The Australian Syrian League (ASL) brought families and community members together for a vibrant Family Picnic on Sunday, 1 February 2026, celebrating culture, unity, and togetherness in a relaxed outdoor setting.
Held at Garrison Point, the event welcomed attendees from across the community for an afternoon of live entertainment, food, and connection from 12.00 pm to 4.00 pm.
A highlight of the day was the live musical performance by Tony Rabbat, which added to the festive atmosphere and encouraged families to relax, socialise, and enjoy the occasion. With food and drinks provided, many guests also brought picnic rugs and chairs, creating a warm and welcoming environment for people of all ages.
The picnic was attended by a number of elected representatives and community leaders, all of whom addressed the crowd and spoke about the importance of multiculturalism, community cohesion, and cultural pride. Among the speakers were Mr. Zhi Soon – Federal Member for Banks, Mrs. Kylie Wilkinson – State Member for East Hills, Clr. Bilal El Hayek – Mayor, and Rachelle Harika – Deputy Mayor of Canterbury Bankstown.
They were joined by George Al Rahil, President of the Australian Syrian League, who spoke about the League’s role in supporting and uniting the community, and Mamdouh Sukkarieh, former President of the League, who served as Master of Ceremonies and guided the proceedings throughout the afternoon.
Oz Arab Media was represented at the event by Charbel Tadros and Christine Tadros, who attended in support of the community and documented the positive atmosphere of the day.
The Australian Syrian League Family Picnic stood as a strong example of grassroots community engagement, bringing people together to celebrate shared heritage while strengthening connections across the wider Canterbury-Bankstown region.
