On May 17, the City View Reception in Lakemba became a vibrant hub of cultural celebration as IWAA NSW hosted a momentous event to commemorate Eid and Easter. This special occasion brought together community leaders, network partners, IWAA clients and their carers, as well as the dedicated staff of IWAA. The primary goal was to foster harmony and understanding among people from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of unity within the community.
For over 30 years, IWAA, a non-profit organization, has been tirelessly serving the multicultural and Australian community in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. Their unwavering commitment to providing culturally, religiously, and gender-specific services in Aged Care, NDIS, Settlement, and Community Development is truly commendable. With a team of over 600 employees who collectively speak more than 60 languages, IWAA has also established an overnight Respite and Safe House, offering support to women and children escaping domestic violence.
The evening commenced with Mayor Bilal El Hayek, who took the time out of his busy schedule to grace the event with his presence, even though he regretfully had to leave early due to a prior engagement. Mayor El Hayek’s attendance at the beginning of the celebration served as a testament to the local government’s endorsement of IWAA’s initiatives and their commitment to building a strong and connected community.
Minister Jihad Dib remained present throughout the night, actively engaging in the diverse performances. In a heartwarming display of cultural appreciation and unity, Minister Dib enthusiastically participated in an African dance, showcasing his support and enthusiasm for the various traditions and customs represented at the event.
Sue Hamdoush, the NSW Manager of IWAA and Aunty Galila Abdul Salam, the esteemed CEO and founder, addressed the audience, reflecting on IWAA’s remarkable journey spanning over three decades. They shared stories of the organization’s impact on the lives of individuals and families, particularly in the areas of Aged Care, NDIS, Settlement, and Community Development. Aunty Galila expressed their pride in IWAA’s achievements and reaffirmed the organization’s unwavering commitment to promoting cultural diversity and social harmony.
The speeches delivered by Sue Hamdoush and Aunty Galila resonated deeply with the audience, inspiring them to continue supporting IWAA’s mission and fostering inclusivity within their own lives and communities. Their words served as a powerful reminder that events like this are not merely celebrations of festivals but also opportunities to promote unity, understanding, and compassion among diverse communities.
The program featured a spectacular array of performances that captivated the audience with their cultural richness and artistic expression. The evening began with a mesmerizing Aboriginal dance and song, paying homage to the land’s indigenous heritage and recognizing the contributions of the First Nations people of Australia. This was followed by an energetic African dance, filling the room with infectious rhythm and joy, eliciting enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Adding a touch of glamour and exuberance, a vibrant Bollywood performance took center stage, mesmerizing the crowd with dazzling costumes and captivating choreography. The fusion of Eastern and Western influences created a harmonious spectacle that transcended cultural boundaries, uniting everyone with a sense of joy and admiration.
Furthermore, a captivating one-man show enthralled the audience with his talent and charisma. His captivating performance ignited the dance floor, encouraging everyone to join in the celebration.
The IWAA Eid and Easter event served as a reminder of the shared values that underpin different faiths and cultures. Eid al-Fitr, an Islamic festival marking the end of Ramadan, and Easter, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, symbolize periods of reflection, gratitude, and joy for Muslims and Christians, respectively. These celebrations encouraged attendees to express gratitude for what they have and to extend a helping hand to those less fortunate.
The event, held at the City View Reception in Lakemba, showcased the power of cultural diversity and unity, highlighting the fact that despite our different backgrounds, we can come together and celebrate as one community. IWAA NSW, through their commendable efforts, continues to promote inclusivity and harmony, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of individuals they serve.
As the event drew to a close, attendees left with hearts filled with joy, appreciation, and a renewed commitment to embracing diversity and fostering inclusivity in their daily lives. The IWAA NSW Eid and Easter event of 2023 will be remembered as a remarkable gathering that celebrated the strength of unity and the richness of cultural diversity.
The event’s success and the meaningful connections made throughout the evening would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of IWAA, its staff, and the support of the community. Through their ongoing commitment, IWAA continues to create a positive impact on the lives of individuals and families across Australia.
