The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Victoria hosted a lunch today, Wednesday 18 April 2012 in commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Australian Volunteers International (AVI). Hon Richard Marles, MP of Geelong was also in attendance, and gave a talk on the role of Australia in the Pacific Region. Hon Marles who is also the Parliamentary Secretary for the Pacific Island and Foreign Affairs spoke about the existence of more than 3400 AVI in over 40 countries in the world. He also spoke on the need for Australia to better engage with neighbouring nations in the pacific region. He said that the most important tool for bilateral relations is people to people link. Other than few members of the Consular Corps, most of the guests were from the AVI and from the Universities in Melbourne.
| With Vice Chancellor of Melbourne University and DFAT Director in Victoria |
| L-R:- Consul General of Turkey, Dr Rameez, Professor Joseph of La Trobe University, Consul General of Eritrea, Consul General of Oman and Mr Andrew of AVI |
| With Judge Richard Refshauge of the Supreme Court. |
| Hon Richard Marles gave the talk on the role of Australia in the Pacific Region |
