In true Aussie style, Prime Minister Julia Gillard has concluded her week-long visit to the US by enjoying a beer at a New York pub named The Australian and connecting with expats who have raised over $100,000 for flood relief.
Ms. Gillard humorously remarked that her “definition of success” involved having met everyone in the pub and departing with a complimentary beer.
The pub managed to raise $19,000 for flood relief through two fundraising events.
An auction featuring paintings from the private collection of Australian artist David Rankin, based in New York, raised an impressive $90,000.
The January event included performances from Australian musicians such as Paul Dempsey, of the band Something for Kate, and Katy Steele, from Little Birdy.
In addition, participants included members of the New York Magpies, an amateur Australian rules football club established in 1998, along with USA Freedom, the American women’s representative Aussie rules footy team.
Ms. Gillard expressed her gratitude for their efforts, stating, “That’s the real Aussie spirit…thank you for showing it.”
by Robbo Green