The Australian Lebanese Cultural Union (ALCU) hosted a grand gala dinner that brought together leaders, dignitaries, and community members for an evening dedicated to culture, recognition, and shared identity.
From the moment guests stepped into the venue, the atmosphere was one of warmth, pride, and celebration, supported by volunteers who ensured every detail—from the table settings to the placement of Lebanese and Australian flags—reflected the significance of the occasion.
The night opened with a formal welcome and the playing of the Australian and Lebanese national anthems, followed by a solemn minute of silence. It set a respectful tone for a program built around honouring heritage and uplifting the Lebanese-Australian community.
A lively folkloric dance performance captured the spirit of Lebanon, blending traditional rhythm, colour, and movement. The performance set the cultural heartbeat for the night before guests were presented with a video message from the World President of the World Lebanese Cultural Union, Mr Abbas Fawaz, whose words reinforced the global unity of Lebanese communities.
The event drew an impressive line-up of dignitaries, including:
- The Hon. Minister Jihad Dib MP, Member for Bankstown, Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Youth Justice
- The Hon. Julia Finn MP, Member for Granville, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier, and Parliamentary Secretary for the Arts
- The Hon. Kylie Wilkinson MP, Member for East Hills
- Clr. Bilal El Hayek, Mayor of the City of Canterbury Bankstown
- Clr. Rachelle Harika, Deputy Mayor of Canterbury Bankstown
Their attendance reflected the strong ties between ALCU and civic leaders committed to supporting multicultural communities across New South Wales.
As the evening progressed, guests enjoyed dinner accompanied by Lebanese musical ambience before turning their attention to a series of keynote remarks. The President of the Continental Council, Dr. Abraham Constantin, delivered an address highlighting the importance of maintaining cultural tradition while fostering unity abroad, followed by a thoughtful speech from The Hon. Jihad Dib MP, who spoke about contribution, identity, and community resilience.
The awards segment became the emotional centrepiece of the night. Dr. Constantin invited key community figures to the stage to assist in the presentations, beginning with the announcement of the Australian–Lebanese Female of the Year 2025. Professor Hadia Haikal-Moukhtar was honoured with a medal and certificate, receiving them with humility and delivering a heartfelt speech that resonated strongly with attendees.
This was followed by the recognition of the Australian–Lebanese Male of the Year 2025, whose award was presented via a special video recorded earlier. The program then transitioned to the formal acknowledgement of Mr Beshara Taouk, who was celebrated and honoured with the title of Honorary President.
The night eased into a festive atmosphere with dessert, music, and dancing, allowing guests to mingle and celebrate together.
As the event drew to a close, music and dancing filled the final hour, leaving attendees with a strong sense of unity and pride. The gala was more than a formal gathering—it was a reflection of the enduring strength and vibrancy of the Lebanese-Australian community, and a celebration of the cultural ties that bind generations together.
