It has been a long time between lunches, if not drinks, for the FCA. But I am delighted to report the drought was broken in style and substance on February 28, thanks to the good offices of Tourism Australia and our own Board.

The body charged with promoting tourism overseas laid on a fine spread at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Sydney for more than 20 FCA members. We celebrated a new co-operation between the FCA and Tourism Australia.

While the menu including Barramundi and puy lentils was an attraction in itself, it was the business at hand which warmed the cockles of many of our hearts.

While not yet finalized, it will include a financial contribution from TA and, most importantly, an opportunity for members to go on TA-sponsored trips. FCA-President Urs Wälterlin will inform all members about the deal, once the necessary paperwork has been signed. It's only one of several deals the board has been able to negotiate over the past two years.

In the many years since the FCA's formation, there have been a number of grumbles about the institutions of government taking us more seriously.

One outstanding matter has been in the area of travel. Tourism Australia, like some of the state's own promotional bodies, has a visiting journalists program. At no small expense they have brought out many scribblers from other countries, duchessed them royally and waited for the glowing reviews to roll in.

This strategy has been appreciated on both sides of the world. Those on the Fleet Street travel desks guarded these "jollies" jealously and only handed them on to high and trusted colleagues. In Australia, it was claimed the modus operandi was effective.

But the FCA has long argued we have journalists here, who could cover more ground at a fraction of the cost. Ones who understand the country and don't go potty over a crocodile warning sign or wax too lyrical over a dusty dirt road. Those who are not spoilt by years of five star travel and a pile of invitations to explore lodges and temples in the world's sweetest honeypots. In other words real reporters.

It seems the FCA's subtle campaign might yet yield results. Between courses and reading between the lines, it seemed new Managing Director of Tourism Australia Geoff Buckley and his team might want what we have.

An illuminating talk on marketing Australia overseas revealed the role of news and knowledge about this country, in inspiring tourists in other less fortunate lands to make the decision to see us for themselves. And surprise surprise it is not just the travel pages which can cast this magical spell.

So stand by for more developments which may see some assistance for our members, as opposed to our colleagues being parachuted in on business class, to tell the world more about the real Australia.