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Programmes
As part of the amalgamation of the NSW chapter of the Australian American Association and the AAA, we have adopted these fine programmes as our own. If you are interested in participating in any one of them, please contact the Association at infosydney@aaanyc.org or by phone +61 (0)2 9338 6988.
Hospitality in the Home
We continue this excellent programme, which is coordinated by member Ann Tolman. The Hospitality-in-the-Home Programme was initiated by the American Australian Association Limited at the request of Stephen Smith, former US Consul General, Sydney, and the US Navy. Initially simply a ‘meal in the home’ , it has grown to include street parties, weekends away, horse riding, and even a BBQ with a local rugby football team.
The programme targets young sailors who may be away from their own homes for the very first time and feeling the pressure of long periods at sea. Local volunteer families are notified when ships are due in to Sydney and their interest in hosting sailors registered. Host family details are sent the ship, and the facilitator (usually the Chaplain) matches the sailors with each family.
The military personnel are volunteers who have to meet strict standards to be approved for participation in the programme, as they are representing their ship and their country. For safety reasons the military requires that the personnel on shore leave travel with a buddy, so guests come in pairs.
It is a great opportunity for young sailors to experience our culture and lifestyle, and equally rewarding for the families, many of whom make lifelong friendships.
US Naval Ship Visits
For many years the Association has traditionally held a Welcome Reception for the Senior Chiefs and Officers of the Wardroom of visiting US Navy and Coast Guard vessels. The two hour reception is warmly anticipated by the Wardroom as the ship approaches Sydney. The relatively informal event is an opportunity for many officers to meet their first Australians, obtain information on the best places to eat and visit while in Sydney. It is also an opportunity for the officers to talk amongst themselves socially for the first time since leaving their last port. Since the ships often return to Sydney on a regular basis, many make lifelong friendships. Due to security concerns, ship arrivals are closely guarded secret until the last minute, but when possible, we will continue to participate in this programme.
Aussie Books on Board
The American Australian Association proudly supplies each US & Coast Guard vessel visiting Sydney with a selection of quality Australian literature for enjoyment in the ship’s library. This very successful initiative, started by member Felicia Starr has also been extended to the Yokosuka Base Library in Japan and, upon request, RAN vessels. Books by Australian authors are obtained from authors themselves and donations from publishers and distributors. This programme was featured in the December 2007/January edition of Auslit, the online resource for Australian literature. (http://www.austlit.edu.au/news/newsDecember2007January2008).
Newsletters
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Copyright © 2008 American Australian Association
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