On 6 and 7 September, Mr Olivier Cadic, Senator representing the French living abroad, came to Australia for the first time and chose Melbourne to start his visit. Ms Julie Duhaut-Bedos, Deputy Head of Mission of the French Embassy came from Canberra to accompany him along and discover Melbourne at the same time.
The schedule included visits of French schools, community and associations, French companies and a visit to the Parliament of Victoria kindly hosted by the Hon Colin Brookes, speaker of the legislative assembly and the Hon Bruce Atkinson, President of the Legislative Council. The senator also found the time to give two interviews to SBS radio and the Courrier Australien before flying towards Sydney.
Below are a few snap shots of his two day visit :
First school visited was Caulfield Junior College and its French Section Elective.
Olivier Cadic with students from Caulfield Junior College
To finish the morning the senator went to Auburn High School which hosts a binational French Australian Section.
The senator also met the parents supporting the project of a French school in Geelong.
Myriam, Noemie Ruffo, Olivier Cadic and Danièle Kemp.
The senator also visited Glen Eira College and discovered their various French programs.
Before finishing the day with an interview with SBS Radio, Senator Cadic went to visit Transdev’ headquarters in Melbourne.
Myriam, Julie Bedos, Oivier Cadic, Rene Lalande
On his second day, Senator Cadic discovered the Australian operations of French company Engie.
Myriam Boisbouvier-Wylie, Greg Billman, Olivier Cadic.
Then, Senator Cadic met with Mr Nicolas Gindt and visited Yarra Trams headquarters.
Julie Duhaut-Bedos, Nicolas Gindt, Olivier Cadic.
Senator Cadic later visited the Parliament house and was welcomed by the Hon. Colin Brooks.
Myriam Boibouvier-Wylie, Olivier Cadic, Colin Brooks.
Lunch was held at the Honorary Consulate General of France in Melbourne with various members of the French community including Presidents of various French associations.
Olivier Cadic with the presidents of the French associations.
Senator Cadic concluded his visit at the Alliance Francaise of Melbourne.
Myriam Boisbouvier-Wylie, Francoise Libotte, Daniele Kemp, Olivier Cadic, Julie Duhaut-Bedos at the Alliance Française in Melbourne.