In 1997 a group of amateur Australian Football enthusiasts joined forces with a social Australian/American group from the Sportsman's Grille to hold the first Australian Festival at Elmington Park (pictured right). The event consisted of a game of Australian Football followed by a BBQ - and then off to the Grille to watch a live telecast of the Grand Final (Australia's Super Bowl). Of the 100 or so Aussie and American's that came together that day - none would have imagined in their wildest dreams that this event would lay the way for development of the largest Australian Festival to be held outside Australia.

From the beginning the friendship between Australian's and Tennessean's was clear and obvious - and that spirit has carried this event through to its 10th Anniversary. During that time we have seen Australian organizations come to Nashville promoting their companies and ex-patriots come from all over the US and Australia to celebrate their culture. With additional support and guidance from the Australian Embassy in Washington, D.C. and key organizations around the United States, the Australian Festival has become the focal point of that connection which Australia and Tennessean's now share. As strong as our Australian support has been, the support of Nashville and Tennessee both in corporate support and also at the government level has been outstanding. This was highlighted with the Tennessee Trade Mission to Australia in June 2006.

On Thursday September 14, 2006 the Gum Trees Gala will be a celebration for the ages. For this historic event we are welcoming to Nashville the premier Australian Bush Band - The Bushwackers (pictured right) and featuring Australian Singer Songwriter Neil Murray. The Gala will feature upscale food, drink, decor in the backdrop of Nashville's jewel - the Parthenon, while we recognize and say thanks to those who helped build this great event. We say good-bye to our founder and retiring director Peter Beare while also recognizing key people from the Nashville Kangaroos as well as the club's very supportive members, the dedicated corporations that sponsored and supported us, and the volunteer army that came out every year to help. We also meet the new Managing Director - Dean Shortland - who is now leading the Australian Festival with his team of professional directors to a very promising future.

And in the true spirit of Australian and Tennessee friendship the Gum Trees Gala comes together to financially support both the festival and a great Nashville charity - Dismas House, who are the Australian Festival's official charity for 2006. The key to our future success is to continue bringing Australia and Tennessee together and Dismas House are a great partner in this endeavor. 

Please join us as we celebrate 10 Years of the Australian Festival in Nashville, Tennessee. There is limited tickets available so be sure to order your tickets early to avoid missing out on this grand celebration.  

For details and more information please go to http://www.gumtreesgala.com or call (615) 443-9050.  

To read the history of the Australian Festival - Click Here