Friends of Australia

Friends of Australia is Tourism Australia’s global ambassador network that recognises bright and influential opinion leaders who share a passion for Australia. Friends of Australia OUR GLOBAL AMBASSADOR Friends of Australia CHRIS HEMSWORTH ACTOR Based in Byron Bay, Australia

Chris Hemsworth is an Chris Hemsworth was born in It was Hemsworth’s role as Thor in Los Angeles to beachside town, Byron Australian actor well known Melbourne and saw quite a bit of the Marvel Cinematic Universe which Bay, Australia, famous for its pristine for portraying comic book hero the Australian country in his youth, thrust him to worldwide prominence beaches and surf culture. moving with his family including in 2011. He has reprised the character Thor in the Marvel Cinematic brothers Liam and Luke, to the five times and starred amongst a Chris Hemsworth was appointed as Universe franchise. Northern Territory before settling top tier cast of actors which has only Tourism Australia’s global ambassador down on Phillip Island, south furthered his presence in the world of in 2015. Chris was appointed as he of Melbourne. Hollywood stars. is passionate about Australia and provides an authentic Australian voice Hemsworth followed in the footsteps Hemsworth has also appeared to help tell the country’s story globally. of other famous Aussies like Heath in a number of other Hollywood Ledger, Isla Fisher, Simon Baker and films including Snow White and the Naomi Watts by becoming a regular Huntsman (2012), Red Dawn (2012), on the soap opera Home and Away Rush (2013) In the Heart of the Sea (2004-2007), whilst also competing (2015) and Ghostbusters (2016). on the Australian season of Dancing with the Stars (2006). These Often highlighting his passion for appearances boosted his profile, surfing over the years, Hemsworth leading to his first Hollywood and his family (wife, Elsa Pataky and appearance in Star Trek (2009). three children) relocated in 2015 from Friends of Australia AQUATIC AND COASTAL • BARTON LYNCH • BRAD FARMER • BRINKLEY DAVIES • BRUCE ‘HOPPO’ HOPKINS • EUGENE TAN • JESSI MILEY-DYER • SEAN SCOTT • TRENT ‘MAXI’ MAXWELL Friends of Australia BARTON LYNCH FORMER PROFESSIONAL SURFER Based in Sydney, Australia

Barton Lynch is one of Barton spent more than 15 years Australia’s most formidable as one of the top 16 surfers in the figures in surfing. world and won the World Title in 1988. He now mentors, coaches and trains hundreds of surfers of all levels including many of the country’s aspiring champions.

In 2006 he launched Barton Lynch’s Blast Off, which still remains Australia’s premiere pre-junior surfing event and coaching program. Friends of Australia BRAD FARMER FOUNDER OF NATIONAL SURFING RESERVES

Based in Perth, Australia

Brad Farmer is a world- Founder of multiple not-for- recognised pioneer for the profit initiatives including Surfing conservation of oceans, waves Reserves, Coastcare, Ocean Care Day and Surfrider Foundation, Brad has and beaches. written about Australian beaches for over three decades and examined most of them firsthand. Brad is developing a model for UNESCO to recognise significant coastal sites while continuing to engage coastal audiences with his 101 Best Beaches project which aims to raise the international profile of Australian beaches. Friends of Australia BRINKLEY DAVIES SOCIAL INFLUENCER AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATIONIST Based in Port Lincoln, Australia

Born and raised in Port Brinkley has a passion for Lincoln, Brinkley has a strong environmental conservation and affinity with Australia’s animal welfare. In 2016 Brinkley adopted and hand raised an orphan beach and coastal lifestyle, kangaroo joey found on the side of boasting a bachelor’s degree the road, named Bunji. Through her in marine biology and a conservation focused not-for-profit resume of volunteer work and Balu Blue Foundation, Brinkley surfing, diving, and boating founded the Two Songs Sanctuary, a private orphan native animal rescue qualifications. based on Eyre Peninsula where Bunji is now based full time. Friends of Australia BRUCE HOPKINS BONDI LIFEGUARD Based in Sydney, Australia

‘Hoppo’ is the longest serving A keen surfer since the age of six, he lifeguard at Bondi Beach, has completed many rescues, saving where he has been based for many lives and resuscitating people whose heart and breathing have 15 years. He is also head of stopped completely. the Waverly Council Lifeguards based in the Eastern Suburbs In 2006 he won the Australian of Sydney and stars in the hit Lifeguard of the Year award, and television series Bondi Rescue. recently won two gold medals at the Australian Surf Lifesaving titles. Friends of Australia EUGENE TAN PHOTOGRAPHER AND BLOGGER Based in Sydney, Australia

Eugene is the photographer Eugene captures spectacular images and founder of Aquabumps, a of Australian coastal destinations brand dedicated to celebrating which can be seen in his boutique photography gallery located on Australia’s coastal lifestyle. Curlewis Street in Bondi Beach and various other retailers around the world. Friends of Australia JESSI MILEY-DYER FORMER PROFESSIONAL SURFER Based in Sydney, Australia

Jessi Miley-Dyer is a former Jessi was considered as one of the professional surfer who is now best Australian surfers during her the Women’s Commissioner years on Australia’s Pro Junior series and in the ASP Women’s World for the World Surf League Tour, she now uses her in-depth (Association of Surfing knowledge and passion for the Professionals). sport to create a stable competition platform for women. Friends of Australia SEAN SCOTT SURF AND LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHER Based in Burleigh Heads, Australia

Sean Scott is an ocean His galleries in South East landscape photographer based Queensland have been open for in Burleigh Heads, Queensland more than 12 years and he now finds himself travelling and taking where he owns and operates photographs all over Australia and his own coastal lifestyle the world. gallery. With a large and loyal social media following, Sean’s passion is to share his experiences of Australia through his photographs. Friends of Australia TRENT ‘MAXI’ MAXWELL LIFEGUARD, FIREFIGHTER AND TELEVISION PERSONALITY Based in Sydney, Australia

Maxi is one of the most Maxi started as a 16 year old trainee, recognisable and popular of making him the youngest lifeguard the Bondi Lifeguards featured ever to patrol the world famous Bondi Beach. He also graduated from on Network Ten’s reality TV NSW Fire & Rescue in 2016, making show Bondi Rescue. him a qualified firefighter.

Maxi’s passion is helping people and with his positive, fun and friendly outlook on life he looks forward to telling the world about the warm welcome they will receive when they make the trip Down Under. Friends of Australia arts, music & Media • BAZ LUHRMANN • JESSICA MAUBOY • LISA WILKINSON • TEIGAN NASH • CALLAN MCAULIFFE • JIANMIN DONG • MAGDALENA ROZE • TIM OLSEN • CATRIONA ROWNTREE • JINGHUI CAI • PETER FITZSIMONS • TIM ROSS • CHIH-HSIANG LO • JINPENG ZHANG • PARINEETI CHOPRA • WILLIAM BARTON (SHOW LUO) • JOHNNY JET • QILONG WU (NICKY WU) • YICHEN DING • DARCEY BUSSELL • JUN JIN (SHOU MA) • RACHEL GRIFFITHS • GEORGE BYRNE • KATHY LETTE • RADHA MITCHELL • HUI LI (XUE XIAO) • LAURA BROWN • SHU CHEN • IVA DAVIES • LINCOLN LEWIS • STEVE LIEBMANN Friends of Australia BAZ LUHRMANN FILM DIRECTOR Based in Sydney, Australia and Los Angeles, USA

Baz Luhrmann is one of Growing up in rural Australia, he Hollywood’s most respected first became enthralled by the and successful film directors, world of movies and the power of storytelling at his father’s screenwriters and producers. theatre. After studying at Sydney’s National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), his career as a film director, screenwriter and producer took off and he became widely known for his lavish productions and emphasis on heightened reality. His most notable works to date are the three films that make up his Red Curtain Trilogy comprised of Strictly Ballroom, Romeo + Juliet and Moulin Rouge! Following the trilogy, his projects include Australia, The Great Gatsby, and his television limited series period drama The Get Down for Netflix. Friends of Australia CALLAN MCAULIFFE ACTOR Based in Los Angeles, USA

Callan McAuliffe is a talented Callan began acting at age 8, young Australian actor known appearing in Australian television for his various roles in theatre, shows and has gone on to feature in Hollywood films such as The film and television. Great Gatsby, I Am Number Four and Flipped.

When back in Australia, Callan enjoys getting back to nature by camping in the Outback. Friends of Australia CATRIONA ROWNTREE TRAVEL REPORTER Based in Geelong, Australia

Catriona Rowntree is widely In addition to her TV roles, Catriona known as ‘Australia’s Most has been able to utilise her passion Travelled Woman’ having for community work as the Patron of the Arnotts Foundation, Ambassador presented the Australian for OCRF, Mission Australia and favourite travel show Getaway Phillip Island Penguins. for the past 19 years. Friends of Australia DARCEY BUSSELL TELEVISION PERSONALITY AND FORMER PRIMA BALLERINA Based in London, United Kingdom

Darcey Bussell is considered Darcey has always had great ties one of Britain’s most and passions for Australia, living in accomplished ballerinas. Now Sydney both as a child and later with her husband Angus Forbes. retired, she is widely known for her role as a judge on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. Friends of Australia GEORGE BYRNE PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTIST Based in Los Angeles, USA

George Byrne is an Australian Born in Sydney, Byrne graduated photographic artist based in from Sydney College Of The Arts Los Angeles. in 2001, travelled extensively, and then settled in Los Angeles in 2010 where he has been focusing on his photographic practice. Byrne started using Instagram as a visual scrapbook in 2013, his gallery (@george_byrne) has evolved to become an important and popular extension of his broader art practice.

George is the brother of Hollywood actress Rose Byrne. Friends of Australia HUI LI (XUE XIAO) MEDIA PERSONALITY Based in China

Hui Li is a famous opinion She published her first book leader with Chinese women, Elegance to share her experience as taking the initiative with her a multi-tasking working woman, mother and partner. colleagues to transform ELLE China into a truly multimedia brand. Friends of Australia IVA DAVIES

MUSICIAN Based in Sydney, Australia

Iva Davies is the frontman Icehouse’s success spans over many of Icehouse, one of the most decades, with their second album iconic bands in Australian featuring the unofficial anthem for all Australians, Great Southern Land. history, which released 28 platinum albums, eight Top 10 Beyond Icehouse, Iva continues to albums and more than 30 Top showcase his musical skills for films, 40 singles. ballet, television and special events. Friends of Australia JESSICA MAUBOY SINGER SONGWRITER AND ACTRESS Based in Australia

Jessica Mauboy is an Eurovision Song contest that was Australian singer songwriter held in Lisbon, Portugal. and actress born and raised in Jessica currently stars in the Darwin, Northern Territory. Australian television series The Secret Daughter which is now in its second As a singer, Jessica has sold over 2.5 season. She also boasts leading million units in Australia, achieved roles in internationally celebrated 19 Top 30 hit singles, toured with films such as Bran Nue Dae and The international musicians including Sapphires. Beyonce and Chris Brown and collaborated with the likes of Snoop Jessica is an active role model Dogg and Pitbull. to the Indigenous community in Australia with involvement In 2014, Jessica made history as in many organisations ranging the first non-European solo artist from mentoring, performing to perform at the Eurovision and education. Jessica has been Song Contest in Denmark. Jessica nominated twice for Young Australian represented Australia in the 2018 of the Year in 2010 and 2013. Friends of Australia JINGHUI CAI CEO OF QYER.COM Based in China

Jinghui Cai is CEO and Jinghui Cai is also the former Chief Co-founder of Qyer.com, one Representative of Lonely Planet in of China’s biggest travel sites China. featuring travel guides, forums and tips. Friends of Australia JOHNNY JET BLOGGER AND JOURNALIST Based in the United States of America

Johnny Jet travels around He and his website JohnnyJet.com 150,000 miles and visits over have been featured over 2,000 times 20 countries each year through in major publications, including USA Today, Time, Fortune and The New his role as a travel journalist. York Times, and he has appeared on ABC, CBS, CNBC, CNN, MSNBC, NBC, FOX News Channel and PBS.

Every week, Johnny hosts a ‘travel website of the week’ for several radio stations around the world and he also writes for Frommers.com, The Huffington Post and LAX Magazine. Friends of Australia JUN JIN (SHOU MA) MEDIA PERSONALITY Based in China

Jun Jin, also known as He is the founder of the Chinese Shou Ma, is the former Vice edition of Men’s Health, For Him President of the Trends Media Magazine and Robb Report, as well as a top influencer in fashion and Group. lifestyle area and has published eight books since 2000 with some of them becoming bestsellers.

Jun Jin has his own studio and runs a fusion program Fun and Fancy with iQIYI.COM. He is the visiting scholar of UC Berkeley and also the advocator of International Men’s Day. Friends of Australia KATHY LETTE AUTHOR Based in London, United Kingdom

Born in Sydney’s southern Her first book Puberty Blues was a suburbs, Kathy Lette is an huge success and was made into a international best- selling motion picture in 1981. In addition to writing over nine best-selling author now based in the books, Kathy has worked as a United Kingdom. newspaper columnist in Sydney and New York. Friends of Australia LAURA BROWN JOURNALIST AND EDITOR Based in the United States

Laura Brown is an Australian- Laura regularly appears on US born journalist and Editor In television news programs Good Chief of InStyle magazine. Morning America and Today. Laura also hosts a bi-weekly video series called “Dirty Laundry” in partnership with Time Inc’s People TV Network, in which she interviews celebrities in a laundromat and reveals personal and colorful stories behind the star’s most beloved outfits and accessories. Friends of Australia LINCOLN LEWIS ACTOR Based in Brisbane, Australia

Brisbane born and raised, Outgoing and active, he is an avid Lincoln is an Australian actor photographer and videographer, most well-known for his capturing stunning Australian vistas, particularly of beaches and coastal roles in Home and Away, scenes. Underbelly, House Husbands and most recently appearing Lincoln has worked previously with as a celebrity contestant on Tourism Australia, capturing social Hell’s Kitchen. content for use across his social media channels as well as Aussie New Today. Friends of Australia LISA WILKINSON MEDIA PERSONALITY Based in Sydney, Australia

Lisa Wilkinson is one of Lisa was appointed editor of Dolly Australia’s most admired and magazine at just 21 years of age. respected journalists with By age 25 she was editing Cleo and doubled its circulation in a decade. more than 20 years in the She was host of Channel 9’s Today media industry. and now hosts Network Ten’s news-current affairs and talk show The Project.

Lisa is also an incredible business mentor, mother of three and wife to fellow journalist and author, Peter FitzSimons. Friends of Australia MAGDALENA ROZE MEDIA PERSONALITY

Based in Byron Bay, Australia

An award-winning television Magdalena is based in Byron Bay presenter and meteorologist, with her husband, Darren Robertson, Magdalena is one of who is the chef and co-owner of Three Blue Ducks. Australia’s most versatile talents with almost ten years’ Magdalena‘s passion points extend experience presenting live from food, travel and wine to fashion television. and all aspects of wellbeing. Inspired by the seasons and driven by respect for nature, she is also an enthusiastic advocate for all that is sustainable, artisanal, ethical and natural. Friends of Australia QILONG WU (NICKY WU) SINGER AND ACTOR Based in China

Nicky Wu (Chinese name During his time with Little Tigers Qilong Wu) is a Taiwanese Team, he pursued a solo career, releasing an extensive catalogue singer and actor who also has of songs, Mandarin and Cantonese large fan bases in mainland albums as a solo artist, releasing his China and Hong Kong. He debut solo album in 1992. found fame in 1988 when he In five years, he released 13 Mandarin became a member of the boy and Cantonese albums. As an actor, Wu won the 1993 Best New Artist band, Little Tigers Team (小虎 award in Hong Kong, and the next 隊), performing alongside Alec year played the lead in the 1994 film Su and Julian Chen. The trio The Lovers, his greatest commercial were extremely popular and success. successful in Taiwan, selling With his background as a professional athlete, he is best known for playing millions of records. fighting scenes and never uses stuntmen as he trusts his own ability. Wu has starred in more than 20 television series and more than 10 blockbuster films. Friends of Australia PETER FITZSIMONS JOURNALIST AND MEDIA PRESENTER Based in Sydney, Australia

Peter FitzSimons is a former Peter is one of Australia’s most Wallabies rugby union player prominent and successful media turned journalist, author and and publishing identities and is also a correspondent to London’s Daily radio presenter. Telegraph newspaper. Friends of Australia PARINEETI CHOPRA BOLLYWOOD ACTRESS Based in India

Parineeti Chopra is one of In addition to her acting career, India’s biggest Bollywood Parineeti is a humanitarian and actresses with a highly supports a number of charities and causes. She is also an avid diver and engaged social media has a keen interest for health and following. wellness, inspiring millions with her YouTube video on her fitness journey ‘Built that way.’ Being a lover of nature and adventure, Parineeti is passionate about exploring Australia and sharing her unique adventures with her millions of fans on social media.

Friends of Australia RACHEL GRIFFITHS ACTOR Based in Melbourne, Australia

Rachel Griffiths is an She has since featured in various award-winning Australian films and TV series that have seen actor whose breakthrough her secure a Golden Globe award, a second AACTA award, two Screen role was in the 1994 film Actors Guild Awards and three Muriel’s Wedding, and her Australian Film Institute Awards for Academy Award nominated her work. performance in Hilary and Jackie (1998). Griffiths was born in Melbourne, but spent her early childhood on the Gold Coast. She is now based in Melbourne with her husband, Australian artist Andrew Taylor, and their three children. Friends of Australia RADHA MITCHELL ACTRESS Based in the United States

Born in Melbourne, Radha Radha recently returned to Australia began her acting career to film Swinging Safari where she appearing on Australian starred alongside Kylie Minogue, Guy Pearce and Asher Keddie. television series such as Neighbours. After moving to the Unites States, she became known for her roles in both indie and blockbuster Hollywood films such as Pitch Black, Man on Fire, Finding Neverland and Silent Hill. Friends of Australia CHIH- HSIANG LO ACTOR AND SINGER (SHOW LUO) Based in China

Show Luo is a Taiwanese He is also the creator and designer entertainer, Mandopop singer, of street trend fashion brand ‘STAGE dancer, host and actor. He has Hyaline of World’, abbreviated as S.H.O.W. It has outlets throughout been dubbed ‘Asia’s Dance Taiwan and in Hong Kong, King’ for his dancing skills Singapore, China, the United States and is the co-host of a daily of America and Australia. entertainment news/variety show, 100% Entertainment on Gala Television (GTV) Variety Show/CH 28 with Alien Huang. Friends of Australia SHU CHEN ACTOR AND SINGER Based in China

Shu Chen is a famous actress Shu Chen is married to Chinese- and singer and has appeared Australian musician, Yin-Yin Zhao. on TV in a variety of roles. She has won the Best Actress: Romance Award at the 4th Huading Awards and Favorite Actress Award at the Golden Eagle Awards. Friends of Australia STEVE LIEBMANN MEDIA PERSONALITY Based in Sydney, Australia

Steve Liebmann is one of He has interviewed presidents, Australia’s most respected prime ministers and royalty, and is journalists, and has been for a regular on 2UE radio and is best known for co- hosting the Today more than four decades. Show and Current Affairs. Friends of Australia TEIGAN NASH MEDIA PRESENTER Based in Sydney, Australia

Born on the beaches of Sydney, Her presenting and hosting roles Teigan is an up and coming TV have included Saturday Disney, the presenter, host and producer. 2016 Rio Olympics, Autumn Racing 2016 Carnival and is a Hoyts Red Known for her bubbly and Carpet host where she interviews outgoing personality, she Hollywood’s biggest stars. began performing at a young age, singing, dancing and In addition to her passion for the acting. arts, TV fashion and film, Teigan has a keen interest for health and wellness. She is a lover of the beach and is often found in Cronulla, swimming, exercising and enjoying the great outdoors. Friends of Australia TIM OLSEN ART GALLERIST Based in Australia

Dedicated to showcasing the With galleries scattered throughout diversity of Australia’s best Sydney, Tim is considered an expert artists, Tim Olsen is one of the in the art world and is a great advocate of Australian art. country’s most notable art dealers and gallery directors. Friends of Australia TIM ROSS MEDIA PERSONALITY AND COMEDIAN Based in Sydney, Australia

Tim Ross is a well-known Along the way Tim has picked up Australian media personality, numerous ACRA radio awards, an performing on Nova for Astra, GQ Man Of The Year award and an ARIA. In 2010 he released his nine years as one half of first book, ‘Mum had a Kingswood’ The Merrick and Rosso Show, and is a contributor to Men’s Style helping to launch the Nova Australia, Rolling Stone and Sydney network in 2001. Tim has also Morning Herald. Tim also has a keen enjoyed working on television, interest in architecture and is the ambassador for The Historic Houses hosting shows for MTV, Trust. The Comedy Channel, Nine Tim currently hosts his own radio Network and Network Ten; as drive show each weekday from well as the series No Leave No 4-6pm on 101.1 Mix FM in Sydney Life for Seven West Media. and Melbourne; and has a unique stand-up show Man about the House. Friends of Australia WILLIAM BARTON DIDGERIDOO ARTIST AND COMPOSER Based in Australia

William Barton is one of Born in Mount Isa, he was taught the Australia’s leading didgeridoo instrument by his uncle, an elder of players and composers and the Waanyi, Lardil and Kalkadunga tribes of western Queensland. At is a powerful advocate for 17 years of age, William played the wider perception of his his first classical concert with the cultural traditions. Queensland Symphony Orchestra and is now one of the world’s leading musicians. In 2012, William won an ARIA Music Award for the Best Classical Album. Friends of Australia YICHEN DING MEDIA PERSONALITY Based in China

Yichen Ding is a well-known She has published three comic books cartoonist and illustrator since 2012, in which she created an living in China and is one of avatar and outfitted it with love in pop culture, fine dining and travel the best known cartoonists for that inspire others. webcomic series. Friends of Australia entrepreneurs & business influencers • ANN SHERRY • DICK SMITH • MATTHEW UPCHURCH • RICHARD BRANSON Friends of Australia ANN SHERRY EXECUTIVE Based in Sydney, Australia

Ann is the Executive Chair Former CEO of Westpac New Zealand; of Carnival Australia, one and the Bank of Melbourne and Group of the largest vacation Executive, People & Performance; Ann was awarded an Order of Australia companies in the world. She for her corporate contributions to the is a great advocate of tourism Australian community. in Australia and a forward thinker in human resources and workplace equality. Friends of Australia DICK SMITH ENTREPRENEUR Based in Sydney, Australia

One of Australia’s most Founder of Dick Smith Foods in successful businessmen, aviator, 1999, Dick is passionate about film-maker and explorer, Dick Australian interests and developing business within the nation. Dick has Smith hot air ballooned from an international profile and is an New Zealand to Australia, and Australian icon. embarked upon the first ever solo helicopter flight around the world. Friends of Australia MATTHEW UPCHURCH CEO OF VIRTUOSO Based in New York City, USA

Matthew Upchurch is the “Not only is it one of my personal CEO of leading luxury travel favourites to visit, but Australia network Virtuoso. In 2017, continues to be a key location for our travel advisors and their clients, Tourism Australia and Virtuoso consistently ranking in our top 10 announced an expanded destinations by sales and as the partnership throughout number one dream destination for North America, with Virtuoso Virtuoso travellers.” making a strong commitment to promoting Australia as destination to the US luxury market. Friends of Australia RICHARD BRANSON FOUNDER AND OWNER OF VIRGIN GROUP Based in the United Kingdom

Richard Branson is the world Richard’s first venture was setting famous founder and owner of up a student magazine at the age of the Virgin Group, which has 16. In 1970 he founded Virgin as a mail order record retailer and shortly approximately 200 companies afterwards he opened a record shop. in over 30 countries across a Two years later he built a recording range of industries including studio and Virgin Music went on to travel, tourism, music, finance become one of the top six record and health. The Virgin Group companies in the world. In his spare time Richard has also has non-profit projects successfully beaten world records, which include the Virgin Earth which include sailing, hot air Challenge. ballooning, a sea crossing in an amphibious vehicle and golfing in the dark. Friends of Australia fashion & Design • CAMILLA FRANKS • COLLETTE DINNIGAN • DION LEE • KYM ELLERY • NICKI AND SIMONE ZIMMERMAN • YASMIN SEWELL Friends of Australia CAMILLA FRANKS FASHION DESIGNER Based in Sydney, Australia

Since launching her label 10 Camilla’s signature colourful and years ago, Camilla Franks handmade graphic prints take continues to be internationally centre stage in each of her product ranges which are distributed in recognised as a designer over 250 high-end boutiques and who has a unique approach luxury department stores worldwide to creating colourful, playful including Harrod’s, Bloomingdales, and luxurious lifestyle fashion Selfridges, Nordstrom and SAKS, plus statements. With an ever- numerous flagships stores across Australia. growing list of celebrity fans including Oprah Winfrey, Lily Allen, Kim Cattrall, Fergie, Beyoncé and Gwen Stefani who have all embraced her creations. Friends of Australia COLLETTE DINNIGAN FASHION DESIGNER Based in Sydney, Australia

Born in South Africa, Collette Only three years later, she was invited Dinnigan is an Australian based to show at Paris by the Chambre fashion designer. She launched Syndicale de la Haute Couture, the first Australian to launch a ready-to- her own range in 1992, and wear collection in Paris. In 1997, she also opened her first store in was presented with Louis Vuitton Paddington and began selling Business Award. The following year, to department stores such as she was inducted into the Australian Barneys New York, Neiman Businesswomen’s Hall of Fame. Marcus, Harvey Nichols and She currently has a lingerie line at Joyce in Hong Kong. David Jones, Collette by Collette Dinnigan, inspired by her travels around the world. She previously designed a line of lingerie, Wild Hearts, for Marks & Spencer in the United Kingdom and Target in Australia. Friends of Australia DION LEE FASHION DESIGNER Based in Sydney, Australia

Dion Lee has established The focus shifted to the international himself as one of Australia’s market in February 2012 with a most critically lauded and move to the London Fashion Week schedule. Presentations in London awarded fashion innovators. were met with a phenomenally Lee debuted at Australian positive response extending the Fashion Week in 2009 after brand’s exposure and distribution. graduating from Sydney In September 2012, Lee showed at Institute of Technology the London Fashion Week for the second time, elevating the brand with a prior year. Lee was the first breakthrough runway presentation designer to stage a runway and in February 2013, Lee participated presentation at the Sydney in the International Woolmark Prize Opera House in 2010. as the Australian Finalist and also presented at London Fashion Week. Friends of Australia KYM ELLERY FASHION DESIGNER Based in Paris, France

Born in Perth, Kym Ellery is a Previously working for over four years renowned Australian fashion at Russh magazine as a crucial part of designer best known for her the creative team, Kym watched the magazine rapidly develop into one of fashion label, Ellery. the most cutting edge and renowned After completing a certificate fashion titles in Australia. of Fashion Design in Perth, Kym International coverage of Ellery has made her way over to London gone from strength to strength, to attend the highly acclaimed thrusting the label to the elite end of Australian designers. From Madonna’s fashion school, Central St. Stylist to Vogue and Harpers, to Martins. It was here that she dressing some of the world’s top completed summer school models and extremely influential studying Fashion Illustration women, Kym has become one of and Sketchbook Building, Australia’s most celebrated fashion icons. developing the invaluable design skills she now possesses. Friends of Australia NICKI & SIMONE ZIMMERMANN FASHION DESIGNERS Based in Sydney, Australia

Sisters Nicky and Simone In Australia and abroad, the label Zimmermann run one of receives extensive editorial coverage Australia’s most successful and has graced the pages of magazines including: Vogue, Harpers high-end fashion labels, Bazaar, Elle, W, Glamour, Nylon and Zimmermann. Marie Claire.

Zimmermann began with Nicky Zimmermann have been the recipient designing dresses and selling them of multiple fashion awards including at Paddington markets in Sydney, the Australian Fashion Laureate and and has now evolved to encompass a Best Swim Designer - Prix de Marie number of stand-alone stores across Claire, to name a few. Nicky has Australia and the USA including been a member of the Australian flagship stores on Mercer St in New Fashion Week Advisory Board and York and Melrose Place in Los Angeles. the Australian Fashion Chamber. Nicky and Simone have also been the fashion mentor for the Qantas Spirit of Australia Youth Awards. Friends of Australia YASMIN SEWELL FASHION PERSONALITY AND TREND FORECASTER Based in London, United Kingdom

Yasmin Sewell is a fashion Originally from Australia, Sewell retail consultant, creative now lives in London, and was named advisor for fashion brands and Young Australian of the Year in the United Kingdom in 2012 for her trend forecaster. Setting up contribution to the fashion industry. her consultancy in 2008, she and her team work on projects including retail strategies for international stores, trend direction for fashion brands in all markets and creative direction for young designers. Friends of Australia food & wine • AARON TURNER • HAYDEN QUINN • MATT PRESTON • SASA SESTIC • ADAM LIAW • JAMES HALLIDAY • MATT STONE • SEAN CONNOLLY • ANALIESE GREGORY • JAMES VILES • MATTHEW JUKES • SHANNON BENNETT • BEN SHEWRY • JOCK ZONFRILLO • MICHAEL HILL SMITH • STEFANO MANFREDI • BILL GRANGER • JOHN FINK • MICHAEL MOORE • TOM COLICCHIO • CHEF WAN • JULIEN ROYER • MORGAN MCGLONE • TONY HOWELL • CURTIS STONE • KYLIE KWONG • NEIL PERRY • WONG WING CHEE • DAN CHURCHILL • LUKE HAYES-ALEXANDER • OLLY SMITH • YIFAN LIU • DAN HUNTER • LUKE MANGAN • PAT NOURSE • YINGJI OUYANG • DAVID MOYLE • MAGGIE BEER • PETER GAGO (CRAIG AU YEUNG) • DONNA HAY • MARK BEST • PETER GILMORE • GARY MEHIGAN • MARK OLIVE • PORNSAK PRAJAKWIT • GUY GROSSI • MARTIN BENN & • RENÉ REDZEPI • GUY TURLAND & VICKI WILD • RICK STEIN MARK ALSTON • MATT MORAN • SANJEEV KAPOOR Friends of Australia AARON TURNER CHEF Based in Geelong, Australia

Aaron Turner is one of a degustation-only restaurant with Australia’s most talented regional and seasonal philosophies young chefs. His restaurant similar to Loam, this time in Geelong. In its first year, IGNI was IGNI, in Geelong, Victoria awarded two hats by The Age Good has won numerous awards Food Guide 2016, as well as winning including Gourmet Traveller’s the guide’s awards for both Regional Restaurant of the Year. Restaurant of the Year and Chef of the Year. Aaron grew up in Portland, Victoria and studied graphic design before The name IGNI refers literally to the travelling and working overseas. He charcoal in the kitchen that features opened his first restaurant in 2009, in so many of the restaurant’s dishes, Loam, on an olive grove in Drysdale, including local saltbush leaves, fried 90 minutes outside of Melbourne, crisp and sprinkled with vinegar which won numerous accolades. powder, zucchini flowers stuffed with pickled mussels and grilled over Since closing Loam in 2013, Aaron charcoal or char-grilled squab, claw has worked and consulted with IGNI, on, roasted on the crown. Friends of Australia ADAM LIAW CELEBRITY CHEF Based in Hong Kong

Adam Liaw is a cook, TV Adam was born in Malaysia before presenter and author, best moving to Australia at a young age. known as the winner of He has lived and worked around the world including China, Australia, MasterChef Australia 2010. Malaysia, New Zealand, India and Adam’s triumph on the hit most recently a seven-year stint in show still remains the most Tokyo, Japan. watched non-sporting event in Australian television history. His eclectic upbringing and life experiences have given Adam a passion for authentic Asian cuisine. Adam is the author of two cookbooks, Asian After Work and Two Asian Kitchens, a host of the SBS series Destination Flavour and is currently UNICEF Australia’s National Ambassador for Nutrition. Friends of Australia ANALIESE GREGORY CHEF Based in Hobart, Australia

Analiese Gregory is one of the the deserts of Morocco, Analiese most exciting young talents on returned to Sydney, working the Australian culinary scene alongside the stellar team at ACME. Analiese opened Bar Brosé right now. in 2016 with a strong focus on natural wine and a menu reflective Born in New Zealand, Analiese is of her love of French cuisine and the daughter of renowned Kiwi her Chinese heritage. In 2017, she chef, Mark Gregory. With cooking closed Bar Brosé to take over the in her blood, Analiese went on to kitchen of David Moyle’s acclaimed train in some of New Zealand’s best restaurant Franklin in Hobart. She restaurants, before travelling abroad is a passionate gardener and an to gain experience in prestigious avid forager, working with small restaurants such as The Ledbury, Le producers and farmers from all over Meurice and Mugaritz. Australia to find unique ingredients.

Settling in Sydney, she joined the team at Quay, and worked as a sous chef to Peter Gilmore for five years. After a brief stint working in Friends of Australia BEN SHEWRY CELEBRITY CHEF Based in Melbourne, Australia

Ben Shewry grew up in rural Known for his ethical and New Zealand, training as a sustainable approach to cooking, chef with notable mentors in Ben has been recognised for his “uniquely imaginative and the late 1990s, before making outstandingly good” dishes. He is the move to Australia. Ben’s also widely known for foraging raw restaurant Attica in Ripponlea, materials for his dishes from his own Melbourne has garnered the garden and his home environment attention of top food critics in the Great Ocean Road region of Victoria. from Australia and beyond, and is the only Australian restaurant included in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, ranking 32nd in 2017 and the Best Restaurant in Australasia. Friends of Australia BILL GRANGER CELEBRITY CHEF Based in the United Kingdom

Bill Granger is one of Bill’s five TV series are viewed in 30 Australia’s most successful countries; he has published 11 best chefs, restaurateurs and selling cookbooks, which have been translated into many languages and food writers. He has opened sold over 1 million copies worldwide; multiple restaurants around and he writes for newspapers and the world including Bondi magazines in both the UK and Beach and Surry Hills in Australia. Sydney, as well as Tokyo and the United Kingdom. Friends of Australia CHEF WAN CELEBRITY CHEF Based in Malaysia

A Malaysian accountant Chef Wan has developed a very high turned multi-talented profile in Malaysia and received celebrity chef, Chef Wan has several international awards, including the Lifetime Jury Award at become one of Asia’s biggest the Le Mazille Prix 2007 Gourmand. household names. Chef Wan He has cooked for many famous has over 20 years experience personalities, including the Sultan hosting cooking shows all over of Brunei and the former President the world and has published of the United States of America, Bill Clinton. several cookbooks, and he is also known for being an actor, He currently hosts his own TV talk-show host, rock star, show, Expedisi, a cooking and travel comedian, lecturer and food program on the Asian Good Food ambassador for Malaysian Channel watched by over one million people per episode. cuisine. Friends of Australia CURTIS STONE CELEBRITY CHEF Based in Los Angeles, United States of America

Curtis Stone is a celebrity chef He was the presenter of the first and presenter that has had season of globally successful cooking great success overseas. He was and lifestyle program, Surfing the Menu, and has one of America’s trained in London by legendary most popular reality/cooking shows chef Marco Pierre White and titled, Take Home Chef. Curtis has now has two restaurants in the been involved in many other popular US; Maude in Beverly Hills and TV shows such as the Celebrity Gwen on Sunset Boulevard, Apprentice, Around the World in 80 Plates and MasterChef. Los Angeles. Friends of Australia DAN CHURCHILL CELEBRITY CHEF Based in New York City, United States of America

Dan Churchill is an Australian Dan has appeared on Good Morning cook, author, youtuber, America and has been signed as a blogger and television star. regular correspondent for The Chew, the Emmy Award winning series on With his first self-published Disney/ABC Television America. book Dudefood and The Healthy Cook he achieved Dan is one of the stars of Surfing recognition for his “super The Menu, Next Generation that simple, wickedly tasty and premiered in 2016 for ABC Australia and the Discovery Networks. colourful home cooked meals”. Friends of Australia DAN HUNTER CHEF AND RESTAURATEUR Based in Australia

Dan Hunter’s journey with Dan spent six years leading the cooking has taken him kitchen of Dunkel’s Royal Mail Hotel. around the globe and into This is where he developed his first intensive organic kitchen garden the kitchens of acclaimed program and took the establishment restaurants, including head to its three hat status. chef at Mugaritz in Spain. His restaurant Brae is set on a hillside amongst 30 acres of vegetable gardens and orchards in the Otway hinterland of Victoria, using produce from the surrounding land and local farmers to offer a unique, contemporary cuisine built around an immense respect for nature and seasonality. Friends of Australia DAVID MOYLE CHEF Based in Melbourne, Australia

Born in the coastal town of David is now head chef at Franklin in Port Fairy, Victoria, David Hobart, Tasmania which opened in Moyle trained with some 2014 and focuses on local Tasmanian produce including an array of of Melbourne’s top chefs seafood. In late 2016, he opened a including Bill Marchetti at Thai inspired bar, Longsong, above The Latin, Maurice Esposito Melbourne’s established restaurant at Stokehouse and Andrew Longrain. McConnell at Circa. He set up Pacific Dining Room at the Beach Hotel in Byron Bay before moving to Tasmania to be head chef at The Stackings at Peppermint Bay. Friends of Australia DONNA HAY CELEBRITY CHEF Based in Sydney, Australia

Donna Hay is Australia’s She is the editor of Donna Hay leading food editor and Magazine which has subscribers bestselling cookbook author. in 82 countries. Her food, recipes and styling Donna is the author of 22 award- focus on basic ingredients, winning cookbooks that have been simple preparation and translated into multiple languages beautiful photographs. and also has her own television series Fast, Fresh, Simple on The LifeStyle Channel. Friends of Australia GARY MEHIGAN CHEF AND TV PERSONALITY Based in Melbourne, Australia

Gary Mehigan is instantly He is the ultimate foodie, recognisable as a chef and TV passionate, informative, a natural personality, most loved for teacher. He is an advocate for local, seasonal and most of all home his role as one of the trio of cooked food. He has authored four MasterChef Australia judges. books, written for food magazines With over 30 years’ experience and food columns and starred in in the restaurant industry, numerous television series. Gary trained in some of London’s best kitchens and has been running his own highly successful restaurants and catering events company in Melbourne for more than 15 years. Friends of Australia GUY GROSSI CELEBRITY CHEF Based in Melbourne, Australia

Guy Grossi is a leading Guy’s dedication to ‘la cucina Australian chef, presenter and Italiana’ has awarded Guy many food and media personality. accolades, including an award from the Prime Minister of Italy. Guy is He is the owner and head frequently sought out to present his chef of Grossi Restaurants love and expertise in Italian culture in Melbourne, including and hospitality both in corporate the iconic Grossi Florentino, settings and across many media Merchant Osteria Veneta and platforms including international and national television and radio. Ombra Salumi Bar. Guy has also injected his unique vibrancy and insight into food and culture into many projects, authoring two esteemed cookbooks, Guy Grossi: My Italian Heart and Grossi Florentino: Secrets and Recipes which won the Australian Food Media Book of The Year Award in 2004. Friends of Australia GUY TURLAND RESTAURATEURS AND BLOGGERS, BONDI & MARK HARVEST Based in Sydney, Australia After working as a chef in His recipes are chock-a-block with some of Australia’s finest sunny, seasonal, vibrant, and zingily ALSTON restaurants, Guy Turland and fresh flavours, designed to be eaten and enjoyed by friends and family. business partner Mark Alston Bondi Harvest features the very best started their YouTube cooking of sundrenched, simple, delicious show in 2012, with only a and healthy Australian food and surfboard, a camera and a flavours from the most beautiful camp oven, cooking food al beach in the world. Now a hit weekly YouTube cooking show, Guy’s recipes fresco in some of Bondi’s most are featured on The Guardian’s iconic beauty spots. With a style website and the pair have also that sits somewhere between opened a Bondi Harvest restaurant a young Jamie Oliver and a in Sydney and in Los Angeles in Corona ad, Guy Turland (chef, addition to the Depot Cafe in Bondi. surfer, free-diver and YouTube cooking sensation) captures the easy, laidback, sundrenched essence of Bondi Beach. Friends of Australia HAYDEN

QUINN CELEBRITY CHEF Based in Sydney, Australia

Hayden grew up on the Food is the vehicle for Hayden’s other beautiful Sydney Northern loves/passions and business. Beaches of Sydney, surrounded He is the part owner of The Cube Gym in Sydney, and has a partnership by an amazing family and crazy in the philanthropic Aussie wine label bunch of mates! Growing up Kooks Wines. Hayden was always surrounded by the ocean, great food and a Hayden has been featured on serious sense of adventure. Australian and international TV screens exploring all things food, environment, people and good times and is currently starring in Surfing The Menu, Next Generation for ABC Television and Discovery Network. Hayden has also previously penned a book Dish It Up sharing recipes that are dear to him and make up the food which he loves! Friends of Australia JAMES HALLIDAY WINE WRITER AND CRITIC Based in Australia

James Halliday is a respected Due to his expertise in wine, he is in Australian wine writer and constant demand as a wine judge critic with a career spanning around the world. Since 1979, he has contributed to over 56 wine guides over 40 years. He is one of that are distributed worldwide and the founders of Brokenwood available in multiple languages. wines in New South Wales and Coldstream Hills in the Yarra Valley, Victoria. Friends of Australia JAMES VILES CHEF & RESTAURATEUR Based in Sydney, Australia

Chef and owner of two hatted When James isn’t in the kitchen, Biota Dining & Rooms in you’ll find him in the forest, on the NSW Bowral, James Viles has river or on a farm in the Southern Highlands, hunting, gathering and become one of Australia’s seeking inspiration for his much most respected young chefs lauded restaurant. and restaurateurs for his commitment to sustainability and his imaginative modern food. Friends of Australia JOCK ZONFRILLO CHEF Based in Adelaide, Australia

Born in Scotland to an Italian Jock previously worked with and Scottish family, Jock internationally renowned chefs Zonfrillo is an Adelaide based including Marco Pierre White and David Cavalier before moving to chef famed for working Sydney as Head Chef at Restaurant with native Australian and Forty One in 2000. He then moved to Indigenous ingredients. As Adelaide as Executive Chef at Magill chef and owner of Orana Estate Restaurant and has stayed in Restaurant, Jock has a genuine South Australia to focus on his first solo venture, Orana. passion for the Australian landscape and a curiosity for In 2016, Jock launched Blackwood, a Australian ingredients. new bistro underneath his existing restaurant Orana which focuses on similar ingredients and techniques in a casual dining setting. Friends of Australia JOHN FINK RESTAURATEUR Based in Sydney, Australia

John Fink is a restaurateur and The group owns and operates runs the family restaurant some of Sydney’s most prestigious business, Fink Group. restaurants, including Quay, Otto Ristorante and Bennelong at Sydney Opera House. It is also a joint partner in the two-hatted The Bridge Room, Byron Bay Beach Café, and Sydney’s wood-fired restaurant Firedoor. In 2016, Fink Group made their first interstate venture, opening Otto in Brisbane. Friends of Australia JULIEN ROYER CELEBRITY CHEF Based in Singapore

Chef de Cuisine Julien Royer is Since Chef Julien joined the kitchen, the latest culinary rising star JAAN has received numerous to grace the kitchen of the accolades, including the Best Dinner Experience (Western) Award of iconic Singapore restaurant Excellence at the 2012 G Restaurant JAAN. He has received Awards and Certificate of Excellence numerous awards including for the Year of 2012 by TripAdvisor, the coveted World Gourmet which honours businesses that Series Rising Chef of the Year consistently earn top ratings from TripAdvisor travelers. In 2013, Julien 2012. was awarded ‘One to Watch’ at the San Pellegrino Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. Friends of Australia KYLIE KWONG CELEBRITY CHEF Based in Sydney, Australia

Kylie Kwong is one of Kwong has won plaudits for her Australia’s best-known chefs focus on sustainable, local cuisine and restaurateurs. She is also combining Asian flavours with Australian produce. The restaurant a regular TV presenter and has focuses on native, bush foods such written five cook books and as wallaby, saltbush and edible since 2000, Kwong has run the insects. one-hatted Billy Kwong in the inner Sydney suburb of Potts Point, a Chinese-Australian restaurant. Friends of Australia LUKE HAYS- CELEBRITY CHEF ALEXANDER Based in Canada

Luke Hayes-Alexander is People are coming from all over a 25 year old chef who the world because of Luke’s story, founded Luke’s Gastronomy the word of mouth and the press he has received. They love the in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. playful juxtaposition of old world After an intense four-year techniques with avant-garde training period, Luke became presentations and ideas. chef at the age of 15. Word quickly spread of this prodigy and his cooking, and the press soon followed. Luke has been featured in Centurion Magazine, Australian Gourmet Pages, Food and Wine, The Financial Times, Toronto Life, and The Ottawa Citizen. Friends of Australia LUKE MANGAN CELEBRITY CHEF Based in Sydney, Australia

Luke Mangan is one of Luke is also the Virgin Australia Chef, Australia’s leading chefs. He with Sir Richard Branson a frequent currently owns and operates client for his private events. He has written four bestselling cookbooks a number of award-winning and created his own range of restaurants in Australia and Australian condiments, wines, tea overseas including Glass coffee and desserts. In 2008 Luke Brasserie at the Hilton Sydney, hosted his own TV show Appetizing Lukes Kitchen on Dank Street, Adventures with Luke Mangan that screened in the United States and Salt Grill onboard P&O’s Pacific Asia. Jewel & Dawn, Salt and the adjoining World Wine Bar in Tokyo, with another set in Singapore. Friends of Australia MAGGIE BEER CELEBRITY CHEF Based in Barossa Valley, Australia

Maggie Beer is one of Maggie set up home in the Barossa Australia’s best loved food Valley in 1973 with a humble personalities, chefs and dream of breeding game birds and growing grapes. Since then, she has food producers; a household established the legendary Pheasant name in part thanks to her Farm restaurant and produce shop extensive history of television as well as on-farm accommodation appearances and food writing. Orchard House. Highlights of No Australian home chef’s Maggie’s career have been being awarded Senior Australian of The kitchen is complete without an Year in 2010, and South Australian item from Maggie’s extensive of The Year in 2011, as well as her range of products, arguably appointment as a Member of The the most highly esteemed by Order of Australia for her service to Australian gourmets. tourism and hospitality. Friends of Australia MARK BEST CELEBRITY CHEF Based in Sydney, Australia

Mark Best is the owner Mark began his working life as an and chef of Pei Modern in electrician in the gold mines of Melbourne and Sydney. Western Australia before starting his culinary career at the age of 25. He started by discovering He commenced an apprenticeship the stoves accidentally and at the Macleay Street Bistro in ended up becoming an Potts Point in 1990 which was the unquestionable symbol of beginning of his passion for French the new Australian cuisine, food. In the fourth year of his apprenticeship he was awarded the with his previous restaurant Josephine Pignolet Award for Best Marque one of Sydney’s most Up and Coming Chef in NSW. awarded restaurants. Mark has worked in various restaurants around the world including Alain Passard’s three Michelin Star Gastro Temple restaurant L’Arpége in Paris and Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir Aux Quatre Saisons in Great Milton, the United Kingdom. Friends of Australia MARK OLIVE CELEBRITY CHEF Based in Melbourne, Australia

Mark Olive, also known as The Today, Mark is a regular chef on Black Olive, is a celebrity chef public and corporate events, has who has been in the kitchen a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Television and has a passion for for more than 20 years. Born cooking and filmmaking. in Wollongong, Mark’s people are the Bundjalung nation from New South Wales’ northern rivers region. Friends of Australia MARTIN BENN & CHEF AND RESTAURANT OWNER VICKI WILD Based in Sydney, Australia

Martin and Vicki are the Starting his career in London owners of Sepia restaurant learning French gastronomy, Martin in Sydney, one of Australia’s learned from the world’s best, including Michel Lorrain, Marco most awarded restaurants. Pierre White before tackling the After working for many fundamentals of Japanese cuisine years together at Tetsuya’s, with Tetsuya Wakuda where he the couple opened up Sepia became Head Chef at the age of 25. in 2009 collaborating with In 2015, Sepia was named “One to Watch” at the Word’s 50 Best renowned seafood supplier Restaurant Awards. Sepia has also George Costi of De Costi been named Australian Restaurant Seafoods to supply the of The Year in 2015 at the Australian restaurant with the best Financial Review Top Restaurant quality seafood available. Awards, and Restaurant of The Year 2015 in the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide. Friends of Australia MATT MORAN CELEBRITY CHEF Based in Sydney, Australia

Growing up on a farm, Matt He launched his first restaurant The has always had a strong love Paddington Inn Bistro with Peter of food and local produce. He Sullivan in 1991 which led to a second Moran’s Restaurant and Café believes that seasonality is opening in 1995. an important basis for menu Matt now has multiple successful production and one of the restaurants in Sydney and Brisbane most significant ingredients including ARIA on Sydney Harbour in achieving a flavoursome, and in Brisbane; Opera Bar, and North Bondi Fish in Sydney, Riverbar balanced and premium & Kitchen in Brisbane and Chiswick quality menu. At the age of in both Sydney’s Woollahra and at 15, Matt started his chef’s the Art Gallery of New South Wales. apprenticeship at La Belle Matt also hosts a popular show Helene in Sydney where he called Paddock to Plate and the Great Australian Bake Off with fellow Friend learnt and finessed the skill in of Australia Maggie Beer. classical French cooking. Friends of Australia MATT PRESTON FOOD JOURNALIST AND MEDIA PERSONALITY Based in Melbourne, Australia

Matt Preston is an award- Best known as a judge and co- winning food journalist, host on MasterChef Australia and restaurant critic, recipe writer, MasterChef The Professionals, Matt currently writes a national column and television personality. for the Taste section for News Ltd’s metro newspapers and is also a senior editor for Delicious Magazine. Friends of Australia MATT STONE CELEBRITY CHEF Based in Yarra Valley, Australia

Matt Stone is one of Australia’s In late 2009, Matt stepped out on youngest celebrity chefs, his own to become the Head Chef internationally renowned for at Greenhouse Perth, and then took on the role of Executive Chef at his views on sustainability and Greenhouse by Joost in Sydney and innovative cooking techniques. Silo by Joost in Melbourne. In 2004 after having worked as Matt has won multiple awards an apprentice chef at Leeuwin including Gourmet Traveller’s Estate Winery, Matt started at prestigious Best New Talent Star Anise one of Perth’s most 2011, West Australia’s Good Food highly regarded restaurants. Guide’s Best Young Chef 2011 and Greenhouse won the Good Food There at the age of 20 and Guide’s Best New Restaurant for 2011. without formal qualification he was appointed Sous Chef and In 2015 Matt was announced as the worked with David Coomer to Executive Chef at Oakridge Winery keep the restaurant at the top in the Yarra Valley, where he plans of Perth’s dining scene with to create a menu using produce only their Asian inspired modern from this region. Australian cuisine. Friends of Australia MATTHEW JUKES WINE WRITER AND MEDIA PERSONALITY Based in the United Kingdom

Matthew Jukes was voted Matthew is the author of thirteen the most influential wine best-selling wine books and also the writer in the United Kingdom weekly wine writer for the United Kingdom’s Daily Mail Weekend and he is a past winner Magazine and MoneyWeek. He of the International Wine curates the annual 100 Best Communicator of the Year Australian Wines List and is the co- Trophy. creator of The Great Australian Red – the annual quest to find the best Cabernet/Shiraz, “the blend that defines Australia”. He is the founder and patron of Touch Wine in Adelaide and Wine Rules in Melbourne (raising money for homelessness in Australia). Matthew was awarded Honorary Australian of The Year 2012 at the Australia Day Foundation United Kingdom Awards. Friends of Australia MICHAEL HILL SMITH WINEMAKER Based in Adelaide, Australia

Michael Hill Smith was the Michael is an international wine first Australian to pass the judge, wine consultant and strong rigorous Master of Wine advocate for Australian fine wine both within Australia and examination. In 2008 he was internationally. awarded an Order of Australia for his contribution to the Australian Wine Industry and featured on Decanter Magazine’s power list 2009, 2011 and 2013. Friends of Australia MICHAEL MOORE CELEBRITY CHEF Based in Sydney, Australia

With a career in food spanning As the owner of Sydney’s O Bar and almost three decades, Michael Dining as well as the popular Reuben Moore is no ordinary chef, & Moore, Michael is carving a global career for himself, one that shows better described as a global no signs of slowing to a simmer any entrepreneur. With a passion time soon. for nutrition and a fervent Four years ago personal interest in the science behind circumstances changed the food, the popular television trajectory of his career. While out to lunch with family one day in chef, food consultant and late 2009, Michael, diagnosed author is able to make high- as a diabetic ten years prior, end food preparation both suffered a major stroke that nearly accessible to the cook at home claimed his life. Permanently and desired by the discerning changing his outlook on healthy eating, this episode sharpened his restaurant patron. determination to educate others on the importance of correct nutrition, particularly for fellow diabetics. Friends of Australia MORGAN MCGLONE CHEF Based in Melbourne, Australia

Morgan McGlone is the chef Morgan returned to Australia in and creator of much loved 2014 and teamed up with business fried chicken joint Belles partners, Reno Pontonio and Miranda Campbell to open Belles Hot Chicken. Hot Chicken in Melbourne’s Fitzroy which celebrates crunchy, juicy Morgan McGlone is a third chicken, seasoned with any of five generation chef who started out different spice levels. at culinary institutions in Sydney including Summit and Luke Mangan’s In 2015, the trio opened an adjoining CBD Salt Restaurants. Morgan then sophisticated wine bar, Bar Clarine. moved to the United States where Later that year, Belles Hot Chicken he started his own catering and chef opened in new lifestyle precinct, agency in Los Angeles and New York. Barangaroo. In 2016, they opened Morgan spent several years working three more Belles eateries in for Sean Brock at Husk in South Melbourne’s Richmond and Windsor Carolina, and then as Chef de Cuisine and one in Sydney’s Tramshed’s at Husk, Nashville. precinct in Harold Park.

Inspired by his time in Nashville where hot chicken is celebrated, Friends of Australia NEIL PERRY CELEBRITY CHEF, AUTHOR & MEDIA PERSONALITY Based in Sydney, Australia

Director of The Rockpool Neil’s passion and the importance Group, Neil Perry is one of he places on quality produce are Australia’s most influential evident in all his dishes and the business projects he undertakes. The and respected chefs. He has numerous awards and accolades managed top Australian won by his restaurants are a restaurants throughout his testament to this. Neil’s determined stellar career, and continues to passion for Australia, food and wine, concentrate on the Rockpool quality, travel and recipe books have driven him to where he is today. Group which includes: In addition to running multi-award Rockpool Bar & Grill in winning restaurants, Neil has Sydney, Melbourne and Perth; written eight cookbooks and heads Spice Temple in Sydney and a team of consultants to Qantas, Melbourne; Eleven Bridge and developing quarterly menus for the Australian airline’s first and business Burger Project in Sydney; and class travellers. Rosetta in Melbourne. Friends of Australia OLLY SMITH TV PRESENTER, WINE EXPERT AND AUTHOR Based in the United Kingdom

Olly Smith is a respected He is the wine editor of The Mail and British wine expert, TV has written three books. In 2015, presenter and author. Olly was listed in Debrett’s 500 which recognises people of influence in British society. Friends of Australia PAT NOURSE FOOD WRITER Based in Sydney, Australia

Pat Nourse is one of Australia’s Pat is the Academy Chair for leading food critics, and is the Australia for The World’s 50 Best managing editor and chief Restaurants and serves on Tourism Australia’s Food and Wine Advisory restaurant critic of Australian Panel. Gourmet Traveller. He is also the Australian correspondent for American magazine Gourmet, and contributes to The Age and Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guides. Friends of Australia PETER GAGO CHIEF WINEMAKER Based in Adelaide, Australia

Peter Gago is a British- Working with Penfolds Wines Australian winemaker and since 1989, Peter initially started author, and the current producing sparkling wine before moving onto reds and in July 2002, custodian and Chief at age forty-five, Gago succeeded Winemaker of Penfolds John Duval as Penfolds Chief Grange, possibly the best Winemaker. known Australian wine, based in the Barossa Valley. In 2012 Peter was named Winemaker of The Year by a panel of international winemakers, the Institute of Masters of Wine and United Kingdom magazine The Drinks Business. Friends of Australia PETER GILMORE CELEBRITY CHEF Based in Sydney, Australia

Peter Gilmore is A passionate gardener, Peter was internationally acclaimed as one of the first chefs in Australia to one of Australia’s top chefs. truly embrace the vegetable garden and its diversity. Sourcing rare plants Peter is the Executive Chef at and heirloom vegetable seeds, he the new Bennelong restaurant forges unique relationships with at the Sydney Opera House small farmers to grow bespoke and he has been the Executive produce exclusively for Quay. He Chef at the three-hatted collaborates with fisherman who hand dive and line catch seafood Quay restaurant since 2001, in pristine Australian waters, and regularly awarded prizes as farmers who rear rare breed animals one of the best restaurants in with superior flavour and texture Australia. Peter describes his for the table. Peter plans his menus cuisine as “food inspired by from the ground up a season ahead; a way of working which has nature” with an emphasis on strengthened his appreciation of the texture, and he sources rare seasons and the natural world, and plants and heirloom varieties is directly reflected in his cuisine. from local producers. Friends of Australia PORNSAK PRAJAKWIT MEDIA PRESENTER AND RESTAURATEUR Based in Singapore

Pornsak Prajakwit is a Thai- Having travelled around the world Chinese celebrity, media in search of the freshest ingredients presenter and restaurateur and the most delicious recipes, it is no surprise that this young who moved to Singapore at an entrepreneur has decided to open early age. His hit-show Food a Thai restaurant chain called, Source is currently showing in Porn’s Sexy.Thai.Food. He also Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, studied a Master of Education with Hong Kong, Korea and parts specialisation in Early Childhood at Monash University and founded an of Europe. Early Childhood Enrichment Centre in Singapore. Friends of Australia RENÉ REDZEPI CELEBRITY CHEF AND RESTAURATEUR Based in Denmark

René Redzepi is the chef In 2016 René opened Noma and co-owner of Noma in Australia, a 10-week residency at Copenhagen, Denmark, Barangaroo Sydney featuring the best of Australian produce to design which in 2016 was ranked an original menu and focusing on number 5 on the World’s 50 producers who have a respectful and Best Restaurants list. Since passionate engagement with the sea the establishment of the and the land. restaurant in 2003, René has René is also the author of Noma: developed a cuisine that draws Time and Place in Nordic Cuisine from the area’s landscape (Phaidon, 2010) and A Work in and culture. Using a wide yet Progress (Phaidon, 2013). In 2011, intimate network of farmers, he founded the MAD Symposium, foragers, and other purveyors, a platform for chefs to share knowledge, concerns and inspiration Noma celebrates the region’s in our changing trade. ingredients and aims to present a kind of cooking that expresses its location and the seasons. Friends of Australia RICK STEIN CELEBRITY CHEF AND HOTELIER Based in Australia and the United Kingdom

A British citizen, Rick Stein is a Rick regards Australia as his second renowned chef, owns several home and has a house in Sydney and restaurants, a delicatessen, a holiday retreat in Mollymook. patisserie, seafood cookery school and forty hotel bedrooms in the United Kingdom. He is also the head chef of Rick Stein at Bannisters at Mollymook’s Bannister’s resort in Mollymook on New South Wales’ beautiful South Coast. Friends of Australia SANJEEV KAPOOR CELEBRITY CHEF Based in India

Sanjeev Kapoor is the most He has been presented with the influential man in food across Best Chef of India award by the India and most of South East Government of India, and is the most famous face on Indian TV Asia. through his cookery show Khana Khazana, popular for over two decades. On International TV he has prominently featured with Rachel Ray, Richard Quest and Rene Redzepi. Sanjeev is the first chef in the world to launch his own 24x7 Food TV Channel called Food Food, and also sits on the board of the Singapore Airlines International Culinary Panel. Friends of Australia SASA SESTIC WORLD BARISTA CHAMPION Based in Canberra, Australia

Sasa Sestic was born in Serbia He is a passionate advocate for and moved to Canberra where Australian coffee and in 2015, he is the Director and the Sasa won the World Barista Championships, making him the dedicated Bean Hunter for the world’s best barista. award winning café, Ona. Friends of Australia SEAN CONNOLLY CELEBRITY CHEF Based in Sydney, Australia

Sean Connolly is one of The restaurant and his team have Australia’s and New Zealand’s earned consecutive chefs hats most well respected and from 2007 to 2011, also winning accolades such as SMH Good Food recognised chefs. Currently Guide Chef of The Year in 2008. Sean is the Executive Chef Sean left Star City Casino in 2010 to of The Morrison Bar & Grill pursue international opportunities in Sydney, The Grill By Sean and his growing TV career. This led Connolly in Auckland and him to New Zealand where in 2011 he, together with Skycity Auckland Sean’s Kitchen in Adelaide. opened the multi-million dollar After moving from his native restaurant called The Grill by Sean Yorkshire, Sean travelled the Connolly. This was made into a world cooking on the QE2 and 6-part documentary called Under then became Executive Chef of The Grill which documented Sean’s journey, armed with a 4 million Astral restaurant at Star City dollar budget and a hundred day Casino in 1988. deadline to create a world class restaurant from scratch. Friends of Australia SHANNON BENNETT CELEBRITY CHEF Based in Melbourne, Australia

Shannon Bennett is a Returning to Melbourne in 2000 Melbourne based celebrity at the age of 24, he opened ‘Vue chef and founder of the de Monde’ in a humble terrace building in Carlton. A cult following renowned fine dining was quickly established and in restaurant Vue de Monde. recognition for his obsession for During his career, Shannon classical cuisine combined with has worked in Europe in the his edgy approach he was named kitchens of such greats as Australian Gourmet Traveller’s Best New Talent for 2003. Albert Roux, John Burton- After six highly successful years, Race, Marco Pierre White and during which time ‘Vue de Monde’ Alain Ducasse. scored an unprecedented 19/20 from The Age Good Food Guide and was repeatedly named Australian Restaurant of The Year, Shannon took the restaurant to new heights – relocating to the Rialto building – an expansive space with 365 degree views over Melbourne. Friends of Australia STEFANO MANFREDI CELEBRITY CHEF Based in Sydney, Australia

Stefano Manfredi is recognised In October 2002, Stefano travelled as one of Australia’s leading to Italy to be presented with the chefs and internationally as inaugural trophy from the Italian International Culinary Institute a master of modern Italian for Foreigners by the Italian Prime cuisine. He has influenced the Minister and his inclusion as one way we eat since first opening of Italy’s internationally recognised The Restaurant Manfredi in chefs in the first English translation 1983, which was awarded a of The Silver Spoon 2005 firmly cemented his reputation as “The coveted Three Chefs Hats by Godfather” of Italo-Australian the Sydney Morning Herald cooking. Currently, Stefano has Good Food Guide 1995. More four restaurants in Sydney Balla, than two decades later, Pizzaperta and Pretty Beach House. Manfredi has owned and operated several restaurants in Sydney, most notably the award winning Restaurant Manfredi (1983-1996) and Bel Mondo (1996-2002). Friends of Australia TOM COLICCHIO CELEBRITY CHEF Based in the United States of America

Born in New Jersey, United Tom co-founded the award-winning States of America, Tom restaurant, Gramercy Tavern in New Colicchio is a coveted New York York City. He later sold the restaurant and founded his current restaurant City based chef who gained Craft which is now one of seven recognition for his various branded restaurants of his across television roles, most notably America. Tom has also won five as head judge on the Bravo James Beard Foundation Medals for Network TV series Top Chef. his accomplishments and written three books. Friends of Australia TONY HOWELL CELEBRITY CHEF Based in Margaret River, Australia

Tony Howell is the Executive As a Margaret River Gourmet Chef of the Margaret River Escape ambassadorial chef, Tony has Hospitality Group, which cooked for and alongside Heston Blumenthal, Alex Atala, Rene owns and operates five Redzepi and Sat Bains and he has restaurants and cafes. He is an appeared on numerous television acclaimed and award-winning cooking shows including MasterChef chef and has forged a loyal Australia (2011). following with his strong food During his 15-year tenure at five- philosophy that is centred on star boutique hotel Cape Lodge seasonal, local and sustainable in Yallingup, the restaurant was produce. Tony has worked awarded Conde Nast Travellers Gold in the finest restaurants in List Best Food Category in 2005, Western Australia, helping 2008, 2011 and 2012. them win a multitude of awards with his culinary creations. Friends of Australia WONG WING CELEBRITY CHEF CHEE Based in Hong Kong

Wong Wing Chee is one of Hong Kong’s most renowned chefs As a chef, Wong has won a number of significant awards, including the and has also hosted a Top 10 Chefs Award in both the number of TV programs Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau region focusing on food and drink, and the China region (in 2006). as well as his role as honorary Chief Executive Office (CEO) of Dragon King Group Holdings Limited. In a city that loves to eat out, his high media profile has led him to become an iconic and influential gourmet and food critic. Friends of Australia YIFAN LIU CELEBRITY CHEF Based in China

Yifan Liu is the Executive Chef He now works for the Travel of the Fairmont Peace Hotel Channel as the host for the program and was one of the three Master Coming, based on food trails for travellers, which is broadcast judges for MasterChef China. through Travel Channel Satellite TV nationally and also online. Friends of Australia YINGJI OUYANG MEDIA PERSONALITY (CRAIG AU Based in China

Ying Chai (Craig) Au Yeung is a He joined Hong Kong Commercial top food influencer in Greater Broadcasting Company in 1988 as YEUNG) China. producer and creative director. Craig hosted a TV food program in 2005 and has published many food and travel books in recent years and now works as a food columnist and food event curator. Friends of Australia nature & wildlife • BINDI IRWIN • DAVID WHITEHILL • JASON EDWARDS • MATT WRIGHT • ROBERT IRWIN • ROBERT PENNICOTT • TERRI IRWIN • TIM FAULKNER Friends of Australia BINDI IRWIN TELEVISION PERSONALITY AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATIONALIST Based in Sunshine Coast, Queensland

Bindi Irwin is a wildlife Born to Wildlife Warriors Steve and conservationist and television Terri Irwin, she has inherited their personality. passion for wildlife and continues to carry on in their footsteps through work at Australia Zoo and around the world.

Bindi has dedicated her life to wildlife conservation and inspiring the next generation to make a difference in the world. Friends of Australia DAVID WHITEHILL AUSTRALIAN WILDLIFE EXPERT AND MEDIA PERSONALITY Based in Sydney, Australia

From training dolphins at David has also been engaged as the Sea World’s Dolphin Pools to ‘Face of Sea World Australia’, and hosting an International Travel the co-host of Qantas’ Welcome Aboard Program. David is currently in Show, David Whitehill seems production of a brand new television to have done it all. After being program that combines his love for crowned Cleo Magazine’s marine wildlife and Australian travel. Bachelor of The Year in 2002, David has pursued a successful career in TV hosting shows such as Hot Source, Queensland Escapes, Mornings with Kerri- Anne and So Fresh. Friends of Australia JASON EDWARDS NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPHER Based in Melbourne, Australia

National Geographic’s Jason Beginning his career at the Royal Edwards has been at the Melbourne Zoo, Jason has since forefront of natural history been recognised globally for his contributions to science, the photography for nearly two environment and the arts. decades. His image portfolio Jason’s accolades within the ranks among the largest of photographic industry stretch over any photographer in the 20 years. He has been a two times Society’s long history. Based winner of the Eureka Prize for Science Photography, three times winner of in Melbourne Australia, a Communications Art Photography passion for animals and the Annual, two times winner of the environment has been with him ProMax Golden Muse, and winner over his extensive career. of the Australian Geographic Society Pursuit of Excellence Award among others. Friends of Australia MATT WRIGHT TELEVISION PERSONALITY AND TOUR OPERATOR Based in Darwin, Australia

Matt Wright, is a helicopter Matt also owns and operates pilot turned animal wrangler Outback Floatplane Adventures, and host of National Geographic a tour company specialising in airboats, choppers, floatplanes tours TV show Outback Wrangler. along Sweets Lagoon.

Matt was raised in tropical far-north Queensland and has spent time in Papua New Guinea. Matt’s passions and unique skills have fostered a career as a wildlife re-locator – tracking down, capturing and transporting a diverse range of dangerous animals including crocodiles, wild buffalo and even polar bears. Friends of Australia ROBERT IRWIN TELEVISION PERSONALITY AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATIONALIST Based in Sunshine Coast, Queensland

Robert Irwin is an Australian Born to Wildlife Warriors Steve television personality and and Terri Irwin, Robert has a conservationist. natural curiosity in wildlife and the Australian bush. His hobbies include mountain biking, paleontology and photography.

Robert has a rising media presence in promoting Australian wildlife, most notably through his recent appearances on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Friends of Australia ROBERT PENNICOTT FOUNDER OF PENNICOTT WILDERNESS JOURNEYS Based in Hobart, Australia

Robert is the founder and In May 2011 Robert embarked on a Managing Director of Pennicott journey of considerable proportions, Wilderness Journeys, one of circumnavigating Australia in a 5.4m inflatable yellow dinghy over Australia’s leading ecotourism three months to raise funds for Polio cruise businesses operating eradication. Using a website to collect along the coastline of southern donations and regularly posting a Tasmania from Bruny Island blog and video footage, the project and Port Arthur. Robert is highly titled ‘Follow The Yellow Boat Road’ raised $300,000 to help achieve a committed to sustainable Polio free world. tourism and philanthropy, donating approximately 25 per cent of net profits towards charity and conservation. He was awarded Australia’s Best Ecotourism Business in 2009. Friends of Australia TERRI IRWIN WILDLIFE EXPERT Based in Sunshine Coast, Australia

American-born Terri Irwin is a Mother of Bindi and Robert Irwin, wildlife expert, naturalist and she is the owner of Australia Zoo in author, and the widow of the Queensland, and works with her two children to educate people about iconic Australian adventurer wildlife conservation and native Steve Irwin. Australian animals. Friends of Australia TIM FAULKNER WILDLIFE CONSERVATIONIST AND TELEVISION PERSONALITY Based in Sydney, Australia

Tim Faulkner is the General In 2013 Tim was able to shine the Manager of the Australian spotlight on his beloved animals Reptile Park, and stars in The and endangered species in his own program, The Wild Life of Tim Wild Life of Tim Faulkner. Faulkner. Now in it’s third series, the television show is a blend of wild Tim is a recognised leader in the life conservation education and Australian zoo industry and in entertainment. With Tim’s animal conservation organisations. His expertise and passion for adventure, working life has been dedicated to he brings to life the combination hands-on wildlife education of deadly and dangerous animal and conservation. encounters as well as rescuing cute and cuddly mammals. Friends of Australia sport • ADAM GILCHRIST • HARSHA BHOGLE • ADAM SCOTT • KURT FEARNLEY • ANDREW BOGUT • LOUSIE SAUVAGE • BRETT LEE • MARK WEBBER • DANIEL RICCIARDO • MICHAEL CLARKE • DYLAN ALCOTT • NICK CUMMINS • GLENN MCGRATH • LORD SEBASTIAN COE Friends of Australia ADAM GILCHRIST FORMER PROFESSIONAL CRICKETER Based in Perth, Australia

Adam Gilchrist is a former His records include: scoring at least Australian cricketer who 50 runs in successive World Cup finals was the vice-captain of the (1999, 2003 and 2007), first player to reach 1,000 runs in the Indian Premier Australian team and is widely League and his striker rate is amongst regarded as the greatest wicket- the highest in the history of both One keeper-batsman in the history Day International and Test Cricket. of the game. Friends of Australia ADAM SCOTT PROFESSIONAL GOLFER Based in Australia and United States of America

Adam Scott is an Australian His biggest achievement to date has professional golfer. He has won been the 2013 Masters Tournament – 29 professional tournaments his first major championship and the first Masters won by an Australian in around the world and during its 77-year history. May to August 2014, he was ranked as the World Number 1 golfer. Friends of Australia ANDREW BOGUT PROFESSIONAL NBA BASKETBALL PLAYER Based in Sydney, Australia

Andrew Bogut is an Australian Andrew began his career in basketball professional basketball player in his hometown of Melbourne for the Sydney Kings. Bogut before moving to the Unites States to join the college basketball team of has previously played NBA University of Utah, where he was an basketball in the United immediate hit. Since then, Andrew States and holds the record for has gone on to become one of the Australia’s longest tenured NBA Australia’s greatest ever basketball player with 13 seasons under talents. His impressive NBA career has seen him drafted for the Milwaukee his belt. Bucks, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks and the LA Lakers. Andrew also plays for the Australian basketball team, The Boomers and has represented Australia in three Olympic games. In 2018 he returned to Australia to play for Sydney Kings in Australia’s National Basketball League. Friends of Australia BRETT LEE FORMER PROFESSIONAL CRICKETER Based in Sydney, Australia

Brett Lee is a world renowned While most people know Brett as a Australian cricketer and one of cricketer, Brett has many interests the most dynamic fast bowlers outside of cricket including music and fashion and in particular his love of recent cricket history. Brett’s of India. In May 2011 Brett launched career highlights include the the charity Mewsic, opening the first Bradman Young Cricketer of The of many planned community music Year 2000, Wisden Cricketer of centres ensuring that marginalised The Year 2006, Australian Test children in India have the opportunity to experience the joy and power of Player of The Year 2008 and the music. prestigious Allan Border Medal 2008. Friends of Australia DANIEL RICCIARDO F1 RACECAR DRIVER Based in Moncao and Perth, Australia

Daniel Ricciardo is an Australian Born in Perth, Ricciardo started karting racing driver who is currently aged just nine. He learned his trade in competing in Formula One for the Australian Formula Ford and Asia- Pacific Formula BMW competitions Red Bull Racing. before moving to Europe and working his way up to join the ranks in Red Bull Racing’s F1 team, replacing Mark Webber after his retirement.

With over 120 grands prix to his name, Daniel is in the prime of his career with a reputation for hard driving, thrilling overtaking and demon qualifying. Friends of Australia DYLAN ALCOTT PARALYMPIC GOLD MEDALLIST PROFESSIONAL CRICKETER Based in Melbourne, Australia

Dylan Alcott is an Australian Alcott was born and raised in wheelchair basketballer, Melbourne. At the age of 17 he wheelchair tennis player, became the youngest ever gold medal winner for wheelchair basketball, and motivational speaker and radio was the youngest to compete in the presenter. Wheelchair Basketball competition.

He has won multiple Paralympic gold medals throughout his career and was named the 2016 Australian Paralympian of the Year due to his outstanding achievements at the Rio Paralympics. Friends of Australia GLENN MCGRATH FORMER PROFESSIONAL CRICKETER Based in Sydney, Australia

Glenn McGrath is a former Since retiring from cricket in 2007, Australian cricket player and Glenn has become more involved with is considered as one of the his charity, the McGrath Foundation, which is a well-known breast cancer greatest bowlers in history. support and education charity in Glenn holds the record for the Australia. highest number of Test wickets by a fast bowler and for the most wickets in the Cricket World Cup. Friends of Australia HARSHA BHOGLE CRICKET COMMENTATOR AND JOURNALIST Based in India

Harsha Bhogle is a famous Harsha has made his mark on the Indian cricket commentator and sport as being one of the most journalist, also known as the favourite commentators and has commented on over 400 one-day “voice of Indian cricket”. international games and over a hundred test matches. Friends of Australia KURT FEARNLEY PARALYMPIAN AND PROFESSIONAL WHEELCHAIR ROAD RACER Based in Sydney, Australia

Described as the “Marathon Raised in a small country town, Kurt Man” of wheelchair sports, was born without the lower portion of Kurt Fearnley is a two-time his spine but this has never hindered his ambition. Paralympic Champion, five- time world champion, and An ambassador for the Day completed the Kokoda Track. of Difference Foundation and International Day of People with a Disability, Kurt is also a qualified Physical Education teacher and was named the 2009 NSW Young Australian of the Year – he is an incredible example of the Australian spirit. Friends of Australia LOUISE SAUVAGE PARALYMPIAN AND PROFESSIONAL WHEELCHAIR ROAD RACER Based in Sydney, Australia

Born in Perth, Louise Sauvage Louise also holds two Olympic gold has won nine gold and four medals and has won the Boston silver medals for Australia in the marathon four times, establishing herself as one of the world’s greatest Paralympics. wheelchair athletes in both track and road races.

Louise lives by the motto “You never know what you can achieve until you try”, and was named the International Female Wheelchair Athlete of the Year in 2000. Louise is an ideal Friend of Australia with her determination, ambition, commitment and success. Friends of Australia MARK WEBBER FORMER PROFESSIONAL RACING DRIVER Based in Sunshine Coast, Australia

Mark Webber is a former Since retiring from F1 in 2013 Mark professional and world has taken on the legendary “Race champion racing driver. Across The Sky” twice. The Leadville Trail 100 MTB – a one hundred Throughout his 12 years in F1, mile mountain bike race across the Mark notched up 215 races, high-altitude, extreme terrain of nine victories – most notably the Colorado Rockies. In 2017, Mark becoming a double winner of launched an apparel range Aussie Grit both the prestigious Monaco designed for functional road cycling and trail running. and British Grands Prix – and accumulated an impressive tally Mark is well known for his high level of 42 podium finishes, 13 pole of physical fitness and as a true lover positions and 19 fastest laps. of the great outdoors environment. When in Australia, Mark enjoys the surf and national parks in Queensland. Friends of Australia MICHAEL CLARKE FORMER PROFESSIONAL CRICKETER Based in Sydney, Australia

Michael Clarke is an The 43rd test captain of Australia, international cricketer and and widely known as one of the best former captain of Australia. batsman of all time, Michael has dominated the cricket world since his international debut in 2003. Clarke was anointed the Australian captaincy in 2011 where in less than 18 months under his leadership he took the team from number five in the world, to number one. Friends of Australia NICK CUMMINS MEDIA PERSONALITY AND RUGBY UNION PLAYER Based in Sydney, Australia

Nick Cummins, AKA The Honey Cummins drew inspiration from the Badger, is a well-known Rugby fierce nature of the honey badger and Union footballer, and Australian adopted the animal’s ferocity on the rugby field, resulting in his nickname personality born the north coast ‘The Honey Badger’. of New South Wales and raised in Queensland. Now taking a break from the game following a celebrated 15 Test match career with the Australian Wallabies, Cummins is a brand ambassador, guest speaker and TV personality known for his flamboyant, never- say-die approach to life. A true outdoorsman, Nick loves heading on adventures ‘out bush’ and getting amongst the wildlife. Friends of Australia LORD SEBASTIAN FORMER TRACK AND FIELD ATHLETICS COE AND OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALLIST Based in the United Kingdom

Lord Sebastian Coe is President achieving four golds and three silver of the International Association medals in the Olympics and European of Athletics Federation (IAAF), Championships. former Chairman of the British Lord Coe is also the former Chairman Olympic Association and one of the 2012 London Organising of the greatest British athletes Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. in history. Lord Coe retired from competitive Lord Coe first made his name as athletics in 1990 and became a one of the greatest athletes of his Member of Parliament and Private generation by winning Olympic gold Secretary to William Hague. He for the 1500m at the 1980 Moscow received a Knighthood in the 2006 Olympics and repeating the feat at New Year’s Honours List and received 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, becoming a Companion of Honour in the 2013 the first man in history to do so. New Year’s Honours List. During his career, Lord Coe has set 12 world records over four distances,