Media release 

Australian Minister for Trade, Mark Vaile

Friday, May 12, 2000
MVT44/2000

GlobalFreeway-Aust youth orchestra partnership launched

Trade Minister, Mark Vaile, today launched a partnership between free internet service provider GlobalFreeway and the Australian Youth Orchestra.

Mr Vaile said the partnership that will see GlobalFreeway provide sponsorship of the youth orchestra worth $1 million over four years was a great example of business and the arts working together.

Speaking at the partnership launch in Sydney, Mr Vaile said the Australian Youth Orchestra - now to be know as the GlobalFreeway Australian Youth Orchestra - was "helping export Australia's cultural talent to the rest of the world".

Mr Vaile said while cultural activities were primarily for the experience and satisfaction of the audience and performers, many cultural activities also contributed to the economic wellbeing of Australia.

"Last year (1998-99) cultural exports earned Australia $728 million, a significant contribution to our foreign earnings."

Mr Vaile said the youth orchestra was a "seasoned diplomat" for Australia, with its international tours contributing to Australia's positive, vibrant image abroad.

"The orchestra performed at the Atlanta Olympics and made a groundbreaking tour of China. Not only was it the first Australian orchestra to visit China, it was also the first western orchestra to visit China after the Cultural Revolution."

Mr Vaile praised GlobalFreeway for its support, adding that the Coalition Government was also a keen support of the youth orchestra, and during this financial year was providing funding of $1.145 million.