There’s no place like home … This year’s Great Australian Ball will take Australian natives and their guests to a place far, far away over the rainbow. For the past 15 years, the Australian Chamber of Commerce (AustCham Shanghai) has hosted the annual Great Australian Ball. On 11 September, Australian citizens and their pals will once again come out for a spectacular night of charity and partying.

AustCham Shanghai is a non-profit organisation with a primary goal of strengthening the commercial and economic relationship between Australia and China. However, they also encourage cultural exchanges and community growth here in Shanghai.

Their annual ball began in 1994 and has been growing bigger and more spectacular with each passing year. This year’s theme, ‘The Wonderful World of Oz … There’s No Place Like Home’, promises to be a magical evening of wild costumes and animated guests. To add to the fun, there will be a Cinderella Best Dressed Award, a raffle and many interactive games and competitions throughout the night. There might even be a few surprise guest appearances as well.

All charity proceeds will go to The Giving Tree – a not-for-profit organisation which donates gift bags to orphanages and migrant schools during the Chinese New Year. This year’s goal is to raise RMB 200,000 that will be used to buy 1,200 gift bags for the 2011 New Year. The last two events raised over RMB 700,000, so the goal certainly seems achievable. “Australians like to give back to their community,” explains Kim Gilliland, Executive Director for AustCham Shanghai.

One of AustCham Shanghai’s more popular events is Aussie Drinks Central, a weekly Friday evening after-work gathering and fundraiser. All proceeds from the night are donated to community outreach programs. This month, funds raised will be donated to the Baobai Foundation to put towards corrective spinal surgery for eight month old Lianna. Along with the usual Friday events, AustCham Shanghai also hosts a Christmas party, the Aussie-Kiwi BBQ, Australia Day Family BBQ and a corporate golf day every April.

Furthermore, AustCham Shanghai invites guest speakers to Shanghai on a regular basis. This year, for the first time in 18 years, AustCham Shanghai will be hosting the Australian Business Awards. The nominees will be announced on 31 October at the Australian Pavilion, followed by a black-tie event on the 11 November to announce the winners in each of the seven categories.

Great Australian Ball XV tickets are priced at RMB 1,100 (members), RMB 1,300 (non-members). Web: www.austchamshanghai.com