澳大利亞國家館日舉行 精彩演繹澳大利亞文化

The Australia Pavilion today celebrated its Pavilion Day with various performances at the Expo Center.

Quentin Bryce, Governor-General of Australia, said at this morning"s celebration ceremony at the Expo Center that the 2010 World Expo gathers participants worldwide to showcase their innovation and promote cooperation and progress, and Australia is proud to be among them.

She said Australia values its bilateral ties with China and the cooperation is fruitful given the two nation's close investment and business exchange, sister cities' agreement and the friendly exchange among their peoples.

The Australia Pavilion was thrilled to welcome more than 1.5 million visitors to date, Bryce noted, welcoming more visitors to explore the stories of the nation. She added that she was happy to accompany six Australian inspirational women to Shanghai to meet their Chinese counterparts. The women were among the interviewees in "Sisters," a series of mini-documentaries featuring their common aspiration to contribute to a sustainable future and a better life.

"Sisters" is projected on screens which surround the visitors as they walk through the Australia Pavilion.

Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng said Australia has impressed visitors many times in the Expo's history with its creativity. The warm red ochre exterior of the pavilion, amazing projection screen and beautiful culture performance all display the country's natural beauty, energetic city life and diversified culture, he noted.

The display also shares the country's smart solutions in tackling problems in urbanization and improving people's life, according to Han.

He believed the ongoing Expo would provide new opportunities for the two nations to deepen cooperation and enhance friendship and understanding.

Zhou Hanmin, deputy director of the World Expo 2010 Shanghai Executive Committee, was the host of the ceremony.

A number of outstanding artists will perform at the Expo Center from 3:30pm to 5:30pm to celebrate the occasion. On the list are Mari spirit guide Sani Townson, who will perform contemporary and indigenous physical theatre and dance, the Song Company and William Barton, a didjeridu player and composer, the Qantas Choir, a children's choir, the Band of Brothers, crossover pop artist Kate Miller-Heidke, the Umbilical Brothers, who are specialized in physical and aural humor, contemporary pop singer Jessica Mauboy, singer Dan Sultan, Sydney Dance Company and classical violinist Niki Vassiliakis.

Themed "ImagiNation," the 4,800 square meter pavilion in Zone B features a red facade made from a special kind of temperature-sensitive steel that changes color as temperature and humidity change.

The pavilion is divided into three sections - "Journey," "Discover" and "Enjoy" - and they showcase many aspects of Australian life including its landscape, history, culture, technology and urban development.