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Merino 200 Jacob’s Creek Australia Day Gala Presented by Westfield
Celebrating its 20th year, and in collaboration with G’Day USA, Australian Wool Innovators, Jacob’s Creek and Westfield, the American Australian Association (AAA) continued the long-standing tradition of the Australia Day Gala in New York. This year, the gala marked the official close of a successful G’Day USA program for 2008. The sold-out event was held at the historic Waldorf Astoria Hotel and attended by 1300 people from the Australian and American arts, government, business, and entertainment fields.
Commencing with a red carpet arrival, a unique dinner experience was followed with an evening incorporating fashion and three time winner of the Australian MTV Video Music Awards Best Male Performer, Shannon Noll, alongside award winning Indigenous performers, Christine Anu and Richard Walley as well as the Qantas Choir.
The Qantas Choir performed at the Gala.
Christine Anu sang favourites such as 'My Island Home' during the evening.
Nip|Tuck’s Julian McMahon was honored at this special dinner with the Excellence in Entertainment Award and was presented his award by Hollywood actress, Jessica Alba. Australian legendary actor, Jack Thompson also took to the stage, presenting a preview of Baz Lurhmann’s new movie, Australia.
Jack Thompson highlighted a special preview of Baz Luhrmann's upcoming
film, Australia.
In addition, 200 years of Australian wool trade was celebrated through a special fashion presentation of Australian Merino Wool. A fashion show showcasing the collections of well-known Australian designer Jayson Brunsdon along with Thom Browne and Cavagna were one of the evening’s highlights along with authentic Australian sheep shearing.
Hilary the Australian Merino strutted down the red carpet
at the Waldorf Astoria along with shearer Shannon Warnest.
The evening was also an opportunity to raise funds for the Australian Royal Flying Doctors Service as they commemorate their 80th year anniversary in providing aero-medical emergency services to rural Australia.
Internationally renowned Australian Chefs Neil Perry and Luke Mangan co-created an exquisite menu with Australian produce flown in especially for the event and complemented by premium Jacob’s Creek wines.
The Gala was generously underwritten by Australian Wool Innovators, Jacob's Creek and Westfield.
President of the American Australian Association, Frances
Cassidy and Chairman Malcolm Binks.
The sold out Gala in New York was attended by 1300 Americans and Australians.
Australian model Miranda Kerr enjoyed a glass of Jacob's Creek
Reeves Point Chardonnay at the Gala.