The finale is hosted by the Vereinigde Oost  Indische Compagnie (VOC) Foundation, who are also responsible for generating interest in organisations around the Netherlands staging events. The Finale, is the VOC Foundations way of thanking all participants who contributed to making the year a great success. 

The bilateral events and relationships forged among researchers, journalists, artists and  politicians, to mention but a few, will have an enduring effect on people in both countries.  Australian trade and political delegations and visits by high powered officials from both countries including the Crown Prince of the Netherlands Willem Alexander and Crown Princess Maxima and the Governor General of Australia were also highlights of the year.  

On the Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende visit to Australia he and the Australian Prime Minister John Howard traveled to Fremantle together especially to farewell the Duyfken (Little Dove), the replica of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) ship that is credited with being the first Europe ship to visit the shore of the Great South Land or Terra Australis Incognita – on her trip around Australia to mark the 400 year anniversary.