As this is my first message for this year, I’d like to wish you all a very happy 2008.

2008 is shaping up to be a busy year for the High Commission, with a new government in Australia and new ministers expected to visit Malaysia. We are looking forward to an exciting year.

I couldn’t let the year start without a reminder about filling in your details on the online register of Australians overseas at www.orao.gov.au. Registering only takes a few minutes and lets us contact you in an emergency.

Last year's My.OZ cultural program to mark fifty years of diplomatic relations was a great success. I was pleased to see MANZA members attending some of these events. The final event in the program, The Independence Project, an exhibition of artworks by Australian and Malaysian artists, is showing at Galeri Petronas on the third floor of Suria KLCC until February 18. Entry is free. While My.OZ has finished, we have an exciting program of events planned for 2008 starting with Ruby's Story in March starring Ruby Hunter and Archie Roach. MANZA members are warmly welcome at any of our High Commission cultural events. Our website (www.malaysia.highcommission.gov.au) has further details.

On a final note, I was so pleased to host the MANZA/MABC/MNZBC Christmas drinks at the residence. It was a great night and I am glad that so many of you were able to attend. I look forward to meeting up with MANZA members at social events through 2008.

Penny Williams
High Commissioner of Australia