Australia's cities are consistently rated amongst the most liveable in the world. The combination of smart urban planning and clever design and technologies helps create a sustainable harmony between the built and natural environments, and our world-class cultural, education and research facilities stimulate creativity and innovation. Our lifestyle successfully balances hard work and achievement with sophisticated leisure and relaxation opportunities.

 

Australians are widely admired as open, friendly and welcoming, which is not surprising, given the globally integrated nature of the modern Australian economy and the significant role which immigrants play in our multicultural society. The diversity of our modern communities is evident in the languages spoken in our homes and workplaces, in our cultural festivals, and in the innovative fusion of flavours and styles that, combined with our fresh, "green" produce, helps ensure modern Australian cuisine and Australian chefs attract praise around the world.

 

Ever increasing numbers of overseas students are choosing to gain an affordable, first-class education and conduct cutting-edge research in our universities. Leading international companies are establishing regional headquarters in our cities, drawn by Australia's attractive urban and natural environments, our strong and diversified economy, our highly educated and multi-lingual workforce, and the unparalleled quality of life we enjoy.

 

Much of our vast, resource-rich continent is arid and sparsely populated, meaning Australia is home to one of the world's most urbanised populations. Australia also faces challenges that are similar to those confronting many other nations:

Through a visually impressive pavilion design, sophisticated exhibits, an extensive program of contemporary culture and the arts, and friendly interaction with bilingual young Australian staff, we will take millions of Chinese visitors on a journey beyond the familiar, stereotypical images of our country. We will help them discover how our cities have become global centres of endeavour and excellence in almost all fields of activity and demonstrate Australians' ability to respond creatively and effectively to the challenges that are embodied in the Expo theme "Better City, Better Life". Most of all, we will ensure that they enjoy the experience and leave our pavilion better informed and keen to forge closer ties between China and Australia through trade, investment, tourism, academic, people-to-people and cultural contacts.

 

The pavilion's bold, sculptural form acknowledges our ancient landscape while demonstrating in a visually striking way the sophistication of modern urban design in Australia. This will form the bedrock of the Australian experience at Expo 2010. Inside the pavilion a combination of static and dynamic exhibits will entertain, educate and engage visitors in three distinct but inter-related "acts". Together, they will take visitors beyond the familiar perceptions of our country and show them …

 

The concept of the journey is integral to the Australian identity. Our largest cities are found along our fertile coastline, separated by great distances that the digital age can only partly overcome. Scattered along the edge of our ancient land mass, Australia's young and vibrant cities mark both the start and finish of journeys between Australia and the rest of the world and across our great continent.

 

In Act 1 visitors will gradually leave behind them the noise, heat and bustle of the expo site as they are drawn into our story. Here they will be introduced to the multi-faceted population of Australia, beginning with the earliest inhabitants, the Aborigines, who arrived at least 50,000 years ago when our continent was still joined to Asia. Their rich culture has existed continuously ever since and continues to shape our understanding of our relationship to the landscapes we inhabit.

 

Starting with European settlement in 1788, and especially over the past sixty years, millions of immigrants from all around the globe and their descendents have made our cities global communities in their own right, imparting richness and diversity to modern Australian society. Over half our population is of non-English-speaking background, and more than one quarter of Australian households speaks a language other than English. Chinese migrants have played a prominent role in the growth of our country since the early 1800s. Today, 3.5% of the population identifies itself as having Chinese ancestry, and Chinese is the second most commonly spoken language in Australian homes after English.

 

In Act 1 we will profile the capital cities of Australia's states and territories, sharing with visitors the stories of some of the individuals who have shaped our past, created our present, and are helping lead Australia into the future.

 

Whether they come as tourists, students, traders or investors, visitors to Australia will encounter the spectacular landscape, exotic flora and fauna, and the friendly, welcoming people who live here. But in Act 2 visitors to the pavilion will also learn there is much more to our nation. In a stunning audio-visual presentation they will discover what underpins the successful and harmonious multicultural society to which they were introduced in Act 1.

 

They will discover the relationship between the blue-skied, open spaces of the Australian Outback and our cosmopolitan urban hubs. They will see how the wealth of our land, rich in minerals and cultivated by the world's most efficient farmers, has spurred the growth of modern, urban Australian society - a society which, although characterised by rapid and deep penetration of new technology, still delights in re-connecting with nature and makes provision for this even within the precincts of our cities.

 

As home to cities that consistently rank amongst the top ten most liveable in the world, Australia has a strong record in creating urban living centres that meet the needs of a modern, dynamic society and globally integrated economy in a sustainable and resource-efficient way. Pavilion visitors will see examples of world's best practice in urban design and development that will showcase Australian innovation and achievements in renewable energies, transport, and modern infrastructure and housing.

 

Of course, our cities are not just centres of commerce and economic growth; they support world-class cultural, education and research institutions that, together, enrich our communities and fuel creativity and innovation across all sectors of our economy and society. In Act 2, visitors will also become acquainted with these aspects of Australia's cities.

 

From the red deserts of remote Australia to the lush rainforests of the tropical north, from isolated coastlines and relaxed rural communities to fast-paced global cities, visitors to Australia find much to enjoy in the country's natural beauty, vibrant culture, friendly and open-minded people, and high standard of living.

 

Act 3 will provide pavilion visitors with a physical experience of some of Australia's urban and rural landscapes. Here, in the three-storey covered atrium, they can linger to reflect on the experience of their "journey" to our cities and country and the discoveries they have made in the process.

 

Australia's "clean, green" produce and fine beverages will be on sale in the relaxing, landscaped surrounds of Act 3, and visitors will be able to purchase high-quality Australian merchandise to remind them of their experience.

 

The vibrant cultural life of our metropolitan centres and our regional festivals will be on permanent display in the pavilion through a resident group of talented performers. This will be augmented by regular touring artistic groups from Australia who will present a broad array of our world-class visual and performing arts.