7:30pm Black Tie Attire Please Emcee Jamie Durie Entertainment by Qantas Choir RSVP BY JANUARY 6, 2012

Register Here

AUSTRALIA DAY WINE DINNER January 26, 2012: Hilton Houston Post Oak Reception at 7:30pm Come celebrate the wonders of Australia with award-winning chef Jason Gould! A five course fine wine dinner showcasing Australia through the ingredients, preparation, and presentation.

For full calendar visit our website by clicking HERE.

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AACC-HOUSTON CHAPTER NEWS

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The Land Down Under is Tops with the Brits News.com.au Australian News: THE Poms love a sun burnt country - in fact they've voted it the best place on the planet to visit.

established and largest markets for international visitors," he said in a statement.

"It's terrific to see that Australia hasn't lost any of its lustre with the Brits."

More than 700,000 Brits handed out this year’s British Travel Awards after compiling nominations from people in the tourism industry and a public vote.

The TA chief said while there's been a shortterm downturn in demand for Australia in the UK the long term prospects are good.

They saw Australia finish on top ahead of Spain and Italy. Tourism Australia (TA) boss Andrew McEvoy says it's more than just another trophy for the mantelpiece.

"The UK is one of Australia's most

"The UK remains an important source of visitors to Australia, delivering 632,400 visitors in 2010/11,'' he said.

"It is the second largest market for visitor spend, worth $3 billion... and has the potential to deliver $6.7 billion in overnight expenditure by 2020."

“Tucker Time”

Sticky Date Pudding Traditional Australian Recipe

{CARAMEL SAUCE}

½-cup butter, ¼-cup whipping cream, ½-cup firm packed brown sugar, 1-tablespoon firm packed brown sugar, ½-teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredients List: (1) cup dates (pitted and chopped) (1) tsp bi-carbonate soda (1) cup boiling water (2) tbsp butter (1) cup soft brown sugar (2) eggs (1.5) cups self rising flour (sifted)

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Mix dates and bi-carbonate soda in a saucepan, pour boiling water over the top and leave to stand. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy and pale in color. Add eggs one at a time (beating well after each addition). Gently fold in the sifted flour and stir in the date mixture. Pour into a lightly greased 18cm (7") square or round cake tin.

Bake in a preheated oven at 180c(350f) for 30-40 minutes. Combine sugar, cream, vanilla essence and butter in a saucepan. Bring to the boil. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes (set aside till ready to serve). This needs to be heated again, just before serving).

Cut pudding into squares and place individual squares in the centre of a warm plate. Pour hot toffee sauce over each serving and serve with cream or ice cream.

AACC-HOUSTON CHAPTER NEWS

FALL 2012

Australia Week Continued

SPECS FOOD & WINE PROMOTION January 26-28, 2012: From Thursday, January 26th through Friday, January 28th, visit the Spec's stores all over the city of Houston to a "Taste of Australia" featuring fine wines and epicurean delights from the Land Down Under. Enjoy sample tasting of wines from Rathbone Wine Group, the AACC's official wine sponsor.

BBQ & CRICKET MATCH January 29, 2012 As part of Australia week, on Sunday the 29th of January 2012, from 10:30am - 2:30pm rain or shine, the Australian-American Chamber of Commerce will be hosting our 3rd annual family BBQ and Australia vs England Cricket match.

The cricket will be a casual affair (played in backyard style). Although winning isn't important (right!) - the AACC must defend its title from the BABC and once again bring home the other Ashes! The game will be 20 over's per side. Food and beverages will be provided on the day. There are plenty of picnic tables at the ground, but feel free to bring along your chairs, picnic rugs and footballs to kick around! * To volunteer or sign up to play contact us at mailto:info@aacchouston.org

HOST HOTEL Hilton Houston Post Oak 2001 Post Oak Blvd. Houston, TX. 77056 Click Here For Reservations Group Name: Group Code: Check-in: Check-out: Hotel Name:

AACC-Houston 2012 Australia Week AAC 16-JAN-2012 23-JAN-2012 Hilton Houston Post Oak

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AACC-HOUSTON CHAPTER NEWS

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Serving You: The Australian American Chamber of Commerce AACC Houston Board of Directors President

Board Members

Honorary Board Members

Mr. Mark Hawley

Mr. Stephen Brand

Ms. Nana Booker

Qantas

Mr. Jerald Broussard

Hon. Australian Consult

Vice President

Growth Advisors

Mr. Bryan Wallace

Ms. Carole Wright

Mr. Rod Eichler

Australian Trade Commission

WrightWay Presentations

Apache Corporation

Gulf Coast Region

Treasurer

Mr. Greg Foley

Mr. Andrew Bower

Stonebridge

Chevron USA

Ms. Belinda Hill

Secretary

Macquarie

Mr. William Jacquot

Mr. Robert F. Hogan

Ernst & Young, LLP

AmerCable

Executive Director

Ms. Kathleen Hogenson

Ms. Lynn Ellis

Zone Energy Mr. Garry Woodhouse Occidental Oil and Gas Corporation

HOST SPONSOR 2012

PLATINUM SPONSORS 2012

GOLD SPONSORS 2012

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MEMBERSHIP NOTE

FALL 2012

Don’t Forget!

Your membership at AACC-Houston is very important to us!

Our strength, programs and benefits come from a strong core membership. We thank you for your continued support as we grow into 2012, bringing you the best Australian American Chamber Events in Houston. Memberships renew on November 15, 2011. Join us by renewing your membership and take a moment to invite a friend!

Join Today!

AACC Houston Australian American Chamber of Commerce 2400 Augusta, Suite 426 Houston, Texas 77057 Tel: 713-527-9688 Fax: 832-415-0545 info@aacc-houston.org *Please note that as of November 29, 2011, we will be in our new AWE-SOME AUSSIE OFFICE!!

AACC (New Office) 604 Archer Houston, TX, 77009

Booker Lowe Gallery 4623 Feagan Street Houston, Texas 77007 USA Booker•Lowe Gallery is located at the edge of the Heights, one of Houston's liveliest arts areas.