by Trent Dickeson

FOLLOWING the successful reception held for Japanese journalists in Melbourne in June, the FMA again hosted a reception for a large contingent of visiting journalists. This time they were visiting from the Netherlands and it was Sydney’s turn to host. The event provided an opportunity for the journalists to mix with FMA members and invited guests.

The night was casual but served as a chance to welcome the Dutch media to Sydney and treat them to some Australian hospitality. It also allowed for further networks to be built
between journalists from the two countries. One of the aims of the FMA is to continue to provide members an opportunity to build strong relationships with colleagues both locally and from around the globe.

Holding the reception at Cruise Bar directly opposite the Sydney Opera House allowed for spectacular sunset views of the harbour and Opera House. Close to 30 members of the FMA were joined by an equal number of Dutch journalists, making the night a huge
success. The harbour back drop so often taken for granted by locals provided the perfect back drop for photos.

The visiting delegation expressed their gratitude at being able to mix with locals in a relaxed atmosphere and, as happened with the Japanese media previously, a number of emails of thanks  were received from our guests after the event. The FMA is sure the hospitality will be reciprocated the next time the Socceroos head to Netherlands.

FFA's Head of Corporate and Public Affairs, Bonita Mersiades, as an invited guest of the FMA, was in attendance and spent the night talking with all present on the eve of her visit to Cairo with FFA CEO Ben Buckley.

The night was a resounding success and would not have been possible without the FMA committee starting the organisation early, including dialogue with the KNVB well before the Dutch side left for Australia.

October 2009