with William Fisher - Director - Victoria State Office, DFAT
Mr William Fisher is a career diplomat with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Director of the Victoria State Office since December 2008. He most recently served as Australia’s High Commissioner to Canada (2005-08). Prior to this, he served abroad as Ambassador to France (2000-04); Ambassador to Thailand (1997-2000) and Ambassador to Israel (1990-93). His overseas postings have also included Honolulu, Tehran, Port Vila and Noumea.
In the Department in Canberra, Mr Fisher’s positions have included First Assistant Secretary, Public Affairs Division (1996-97); Consular Programs and Security Division (1995-96); and International Organisations and Legal Division (1994-95). He was Principal Adviser, Americas and Europe Division (1980-90); Head, South Pacific Section (1980-81). He also held the position of Assistant Secretary, Defence Branch of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (1987-88).
How long have you lived in Melbourne? For 4 months. I'm a complete newcomer to Melbourne, so it's all a world of discovery for me.
What do you like best about Melbourne? Everything. I love the vibrant city centre, the fantastic public spaces and the facilities for general community use. It's a great place to "be".
What is your favourite building in Melbourne, and why? I enjoy a large number of the public and private buildings in Melbourne, from Government House to the terrace houses of the inner suburbs. I even love Telstra Dome, oops, Etihad Stadium, because I live opposite it and really enjoy seeing all the comings and goings there which add such a flavour to the area.
What do you think is the most important thing to have happened in Melbourne during your time here? Having only been here such a short time, and not being from Melbourne myself, the most important happenings for me have been my own discoveries of Melbourne and its various bits and quirks.
Which football team do you barrack for? Sydney originally (I'm a Canberra boy), but now Melbourne (no-one can say I'm a gold digger).
What do you do to relax? I don't do a great deal of relaxing, but I'm a very regular swimmer at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre. And having a large poodle dog means I know lots of places in Melbourne to walk and run. We also are keen attendees at Melbourne's many theatres.
What is your favourite restaurant in Melbourne? Chez nous.
Describe Melbourne in one sentence. If you're looking around the world for a really terrific place for yourself to live, this is it.
What is your favourite French wine? And your favourite Australian wine? I'm going to be discreet about French wines, as a former Ambassador there, but - as a general hint - anything from close to the Chateau Clos de Vougeot. On Australian wines, as a newcomer to Melbourne I've been delighted to discover the pinot noirs of Mornington and elsewhere.
What couldn’t you live without? My wife, Kerry.
Where do you see yourself in ten years? On the beach, certainly, and quite possibly in Melbourne as well.
What do you like best about being a member of the French Chamber? It's a pleasure to catch up with the French-Australian business community, especially those with whom I had so many dealings when I was in Paris. I remain a committed supporter of business and commerce between France and Australia. |
