AHK Event Report from Sydney
Looking forward to an exciting calendar of events, the German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce was pleased to hold its New Year’s Reception at Taronga Centre in Sydney on 28 February. Situated right next to the famous Taronga Zoo, this beautiful venue offered all guests spectacular views of the entire Sydney skyline. The warm, sunny weather certainly enhanced the atmosphere as the colours of the sky shifted gradually into sunset over the course of the evening. Chamber members and friends arrived to refreshing drinks and canapés not only inside, but also outside on the terrace. Of course, selfies were taken en masse before everyone eventually made their way inside for the start of official proceedings.
Kristian Wolf, the Chamber’s outgoing Executive Director, welcomed and thanked everyone for joining this annual celebration before asking H.E. Dr Anna Prinz, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, to the stage. Dr Prinz mentioned the great recent initiatives in which the Chamber has played a pivotal role: most notably the Asia-Pacific Regional Conference in Perth; the Policy Advisory Committee; and the Australia-Germany Advisory Group.
Next on stage was Dr Jens Goennemann, Board Member and Managing Director of the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC). Dr Goennemann thanked Kristian for his hard work and congratulated him on his wide-ranging personal and professional achievements. He then asked Kristian and his wife Jennifer to join him onstage. On behalf of the Chamber Board, Dr Goennemann presented Jennifer with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. To make sure that Kristian never forgets Australia, he was presented with an authentic Akubra hat, which once put on, did not leave his head for the rest of the evening. It’s safe to say that it was quite the successful gift!
For the remainder of the evening, guests continued to mingle and listen to live music played by the Ray Cassar Trio, featuring Frances Madden, who is widely regarded as the 'rising star of jazz and blues' in Australia. With the Sun dipping behind the city skyline, this memorable evening had to come to an end. Even though it is sad to see Kristian go, all Chamber staff wish him the very best for his new endeavours. Special thanks go to the Chamber Board and speakers H.E. Dr Anna Prinz and Dr Jens Goennemann for their involvement on the night.
The Chamber looks forward to meeting new and old members alike at upcoming events in 2018. Please click here to view pictures of the New Year’s Reception in Sydney on Flickr.