PM Transcripts

USrT1A1. AL
PRIME MINISTER PRESS STATEMENT NO. 364
12 November, 1974
AUSTRALIAN~ AMERICAN FESTIVAL 1976
The Prime Minister, Mr. Whitlam, today announced plans
for a nationwide Australian American Festival in 1976. Mr.
Whitlam said he had accepted an invitation to be the joint
patron of the festival with the United States Ambassador to
Australia, Mr. Marshall Green.
The festival would co-incide with celebrations in the
United States to mark the bicentenary' of American independence.
The Sydney program would be held from 27 March to 24
April 1976. No dates had yet been set for the program being
prepared for Melbourne and other capital cities.
Mr. Whitlam said the Australian American Association
had conceived the idea of a national Australian American
Festival and had received prompt co-operation from many
quarters including cultural groups, sporting bodies, retail
and business houses, art galleries, organisations and trusts
and many prominent citizens.
" The festival will heavily underline the ever-strengthening
bonds that exist between the two nations", Mr. Whitlam said.
" It will comprise three segments Heritage, Festival
and Horizons. The Heritage section will concentrate on the
historical association of Australia and America."
" Displays, art and other exhibitions, special theatrical
and orchestral performances, travel promotions, a street parade
and sporting events will be included in the Festival segment".
Mr. Whitlam, said the Horizons segment would draw attention
to present-day relationships between the two countries and
give an insight into future relationships.
" I commend the Australian American Association for the
part it has played over the years in strengthening the ties
between our countries and initiating the 1976 festival with
which I am honored to be associated," Mr. Whitlamr said.
CANBERMFA A. C. T.