Council on Australia Latin America Relations
Latin America Down Under
COALAR is delighted to support the inaugural Latin America Down Under (LADU) Conference in Sydney 22-23 May 2012.
LADU's inauguration not only reflects the rising awareness of the importance of Latin America to the long-term growth of Australian mining and energy companies, but also a recognition of the region's increasing importance as a driver of global economic growth, and the emergence of Brazil as a major power.
At the LADU conference, COALAR is sponsoring a panel titled, "Australia and Latin America: the Big Picture". The session will examine the broadening and deepening the relationship between Australia and the countries of Latin America. COALAR Chair , Mr David Luboff (Executive Director, Macquarie Group) and COALAR Board member, Mr Charlie Sartain (CEO Xstrata Copper)will participate in the session which will be moderated by Tikky Fullerton, Presenter, Lateline Business, ABC Television.
More information on the Latin America Down Under conference
Article by COALAR Chair, Mr David Luboff on the Council on Australia Latin America Relations, published in Australia's Paydirt
Basketball Farewell Series
Basketball Australia will be hosting the Brazilian Women's team for a 3 game series in Victoria as part of a larger themed series which sees a number of sports 'farewell' their Olympic athletes to London.
- 24th June – Australia v Brazil, Hisense Arena at 4.30pm (this is a double header with the Australian men playing Greece at 7.00pm)
- 26th June – Australia v Brazil, Bendigo basketball stadium, at 7.00pm
- 28th June – Australian v Brazil, State Basketball Centre (Knox), at 7.00pm
More information about the Basketball Farewell Series
IV International Essay Competition
The Ministry of External Relations of Brazil is currently accepting applications for the IV International Essay Competition, dedicated to the body of work of writer Lygia Fagundes Telles. The registration period is from 19th April to 31st October 2012.
More information: IV International Essay Competition [PDF]
2012-13 Grant round
The COALAR 2012-13 Grants Program is now closed.
About COALAR
The Council on Australia Latin America Relations (COALAR) was established by the Australian Government in 2001 to enhance Australia’s economic, political and social relations with Latin America.
The Council's objectives are the achievement of:
- enhanced and strengthened links between Australia and Latin America in the priority areas of business, education, sustainability, tourism and cultural promotion;
- a closer engagement between corporate Australia with Latin America
- an increased awareness and understanding of Australia in Latin America, and of Latin America in Australia.
Background to COALAR
The Council on Australia Latin America Relations (COALAR) was formed in response to the Joint Standing Committee of Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade - Trade Sub Committee report, Building Australia's Trade and Investment Relationship with South America (September 2000).
One of the report’s recommendations was to ‘establish a mechanism with funding to promote initiatives, provide leadership and display commitment to developing the relationship through tangible achievements,’ through a Australia – South America Foundation.
As a result, COALAR's formation was announced in March 2001 by the then Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Trade.
For more information on the COALAR's functions and objectives see the COALAR Strategic Plan 2011-14 and Charter of the Council on Australia Latin America Relations
