About Us
Aussies Abroad Abu Dhabi
Our vision is to develop a unique portrait and understanding of the Australian and New Zealand people and culture in the UAE community. Our core values are Sharing, Caring and Cultural Understanding.
Our Mission Objectives are:
• To promote personal interaction and strong relationships amongst members.
• To create and foster a spirit of understanding and enhance public perception of Australia/New Zealand and the Australasian culture.
• To promote an atmosphere of cultural tolerance, through participating in different social activities in the UAE.
• To provide voluntary services and charity through community involvement and cooperation.
• Cooperate with other groups, inside and outside Abu Dhabi.
• Provide assistance to newly arrived Australians/New Zealanders such that their transition to Abu Dhabi is an easier one.
Aussies Abroad is managed by a committee of Australian and New Zealand volunteers dedicated to promote and advance the mission objectives.
Who We Are
The Aussies Abroad Committee meet once per month usually at Le Royal Meridien Hotel from 6.30-8.30pm. Our MAJOR events are Australia Day, ANZAC Day, AFL Grand Final and Aussies Abroad Family Day. Other events include Welcome Back Brunch, Dinners, Monthly Golf and Drinks and for various other Sporting and Social Events from time to time, we gather as a group.
Aussies Abroad Committee Policies
Find below links to relevant downloadable policies/statements released by the Aussies Abroad Committee:
- Sponsorship policy – copy available – click here
- Donation policy – copy available – Donation Policy-FINAL App Committee_17Jun2015
- AGM policy – copy available – Paper for Aussies Abroad AGM
Aussies Abroad Committee
Our wonderful Committee Members are
Keri Hedrick
Treasurer
Keri is our jack of all trades. As a Chartered Accountant, previously working in Melbourne and London she’s the number cruncher for the AA books (and Membership Officer, Facebook admin), along with her full time position as ‘mum’ with 3 young kids. She’s most recently started a new career in writing and social media management. With a love of travel she runs a blog on expat life & family adventures – babyglobetrotters.net When there’s spare time left you’ll find her watching the mighty Eagles, sampling wine or looking for lost hours of sleep.
Tracey Macdonald
Committee Member
Tracey has been involved in education all of her life. She is commencing her 8th school year here in the UAE. Originally working in Al Ain, she moved to Abu Dhabi in 2010. She is the author and editor of the AA newsletter and actively involved in organising many events. She was the Annual Ball Chairwoman 2015. Her interests include travelling, music and supports a variety of causes around the world including raising funds for Breast Cancer research, orphanages in a number of countries.
David Hackett
Sport and Events
David is our dual International. He serves as Events and Sports on Aussies Abroad and is the Vice Chairman of the Australian Business Group. He has strong links with the Abu Dhabi community. Giving back has always been important to him in Australia and since moving here 5 years ago, has been a strong advocate for Sunrise Children’s Homes in Cambodia, Pink Ribbon Campaigns and a variety of other organisations. He loves Rugby and coached at Abu Dhabi Harlequins for 2 seasons. David loves ALL sport, travelling and discovering new and challenging things.
Liz Anderson
Secretary
Liz only moved to Abu Dhabi with her family in 2018, however, she has spent most of her life growing up and living as an expat. She works as an educator here in the UAE but has had a past life also working in events and hospitality before making the switch to teaching. Liz is also passionate about helping the cat community here and is involved in feeding, fostering and helping out. When she does have a spare moment she enjoys reading, a good glass of wine and just relaxing at home.
Hanaa Michael
Committee Member
Hanaa joined the Aussies Abroad committee in 2017 and has lived in the UAE since 2008. Hanaa loves to travel, enjoys fine food and the company of good friends. She works in administration and is the webmaster of Aussies Abroad Abu Dhabi website.
Daniel Hackett
Information Management – Marketing
Daniel has been a member of the Aussies Abroad committee since mid-2017. He works in in the field of financial advice in the UAE. He has been in the UAE since 2016. Daniel loves to organize events and is a key organizer of the Aussie Club in Abu Dhabi.
Working in Abu Dhabi
UAE is a nation of expats. In recent years, Aussies and Kiwis have moved here to work in construction, education, banking, oil, tourism, government and other industries.
Playing in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi has interesting architecture, Theme Parks, beaches and cuisine from every corner of the globe. There are many hotels, bars and nightclubs.