Australian Consulate-General, Chicago

27/01/2023

Great to kick off the celebrations at 🌈 This will be the first WorldPride hosted in the Asia-pacific region and the first in the southern hemisphere. Sydney WorldPride coincides with the 50th anniversary of the first Australian Gay pride Week, the 45th year of the Sydney Mardi Gras and the 5th Anniversary of Marriage Equality in Australia. The 1.2 million festival goers will get access to concerts, cultural and creative arts activities, sporting events, the Human Rights conference aimed at strengthening collaboration across countries, and the 500,000 person Pride Parade.

26/01/2023

Thank you for hosting us, alongside Deputy Mayor Samir, for lunch to celebrate and Australian business presence in Chicago 🇦🇺

26/01/2023

Aussie Coffee, y'all!

With the huge popularity of Australian coffee shops and cafes across the US, did you ever wonder what makes the Aussie coffee culture different? Our friends at the Australian Consulate-General, Houston sat down with Austin’s Two Hands to learn what makes our coffee so special, and how to make the perfect Aussie flat white.

26/01/2023

January 26th is the official National Day of Australia. Every year, we use the day to reflect on what it means to be an Australian, from 65,000 years of Indigenous heritage, to our modern multicultural character. It is an opportunity to come together to share our stories, embrace our diversity, and celebrate our unity. We’re all part of the story. Reflect. Respect. Celebrate.

23/01/2023

We wish all who celebrate a happy, healthy, and prosperous

17/01/2023

In honour of Australia Day 2023, the Embassy of Australia invites school children to join a FREE 40-minute virtual tour through the National Aquarium's award-winning exhibition, "Australia: Wild Extremes".


Students will see how our unique animals are adapted to survive in the seasonal extremes of Australia's Northern Territory and will
learn the vital importance of water as a connecting thread for all forms of life.


📅 Thursday, 26 January
⏰ 12PM (Eastern Time), 11AM (Central), 10AM (Mountain), 9AM (Pacific).
✍🏻 
Register for your unique Zoom link here: https://forms.gle/zJscQaiXCtGbZnev7.
✨ Sign up early as registration is limited. The National Aquarium will send private Zoom links to the first 275 registrants on January 25.

10/01/2023

Looking to celebrate Sydney WorldPride? 🏳️‍🌈✈️ Make an entrance to remember by booking a seat on the Qantas WorldPride flight on 22 February from Los Angeles to Sydney.

Each passenger on this departure receives a complimentary ticket to Sydney World Pride concert featuring .

Hurry, seats available until sold out T&Cs apply.
 
Book now: www.qantas.com/worldpride

05/01/2023

What a way to launch into 2023 🚀! 🇦🇺 Canberra’s Skykraft has launched a massive satellite stack into space on a 🇺🇸 SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

Launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida early yesterday morning, the satellite stack is heavier than the combined weight of all the other Australian-built space objects ever launched. Weighing 300kgs, the satellites are the size of a large suitcase when launched and open up to the size of a small car when the antennas and solar panels are deployed.

The satellites will improve communications between air traffic control and aircraft flying over remote areas, enabling air traffic controllers to talk directly with the pilot anywhere in the world.

📸 SpaceX

05/01/2023

Look who the first minted Australia coin of 2023 features! new collection showcases the incredible discoveries of RV’s investigator, including bigfin squid, gold coral, dumbo octopus, cactus urchin, spiny king crab.

03/01/2023

⚠️ Update to COVID-19 testing requirements for travellers from China, Hong Kong and Macau.

Travelling to Australia ✈️🇦🇺
Travellers arriving in Australia from China, including Hong Kong and Macau, will be required to undertake a COVID-19 test within 48 hours prior to travel and show evidence of a negative test result. This applies regardless of your vaccination status and includes Australian citizens. It also applies if you’re transiting through Australia from China, including Hong Kong and Macau, to travel to another country.
It does not apply if you're arriving in Australia before 5 January 2023.
Learn more: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-testing-requirements-for-travellers-from-china-hong-kong-and-macau

Travelling to the United States ✈️🇺🇸
All travellers 2 years of age and older flying to the US from China, Hong Kong and Macau will be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test result issued by a health professional and taken within 2 days of departure.
Travellers flying to the US from Seoul, Toronto and Vancouver who have been in China, Hong Kong or Macau in the past 10 days, will also be required to show a negative COVID-19 test result.
Learn more: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/americas/united-states-america

01/01/2023

Happy New Year! What are you looking forward to in 2023?

📸 .world.of.photography

28/12/2022

There are five days left to apply to be our next Administrative and Client Service Officer! ✨

Check out our benefits and apply here 👉 usa.embassy.gov.au/careers

23/12/2022

We wish you and your loved ones a safe, healthy, and happy holidays!

The Australian Consulate in Chicago will be closed for the holidays from 24 December and will reopen 1 January 2023.

If you are an Australian citizen requiring consular assistance at this time, please call Consular Operations Center in Canberra from the US on +61 2 6261 3305

22/12/2022

Severe winter weather is currently affecting large parts of the United States, with extreme cold, heavy snowfall and hazardous conditions forecast to continue over the coming days. Travellers can expect significant delays and cancellations. Disruption to essential services may also occur in some areas. Monitor the National Weather Service and local media for updates, and always follow the advice and instructions of local authorities.

22/12/2022

The Australian Consulate in Chicago will be closed from 1pm today through Friday 23 December due to severe weather. We will respond to emails during this time.

We will reopen after routine holiday shutdown on Monday 2 January 2023.

For urgent consular assistance during this time please phone +61 2 6261 3305.

Wishing everyone a safe holiday break ❄️

17/12/2022

Last week, Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles were honoured to join US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III for the Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations.
Australia and the United States are working together and with partners, to address challenges, including action on climate change and clean energy – which US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Albanese have made a new pillar of our Alliance.
Read the joint statement: https://www.dfat.gov.au/.../joint-statement-australia-us...

16/12/2022

US, Australia sign pact to measure environment’s economic value

Celebrating the of AUS and USA collaboration with our newly signed pact to measure the economic value of nature
https://www.smh.com.au/environment/sustainability/us-australia-sign-pact-to-measure-environment-s-economic-value-20221215-p5c6lz.html

The joint pact was announced at the COP15 summit, a global biodiversity meeting that will determine the future of global nature protection and conservation.

16/12/2022

Happy National Ugly Sweater Day! 🎄🎅🏻 In honour of the day we thought we'd share these MITEY Christmas jumpers... ;)
📸

15/12/2022

At Australia has signed on to the Sustainable Critical Minerals Alliance, alongside the US, Canada, UK, France, and Germany, to promote sustainable, environmentally and socially responsible mining practices for the critical minerals sector.
“Australia is strongly committed to sustainability and the highest environmental and social governance standards, and we believe the development of new low-emissions technologies provides a great opportunity to promote those ESG standards across the world.
“Australia congratulates Canada for taking the initiative, and we are proud to become a foundation member of the Sustainable Critical Minerals Alliance.” - Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King.
Read the media release: https://minister.industry.gov.au/.../australia-joins...

15/12/2022

Australia is unwavering in its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

14/12/2022

Congratulations Seer Medical !!

12/12/2022

Are you our next Administrative and Client Service Officer? Chicago is hiring ✨

Check out our benefits and apply here 👉 usa.embassy.gov.au/careers

03/12/2022

On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, 🇦🇺 celebrates the contribution that people with disabilities make – to our international development work, our engagement on foreign policy, human rights and humanitarian action, and to all communities, everywhere 🌏

https://www.dfat.gov.au/development/topics/development-issues/disability-inclusive-development

📸 Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

03/12/2022

Good luck to our mighty Socceroos tomorrow taking on Argentina in the Round of 16! Don't forget to tune in at 1pm CST, we can't wait to cheer them on
🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺
💪💪💪

📸 .7

30/11/2022

Consul-General Chris Elstoft had the privilege of addressing the Illinois State House this week, on the evolving and strengthening relationship between 🇦🇺 and 🇺🇸

23/11/2022

The Australian Consulate-General in Chicago will be closed on Thursday 24 and Friday 25 November 2022 for Thanksgiving.

If you’re an Australian in need of consular assistance, please call our Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305.

📸

23/11/2022

The countdown is on... Bluey's Big Play opens in Chicago next month!
Ticket details 👉 https://events.bluey.tv/tour-dates/

16/11/2022

It's almost World Cup time! Join us for the Australia v France FIFA World Cup Watch Party at the Alliance Française de Chicago on Tuesday 22 November from 12pm, brought to you by the Australian and French Consulates-General in Chicago, the Sydney and Paris Committees of Chicago Sister Cities International and the Australians in Chicago and French in Chicago groups.

There'll be a big screen, Aussie and French snacks and beverages, expert guest speakers and national anthems.

Register here, see you there: https://www.af-chicago.org/world-cup-2022/

16/11/2022

Looking for tickets to see Kylie Minogue at the sold out Sydney WorldPride Opening Concert? Qantas has you covered!

Book a seat on the Qantas WorldPride Flight from Los Angeles to Sydney, taking off on February 22, 2023 and receive a complimentary ticket to 'Live and Proud: Sydney WorldPride Opening Concert'.

Qantas is proud to be the official airline partner of Sydney WorldPride.

Hurry, seats available until sold out! T&Cs apply.
Book now: www.qantas.com/worldpride

08/11/2022

Don't miss out on the chance to experience these Aussie short films in Facet's International Children's Film Festival. You can view each of these short films online until 20 November 2022.

Kangaroo Beach - After extensive training, Gemma and Joey are ready to take on each other in a lifeguard triathlon to see whose the best of the best. Despite a couple setbacks in the race, the two stay neck-and-neck with each other until they face a serious problem where two of their fellow competitors end up in trouble. Gemma and Joey must decide whether to take advantage of the distraction to win the race, or use their lifeguarding skills to save the day.

Finding X - Born with no assigned value in a world full of numbers, X feels like they can never fit in. After a heated argument with their parent about their unknown identity, teary-eyed X decides to run away from home. Sailing out into the ocean, X begins a mathematical adventure in search of their true value. Eventually, X realizes that without a fixed answer, they can become anything. Upon their return home, X reconciles with their parent, and is finally at peace with their ever-changing identity in the mathematical world.

Little J & Big Cuz Series 3 - Big Cuz decides she's going to film their river clean-up for her news report. While Little J and their friends help Uncle Mick pick up trash, she soon finds out that it's a lot more difficult than she originally thought to get good footage. After some brainstorming, the group comes up with a brilliant idea for her news report: sending Aaron off on a big river adventure!

By Lucas Wilson - After submitting a story copied from a children's book, Lucas Wilson finds himself in a predicament when his story is picked as a winner for a young author's award. Lucas quickly realizes the mistake he's made as the news on his win becomes bigger throughout the community. To make matters worse, a classmate finds out about his plagiarism and insists that he tells the truth. As Lucas begins to spiral, the situation becomes larger than anything he could've prepared for.

03/11/2022

The Victorian State election will be held on Saturday 26 November 2022.
Voting is not compulsory for Australians overseas. If you will be overseas at the time of the election and unable to vote, you should notify the The Victorian Electoral Commission by completing an ‘Away from Victoria’ form. You should also keep evidence of your travel, as you may be asked in future to explain why you did not vote.
If you would like to vote, you must be correctly enrolled by 8pm AEDT on Tuesday 8 November 2022. If you will be overseas at the time of the election and would like to vote, you can do so by post.
Learn more: https://usa.embassy.gov.au/australian-elections

31/10/2022

Felt spooky, might delete later 🎃 Happy Halloween from this cheeky Tasmanian Devil who goes by Franklin (or should we say Frankenstein?!) 🎃

📸 Australian Reptile Park

31/10/2022

The 39th Annual Chicago International Children’s Film Festival runs November 4-20 this year and we wanted to let you know about the offerings from Australia at this year’s festival, a cross-section of 5 works perfect for ages 11-18+. You can search for these films and find information about all the offerings on their film guide here: https://cicff39.eventive.org/films

We look forward to celebrating the Australian presence at with you!

21/10/2022

G’day, the short film (2022) | Official Film | Tourism Australia

G’day, the short film (2022) | Official Film | Tourism Australia

From the country that brought you the Sydney Opera House, the world's best coffee and wombats, comes this year's most anticipated release: G'day, the short f...

19/10/2022

19/10/2022

Felt cute, might delete later - Ruby 🦘

14/10/2022

Queensland Pacific Metals signs landmark minerals agreement with General Motors Holdings | Ministers for the Department of Industry, Science and Resources

We couldn’t be more excited about this agreement between Geneeral Motors and Queensland Pacific Metals

https://www.minister.industry.gov.au/ministers/king/media-releases/queensland-pacific-metals-signs-landmark-minerals-agreement-general-motors-holdings

Joint media release with Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell. Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell and Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King have welcomed a landmark agreement between Queensland Pacific Metals (QPM) and General Motors Holdings (GM) for the product...

10/10/2022

Today marks the 20th commemoration of World Day against the Death Penalty.
In 2010, the Australian Government passed legislation that prohibited the reintroduction of capital punishment in any Australian jurisdiction. Abolition of the death penalty has broad bipartisan political support.
Australia opposes the death penalty in all circumstances for all people. We are committed to the universal abolition of the death penalty and are pursuing this goal through all available avenues. That’s why we are co-leading a resolution calling for a global moratorium on the death penalty at the UN General Assembly this year.

30/09/2022

Did you know that is North America’s longest-running competitive film festival? 92 feature films and 56 shorts, including an Australian entry, Sweet As, will be screened at this year’s festival, 12-23 October 2022!

Screening 21-22 October, Sweet As follows fiercely independent, indigenous teen Murra who reluctantly joins a youth therapy excursion in the wilderness of Western Australia. A pair of guides mentors the group, teaching them to use photography as a form of self-expression; Murra takes to the art form, finding a new lens through which to view the landscape as well as her world, her dreams, and her future.

See the full line-up and get your tickets now Chicago International Film Festival - Cinema Chicago (chicagofilmfestival.com)

26/09/2022

Australia - Minister for Foreign Affairs Addresses General Debate, 77th Session

Foreign Minister Wong gave Australia's national statement at the UN General Assembly last Friday 23 September 2022. Watch a video of her statement below:

https://media.un.org/en/asset/k13/k13henxmsg

Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia, addresses the general debate of the 77th Session of the General Assembly of the UN (New York, 20 - 26 September 2022).