Innovator: In an inspiring history of a pioneering diplomat, Jenny Bloomfield reveals an extraordinary memoir of a trailblazing envoy who went from Greek migrant schoolgirl to Australian Ambassador. Photo: Supplied.
The exceptional legacy of a trailblazing diplomat, Australian Ambassador is a compelling true history authored by Jenny Bloomfield. From a 12-year-old child leaving her birthplace, Thessaloniki, to returning decades later as Australia’s envoy to Athens, her journey is captivating. It’s a full-circle experience, one that redefined what’s possible — and what it means to belong.
Bloomfield was the Australian Ambassador to Greece from 2011 until 2014, with non-resident accreditation to Albania and Bulgaria, and both the first woman and the first person of Greek descent to hold that position. Another remarkable connection is that she was born on Australia Day, 26 January, in Greece’s second-largest city on the Thermaic Gulf at the northwest corner of the Aegean Sea. It’s a vibrant northern city and sister city of Melbourne, where she grew up.
“My birthplace was a cosmopolitan crossroads, but to those around me my Greek background is hardly apparent,” Bloomfield writes, initially doubting her ability to “truly represent Australia as its ambassador to Greece”. The list of vacancies for heads of mission was issued in 2010. There was consternation, at first, when she was asked: “Why don’t you put your hand up for Athens?”
“… His suggestion throws me. For most diplomats, overseas assignments are the ultimate dream, but applying for another posting, especially now, when we’ve only just settled back in Australia, hasn’t crossed my mind. And … Greece?
“I am still finding my feet, keen to do the job justice and live up to the trust placed in me. Yet a single thought eclipses all these practical considerations: I am Greek.”
However, it was with an enormous sense of pride, and the satisfaction of a job well done, that everyone recognised it was “a big deal … being an Australian ambassador”.
In this straightforward and true-to-life account, Bloomfield opens a rare window into the diplomatic world — the stress, the mission and the silent courage. Australian Ambassador is a poignant, universally relatable memoir that offers a paradigm shift in Australian diplomacy.
“I wanted to share my story because it speaks to Australia’s greatest strengths: an open, compassionate and generous nation of opportunity, where people from diverse backgrounds can come together and achieve remarkable things. In many ways, my story is the story of countless Australians.”
Bloomfield wanted to share Australia’s story of openness and opportunity and honour the quiet courage of those who build new lives here. Transparency, compassion, diversity, and a free society and economy are not accidents of history; they are deliberate choices we must protect and nurture. It’s about a nation strengthened by those who arrive with hope, resilience and a desire to contribute. The Australia we cherish is one we must keep building, patiently, courageously and together. It’s a shared history and our future will be even more so.
Penning this path-breaking autobiography, richly illustrated in colour, Bloomfield captures a wealth of historic milestones, names of numerous political leaders, records countless epochal events and shares her familial background.
Spanning postings in Iran, Argentina, Japan, Taiwan, Greece and Eastern Europe, Bloomfield’s career unfolded across some of the world’s most complex political landscapes. With her husband and four children by her side, she navigated crises, cultural divides and moments of profound connection.
Her historic appointment to Athens came at a moment of intense political and economic upheaval. Drawing on her intimate understanding of both her homelands, Bloomfield forged bridges between Greece and Australia at a time when they were needed most.
Told with warmth, sincerity and wit, Australian Ambassador is a celebration of dual heritage, public service and the possibilities of a modern, outward-looking Australia. It is also a testament to the strength of connection — how it is shaped, challenged and ultimately reclaimed.
Bloomfield speaks eight languages, and has had a distinguished 29-year career as an Australian diplomat and public servant. Beneath the official appointments is a personal story of migration, family, loss and a disquieting experience of belonging to two countries.
Bloomfield also held senior positions at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, in Canberra, and led the department’s Victoria State Office in Melbourne. Since retiring in 2024, she has published widely on political, economic and foreign policy issues in Australian and international media.
The modest brilliance of Australian Ambassador embodies our dynamic, multicultural identity, incorporating subtle perfection that brings our rich cultural mosaic to life.
Australian Ambassador, by Jenny Bloomfield, Carlow Books, $36.99
