I’ve been an ABIE member for several years now – ABIE – or Australian Business in Europe – is the focal membership organisation connecting Australian and Dutch professionals with business interest in Australia and the Netherlands. For more information, you can visit their website: https://abie-nl.nl
On Thursday 11 May 2023, I attended a networking dinner with Trade Investment Queensland. Held at the Australian Residence in my home city of The Hague, what a great opportunity to learn more about my home state!
Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ) is the Queensland Government’s dedicated global business agency for international investment and trade.
Whether you are looking at doing business, investing in, buying from, studying in or migrating to Queensland, their website has a dedicated section: https://www.tiq.qld.gov.au/international-business
With global offices around the world, TIQ facilitates personal connections to drive global business opportunities to my beautiful home state of Queensland, Australia. I was born in, and grew up in the “Sunshine State” and my family are still based there. Though I’m currently based long term in The Hague, the Netherlands, I can absolutely attest to the broad appeal of QLD.
Australian Embassy in The Hague
Melina Arsic, Reuben Kuijk and Brooke Wilton represented the Australian Embassy in The Hague, with Melina giving a strong introduction of the connection between our countries.
TIQ’s European team
It was nice to have the opportunity to listen to Stefan Augustin, investment director for the office based in Germany, and Henriette Pook, Director Research Partnerships, share some of the reasons why QLD is a great place to be.
Queensland’s new energy future
One of the “hot topics” right now is Queensland’s new energy future:
I’m still trying to get my head around hydrogen, as were a few other attendees I talked to on the evening. It certainly seems something we should all be learning more about though, and is part of the plan for Queensland’s future in a big way.
Queensland & Dutch collaboration on flood resilience
Piet Filet from the International Water Centre at Griffith University also shared some interesting examples of the collaboration between the Netherlands and Australia relating to flood management and resilience. He recommended a book I’m keen to check out: A River with a City Problem about Brisbane’s history of floods.
As a university lecturer in the Netherlands myself (at locations which have included The Hague University of Applied Sciences, TU Delft and Hotelschool), I’m always keen to hear about the way universities in both countries work together, each bringing their unique perspectives so it was good to have a quick chat with Piet – an Australian with Dutch heritage.
Queensland menu
What a delight to “taste Queensland” as well with this amazing menu. As always, the great team at the Australian Residence delivered impeccable service.
The mango cheesecake tasted very much like a Weiss mango bar! Something I miss very much from Queensland – mangoes just don’t taste the same in the Netherlands.
Friendly Faces in the Australian community in the Netherlands
After more than a decade of living in the Netherlands now, it’s lovely to see some familiar, friendly faces at events. Dianne Biederberg is the owner of CE Media, but also the president of the Australian & NZ Club in the Netherlands.
Jacinta Noonan is the Director Events for ABIE, and also a long term friend and collaborator on other projects.
Also nice to reconnect to others such as Sally Clark (Human Leaders), David Bellingham (Treasurer ABIE + Black Swan Capital) and make some new connections.
If you’d like to know more about ABIE or TIQ, visit:
ABIE: https://abie-nl.nl
Dutch Australian 