Against a backdrop of increasing innovative activity, strengthened need for diversity and worldwide accountability, the BESydney Ambassador Dinner, held last night at International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney).
On behalf of the BESydney Global Ambassador Program Patron, New South Wales (NSW) Premier Gladys Berejiklian, NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events, The Hon Adam Marshall MP, formally welcomed the nine new Sydney champions to the program, which features 100 Ambassadors across the strongest sectors of the NSW economy.
The combined BESydney globally connected brains trust now includes:
- Melanie Brock, Chair Emeritus, Australia NZ Chamber of Commerce in Japan (Tokyo)
- Joseph Carrozzi, Managing Partner, Sydney, PwC Australia
- Professor Carol Pollock, Chair, Bureau of Health Information
- Dr. Jim Prendergast, past Executive Director Chief Operating Officer, IEEE (New York)
- Ann Sherry AO, Executive Chairman, Carnival Australia
- Gabrielle Trainor AO, Board, Infrastructure Australia; Board of Trustees, Western Sydney University
- Peter Osborne, Managing Director Asia, Blackmores International (Singapore/ Taipei)
- Andrew Macintosh, Chairman, Acorus, and AustCham Hong Kong and Macau (Hong Kong)
- Dr. Chris Boshuizen, Operating Partner Data Collective VC (San Francisco).
In front of a distinguished audience of leaders from government, business, and academia, former CEO of Westpac Group, Gail Kelly delivered the ‘Australia Oration’ keynote address. Speaking to the theme of ‘Leadership for Changing Times’, Ms. Kelly shared her views on how the generosity of spirit is a style that all leaders should exhibit in today’s world. This was followed by an in-depth conversation with Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Chair, David Thodey AO.
The Hon. Bruce Baird AM, BESydney Board Chair said, “BESydney’s Global Ambassadors have helped secure over A$320 million worth of global events that will be coming to Sydney from now up until 2026. If that’s not an endorsement for the power of networks and the voluntary work of BESydney’s Ambassadors, then I haven’t heard one,” said Mr. Baird.
Lyn Lewis-Smith, CEO of BESydney, said the annual Ambassador Dinner recognized the invaluable role Ambassadors play in bringing opportunity to, and spreading the global profile of, NSW and Australia.
“Our Ambassadors are a passionate group of renowned Australian leaders that have based themselves around the world. Comprising representatives from an array of industries, the world plays witness to the work that they do on behalf of our country, which in turn attracts attention and brings opportunity to our shores. The caliber of their intellect and expertise is second to none. And, we are incredibly lucky to have these extraordinary individuals lending their achievements to us.”
The success of the evening highlighted the Team Sydney collaborative approach to hosting events in the city. BESydney’s strong global partnership network shone with venue partner, ICC Sydney, event partner, First State Super and incredible entertainment from a strategic partner, Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
