A high powered delegation from the African Union launched the Pan African Australasian Diaspora Network (PAADN)  at the Parliament of Victoria, Australia. (Click here to read a communique from the African Union; and view PAADN's aim, objectives, vision, and mission)

The event took place on the 6th of November 2015, during the Celebration of African Australian Awards ceremony.

Roles of distinguished guests include:

• Mr. Anthony Okara, Deputy Chief of Staff at African Union Commission;
• Dr. Jinmi Adisa, Director, The African Union Department of Citizens and Diaspora Organisation;
• Mr. Ahmed El Basheer, Head of the Diaspora Division African Commission; and
• Ms Eiman Kheir,  CIDO Desk Officer African Union Commission
  

Also present at this iconic event were top diplomats, political, government, and industry leaders, including and amongst others:

• Hon Robin Scott MP, Minister for Finance/Minister for Multicultural Affairs representing The Hon Daniel Andrews MP Premier of Victoria
• Hon Matthew Guy MP, Leader of the Opposition, Leader of the Liberal Party
• Hon Telmo Ramon Languiller MP, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly
• Hon Bruce Atkinson MLC, President of the Legislative Council
• Mr Adam Bandit, Federal MP for Melbourne the Australian Greens
• Ann Clark, Senior Policy Adviser Office of The Hon Daniel Andrews MP Premier of Victoria
• Andrew Crisp, Assistant Commissioner Victoria Police
• His Excellence Mr George Zulu, High Commissioner of Zambia                  
• Heide Goldberg, Consul of Botswana
• Trent Smith, Consul of Malawi
• George Panagiotou,  Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• Magdallene Ektoras,  Department of Immigration and Border protection
• Phil Connole, SBS Government Relations Manager​ 
• Mitch Alexander, SBS Senior Stakeholder Engagement Advisor, Corporate Affairs
• Distinguished African Community Leaders and "Friends of Africa"