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G'Day from AACC Interim President Dawn Lillington
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Hello AACC Members and Friends,
What a start to the new year! January felt like it lasted forever, and politically, things have certainly picked up steam. My head is spinning with the daily news, and I hope Australia isn’t too impacted by the policies being thrown around.
On a brighter note, the Australia Gala was a smashing success! It was incredible to reconnect with old friends and meet new faces in the Bay Area. The AACC Board is deeply grateful for our sponsors, supporters, and volunteers who made this event such a roaring success—see details below.
A huge shoutout to Joe Kaesshaefer, recipient of the Ambassador Bill Lane "Spirit of Australia" Award, for his years of service bridging the gap between NSW and Australia.
Congratulations to Al Ramadan, Q-CTRL, and PsiQuantum for taking home GOLD in the Innovation Awards—I’m always in awe of the talent that Aussies bring to the Bay Area!
We also want to recognize our outgoing Board Members—President Jackie Yuen, Russ Mansky, and Catherine Bishop—for their years of dedication to our community. Please join me in sending them a heartfelt thank you.
Looking ahead, the Board is in strategy and expansion mode to better support YOU. We have open Board and Committee positions—if you’d like to get involved, here’s the link!
We can’t wait to see you at our next event! As always, reach out if you need anything—we’re here to help.
Oh, and if you’re not a member yet, now’s the time to join!
Cheers,
Dawn
On behalf of the AACC Board |
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A fond farewell from outgoing AACC President Jackie Yuen
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Dear AACC Members & Friends,
I've had the great privilege of championing Australia and Australians in the Bay area for over 2 decades.
It has been an amazing experience to see the building of businesses & partnerships, meeting with Government & business leaders; to cheering on Australian artists, performers and athletes; promoting Australian wine and food and hosting some unique events.
Now, as I step down from my role as President, and say farewell, I leave with a great sense of fulfillment and pride. I've been supported throughout, especially by our Board of Directors, plus the generosity of our wonderful sponsors and partners who all have my sincere thanks and gratitude. Thanks too, to the AACC membership.
Thanks to Melissa Zajic our Executive Director and extra special thanks to Dawnie (Dawn Lillington) and Gordo (Gordon Stirling) for your dedication and hard work and for all the years of fun we've shared - love you both!!
While a search for my successor is underway, Dawn and Melissa will continue to lead the AACC and I trust that your support will continue.
Even though I will be spending more time in Australia, I will be back in San Francisco, and will continue to attend AACC events. I look forward to seeing you at one soon.
With much gratitude,
Jackie |
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49TH ANNUAL AUSTRALIAN GALA |
It was a wonderful celebration of community spirit, innovation, and Australian excellence. The evening's success was made possible through the generous support of our sponsors. Our auction donors made the event more special, adding excitement and unforgettable experiences for our guests. A tribe of people contributed to the evening, both on stage and behind the scenes. A special shout out to Gordon Stirling, our masterful MC for his 17th year on the mic. Soprano Morgan Balfour, for her breathtaking performance of the National Anthems. Claire Reilly, for the presentation of the award winners. PopRocks, for their dynamic entertainment, featuring a special performance with Consul General Chris Ketter, and our dedicated volunteers, whose efforts ensured a seamless experience. |
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Thank you to the Gala sponsors
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US-AUSTRALIAN TAX AND ESTATE PLANNING SYMPOSIUM |
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Withersworldwide, with the support of the AACC, hosted their first ever US-Australian Tax and Estate Planning Symposium last Tuesday. The event featured expert panels with representatives from Withers, Bentleys, Hall International Insurance Strategies, and Spott Lucey & Wall, covering essential areas of cross-border taxation. The event provided attendees with actionable insights for managing international tax obligations, including strategic considerations for individuals with business interests in both markets, updates on current developments in US-Australian tax treaty implementation, and wealth transfer strategies between the US and Australia. We look forward to making this an annual event.
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LATEST NEWS FROM AACC MEMBERS |
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PRE-ELECTION WEBINAR: MORTAGES & PROPERTY INSIGHTS |
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As we approach the upcoming federal elections, the property landscape is about to face significant shifts. Join Atlas Managing Director - Mortgages, Jeremy Harper and renowned buyer’s agent, Jack Henderson for an exclusive pre-election webinar.
We’ll discuss the key property trends for 2025, including how proposed housing policy changes could impact investors and the latest mortgage and lending trends. We’ll also cover what property owners and investors need to be across in 2025, and share strategies for creating wealth in a higher interest rate environment.
Get expert insights on how the election results could influence the property market and mortgage landscape, and learn how to position yourself for success in the year ahead. |
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ARE YOU AN AUSSIE EXPAT LOOKING TO BUY PROPERTY BACK HOME? |
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The Milk Chocolate team will be in San Francisco this March, meeting with clients and discussing the opportunities in the Australian property market. With the strong USD to AUD exchange rate and recent interest rate cuts, now is an excellent time for Australian expats to purchase property back home. If you're interested in a face-to-face meeting to explore your options, reach out to Michael at mc@milkchoc.com.au to book a time. |
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WEBINAR: STRATEGIC EXITS FOR HIGH-GROWTH AUSTRALIAN BUSINESSES |
📅 Tuesday, March 18th 5:30pm PT |
In this webinar, Arete Wealth Strategists Australia Founder/Principal Ashley Murphy, CFP® GFP Fellow will explore critical tax and estate planning considerations for Australian citizen business owners with US/Australian cross-border ties who are preparing for liquidity events, mergers, acquisitions, or IPOs. Designed for entrepreneurs whose net worth may exceed US estate tax thresholds ($13.99M per individual in 2025), the webinar will address strategies to optimize exits while mitigating exposure to double taxation, PFIC complexities, and wealth transfer inefficiencies.
Be sure to register to be notified once the recording is available. You can find all our past webinars on YouTube channel
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UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE ALUMNI NETWORK - MAY SOCIAL EVENT |
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UniMelb alumni, let’s reconnect! We’re hosting a casual social event this May—an opportunity to catch up, expand your network, and meet fellow graduates across industries. Whether you’re looking to share insights, explore opportunities, or just enjoy good company, we’d love to see you there. Location TBD - join the LinkedIn group to stay up-to-date. |
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SAIL GP IS BACK IN THE US! |
SailGP is a high-adrenaline, nation vs. nation racing series featuring the world’s best athletes competing on identical 50-foot flying F50 catamarans, reaching speeds of up to 60 mph.
The SailGP Australia team, led by Tom Slingsby, is currently considered a dominant force in SailGP, having won three consecutive SailGP Championship titles in Seasons 1-3. There are two opportunities coming up to get out and support the Australian team in LA and San Francisco.
Tickets are NOW on Sale for the Rolex Los Angeles Sail Grand Prix on 15-16 March and Oracle San Francisco Sail Grand Prix on 22-23 March.
Click the images below to grab your tickets and enter code for 15% off the LA event: S5LAX15! |
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On May 10, we invite you to join Terri, Bindi and Robert Irwin for the exclusive event in Las Vegas. Guests are treated to a scrumptious three-course dinner and a night of wild fun and dancing with roving animals, entertainers, guest speakers and a live auction. In a khaki-decked ballroom, surrounded by fellow Wildlife Warriors, it’s a remarkable night honouring one extraordinary man.
Be part of our Wildlife Warriors family as we follow Steve’s legacy. |
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'MATES RATES' OFFERS FOR AACC MEMBERS |
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One of the perks of being an AACC member is having access to special offers. Logo in to the member portal to access the full Mates Rates offering. - 15% off select products from Penfolds.
- 15% discount for CHEFIN with offer code AACC.
- Free brand audit from Visual Traffic creative director (valued at $2,500).
- 25% off at Old Bridge Cellars.
- Exclusive member offer from the SMATS Group.
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JOIN OUR ONLINE COMMUNITY > |
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