On Friday 27th January, the IACC was pleased to mark Australia Day with the return of our in-person Corporate Lunch. The event was a great success, attracting more than two hundred and fifty attendees from across the Irish Australian business community. With thanks to Cpl and Etihad Airways for supporting the event, and to The Rock, OFX, Croke Park Hotel and Waterford Castle Hotel for their kind donation of prizes for our raffle.
In addition, the IACC was pleased to welcome both Irish government Senator, Malcom Byrne, alongside local Dublin Central T.D., and leader of the main opposition party, Mary-Lou McDonald. As the Kindred Network, the Chamber is grateful to work alongside Senator Byrne and Deputy McDonald; and we acknowledge their respective contributions to the Irish Australian business community, and their support for collaborative growth across our two nations. Providing platforms and opportunities which progress the business and trade ambitions of our Members informs and inspires the work of the Chamber, and we look forward to working in partnership with all who share these same objectives.
Commencing the day’s proceedings, acclaimed Australian singer-songwriter Melanie Horsnell provided some musical entertainment as guests had an opportunity to network in the main reception area. Attendees were then seated, as AC/DC tribute band, IE/DC, provided a high-energy set, before being served the first course of the day. President of the Irish Chapter, PJ Byrne, delivered the opening remarks, where he outlined the Chamber’s ambitious calendar of engagements and events for the year ahead. H.E. Ambassador Gary Gray subsequently made his way to the stage, where he delivered the formal Australia Day address. Both Mr. Byrne and Ambassador Gray spoke warmly of the longstanding relationship between Australia and Ireland, and both expressed their joy at seeing the two business communities join together once again. Following the remarks, guests were served their main course, and subsequently had an opportunity to engage and reconnect with all those present.
Renowned comedian Ian Coppinger then took to the stage and delivered a comedic set that provided amusement to all. Once guests had been served and finished their dessert, and of course the beloved Tim Tams, a final flourish from IE/DC concluded events on stage before networking again became the focus of the afternoon.
On behalf of all at the Chamber, we would like to sincerely thank the more than two hundred and fifty guests who attended our first in-person Australia Day Corporate Lunch in more than two years. While virtual events sustained many of us during the Covid-19 pandemic, it is simply impossible to replicate the type of meaningful engagement that is fostered during our in-person gatherings.
If you missed the chance to be there on the day, click here to view some highlights!
We look forward to continuing to provide our Members with networking engagements and other opportunities through our extensive calendar of events – please contact Pamela via membership@australianchamber.ie to find out more!
