Neil Armstrong inspires audience

Apollo 11 Commander Neil Armstrong was involved in a series of events with
CPA Australia, including an interview with CPA Australia CEO Alex Malley in An Audience with Neil Armstrong. 

Leadership, preparation and the importance of team work were key themes in an address by Neil Armstrong to over 800 CPA Australia members and other attendees at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre on Wednesday 24 August. Winners of a student competition had the opportunity to meet the ‘living legend’.

‘Bringing Neil Armstrong to Australia to help us celebrate our 125th year anniversary was a real milestone for our organisation’, said CPA Australia CEO Alex Malley.

‘Neil Armstrong is the embodiment of leadership and vision; as accountants are increasingly required to provide leadership and strategy beyond their technical expertise, Neil Armstrong was the perfect choice to help us explore the importance of leadership and persisting with long-term vision to achieve great things.’

Mr Armstrong not only had the crowd in stiches with his light-hearted jokes, but he also spoke with passion about his desire to see the space program continue, and the appreciation he felt for Australia’s close ties with the United States.

‘Your country has always been willing to send valiant young people to faraway shores to defeat tyranny wherever it existed and help build a better world for all,’ said Mr Armstrong.

A highlight of the night was when Mr Armstrong took the audience through the last few minutes of the Apollo 11 touchdown on the moon, as never before seen footage of the original moon landing was shown.

His words of inspiration elicited not one, but two, standing ovations. The night concluded with CPA Australia President Low Weng Keong presenting Mr Armstrong with an honorary CPA Australia membership.