The German-Australian Chamber has a long-standing tradition of hosting its New Year’s Reception in exquisite venues. Thanks to Premium Partner Accru Felsers, this year we have had the opportunity of holding our reception on the ‘James Craig’, the flagship of the Sydney Heritage Fleet.
With great excitement and anticipation, more than 160 members and friends of the German Chamber made their way to Pyrmont where the 19th Century square rigger (or Tall Ship) waited to be boarded. The three-masted barque was restored over a course of more than 30 years with a budget of almost $A30 million and its impressive restoration was recognised in 2003 by the World Ship Trust’s award of their prestigious Maritime Medal. At 5.30pm the first guests were allowed to board and greeted by German beers on tap and German delicacies such as buns filled with miniature Bratwurst as well as small slices of Currywurst.
Upon some mingling guests were asked to make their way into the lower deck of the Tall Ship where our Executive Director Alexandra Voss welcomed everyone and thanked Premium Partner and event partner Accru Felsers for making it possible to celebrate the New Year’s Reception aboard the James Craig. She welcomed the German Ambassador, H.E. Dr Anna Prinz as well as the German Consul-General Peter Silberberg and gave a short overview of exciting and relevant services that the Chamber has in stock for its members in 2019:
On the policy side members can look forward to the Chamber’s continuing engagement in the Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations, engagement with Government Ministers and Shadow Ministers as well as a Canberra Delegation after the federal election. In regards to membership, we are continuing to grow and deepen our network, especially now with our newly appointed Membership Coordinator located in Sydney to support our Membership Director Tina Thoms. Further, we are continuing to expand our activities in Queensland through our Chapter and, going forward also WA. The Consulting Team will be managing a range of bilateral initiatives, including several outbound delegations as well as an inbound delegation which will bring German SMEs to Australia and New Zealand. The Chamber’s event program will support the above initiatives, with a particular focus on the topics represented by the Australian Government through their six Industry Growth Centres.
Following this, Alexandra asked the Ambassador to stage to say a few words. Dr Prinz welcomed all members and friends of the Chamber and pointed out the excellent German and Australian relations before handing over to the event sponsor Accru Felsers, represented by Partner Steven Zabeti who thanked everyone for coming and described the strong relationship between the Chamber and Accru Felsers, a founding member of the very same.
After the speeches ended, everyone made their way back upstairs in anticipation of the two hour cruise that awaited our passengers. The ship left Pyrmont to pass Darling Harbour and the Sydney Harbour Bridge and cruise around Sydney Harbour until it returned at 9pm, allowing our guests to take in the sunset across the Sydney skyline.
We hope that our members and friends enjoyed themselves during the cruise. We thank our Premium Partner Accru Felsers for making it possible to host this year’s New Year’s Reception at such an impressive venue and look forward to seeing everyone again at one of our upcoming events!
11/03/2019