Monthly drinks - April edition

Join society members and supporters from 18:30 onwards for our regular montly drinks. For April, we will be at the Six Nations Rugby Pub (48-50 Rue Gretry, Brussels 1000) where you can also order something to eat. We have a large table reserved - ask for us at the bar if you can't find us.  

For a map and details https://www.facebook.com/events/253225761682976/

Can't make it this month? Upcoming drinks will be held on May 27, June 24 and July 29. We take a break in August for summer. We rotate around a few venues. Check for details on Facebook or through our blog http://australiansocietyinbelgium.blogspot.be/ You can also sign up for our newsletter.

ANZAC Day Commemorations

Join the Australian and New Zealand embassies for a memorable and poignant day of commemoration that visits the war cemeteries of Tyne Cot and Toronto Avenue as well as the Menin Gate at Ypres.

The bus leaves Brussels at 7am. People living outside of Brussels can join the group at the cemeteries if they would like to but should contact the embassy, especially for inclusion in the ceremony at Menin Gate.

Additional ceremonies that you may like to join independently are the Dawn Service (06:00) at the Buttes New British Cemetery and the Last Post ceremony (20:00) at the Menin Gate.

Seats on the bus are on a first-come-first-served basis. An email must be sent to the Australian embassy, as well as the signing of a deed of waiver. Full details are here - http://belgium.embassy.gov.au/bsls/media.html

Please check the embassy's website for full details and continue to refer to the site in the lead-up to ANZAC Day due to the increased security threats in Belgium.

Travel Advisory for Belgium

The following was forwarded to the Australia Society Belgium by the Australian Embassy. - http://smartraveller.gov.au/countries/belgium.

 

Latest travel advice for Belgium, 22 Mar 2016

Belgium has been subject to a terrorist attack. Two explosions were reported at Brussels airport (Zaventum) on 22 March. Several people are reported dead and wounded. Flights in and out of the airport have been cancelled. Road and rail connections to the airport have been closed. Belgium has increased its National Threat Level to Level 4 of 4. There are reports of explosions at Maalbeek metro station in the EU district of central Brussels and all Brussels public transport (buses, trams, metro) has been shut down. We recommend you reconsider your need to travel to Belgium at this time. Australians in Brussels should remain attentive to their surroundings, avoid affected areas and follow the instructions of local authorities. More at Smartraveller