Feedback from abroad

Dear Sir/Madam,

I feel that I can legitimately speak for all ex-patriate Australians in heartily congratulating you on the establishment of a university institute in honour of one of the greatest of all living Australians, Edward Gough Whitlam. I live in Cambridge, Massachusetts (close to Harvard University, with which I am affiliated), and run a small, independent classical recording label, Musica Omnia (www.musicaomnia.com). It is in large part due to Mr. Whitlam's view of Australia as something greater than a far-flung British backwater that people involved in the arts, such as myself, were inspired to reach beyond our limitations of geography and colonial insularity, in order to fulfil a pressing cultural need whose time had come. It is also a tribute to Australia's growth, made possible by Mr. Whitlam's vision for a more mature and enquiring society, that many of the conditions which necessitated my departure from our shores, as well as the departure of many of my contemporaries, no longer apply in the way they once did.

So, my congratulations to you on this superb website, and best wishes to you and to the Whitlams. Long may they prosper! Mr. Whitlam's vision of a greater, more culturally aware and inclusive society has helped spawned a whole new level of interest in the arts, which is immediately evident to the returning expatriate, and of which my own venture is but a small, and globally far-flung manifestation. It's great to see that he has finally been recognised in his own time and country as our true "elder statesman". And his continuing presence is an inspiration to all of us.

All best,

Dr. Peter Watchorn
Musica Omnia
Cambridge, MA (USA)

Source: info@whitlam.org