| Editorial |
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From the desk of the General Manager
Elisabeth Kerdelhué
Yes, the spring racing season is already upon us - everything seems new again, even the rain that we have had lately, and everyone is busy making plans for the Melbourne Cup weekend. The great thing about the spring racing carnival is that you can experience it in so many ways – from the simple picnic with the family, the backyard barbeque with friends to the extravagant hospitality of the birdcage marquees at Flemington...read
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| Newsroom |
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Alstom tram bid has Ballarat Railway Workshops ready to roll
If ALSTOM is successful in a bid to build 50 trams then it will be full steam ahead at the Ballarat Railway Workshops. Alstom is one of two candidates that has been short-listed to design and build a fleet of low-floor trams for Melbourne. The State Government has committed $1 billion towards the project...read more
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Insurer QBE wins the tender for SNCF's General Public Liability
In winning the tender for SNCF, France’s national rail operator, QBE has made a noteworthy entrance into the French market for corporate accounts. The insurer QBE won the public tender for SNCF’s General Liability Insurance scheme, to take effect from 1 October 2009, making it the lead insurer on the layer excess of over €150m...read more
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Santos and GDF Suez announce strategic partnership in Australia
Santos and GDF SUEZ, one of the world’s leading LNG companies, today announced a milestone partnership to develop a floating LNG project in the Bonaparte Basin, Australia (Bonaparte LNG). Bonaparte LNG aligns the interests of both companies across the full value chain, from gas field resources to plant development and downstream. GDF SUEZ and Santos will form a 60/40 unincorporated joint venture to be led by GDF SUEZ - www.gdfsuez.com/en/news/press-releases/press-releases/?communique_id=1093
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Work starts on victoria's desalination plant
Construction has started on Victoria’s Desalination Project near Wonthaggi, which will provide up to 150 billion litres of water each year to Melbourne from the end of 2011. More than 65 jobs have been created onsite already as part of the earthworks and AquaSure expects to have 200 people working on site by Christmas...read more
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Water recycling downunder
Engineering company GHD and the Australian arm of French company Veolia Water are industry partners in the successful bid to establish Australia’s National Centre of Excellence in Water Recycling.
Australia’s minister for climate change and water, Senator Penny Wong, has announced that the bid led by Western Corridor Recycled Water Pty, subsidiary of Queensland Government agency WaterSecure, will receive A$20m (S16.5m) over five years to host the centre in Brisbane. Research institutions involved in the project are Brisbane’s University of Queensland, Griffith University, Sydney’s University of New South Wales, and the CSIRO...read more |
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Sydney Metro's future operator is shortlisted
NSW Minister for Transport David Campbell has announced that two bids have been shortlisted, in the process to determine who will operate the Sydney Metro stage 1, Central to Rozelle. Mr Campbell said the two bids, made up of major national and international companies, will now compete to supply the trains, track, station fit-out, operation and maintenance for Australia’s first metro system. The shortlisted bids are: Kujika (Keolis Australia Pty Ltd, Downer EDI Rail Pty Ltd, Thales Australia Ltd...read more |
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Félicitations à Will Studd, recipient of the Officier du Mérite Agricole award
Will Studd began importing French cheeses into Australia in 1983. His first company, Butterfields Cheese Factors, gave Australians their first taste of some fine French cheeses never previously imported to the country. When Butterfields merged with the King Island Dairy in 1993, Will established William Wild, the company known today as Fromagent, working with major French Cheese companies and developing the Australian market for a wide range of French specialty cheeses...read more
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| Members' Corner |
| TETE A TETE |
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with Damien Wurzel - Partner - Maddocks
How long have you lived in Melbourne? I was born here.
What do you like best about Melbourne? That it is not Sydney!
What is your favourite building in Melbourne, and why? Law School building at Melbourne University where I studied – a miniature version of Place des Vosges where I was married...read
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| WINE & DINE DIRECTORY |
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To understand just how multicultural Melbourne really is, you need look no further than its restaurant scene. This city is blessed with an impressive range of restaurants representing countries from all over the world…But if you’re in the mood for something French, well, look no further than this page. Below you’ll find a list of great places to satisfy your cravings for “un bon repas à la française”, while supporting our members!
Click here to check out our Wine & Dine Members Directory |
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| Events |
| LATEST EVENTS |
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Soirée de Gala
Saturday 17 October - The Plaza Ballroom
On Saturday 17 October, the Plaza Ballroom staged an evening proving that Paris really is a moveable feast... The red carpet was rolled out at the Regent Theatre’s Plaza Ballroom as FACCI members and guests arrived for our 110th anniversary Soiree de Gala – an exclusive event featuring all the finest ingredients of a Parisian feast...read more |
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FACCI Young Professionals Wineries Tour
Saturday 24 October - Yarra Valley
The FACCI Young Professionals Wineries Tour organised on Saturday 24 October in the Yarra Valley, was a fun and relaxing day out. With beautiful spring weather on their side, sixty guests arrived bright and early Saturday morning for the journey out to the surrounds of Melbourne, where they would enjoy not only the beautiful scenery but also taste an extensive range of Yarra Valley wines....read more |
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Cassoulet night at Philippe Mouchel's Brasserie
Tuesday 8 September
Our traditional Cassoulet Night at Philippe Mouchel’s Brasserie in early September was a relaxing night of great food and company.
Despite the promise of spring in September, the sudden return of the winter chill made it the perfect night for a hearty Cassoulet, in the comfortable surrounds of the Brasserie. This perennial favourite from the South-West of France was matched to a selection of fine French drops. The Cassoulet was followed by an impressive line-up of French cheese and a tasting plate of desserts, leaving guests thoroughly satisfied of the meal they had just enjoyed.
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| LES RENDEZ-VOUS DE LA FACCI |
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| November |
Thursday 26 - Le Concours des Vins du Victoria Wine tasting & Awards night
Put Victoria in your glass… and share in the passion and savoir-faire of Victorian winemakers at the 19th Concours des Vins wine tasting event.
Zinc will be the hot spot of the Concours this year and we hope all our wine lovers will flock to this great riverside location for an evening in celebration of Victorian wines. French cheese and charcuterie – stalwarts of this event - will of course share the spotlight with the 400 wines that will be on offer.

For more information please visit: www.facci.com.au/leconcoursdesvins
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| December |
Wednesday 9 - Business Luncheon - Doing Business between France & Australia
Guest speaker: H.E. David A. Ritchie, Australian Ambassador to France
Where: Ernst & Young - Level 23, 8 Exhibition Street
Time: 12.00 - 2.00pm
Ticket price: $115/per person
Thursday 10 - Soirée Bijoux with Mingk (Alliance Française de Melbourne) |
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| OTHER EVENTS |
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| November |
Tuesday 10 - Remembrance Day Dinner 2009
Where: Melbourne Town Hall, Swanston Street, Melbourne
Time: 7pm for 7.30pm
MC : Peter Mitchell, 7 News
Tickets: $200 each with tables of 10 available for $2000
Dress: Black Tie/Mess Dress, Miniatures
RSVP by Monday 26 October 2009
For more information or to make a booking please contact
E. foundation@shrine.org.au
Thursday 12 - AFAS Seminar - “Energy & Sustainability Questions”
Where: Monash University City Conference Facility, Level 7, 30 Collins Street
RSVP: Thursday 5th November to registration@afas.org.au
Cost: $10 Members/Students, $30 Non-members.
Download booking form
Wednesday 18 - Public Lecture: The Secret Life of the Shrine
Marking the 75th anniversary of the Shrine, Professor Bruce Scates will be joined by a panel of leading historians: Ken Inglis, Joan Beaumont and Katti Williams to debate the past, present and future of the Shrine of Remembrance.
Where: BMW Edge -
Federation Square -
Melbourne
Time: 5.30 for 6.00pm start
Limited places, book early via telephone 03 9661 8100 or email reception@shrine.org.au
Friday 20 - Beaujolais nouveau
Time - From 7.00 to 10.00pm
Where: Alliance française de Melbourne
Tickets: $25 AF Members & Students / $35 Non-Members
Entry includes two glasses of Beaujolais Nouveau, French country-style buffet and live music!
Bookings Essential:
Secure Online Booking Form or Print then mail or fax the booking form
For more information please visit www.afmelbourne.asn.au
Wednesday 25 - Berthe Mouchette Competition Ceremony
Time: 7pm - Glen Eira Town Hall
For more information please visit www.afmelbourne.asn.au
So Frenchy So Chic Live from 25 to 28 November
A world far away from the clichés of accordions, berets and baguettes is the sophisticated indie music scene in France, and this November two of its most popular acts are heading to Australia in what will be an unforgettable double bill with Cocoon and Moriarty.
Wednesday 25 November, Prince of Wales. Purchase tickets here
Thursday 26 November, Brisbane Power House. Purchase tickets here
Friday 27 November, Factory Theatre. Purchase tickets here
Saturday 28 November, Adelaide Festival Centre. Purchase tickets here
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| December |
30 November - 4 December - ANZAM / ANZMAC 2009 Conference
For more information: www.anzam.org / www.anzmac2009.org |
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| Bouillon de culture |
Bonjour French Cuisine
From the publishers of Finding France in Australia this new book, Bonjour French Cuisine, is an introduction to the delights of enjoying French food at home.
Why do so many of us love France and everything French? Part of that charm is French food. And that’s because the French are perfectionists about their ingredients and preparation. This beautifully illustrated book shows you how to eat French-style (and remember, the French don’t get fat!). There’s also a mini-history of the development of French cuisine culture as well as a glossary of French menu favourites and translations. Not a cookbook, but a little introduction to French cuisine – and the perfect gift.
The author, Sally Matheson is the co-author of the successful Finding France in Australia (first published October 2008). She is a passionate lover of France, traveller and “foodie”. Sally lives in Melbourne and her business, Matheson Publishing, has specialised in journals and magazines for 25 years and she has now expanded it to enjoy her own passion as well - books for lovers of France.
Matheson Publishing
PO Box 695, South Yarra Victoria, Austalia
Tel 03 9820 2676.
Sally Matheson: sally@mathesonpublishing.com.au
Mob: 0418 569 672
www.mathesonpublishing.com.au |
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A French Christmas
A beautifully presented book that will make the ideal gift and help Australian readers celebrate Christmas à la Française. A French Christmas introduces readers to the festive season customs and traditions respected in France today – from the feast day on Saint Nicholas 6 December celebrated in the North of France, to the grand réveillon (Christmas Eve supper) enjoyed in Paris, to close of the French festive season 6 January with La Fête des Rois (the Feast of Kings). Stunning full-colour images highlight some of the glorious sights, Christmas markets and decorations found in France at Christmastime.
The author, Alison Patience is co-author of the successful Finding France in Australia. She has a Bachelor of Arts and a Diploma of Languages (French). Alison lives with her French husband and her two daughters in Melbourne.
Matheson Publishing
PO Box 695, South Yarra Victoria, Austalia
Tel 03 9820 2676.
Sally Matheson: sally@mathesonpublishing.com.au
Mob: 0418 569 672
www.mathesonpublishing.com.au |
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Double-pass giveaway to ''Sister smile''
SISTER SMILE (SOEUR SOURIRE)
By Stijn Coninx
With: Cecile de France
Release date: November 12
Showing in Melbourne: Kino Cinema, Palace Como, Palace Brighton Bay
The end of the 1950s, on the outskirts of Brussels. Like the rest of the young generation of the time, Jeannine Deckers (Cécile de France) has a thirst for freedom and adventure. There's no question of her following the path her parents have chosen for her - finding a husband and taking over the family bakery. She wants a different life. To move away, to meet other people. After toying with art studies, she enters a convent. Jeanine finds out that being a Dominican nun is a difficult vocation. It requires giving up one's passions, including music. But she's not prepared to do this.
The other sisters don't understand her, but with the blessing of the Mother Superior, she sticks to her dream and writes a global pop hit: "Dominique". For audiences around the world, Jeannine became "Sister Smile", also known as the Singing Nun. She was a worldwide sensation and sold millions of records. Her success was compared to that of Elvis Presley. Struggling to reconcile her faith and her newfound fame, Jeannine leaves the convent and attempts to continue her career as a rock star.
The film traces the unique and deeply moving story of this young girl who never gave up.
If you are interested in seeing the film, we have 8 double-passes to giveaway. Simply email your name and address to info@facci.com.au with “sister smile ticket giveaway” in the heading. Please note that the passes will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis.
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| FACCI Translation Service |

FACCI works with a team of highly qualified and skilled NAATI translators who can provide you with accurate, professional and cost-effective translations from French>English and English>French. Our translators are experienced in a variety of fields including legal, technical, commercial, medical, scientific as well as all official documents required for visa applications.
We can translate CVs, promotional brochures, corporate presentations, contracts etc. We also offer interpreting services.
We are conveniently located in the CBD and can offer you highly competitive rates and a fast turnaround time. Please contact info@facci.com.au or call Melanie on (03) 9600 0000 for a quote.
All FACCI members get a 10% discount!
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| Contacts |
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Level 8, 155 Queen Street | Melbourne VIC
3000
T. (03) 9600 0000 |
F. (03) 9600 0005 |
E. info@facci.com.au |
W. www.facci.com.au
The
team at the Chamber is:
General Manager: Elisabeth Kerdelhué
Event and Services Coordinator: Melanie Lim
Trade Coordinator: Fabien Girard
Project Manager: Olivier
Deschang
Interns: Anne-Sophie Marullaz, Lauriane Fady
If you wish to contribute to FACCI Victoria e-news or are interested in advertising in the newsletter, please contact Olivier Deschang on odeschang@facci.com.au |
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ADVERTISING |
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Fly to France in style with

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Drive in France in style with

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Emirates & Renault Eurodrive proud sponsors of the
2009 Soirée de Gala |
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and thank you to Embrasse Restaurant for supporting the 2009 Soirée de Gala |
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