AACC NEWSLETTER 

FEBRUARY 2021

G'Day from AACC President, 

Jackie Yuen

Emerging from lockdown with optimism…..

Dear AACC Members and Friends,

2021 seems to have started with a sprint of change and while Covid-19 continues to have an impact on our daily lives, there is good news – daily case rates are decreasing, new vaccines are becoming available, and local restrictions are slowly being lifted. The US political landscape continues to be divided however there are expectations new US President Biden and his Administration can promote more unity for the benefit of the entire country.

We were thrilled to begin our year with our annual Australian Gala in January, albeit virtual style. While on a smaller scale than normal, we were more than happy to party with some 200 guests who joined in from the Bay area as well as our AACC friends in Texas and other locales. We are grateful to all who attended as well as the participation of our fabulous and generous sponsors.

Since in-person gatherings are still restricted, the AACC will continue to present and partner in virtual events so please check out our periodic news alerts for details. We have not yet confirmed plans for our next major event, Anzac Day, so we will keep you posted.

One of our long term wine sponsors, Penfolds, is embarking on an exciting new endeavour culminating in a global launch on March 4. More than twenty years ago, Penfolds winemakers first imported vine cuttings from esteemed South Australian vineyards and planted them in California soil, with an ambition to create a range of wines that are altogether different. Unrestricted by vine, border or continent. They are proud to introduce the inaugural California Collection, a new range of extraordinary wines that encapsulate a bold blending alliance between northern and southern hemispheres. See here for more details: www.penfolds.com

And finally, on behalf of the Board, I want to give a warm welcome to Brad Jordan of Telstra, our newest Board Member. Brad moved to SF from Melbourne last year so it will be great for him to experience SF post-Covid style. I’m excited to have Brad on board and to work together on some exciting initiatives.

As always, thank you to you, our members and friends, for your support of the AACC. Your continued membership and support is very much appreciated.

If you have any feedback or need assistance please contact me here or email Dawn.

With gratitude,

Jackie Yuen

AACC President

AACC Director, 

Helen Fairclough

…from the Victorian Desk

Welcome to 2021! I’ve been liaising with the Victorian Chamber heavily over the last year and into this year and wanted to share some of their perspective on things. The CEO of the Chamber Paul Guerra  had the following to say ‘Victoria was dealt a massive blow in 2020, however there is huge optimism for our rebound. It’s been a busy start to 2021 and we are excited for what’s in store for our great state. We are ready to face challenges head on to get the best outcomes for our members and business community.’

The Chamber hosted a COVID-19 Vaccine Briefing with the Victorian team responsible for the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Paul said ‘It was great to see more than 142,000 doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine arrive in Australia this week, but Victorians still need clarity on the rollout plans and timelines. The Chamber is continuing to work with our members to ensure we reflect their concerns - of both the vaccine and hotel quarantine system - to government and have a detailed understanding of the barriers to growth and solutions to support a recovery that prioritises the health and well-being of the workforce, the community and business.’

What’s happening in Melbourne…. terrific news with events starting to reappear:
 

• Moomba returns in 2021 with a revised program and format to ensure the event will delight families and meet COVID-19 safety requirements. From 5 to 8 March, Moomba magic comes to Melbourne with a series of fun, family-friendly events and attractions spread across the city. Stay tuned for the full program announcement! Moomba

• The stunning new Triennial exhibition has finally opened its doors to Melbourne. Visit to see the big blockbuster pieces among amazing unexpected works by emerging artists. Free, but you must pre-book. NGV Triennial

• Live at the Bowl! The Sidney Myer Music Bowl hosts an open-air season of music, comedy, family-friendly events and more. Applaud as your favourite artists return to the stage in a program of free and ticketed events. Share a socially distanced dance under the stars, and reconnect with Melbourne and each other. The line-up includes: Birds of Tokyo with the MSO – Hannah Gadsby – Human Nature – Jon Stevens, Daryl Braithwaite & The Black Sorrows – Lime Cordiale – Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) – Melbourne Youth Orchestra – Missy Higgins – Mo’Ju with Orchestra Victoria – Ocean Alley – Piknic Électronik – Running Touch – Sampa The Great – Share The Spirit Festival – Soju Gang – Spinifex Gum feat. Marliya Choir, Felix Riebl, Ollie McGill & Emma Donovan – Sun Cycle – Teeny Tiny Stevies – Vika & Linda Bull – Zelman Memorial Symphony Orchestra. Live at the Bowl

• Launching soon, THE LUME Melbourne is set to re-ignite Melbourne’s art scene. THE LUME Melbourne is an expansive 3,000 square metre, 11 metre high digital art gallery delivering a truly awe-inspiring adventure into art. Van Gogh at THE LUME. The inaugural experience at THE LUME Melbourne will feature the vibrant works of the Dutch master Vincent van Gogh. Van Gogh’s works have been exhibited and admired for over a century – but never like this. Transcend time and space as you accompany Van Gogh on a multi-sensory journey through the Netherlands, Paris, Arles, Saint Rémy and Auvers-sur-Oise while his beloved masterpieces come alive on an epic scale. THE LUME Melbourne will operate seven days a week, 365 days a year starting in autumn next year. Ticket sales for Van Gogh will begin in March 2021. Register at THE LUME to sign up for early access.

• She’s back! After three years, electronic violinist, dancer and composer, Lindsey Stirling, will make her big return to Australia for four very special shows in support of her latest fifth studio album, Artemis. Lindsey Stirling: The Artemis Tour

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The University of Melbourne now offers alternatives to the SAT and ACT test requirement. These include the Australian standardized STAT test which is administered online, or an aggregate score of AP exams. Contact the University’s North America office in California for details, as well as to engage with the staff to discuss entry requirements, the application process and curriculum at the University of Melbourne for overseas Australians and other citizens.

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Bird & Bird released its latest report on International Corporate Power Purchase Agreements covering 20 countries across the globe (including Australia and the USA). Large corporations are continuing to set the agenda for the growth of renewable energy across the globe. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 was a new record year beating the previous records of 2019. This year’s report comments on the new innovative structures and emerging trends in the market.

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Starting Feb. 24, 2021, employers filing to requesting E-3 Professional status for a new employee or an extension of E-3 status for an existing employee will have the option to request premium processing service for their petition.

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