In a grand celebration of unity and mutual respect at the Riviera Restaurant in Chipping Norton, His Excellency Dr. Salim El Sayegh, Lebanese Member of Parliament in the Kataeb Party, graciously accepted the invitation of Mr. Remy Wehbe and Oz Arab Media to a luncheon on Sunday, 29 October. The gathering, which was attended by over a hundred guests, was not only a testament to the camaraderie shared among the Lebanese diaspora but also a testament to the broader community’s commitment to intercultural dialogue.
The luncheon was graced by an impressive roster of dignitaries, including:
The Honourable Lynda Voltz, State Member for Auburn
The Honourable Mark Buttigieg MLC
Charishma Kaliyanda, State Member for Liverpool
David Saliba, State Member for Fairfield
Councilor Anthony Bazouni of Canada Bay Council
Mr. Gus Ballout, Former Councilor of Liverpool
Furthermore, the gathering also saw representation from various Lebanese political parties and community organizations, underscoring the depth and breadth of the Lebanese community in Australia.
The event commenced with an introduction to Mr. Remy Wehbe, a Retired Major in the Lebanese Army, the Director of Oz Arab Media, and the CEO of Remy Wehbe Investments. The audience warmly welcomed him to the stage with applause.
Following Mr. Wehbe’s address, the audience was introduced to The Honourable Mark Buttigieg, Member of the NSW Legislative Council and Parliamentary Secretary for Industrial Relations, Work Health and Safety, and Multiculturalism.
Taking the diaspora’s journey in Australia further, the event spotlighted Mr. Anwar Harb, a pioneer of Lebanese media in Australia. As the founder and director of Al Nahar Newspaper and an advisor to His Eminence Anthoine Charbel Tarabay, Mr. Harb shared his insights and journey with the attendees and praised Mr. Wehbe’s efforts to bring the community together.
Next, a special message was presented by Dr. Abraham Costantin, a distinguished dental surgeon and CEO of the Global Facial Aesthetics Training Network. His words were eagerly anticipated and received with keen interest.
However, the highlight of the day was the address by His Excellency Dr. Salim El Sayegh. With an illustrious academic career rooted in a PhD in Law from the University of Paris and a tenure at the University of South Paris, Dr. Sayegh’s journey from academia to politics is nothing short of inspirational. His tenure as the Minister of Social Affairs from 2009 to 2011 and his contributions to social policy dialogues in the MENA region through the World Bank showcase his commitment not just to Lebanon but to the broader Middle East.
Following Dr. Sayegh’s address, the floor was opened for a Q&A session, allowing attendees to engage directly and seek insights from His Excellency as well as challenging his party’s views in a respectful and constructive manner.
In conclusion, the luncheon served not just as a gathering of esteemed individuals but as a testament to the unity, strength, and aspirations of the Lebanese community in Australia. It was an afternoon of reflection, learning, and forward-looking aspirations.
