QUEENSLAND'S GERMAN CONNECTIONS - PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

30 Jahre des

eschäfts in Queensland

In 2013 comes a significant anniversary for one of Queensland’s most successful German connections. The German Australian Business Association Inc (GABA) was established as an association of business professionals in 1983 to promote business links between Australia and Germany in Southeast Queensland, and to facilitate links to Queensland Government departments and the Consulate of the Federal Republic of Germany. At the inaugural meeting 14 December 1982, Dr John Moses from the University of Queensland observed that an idea for a similar association once formed in 1888 unfortunately failed to progress further than April 1889, and it was resolved to do better this time. Over three decades GABA has evolved into a high profile networking forum for people in business and the professions, with an emphasis on co-oper ation with and mutual support of other groups in the German community to the benefit of all.

Members are provided with updates on economic data, business information circulars and have the opportunity to participate in meetings with guest speakers and bi-annual business platforms. GABA’s role includes supporting small business start-ups and provision of advice to migrants, and the organisation has taken an active social part in German heritage events such as Pioneer Week. In 1983’s annual address, the Deputy Premier of Queensland and Minister for Commerce and Industry, Bill Gunn, referred to the significant trade between Germany and Australia which could only grow with Queensland’s low state tax base and its coming population growth.He outlined the state’s industry policy, and incentives for business to settle in Queensland. In the super-fast age of the internet, there remains no substitute for sound networking and good advice provided from experience on a personal level, available through personal contacts and networks of GABA and its members. On the social side, GABA organises various gala events, continued today with the traditional mid year functions and Christmas celebrations, with great opportunities to meet, support and network. The German Consul-General in Sydney and the Embassy in Canberra have provided support to and interest in GABA’s efforts through their contined program of official and informal visits to Queensland. Information on membership and opportunities is available from the GABA website, and we look forward to welcoming you in our 30th anniversary year! gaba.org.au

GABA’s support of the Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council enables us to network and support the wider Queensland and multi cultural community. Our links with the German Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Sydney further extend our networking reach. GABA has always been a non-political and non profit organisation with a social face, “bringing people together and hopefully for them to become a good new friend”, as it was formulated in the beginning. The association established a good reputation with the German community in Brisbane, contributing to community service, supporting the German Saturday School, the Goethe Society and the German-Australian Student Exchange Program. From left: Detlef Sulzer (Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany in Brisbane), Tina Vissem (Membership Events & PR at German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce), Anton Jones (Telstra Country Wide Area General Manager), GABA Secretary Jürgen Hoppe, and GABA President Jürgen Wöhrle.

Below: Gabi Sartori (left), a Carbon Policy Manager in the energy industry, gave a presentation at a GABA Breakfast in February 2012, attended by Gabi Zoulek (Internet Technology).

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