12 December 2007

EU stars to adorn Canberra sky

A magnificent new balloon proudly adorning the blue and gold emblem of the European Union will soon be seen flying in the Canberra morning sky.

On 19 December, the 2006 Australian of the Year and world renowned researcher, Professor Ian Frazer, will join EU Ambassadors, senior government officials, the diplomatic corps, and members of the research, science and technology community to highlight and celebrate EU-Australia relations.

EU-Australia relations are continually evolving beyond the all-important trade and investment sphere. Cooperation continues to strengthen in research, science and technology, as well as in key areas such as climate change, transport, security and development aid especially in the Asia-Pacific region.

The launch of the EU balloon will be a major event to celebrate our continued and growing cooperation with Australia, which brings benefits to citizens both in Australia and Europe, as well as the rest of the world.

Professor Ian Frazer, Director of the Centre for Immunology and Cancer Research in Queensland is the inventor of the cervical cancer vaccine being used throughout the world. Professor Frazer and his work is an example of the important ties between the EU and Australia, particularly in research and science. Professor Frazer migrated to Australia from Scotland in 1980 and over his career his research has been supported through a range of international research programmes, an area that is vital to EU-Australia cooperation.

As the flagship of Balloon Aloft's fleet, the new EU hot air balloon will be the largest balloon regularly available in Canberra.

Interview and photo opportunities are available on request.

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Updated December 18, 2007