sentences:  The event itself has been running since 2000 and since 2005 has been sponsored by Mazda Australia, adopting its new name "Mazda Opera in the Domain".Former MP Kevin Rudd described the event as "One of the most popular open-air events in Australia", and former Prime Minister Julia Gillard earlier this year said "Opera in the Domain is such a loved and enduring part of Australia's cultural landscape".In 2011, Opera Australia for the first time presented the crowd favorite "Carmen" which attracted over 40,000 people, almost bringing the Phillip Precinct to capacity.