Australian High Commission in the United Kingdom

31/05/2026

DFAT is committed to continuing to build respectful relationships and genuine partnerships with First Nations colleagues and communities.

We do this by fostering cultural awareness and safe workplaces and creating opportunities for First Nations People to thrive.

The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2026 – All In – calls on all of us to commit to reconciliation every day.

Through learning, listening and meaningful action, each of us has a role to play.

28/05/2026

Australian musical talent returned to The Great Escape Festival festival in Brighton on the 16th of May with an action packed showcase courtesy of our partners Sounds Australia and Tourism Australia.com.

17 acts played across 3 stages, showing off the incredible range of Australian music. From soulful tunes to high octane sets, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

Deputy High Commissioner Elisabeth Bowes PSM attended the Sounds Australia showcase and met with some of the performers.

Want to check out some Australian music here in the UK? Visit Sounds Australia's global gig guide to find out who is playing near you.

soundsaustralia.com.au/global-gig-guide/

22/05/2026

On 20 May, High Commissioner Jay Weatherill AO was honoured to meet The Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the UK House of Commons.

They discussed the 🇦🇺🇬🇧 relationship and our strong parliamentary ties.

22/05/2026

21/05/2026

Reimagining Japan’s iconic Phoenix Pavilion

Watch as Takahiro Iwasaki’s Reflection Model (Perfect Bliss) 2012-12, comes together piece by piece. An intricate miniature of Kyoto’s iconic Phoenix Pavilion at Byōdō-in temple, the work reimagines a landmark familiar across Japan. This dreamlike reflection invites viewers to consider both the pavilion’s striking architecture and its enduring place in contemporary culture.

Rising Voices: Contemporary Art from Asia, Australia and the Pacific runs from 16 May 2026 to 10 January 2027 at V&A South Kensington.

Developed in partnership by the V&A, and the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (@‌qagoma).

20/05/2026

Australia is proud to be a founding member of the International Coalition to End Violence against Women and Girls.

UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper announced the Coalition today at the Global Partnerships Conference in London.

In partnership with this Coalition, Australia will work to prevent all forms of s*xual and gender-based violence.

Australia joins the UK, South Africa, Brazil, Morocco, Spain, Jamaica and Bosnia and Herzegovina as the founding members of this important Coalition.

20/05/2026

Recognising the achievements of the late Dr Nicholas Andrew Medland, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division.

Dr Nick Medland was an outstanding HIV and s*xual health physician, clinical epidemiologist, community GP, researcher and advocate whose empathy and passion for improving the lives of all people living with HIV was evident in a career that spanned over 25 years.

The guidance and support that Nick offered to the community of people living with HIV was enormous and will live on in our collective memories.

The Australian High Commissioner and Lieutenant Colonel Michelle Dare were proud to conduct the investiture of the late Dr Nicholas Medland on behalf of the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia at Australia House on the 29th of April.

The medal was received by Dr Nick Medland’s father, Dr Anthony Medland. The ceremony was also attended by Dr Nick Medland’s husband, Professor Mark Gussy, and stepmother, Mrs Cheryl Medland.

20/05/2026

The Australian Passport Office will be heading to Bristol, Edinburgh and Manchester for passport outreach visits in June.

✈️Bristol: Wednesday 10 - Thursday 11 June.

✈️Edinburgh: Tuesday 16 - Thursday 18 June.

✈️Manchester: Tuesday 23 - Thursday 25 June.


If you need to apply for an Australian passport and would like an appointment, please visit our website or call 020 7887 5816 Monday-Friday 10am-12pm.

If your application is to renew an adult or child passport, please visit our website as you may be eligible to post in your application.

19/05/2026

"Rising Voices: Contemporary Art from Asia, Australia and the Pacific" is now open at the V&A museum in South Kensington.

Delivered in partnership between the V&A and Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), the exhibition brings together the work of more than 40 artists from 25 countries across the Asia Pacific region.

The Australian High Commissioner was proud to speak at the opening night on 13 May.

Congratulations to the artists, and to V&A and QAGOMA for creating such a compelling look into the depth and diversity of contemporary art from the Asia Pacific region.

Don't miss out on this incredible exhibition, open now until 10 January 2027.

17/05/2026

May 17 is the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.

Democracies are strongest when everyone can participate freely and equally. LGBTQIA+ equality and inclusion is at the heart of democracy.

Australia stands together in Pride with the LGBTQIA+ community and believes all people, no matter their s*xual orientation, gender identity or expression, or s*x characteristics, deserve freedom, equality and justice. No one should be left behind.