The Australian Institute of International Affairs, in partnership with the University of Wollongong and the Wollongong City Council, invited members of the public to attend its inaugural Town Hall meeting on international affairs in Wollongong.The general public was invited to join expert speakers to discuss the forthcoming White Paper on Australia in the Asian Century. This was a chance to get involved in the national debate about transformations in the Asian region and learn about the White Paper process from experts in the field. The purpose of this event was to give the audience the opportunity to engage directly in an important national debate.