Shanghai, China: In another World Expo first, the Australian pavilion today became the first self-built, national pavilion to be connected to permanent power, literally 'turning on the lights'.
This milestone confirms Australia's position as the most advanced of the Shanghai World Expo's international participants, and is a vital step in commencing the installation of the pavilion's cutting-edge exhibits.
Commissioner General for the Australian pavilion, Lyndall Sachs said, "We are very proud to see that the Australian pavilion is still only second to China's in achieving significant construction milestones."
"Today's achievement is testament to the cutting edge work of our construction team, Bovis Lend Lease."
In May the Australian pavilion was the first international participant to celebrate its 'topping out' ceremony, marking the completion of the highest point in the structure, and was also the first to complete foundation works, in February of this year.
"With just over six months to go until the Expo opens on 1 May next year, I am very pleased with our current progress", Ms Sachs said.
Ms Sachs added, "I encourage residents of China to visit our bilingual website, www.australianpavilion.com to see the tremendous construction progress we have made thus far."