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14 Million Connections: Showcasing Australia's Global Advantage

Global Australians

Key Facts:

1 million+ Australians currently live and work overseas

4 million+ Australians have lived overseas and returned

50%+ of Australians were born overseas or have at least one parent who was

14 million+ connections link Australia around the globe

Global Australians launches a new initiative celebrating the people, diversity and global connections shaping Australia's future

Australia has a powerful but often overlooked national asset: the millions of connections that link our country around the globe.

Built through family and heritage, living, working and studying abroad, and friendships, business relationships and loved ones overseas, these 14 million connections form one of Australia's greatest strategic assets and competitive advantage

14 Million Connections: Showcasing Australia's Global Advantage is a new initiative celebrating the people, stories and relationships behind those connections and the role they play in strengthening Australia's future prosperity, competitiveness and global influence.

The initiative shines a light on one of Australia's greatest advantages: our globally connected and diverse community.  Together, these connections form a powerful network of talent, knowledge, support and opportunity that can help strengthen Australia's future resilience, prosperity and global competitiveness.

Over 14 days, Global Australians is sharing the stories of 14 extraordinary Australians whose journeys demonstrate the power of ambition, opportunity and global connection. Spanning science, technology, medicine, business, law, academia, the creative industries and social impact, their stories will showcase the experiences, mentors, communities and moments that have shaped their journeys and inspired their success.

Global Australians Chief Executive Officer Kate McQuestin said Australia has an opportunity to better recognise and harness the strength of its globally connected community.

"Australia's diversity is one of our greatest strengths. Our global connections are built through millions of people with different backgrounds, cultures, experiences and perspectives who all contribute to shaping modern Australia. When we embrace that diversity and stay connected to one another, we create a more innovative, resilient and globally competitive nation."

"Behind every connection is a story. A mentor who opened a door. A conversation that changed a career. A community that offered support. A fellow Australian who believed in someone else's potential."

"This initiative is a celebration of the Australian spirit, those connections and the extraordinary stories behind them. Australians backing themselves, and each other. Because behind every connection is a story and together, those stories can help shape Australia's future."

It comes at an important time for Australia as the nation seeks to strengthen its international competitiveness and as many people are searching for greater connection and a sense of unity in an increasingly complex world. These connections represent an opportunity to unlock new pathways for collaboration, innovation, investment and talent.

Recent Global Australians research found that 75% of Australians living overseas want to contribute to Australia's future, highlighting the enormous potential of our globally connected community.

"14 million connections represent far more than a number. They represent people helping people, ideas crossing borders and opportunities being shared. They reflect millions of Australians pursuing their ambitions, wherever life has taken them, and the powerful connections that continue to strengthen Australia along the way."

“We seek to unite Australians around the world, strengthen the ties that bind us and ensure Australian talent, ambition and goodwill are harnessed for the benefit of our nation and future generations.”

“Because when Australians back Australians, extraordinary things happen,” said McQuestin. “We go further together.”

The first five stories from Australia's 14 million global connections

Here are five remarkable Australians whose journeys showcase the very best of Australian ambition and the power of our global connections.

Their stories reflect modern Australia itself: diverse, globally connected and enriched by different cultures, experiences and perspectives.

Dr Margaret Simonian – Born in Iraq to Armenian parents, Margaret arrived in Australia alone as a child during the Iraq War. Her story is one of extraordinary resilience, courage and determination, leading to a career advancing medical knowledge and improving lives around the world.

Tushar Apte – The son of Indian migrants who came to Australia in pursuit of education and opportunity, Tushar's story is one of backing yourself, embracing uncertainty and helping others rise. Today, the multi-platinum producer, songwriter and entrepreneur is once again climbing the global charts while believing "Success isn't measured by how far you go, but by the people you help along the way."

Professor Mimi Zou – A first-generation Chinese Australian, Mimi migrated to Australia at the age of seven and couldn't speak a word of English when she arrived. Today, she is a world-leading expert in artificial intelligence, law and technology, championing fairness, responsible innovation and opportunity for future generations.

David Sinclair – Raised in Sydney, David's story is one of audacious ambition and fearless thinking. From a childhood fascination with ageing to becoming one of the world's leading biomedical innovators, he demonstrates how Australians can shape the future on a global scale.

Tan Kueh – Born in Hong Kong and raised in Australia, Tan's story is one of openness, curiosity and bringing global experience home. After building a career across Sydney, New York, Beijing and Hong Kong, she is now empowering more women to invest with confidence and create meaningful impact.

Together, these stories remind us that one of Australia's greatest advantages is our diversity. Different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives all contribute to who we are as a nation and how we connect with the world. 

Millions more are waiting to be written and we are proud to showcase their stories, and have them in our community. 

About us:

Global Australians is the Global Community for Australian Ambition. An independent, non-partisan not for profit organisation, we unite Australians across 140 countries, harnessing the power of our global connections to strengthen Australia's competitiveness, resilience and future prosperity. We bring together leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, creatives and emerging talent to unlock opportunities, foster collaboration and create lasting impact in the national interest. Through our global network, events, forums, research, career pathways and philanthropic initiatives, we help Australians build meaningful connections, pursue their ambitions and contribute to Australia's future, wherever they are in the world. Learn more at globalaustralians.org

Contact details:

Full stories, quotes, videos, audio, images and biographies are available.

Kate McQuestin on 0411 839 174 or [email protected]