President's Message
It’s a busy time of the year for AJS-NSW and no doubt, for our members, as the end of the Australian financial year approaches.
Our annual Student Awards night held on May 11 was very successful. Our Patron, Consul-General Tokuda, presented the AJS-NSW Award to seven outstanding students of Japanese studies, nominated by their universities, in front of their families and friends, as well as their lecturers. Students are awarded a cash prize plus one year’s membership of AJS-NSW. The ceremony was followed by much animated conversation and networking over drinks and bento. Thanks again to The Japan Foundation for hosting us. Photos of the evening are available on our social media channels.
Upcoming AJS-NSW events include the Austrade Update on June 22 (Thursday), an Afternoon of Japan-inspired Gardens with garden designer Ken Lamb on July 2 (Sunday), and another Shaberanaito Japanese speaking dinner on July 7 (Friday). Details on each below. More events are in the pipeline for August and September.
The Cowra Japanese Garden looked beautiful when I attended the Koyo Oration, this year by Mark Baillie, Chair of the US Studies Centre at the University of Sydney, on May 29. Mark spoke about the foundation of the Garden fifty years ago and the key role played by his father John. The Garden and the nearby Japanese and Commonwealth War Cemeteries, along with the historic Cowra breakout site, are now symbols of the mutual respect and friendship Australia and Japan hold for each other. Cowra has scheduled their Sakura Matsuri for September 23/24 this year.
Our Board has made the decision to lift annual membership prices by a small amount from July 1 2023. This has become necessary due mainly to the increased price of our membership/website platform, a function essential to our operation by an all-volunteer Board. Also we now accept new member signups online and the prices have been revised to pro-rata to a round figure. Individual membership will rise from $40 to $42, with corporate membership rising from $300 to $360. I hope existing and prospective members will agree that these fees are still very reasonable compared to similar organizations.
Finally, Basketball NSW is urgently seeking a Team Attache to act as liaison between the Japanese Women's Basketball Team and the organizers of the Asia Cup qualifying event in Sydney. See below and contact us if interested.
I look forward to seeing you at one of our events soon!
Anita Byrnes
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June 2023 Newsletter
