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Celebrities promote relations between USA & Australia amidst Trump drama

Celebrities gathered in Los Angeles over the weekend to promote relations between Australia and the USA despite President Trump’s attempts to encumber select nationalities from visiting the ‘Land of the Free’.

Celebrities gathered in Los Angeles over the weekend to promote relations between Australia and the USA despite President Trump’s attempts to encumber select nationalities from visiting the ‘Land of the Free’.

Dozens of famous faces, such as Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban and Richard Wilkins, walked the Qantas-branded red carpet to showcase their support for closer trans-Pacific ties at this year’s G’Day USA Gala Dinner.

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Image: G’Day USA/Facebook

The high-profile annual event organised by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and Tourism Australia, is designed to foster deeper economic ties between the two destinations and promote Australian capabilities in the United States.

In its 15th year, the event also helps showcase Australian goods to potential US visitors such as the Flying Kangaroo, Qantas which is a major sponsor, and Aussie food thanks to delicious dishes created by Chef Neil Perry.

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Image: G’Day USA/Facebook

Chris Hemsworth, who has helped promote Australia over the last year as an official ambassador, was among the big names at this year’s event along with Jai Courtney from Suicide Squad, Dominic Purcell from Prison Break and John Travolta.

Guests were entertained with live performances from X-Factor winner Isaiah Firebrace and former The Voice contestant, We McDonald.

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Image: G’Day USA/Facebook

In true Hollywood spirit and in light of Trump’s recent heavily protested decision to ban new visas for people of certain nationalities, stars used the highly publicised event to crack a few jokes at the new President’s expense, such as TV Producer David Hill who told the audience of 300 that “according to the Trump White House there are 17 million people here tonight – largest audience ever” and he loved “alternative facts” such as his time as “former Mr Universe [and] a former Nobel Peace Prize winner”.

Are you planning a trip to the US this year?