The World in NYC: Australia

Australians are now visiting New York City in record numbers, spurred on by the country’s growing economy and a targeted advertising and promotions campaign from NYC’s hoteliers and tourism promoters. Along with India, China, and Latin America, the city’s official tourism bureau NYC & Company has identified Australia as an important market for the city’s future. In 2001 more than 15,000 Australians lived in New York City, as calculated by the Department of Foreign Affairs. In the last thirteen years that number has certainly grown as tech industries boom and young Australians looks increasingly to the U.S. – and New York City – as a place to travel and work.

Australians Organizations in the City

 The American Australian Association

The American Australian Association, headquartered in New York, aims to promote strong U.S.-Australian relations economically as well as culturally, and is a great place to start when looking for Australian culture in the city. They have a great list of cultural and social programs available as well as information about education and fellowships. As for events, whether it’s music, food, or even volunteering opportunities, the AAA has good listings not just for NYC but for other U.S. cities as well.Australian Women in New YorkStarted in 1999, Australian Women in New York offers expatriate Australian women in NYC a chance to meet up for coffee mornings at the Consulate General, enjoy cultural and educational tours, and generally provide support for one anotherThe Australians in New York Fashion FoundationThis foundation represents a wide range of creative talents, often with experience working both in Australia and New York City, and holds events, networking meetings, and offers internships.G’Day USA: Austalia WeekThis annual week of events, begun in 2004, is designed to demonstrate and boost Australia’s economic credentials in the U.S. as well as showcase some of the country’s great cultural exports. Australia Week has been hailed as the largest single foreign country promotion held annually in the United States.

Australian Hangouts in NYC

 Australians are known for their friendly, fun-loving approach to life, and that’s just as true in NYC as anywhere else. The Australian Bar and Restaurant is the best place to start. It describes itself as "a hub of Australian activity in New York City" and offers imported beers, homemade meat pies, a fantastic Australian wine list, and a true Aussie atmosphere.  Australian food is a melting pot, and The Australian is quick to point out that before the British arrived, Aborigines had been living and eating on the continent for 40,000 years. As such modern Australian food is a nice mix of the familiar – pasties, British meats, etc. – and lesser known fare. It’s also influenced by Asian and Mediterranean immigration, making it a true fusion cuisine.

In Nolita, Eight Mile Creek is a "casual Australian Bar" with Australian and New Zealand wines and beers and pub style cuisine. If you want to catch some of the year’s big cricket or rugby games – both sports Australia excels at – then this is the place to go.  In fact, if you’re into sports – in particular, Aussie Rules Football – then New York Magpies Australian Football Club offers up to seven Aussie Rules games a year all within the city. You don’t need to be Australian to play, and the players are amateur, though well trained.  The United States Australian Football League requires a 50-50 split in competing teams between Australians and non-Australians, so participation by other internationals is more than welcome.To meet and get to know Australians in New York City, New York City Aussie Expat Meetup has nearly 1000 members taking part in BBQs and bar hops, as well as giving advice on taxes, visas, and real estate in NYC.  There’s also the Down Under New York Tech Meetup if you’re an Aussie working in NYC’s tech industry.

Australia Day

January 26 is Australia Day, an annual, worldwide celebration of the culture, business, and history of Australia. There’s plenty going on in New York City, in celebration of this holiday so whether you’re getting into the culture for the first time or already know your way, there’s something for everyone. Most of the organizations mentioned above are holding special events for the day. You can learn about Australia Day itself from the American Australian Association – they have a guide on their website all about the celebration back home as well as internationally.

Events Guide 2015

Friday, January 23American Australian Association: Celebrate in style at their annual Australia Day Black Tie Gala. Dinner, drinks, dancing, and entertainment the Australian way.Saturday, January 24The New York Magpies Australian Football Club: These footie fanatics host their Australia Day Party at 8p.m. at The Liberty NYC, promising plenty of celebration (in the form of live music, beer, food) throughout the night.Monday, January 26 – Australia Day!Down Under NY Tech Meetup: Join other techie Aussies for casual drinks starting at 7 pm on at the Biergarten at The Standard Hotel.

For what else is happening in celebration of Australia over the next few days, check out the Consulate General’s breakdown of Australia Day events and times, or Australian Women in NY's exhaustive list, which includes Australian restaurants that are offering special promotions and menus.However you celebrate, have a great time, and enjoy New York’s City’s seemingly endless supply of international cultures!