Hilton Sydney

488 George Street | Sydney NSW

Thursday September 3, 2026

Reception 6:00pm | Dinner 7:00pm

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In celebrating our many differences, Americans and Australians have always come together under a common belief in freedom, openness and optimism to unite our two countries. The Australia Benefit Dinner will celebrate and honour exemplary leaders of significance who advance and strengthen our alliance and inspire others to do the same through their visionary leadership and actions.

This special evening will bring together a distinguished audience of over 400 attendees at the Hilton Sydney, reflecting the depth and breadth of the American Australian partnership. From executive-level business leaders and senior government officials to renowned academics, media figures, and alumni of our scholarship programs, the room will represent the shared values and collaborative spirit that define our community. Their presence underscores the importance of our mission and the collective commitment to shaping a more connected and resilient future.

2026 HONOUREE

Chris Ashton
Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director

Chris Ashton is the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Worley, a global professional services company founded in Australia and listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX:WOR). Based in Houston, Chris leads a business with a significant and growing presence in the United States and operations in more than 40 countries.

Since becoming CEO in 2020, he has led Worley through a period of significant growth and strategic evolution. Under his leadership, the company partners with many of the world’s leading energy, chemicals and resources companies to create value across the asset lifecycle, helping them meet today’s needs and advance more sustainable solutions. Leveraging deep technical expertise and increasingly AI-enabled project delivery, Worley’s teams deliver projects that are critical to economies, communities and future generations.

Chris joined Worley in 1998 and has held senior leadership roles across Australia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and North America. Over nearly three decades, he has helped shape the company’s evolution into one of Australia’s most successful global businesses.

Born in the United Kingdom, Chris moved to the United States in 2000 and has since become a US citizen. After more than two decades living and working in the United States, he has developed a deep appreciation for the longstanding relationship between the United States and Australia and the opportunities created through collaboration between the two countries.

Chris has been a long-term supporter of a range of community initiatives in his home state of Texas, with a focus on education and creating opportunities for young people to thrive in careers such as engineering.

Today, Chris leads a workforce of more than 40,000 people focused on delivering projects that make a lasting difference around the world.

ENTERTAINMENT

Johnny Manuel

Johnny Manuel is a vocalist and songwriter whose music pairs powerhouse vocals with a deeply personal, emotionally direct approach to storytelling.

First introduced to a global audience through his viral America’s Got Talent performance, which has amassed more than 70 million views, Johnny has since built a career that spans television, international touring and major live stages. He has competed at Eurovision, reached the finals of The Voice Australia, opened for *NSYNC, and performed alongside artists including Christina Aguilera, Elton John and Cynthia Erivo. His live credits also include NYC Pride and the historic opening of the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center.

Beyond the performances that first established his voice, Johnny’s focus has increasingly turned toward defining himself through his own music. Across releases including Younger Skin and Blue, he explores love, identity, vulnerability and self-discovery with a sound that places emotional honesty at the centre of his vocal ability.