Australian Consulate-General
Chennai, India

Media release

 09 January 2017                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              PA-CN/17/01

                                                                       Australia Day Celebrations in Bangalore

In a sign of the increasingly strong ties between Australia and Karnataka, the Australian Consul-General for South India, Mr Sean Kelly, hosted the first ever formal Australia Day celebrations in Bangalore on 9 January 2017.

Mr Kelly was joined by a host of dignitaries, including: the Chair of Biocon and Australian Global Alumni Ambassador Dr Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw; National Chair of the Australia-India Business Council Ms Sheba Nandkeolyar; and cricketing legend Mr Michael Kaspowitz.  Dr Mazumdar-Shaw, a graduate of Federation University in Australia, was appointed the first Australian Global Alumni Ambassador for India by the Australian Government in 2015.

Speaking at a packed reception at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Consul-General Sean Kelly remarked on Australia’s growing presence in South India, noting “This is the first time Australia has formally celebrated Australia Day in Bangalore, reflecting the new dynamism in our relationship with Karnataka and its cosmopolitan capital, Bangalore.  The presence of so many leading technology and biotechnology firms makes Bangalore increasingly important for Australia’s own innovation-led growth strategy.” 

Further emphasising the growing partnership between Australia and Karnataka, Mr Kelly said, “Over the coming year, I look forward to expanding our program of high level visits from Australian Federal and State Governments to Karnataka, visits by Karnataka Government ministers to Australia, and exchanges of business and academic delegations to build new productive partnerships.” 

In addition to an office of the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade), two Australian State Governments Victoria and Queensland also have representative offices based in Bangalore.

The celebrations in Bangalore provided an opportunity for a mix of Government officials, Indian and Australian business leaders, students and alumni to network and strengthen the friendship between Australia and Karnataka.

Australia Day falls on 26 January each year (coinciding with India’s Republic Day), and provides for Australians around the world with an occasion to celebrate Australia’s diverse multicultural society, our shared values and traditions, and reflect on Australia's history.

Follow us on twitter at @AusCGChennai.