Red, White, and True to You: Inside the US Consulate’s 250th Independence Celebration
How a grassroots independent platform earned a seat at the table to bring straight-from-the-source, factual defence and economic updates back to our community.
By Wade McColl (01/07/2026)
Roger Rook Premier of Western Australia, Wade McColl Founder & Director of Baldivis Times, Colleen Altstock Perth’s Consul General of the United States. Photo by Myah Loo, Baldivis Times 2026.
Walking through the rigorous security scans and signing into the Granite Room at the RAC Arena last night, it was impossible not to reflect on how far this platform has come. Less than twelve months ago, the Baldivis Times was just a grassroots concept. Last night, fueled by an audience of over 40,000+ hyper-locals and 7 million monthly viewers, we were in the room with the absolute game changers of Western Australian politics, industry, and defence.
The private invitation, extended by US Consul General Colleen Altstock, marked the celebration of America's 250th Independence Day anniversary.
Official invitation from the US Consulate of Perth given to the Baldivis Times for the 250th Anniversary of America’s Independence. Source: Baldivis Times.
Getting an invitation to a high-level diplomatic event like this isn't about prestige or personal wins. For our team, it means we are physically in the room to get factual, straight-from-the-source information on the massive changes affecting our local coastline, our jobs, and our economy. It means no second-hand spin and no corporate filters: just the raw facts delivered directly to our suburbs.
An Authentic Americana Experience
The US Consulate team and RAC Arena staff transformed the venue into a spectacular "County Fair" theme, paying homage to the deep historical ties between the United States and Western Australia. The walls were lined with Americana, with displays of historical American football and baseball memorabilia, highlighting decades of joint sporting competition between our two nations.
Granite Room, where 250th Year of America’s Independence day celebration took place at Perth RAC Arena. Source: US Embassy Australia, Manny Tamayo.
As vocalist Sophie Foster delivered moving renditions of both the American and Australian National Anthems, guests softly sang along to honor that shared history.
Sophie Foster sings United States of America National Anthem and Australian National Anthem. Source: US Embassy Australia, Manny Tamayo.
The high-end catering featured an incredible, authentic American menu processed by the brilliant venue staff:
Wagyu beef cheeseburger sliders and traditional fairground corndogs
Buttermilk fried buffalo chicken and baked Mac & Cheese bites
Cinnamon donuts, mini Magnums, hot popcorn, and traditional apple pies
To drink, staff poured Hardys The Riddle Brut Reserve NV champagne, ice-cold Budweiser beers, and Snoop Dogg’s famous 19 Crimes Cali Sauvignon Blanc.
RAC catering staff in the Granite Room, where 250th Year of America’s Independence day celebration took place. Source: US Embassy Australia, Manny Tamayo.
The Power Players and High-Stakes Alliances
(L-R): Colleen Altstock Perth’s Consul General of the United States, Roger Rook Premier of Western Australia, Chris Dawson Governor of Western Australia. Source: US Embassy Australia, Manny Tamayo.
This was far from just a party. The room was packed with state ministers, diplomatic corps, industrial titans, and mining leaders. Standing alongside Government House Western Australia Governor Chris Dawson, WA Premier Roger Cook, and Police Minister Reece Whitby, we made sure to keep the focus firmly on what matters to our local streets. Notably, local representation was distinct, with City of Rockingham Mayor Lorna Buchan and Rockingham Kwinana Chamber of Commerce CEO Sue Hasey in attendance.
Sue Hasey CEO, Rockingham Kwinana Chamber of Commerce, with Colleen Altstock, Perth’s Consul General of the United States. Source: US Embassy Australia, Manny Tamayo.
Throughout the evening, the air was thick with intense strategic discussions regarding AUKUS, defense supply chains, and localized infrastructure. We had the distinct privilege of mingling with the minds behind the massive digital displays at Yagan Square, the team from Scitech, and spent time conversing directly with the Premier and the Police Minister about our community. We are also already in the works on some potential content with Minister Whitby in the near future.
What the Leaders Said
The speeches delivered by both Consul General Altstock and Premier Cook underscored just how vital Western Australia, specifically our local coastline, is to the global geopolitical landscape.
Colleen Altstock Perth’s Consul General of the United States speaks at the 250th Independence Day Anniversary. Source: US Embassy Australia, Manny Tamayo.
Consul General Colleen Altstock on the WA-US Defense and Economic Pipeline:
"Under AUKUS, more US submarines are visiting Perth, and up to four US submarines will have a rotational presence at HMAS Stirling starting from next year. AUKUS is shaping up to be the biggest investment in Australia's defense history. It is creating high skilled employment in maintenance and advanced manufacturing, and it is growing local businesses through defence supply chains, hospitality, retail and tourism."
Consul General Altstock also highlighted a landmark 8.5 billion dollar framework for cooperation on critical minerals priority projects announced by the US and Australia, noting:
"most of those projects are right here in Western Australia."
Premier Roger Cook took the stage next, shifting the tone to a mix of shared ambition and sharp wit, famously addressing our strategic alignment using a sibling dynamic.
Roger Rook Premier of Western Australia speaks at the 250th Independence Day Anniversary. Source: US Embassy Australia, Manny Tamayo.
Premier Roger Cook on the AUKUS Alliance:
"Corporately, the United States and Australia have enjoyed a great relationship built on mateship, entrepreneurship and shared ambition. With our shared heritage, our close relationships, our two nations are a lot like siblings... As someone with a lot of experience in the matter, I have to say as our older sibling, the United States has the best hand-me-downs... a Virginia class nuclear submarine."
Cook continued, stating:
"WA is deeply committed to AUKUS, and we believe our defence industry is set to become our second biggest sector after mining and resources. This is an ambition we can only realize in partnership with our closest allies."
The Takeaway for Our Community
Myah Loo, Assistant Director of Baldivis Times, with Wade McColl, Founder & Director of Baldivis Times. Source: US Embassy Australia, Manny Tamayo.
Sitting in these rooms allows the Baldivis Times to bypass the corporate media spin. When major defence shifts hit HMAS Stirling or economic funding alters our local job markets, we are getting the data straight from the source.
A profound thank you to every single person who hits share, leaves a comment, and trusts us to tell the story of our region. This recognition belongs entirely to you. You are the sole reason we have a seat at the table, and we will always use it to bring the unfiltered truth back home to our community.