Embassy of the United States of America

Changing the Dialog

Students from the Australian National University were among those on hand to hear the insights of Amar Bakshi gained during his interviews with young people around the world on their views of America. Bakshi, who now works for the State department, participated a digital video conference with Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, to talk about outreach to Islamic youth using new media.
Delivering Moon Seeds

After presenting a collection of second generation moon seeds to Canberra’s head gardener, Chargé d’Affaires Dan Clune spoke with Genevieve Jacobs of ABC Local Radio 666 during Apollo 11 Anniversary Celebrations. Broadcasting live from the anniversary event, the Chargé spoke of his memories of the moon landing, the importance of the Australian role and the on-going partnership — including the planting of the moon seeds in Canberra.
Remembering the Apollo Landing

Chargé d’Affaires Dan Clune joined Minister Kim Carr, CSIRO CEO Megan Clark, and Senator Annette Hurley at a ceremony commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landings on July 20 and the role Australian tracking stations played in that mission. The event also marked the retirement of DSS-46 — “The Dish” (famous from the film of the same name) used to take in the first video and audio from Tranquility Base.

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News from Washington

U.S. Military Official Says Afghanistan Still Vulnerable

Afghanistan is still vulnerable to the threat of insurgents regaining control of the country, and the threat is not going to go away, says Navy Admiral…

Obama Creates New Unit to Handle High-Level Interrogations

The Obama administration announces a new group that will handle interrogation of high-level suspects with ties to violent extremist groups. The White House…

Mosque in Portland, Oregon, Reflects History of Islam in America

The oldest mosque in Portland, Oregon, reflects the history of Islam in America, which has become more inclusive as well as more active in the American…

Fulbright

Educational and cultural exchanges

USA Study

Meet with an educational adviser

U.S.–Australia

The history of the bilateral relationship

From the Blog

Cigarette promotion dollars decline

Posted 24 August, 2009 by Librarian

The amount spent on cigarette advertising and promotion by the five largest cigarette companies in the United States declined from $13.11 billion in 2005 to $12.49 billion in 2006, according to a report released this month by the Federal Trade Commission.

More info:

President Obama issues Ramadan message

Posted 24 August, 2009 by Press Office

As the new crescent moon ushers in Ramadan, President Obama extends his best wishes to Muslim communities in the United States and around the world. The president’s message is available in a number of languages as well as English.
Video message

Tertiary education overseas is invaluable experience

Posted 21 August, 2009 by Librarian

Campus Connections, the latest e-journal produced by the Bureau of International Information Programs, examines the international study experience and its influence on individual growth. Almost double the numbers of students travel abroad for an education today as compared with 20 years ago.

More info:

Dept. of Defense announces new web portal

Posted 21 August, 2009 by Librarian

The U.S. Department of Defense has redesigned its public web portal to incorporate web 2.0 links and to serve as the starting point for finding U.S. military information online. An extensive FAQ section is included (scroll down the webpage to view).

Brief provides energy data for individual countries

Posted 18 August, 2009 by Librarian

Energy information for a single country is compiled from a variety of sources into a Country Analysis Brief by the Energy Information Administration. A monthly Energy Chronology timeline of important energy market events around the world is also provided from the home page for this product.

Recent reports:

More updates from the blog »

More News from the Embassy

Spaced Out

Retired astronaut Jim Reilly tells seven-year-old Finn Cadogan-Cowper what it’s like to fly on the Space Shuttle during a recent visit to the Canberra Deep Space Center Communication Complex. Reilly, who flew three shuttle missions and logged 853 hours in space, is in Australia to participate in programs in Melbourne, Adelaide and Canberra. This month marks the 40^th anniversary of the landing on the moon.

Celebrating America’s 233rd Birthday

Chargé d’Affaires Dan Clune looks at the flag as the Star Spangled Banner is played and the colors presented during a special Fourth of July celebration at the American Embassy in Canberra. Similar events were held at U.S. Consulates in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth as Americans celebrate the 233rd anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

President Obama speaks in Cairo, Egypt

"We have the power to make the world we seek, but only if we have the courage to make a new beginning," said President Obama in a far-reaching speech that addressed major international issues including the Islamic community, the Middle East, nuclear weapons, democracy, religious freedom, women's rights, and economic development and opportunity.

Defense Attaché Colonel Britschgi welcomes members of foreign services to the Chief of Mission Residence in Canberra. Photo credit: U.S. Embassy/Adam P. Wilson.

Celebrating Our Armed Forces’ Personnel

Representatives of armed forces from countries around the world gather at the Chief of Mission’s Residence Friday to join in commemorating U.S. Armed Forces Day. Defense Attaché Colonel Britschgi makes remarks about the history of the day, and invites guests to charge a glass to the men and women of both the U.S. and Australian armed forces.

H1N1 Flu Virus Outbreaks Mobilize International Public Health Effort

Outbreaks of a new strain of influenza virus that began in north-central Mexico March 22 and have spread to the United States, and other countries, so far have prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare the event a public health emergency of international concern.

Travelers information on H1N1 Influenza:

ESTA: Electronic System for Travel Authorization U.S. Department of Homeland Security

ESTA Requirements Now in Effect

All nationals and citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries, including Australia, are required to obtain a travel authorization prior to initiating travel to the United States. This requirement commenced January 12, 2009. Authorization may be obtained online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), a free Internet application administered by the Department of Homeland Security.

There is no charge to complete the ESTA application. VWP travelers should be aware that unauthorized third-parties have established websites, which charge visitors for information and for submitting ESTA applications. These websites are not endorsed by, associated with, nor affiliated in any way with the U.S. government.

VWP visitors should apply now for the travel authorization.

For more information, start by reading our page on the Visa Waiver Program.

U.S. – Australia Student Work and Travel Pilot Program

The Student Work and Travel Pilot Program allows Australian citizens to combine work and travel in the United States for up to 12 months. For more information, visit our page on the Student Work and Travel Pilot Program.

Please see our nonimmigrant visa page for general information on the U.S. visa application process, including how to apply for a U.S. visa in Australia.

More programs and events…