It would seem that Hawk23 was volunteering to,

advice them that I can do the job

... Provided that,

they would have to fly me from Australia and put me up for a couple of days

As I read the article, they cheated not only the clients, but also cheated
(or at least delayed payments to) the photographers. 

As to visiting the NYC area ... be sure to keep me advised of your travel plans. 

--
Martin