Promote Trade and Investment

All events and measures undertaken by the ATBC are primarily for the purpose of promoting and enhancing business opportunities within Australia and Turkey.

ATBC promotes trade and business opportunities by:

• Providing business-focused information and events for all industries
• Promoting Turkish business and awareness to the Australian Government
• Hosting functions for our members to meet and explore business opportunities with Consulates, Ministers, Trade Delegates and senior Politicians
• Developing strategic partnerships to tap into the growing business opportunities in Turkey and Australia
• Advising our members of Trade Missions
• Making our members aware of Trade Grants that are available

With continued strong economic growth in Australia and Turkey, there are many significant opportunities for Australian and Turkish business persons to create lasting and prosperous commercial partnerships. Our function is to convey and promote this information to our members.

Enhance Australian-Turkish Relations

Australia and Turkey have a unique, collaborative, international bond as both countries play an important role in global governance. Australia and Turkey are both members of the G20 industrial nations. Additionally, Australia and Turkey are both partners in the Alliance of Civilizations.

Australia and Turkey have excellent diplomatic relations; both countries work closely together and have an international joint shared vision.

Our reverential pride of our two nations global standing has encouraged the ATBC to further enhance and inspire understanding and co-operation between our two countries.

Our Council’s dedicated and specialised function is recognised by governmental sectors. Consequently, we are frequently called upon and invited for friendly introductions and pragmatic discussions with State and Federal government leaders, the Turkish Consulate General, the Turkish Ambassador, visiting Turkish dignitaries and civil societies. All discussions are aimed at advancing Australian-Turkish relations.

Encourage Peace and Pride

The first encounter between Turks and Australians took place at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915, during World War I. Australians landed at Gallipoli to join the British troops, to secure a foothold for the Allied forces, who aimed to occupy İstanbul, the capital of the Ottoman Empire.

The violent clashes that ensued within this cove culminated with enormous casualties and deaths. Regrettably 8,700 Australian soldiers were killed at Gallipoli, however a staggering 86,000 Ottoman Turkish troops were also killed. The Ottoman Turks suffered more casualties at Gallipoli than in any other campaign of the war.

25 April is now recognised as a national day for Australians, known as ANZAC Day. Australians and Turks remember this significant day and commemorate their shared history in an effort to increase historical, social and cultural understanding and awareness between both countries. ATBC recognises the importance of our shared history.

The Victorian State Government approached the ATBC to recommend appropriate Turkish involvement in the ANZAC Centenary commemorations. Two ATBC Board members, Burhan Falay and Unal Yildiz, formed the Australian Turkish Centenary Community Committee, which organised projects to celebrate Australian and Turkish culture in 2015, including initiating projects to fund an Australian Turkish Friendship Memorial Sculpture.

The ATBC endeavours to forge pride, peace and strong links within the Australian and Turkish communities. We acknowledge and commemorate our shared history, for our present and future generations. It is with enormous pride that we honour the sacrifice and courage of our brave, deceased soldiers.

Mentor our Business Members

ATBC supports and mentors our members by providing the latest business information and by sharing valuable business insights.

Our Council provides information about the economy, trade, business opportunities, rules, regulations and taxation laws to our members by:

• Conducting seminars
• Organising free dinners for our members with renowned economists
• Private and individual mentoring
• Emailing monthly taxation updates

Private mentoring and group seminars are designed to instil confidence, business pride and lawful work ethics in our members.

Our successful and competent members are encouraged to nominate for awards, and are advised when nomination and registration applications are being offered. Many of our members have won State and National Business Awards, and the ATBC has supported and encouraged their achievements and their award applications.

Our award-winning members have included Ali Fuat Kahveci, Mahmut Bas, Necmi Kul, Erdogan Akbulut, Osman Kuyruk and Ozturk Yildiz.

Supporting Education

Education of youth is of major importance for the Australian Turkish Business Council. The ATBC provides educational initiatives for students within the Australian and Turkish community. Students are our future professionals and business people, and we aim to encourage them by:

• Providing financial scholastic rewards to achieving students
• Encouraging and supporting students to remain on their chosen course
• Providing employment for graduating students
• Fostering interest in Australia and Turkey’s wartime heritage

Supporting Art & Culture

The Australian Turkish Business Council encourages our community to retain and express their social identity and cultural inheritance by supporting cultural events.

The ATBC is a proud sponsor of many events including the Annual Tulip Festival, Turkish film festivals, Pazar Festivals and Turkish cultural events. By providing financial support to these events the ATBC aims to:

• Build a positive image of Turkey within the Australian community
• Educate Australians on the richness of Turkish society
• Nurture the young, set an example and provide inspiration for Turkish youth
• Encourage tourism to Turkey
• Support artists and their art

Each year the ATBC organises a picnic, where all our members and the entire Turkish community are invited free of charge to enjoy the day. All the food is provided at no charge and there is also music, entertainment, face painting and games for children. This event encourages the community to come together.