Austria and Australia are frequently being mixed up even though the differences between the two countries couldn´t be bigger. The sixth-largest country on earth with a population of 22 million on 7,7 million square kilometers has not been systematically settled until 1770, where as Austria´s history spans a millenium with a population of just 8,4 million on merely 83,000 square kilometers.
The similarity in name keeps getting me closer to Australian colleagues on the occasion of international meetings. Australia´s unique fauna and flora make the country one of the most alluring places, always worth increasing one´s stay. Among the urbane Australian citizens coming from a variety of countries, more than 30,000 trace their roots to Austria, with 15,000 of them still holding the Austrian citizenship.
Visiting the Austrian Clubs in Melbourne and Sydney in 1989 has left me with an indelible impression and I´ve been in contact with the Austrian-Australian-Society since the 80´s. These ties shall be further strengthened. Therefore, I have already consulted with the Austrian Ambassador, Hanns Porias in Australia, and Michael John Potts, the Australian Ambassador to Vienna, regarding possible joint undertakings of the Austrian-Australian-Society. Here in Vienna I try to support Ozcon, the Australian Connection, where Australians meet who call Austria their second home.
I am truly looking forward to my acting as President of the Austrian-Australian-Society, with valuable help provided above all by Secretary General Gabriele Weichart.
Cordially Yours
President of the Austrian-Australian-Society
contact: www.lopatka.at, e-mail: reinhold2701@gmx.at
English
Deutsch