Swannies’ President, Phil Johns, gives the outgoing Ambassador, Allaster Cox, a farewell trophy.

On Thursday, 21 June 2012, the Vietnam Swans presented the outgoing Australian Ambassador, Allaster Cox, with one of the Club’s farewell trophies that says, “You can leave the Club. but not the country. Honk!”

Swans National President, Phil Johns said that the Vietnam Swans had greatly appreciated the support of the Australian Ambassador during his appointment.

Allaster had been a great supporter of the Club in Hanoi attending numerous events – and this was acknowledged two days earlier when our Hanoi President, Dan Hopkins presented Allaster with a club polo shirt.

From a national perspective, Johns highlighted Allaster’s support of the Swannies’ signature event, the ANZAC Friendship Match. In the inaugural year of the event back in 2010, Allaster had made a special effort to attended and had been flanked by the former HCMC Consul General, Defense Attache, Austrade Commissioner and Auscham Executive.

This was particularly significant as just four years earlier, the prevailing wisdom was that such a match may not be appropriate due to the prevailing political climate.

On behalf of the Swannies, Johns thanked Allaster again and wished him well in the future.

Allaster thanked the Vietnam Swans and he spoke enthusiastically and generously about the role that we play in the local community.