This is Australia now

Australia now is an initiative of the Australian Government celebrating Australia’s creative excellence, diversity and innovation.

We are honoured that the 10 member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will be our hosts this year.

Australia now ASEAN 2019 builds on the deep and long-standing ties between Australia and ASEAN member countries. This year’s program will focus on engaging and celebrating the vitality, diversity and capability of youth across Southeast Asia.

Australia now will engage youth through an exciting and dynamic program. Highlights include culinary showcases, film festivals and youth forums on smart cities, connectivity and issues of regional significance.

It’s all about building relationships for the future – so join us in celebrating and connecting our future innovators, leaders, thinkers and social change makers.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Focus on

Food

Taste of Australia Food Program

The Australia now – Taste of Australia Food Program celebrates the diversity and culinary excellence of Australia through curated food events across Southeast Asia. Delivered in partnership with Austrade, the program showcases Australia’s vibrant and innovative food culture with cooking demonstrations, competitions, workshops, cultural exchange and community engagement. Featuring Australia’s celebrity chefs, emerging talent and premium Australian food (with a local Southeast Asian twist), the menu will inspire and tantalise the palette.

Film

Australian Short Film Festival powered by Flickerfest

The Australia now film festival presents the essence and creative excellence of Australia’s renowned film industry. Delivered in partnership with Screen Australia and Flickerfest, the program features short film highlights curated by Flickerfest, documentaries, and Australian feature films. Enjoy panel discussions and workshops with some of Australia’s finest actors, producers and film making talent.

The Australia now – Flickerfest ASEAN short film competition will kick off in 2019, with selected entries presented as part of the Flickerfest 2020 program in Sydney, Australia. Stay tuned for competition details.

Forum

Youth Speaker Series

Hear from, and engage with, some of Australia’s finest young entrepreneurs, innovators, creators and social change makers.

Curated by the Social Good Outpost, the Australia now youth speakers series will demonstrate the innovative spirit and ability of young leaders from Australia and across Southeast Asia. Young speakers will explore issues and challenges of regional significance such as sustainability, connectivity, smart cities and social good in a series of inspiring talks and panel discussions. The program will reach, connect, engage and stimulate.

Past Australia now programs

2018

Australia now Japan

Australia now Japan celebrated Australian innovation, creativity and lifestyle in Japan from April to November 2018. Recognising our strong ties and people-to-people links, Australia now promoted Australia’s creative excellence, diversity and innovation and strengthened networks and collaboration.

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2017

Australia now Germany

Delivering Australia now in Germany laid the foundations for the stronger bilateral relations and responded to recommendations of the Australia-Germany Advisory Group to enhance science and sporting links, build on current platforms and take bilateral cultural exchange to the next level.

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2016

Australia now Brazil

Australia now 2016 was the most important cultural initiative Australia has held in South America. Strategically staged from April to June 2016, in the lead up to the Rio de Janeiro Olympics and Paralympics, Australia now was a major cultural festival with multiple events across 11 cities. In all, 120 Australian artists participated in Brazil. Over 300,000 Brazilians experienced more than 100 events.

2015

Australia now Turkey

Australia now 2015 took place during the ANZAC centenary year and provided a strong counterpoint to the centenary’s historical focus. The program featured a range of art forms with strong popular appeal and a contemporary edge to reach target audiences and cut through the crowded cultural and media environment in Turkey. Interest levels amongst Turkish audiences were significant. The festival provided an opportunity to build links between Australian and Turkish cultural institutions, galleries, universities, music venues and performing artists.

Partners

Australia-ASEAN Council

Bringing together the peoples of Australia and Southeast Asia.

Austrade

Austrade leverages the deep commercial knowledge and relationships of our international and domestic networks, and the badge of government, to deliver value for our clients and investors.

Asialink

Asialink excels in "soft diplomacy" - delivering high-level forums, international collaborations, leadership training, education, community health and cultural programs in Australia and Asia.

Screen Australia

Celebrating Australian stories.

Australia Awards

Australia Awards are prestigious international scholarships and fellowships offering the next generation of global leaders an opportunity to undertake study, research and professional development in Australia.

QUT CEA

QUT Creative Enterprise Australia (CEA) believes in enriching the future by empowering creatives.

Australia Global Alumni

Stay connected with your friends, build and mobilise your professional networks and celebrate your successes!

New Colombo Plan

The New Colombo Plan is a signature initiative of the Australian Government which aims to lift knowledge of the Indo Pacific in Australia by supporting Australian undergraduates to study and undertake internships in the region.

FLiCKERFEST

Flickerfest continues its proud tradition of bringing world-class short films to Bondi Pavilion, celebrating and uncovering the most talented filmmakers the world and Australia has to offer.

FFA

Football Federation Australia (FFA) is the governing body of football in Australia and is a member of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the international governing body for football.

AFMAM

The 5th ASEAN Foundation Model ASEAN Meeting 2019 will be held in Thailand. The 5th AFMAM 2019 targets students of tertiary education level from across ASEAN region to understand diplomacy and how decision makers of ASEAN Member States address regional issues at the various ASEAN meetings.

Social Good Outpost

A women-led design agency empowering clients and community.

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

The MSO works together with partners and communities to enrich people’s lives through meaningful musical experiences.