19 October – Autumn Drinks at Arts d’Australie

Art & Apéro with G.W. Bot

Join the Australia France Business Association for an evening of networking surrounded by Australian art. We’re gathering at Galerie Arts d’Australie by Stéphane Jacob‑Langevin in the Marais for an apéro and a special presentation by Australian artist G.W. Bot of her new Paris exhibition, Glyphmaker — La métamorphose des signes.

G.W. Bot is the artist’s name of the leading Australian artist Christine Grishin, a printmaker, painter, sculptor and graphic artist who has held over 50 solo exhibitions in cities including Sydney, London, Paris, New York and Los Angeles. The name itself has a French connection: the earliest written reference to a wombat comes from a French source, which called it “le grand Wam Bot”.

Her work centres on the “glyph”, a visual language of her own invention. Linocut is her preferred medium, which she combines with watercolour, drawing, painting and sculpture, and her signs transform the landscape into a poetic script, exploring cycles of transformation, memory, regeneration and the fragility of life. Her work is held in more than a hundred public collections, including the National Gallery of Australia, the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

This is a rare chance to hear the artist speak about her work, enjoy the exhibition before it opens to the wider public, and connect with members of the French-Australian business community.

When: Monday 19 October 2026, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Where: Galerie Arts d’Australie, 13 rue Chapon, 75003 Paris

Places are limited. Register here: REGISTER FOR AUTUMN DRINKS

9 October – AFBA x RMIT Business Roundtable (by invitation)

By Invitation Only

The Australia France Business Association (AFBA) is pleased to partner with RMIT University to host a senior business roundtable on Industry–University Collaboration: Shaping Future Research, Innovation and Workforce Capability between Australia and France, to be held on Friday, 9 October 2026, from 8.00am for an 8.15am.
Australia’s participation in Horizon Europe from 2027 marks a significant opportunity to engage with the world’s largest collaborative research and innovation programme, and this roundtable offers senior industry leaders an opportunity to help shape that agenda, share perspectives on future business and workforce needs, and engage directly with RMIT’s leadership on how universities and industry can work together to drive innovation and economic impact.Additionally, with negotiations for the Australia–EU Free Trade Agreement now concluded, this discussion will focus on critical sectors including energy, transport, security and health, and explore emerging challenges and opportunities in innovation, talent and competitiveness. RMIT are particularly interested in understanding industry priorities, workforce requirements and how research and industry partnerships can support the development of practical solutions, commercial outcomes and international collaborations.

As universities adapt to ensure graduates are equipped to succeed in an increasingly AI-enabled economy, RMIT is also keen to hear from industry leaders about the AI capabilities, skills and mindsets future employers will require, and how higher education can evolve in step with business needs.

The discussion will be joined by Professor Alec Cameron, Vice-Chancellor and President of RMIT University, Michelle King, Vice-President Engagement at RMIT University, and Dr Marta Fernandez, Executive Director of RMIT Europe.

The session will provide an opportunity for a candid and practical exchange among business, university and institutional leaders.
This event is by invitation only. AFBA members who wish to participate are invited to contact the AFBA Manager for more information: contact@australiafranceba.org

3 October – Australian Fashion Rooms private members tour

AFBA Private Tour: Australian Fashion Rooms, Paris 2026

In partnership with the Australian Fashion Council

Date: Saturday 3 October 2026
Time: 11:00am
Location: Galerie Poggi, 135 Rue Saint-Martin, 75004 Paris
Cost: Free
RSVP by: 5pm, Friday 2nd October 2026

About the event

AFBA members are invited to an exclusive private tour of Australian Fashion Rooms, the Australian Fashion Council’s debut showroom at Paris Fashion Week SS27.

Australian Fashion Rooms brings together 12 Australian designers in a gallery-like setting in the Marais, giving international buyers, media and industry a dedicated place to discover Australian fashion in Paris. It is the AFC’s largest international trade initiative to date.

This tour gives AFBA members a chance to see the collections up close and meet the designers behind them.

The designers

The showroom features a cohort of emerging, evolving and established brands spanning couture, refined and directional ready-to-wear, First Nations-led practice, artisanal craft and experimental design:

Amy Lawrance · Buai · Caroline Reznik · ESSE · Haluminous · Ilio Nema · Maara Collective · Madre Natura · Miimi & Jiinda · NGALI · Paolo Sebastian · Romance Was Born

This event is open to AFBA members and a plus one per member. It will suit anyone with an interest in fashion, design, retail or Australia–France trade and cultural exchange. Contact AFBA Manager Penelope Roth if you are not yet an AFBA member and wish to attend.

How to register

Please register below by 5pm, Friday 2nd October 2026.(Registration is essential)