The Annual Tesla Dinner was held at the Perth Town Hall to celebrate Tesla’s birthday as the International Day of Science, technology, peace and cooperation among the nations.

The evening was hosted by Jovana Nesic, M.C. Slavitsa Dimitrijevic, President of Tesla Forum, talked about the objectives and achievements of the Forum and acknowledged the support received in preparation of this year’s Tesla Day celebrations and in particular co-organizers of this year’s Expo|2011: Museum Nikola Tesla of Belgrade, City of Perth, Western Power and Scitech.

Hon. Lisa Scaffidi, Lord Mayor of Perth, acknowledged the importance of science and innovation in the development of our society and used Tesla as an inspiring role model for WA youth.

Her Excellency Neda Maletic, Ambassador of Serbia, conveyed the support from Serbian government for the events that promote science and education and in particular this event that celebrates Nikola Tesla, Serbian inventor. She also expressed her appreciation for all Australians of Serbian origin that made significant contribution to the development of Australia, their newly adopted country.

Vladimir Jelenkovic, director of Nikola Tesla Museum from Belgrade was the guest speaker on the night who concluded the official part of the program with a very inspiring overview of Tesla’s life and achievements (pdf copy of the speech is available). He reflected on the importance of Tesla’s inventions for modern science and our everyday’s life.

A short documentary about Nikola Tesla, directed by Boris Malagurski (Canada) and Nikola Amanovic (Sydney) with production support by Tesla Forum was presented at the dinner. The documentary is planned to be screened in Hoyts cinemas in all major Australian cities during October 2011.

The dinner was a great success and it once again proves an extraordinary interest and respect that exist for Nikola Tesla’s work and achievements.