On 16 October 2024, 180 people, including the newly elected councillors of Canterbury-Bankstown, and Georges River Council, attended the Liberal Friends of Lebanon Annual Gala Dinner. This fundraising event marks the Liberal Friends of Lebanon’s support for the Hon. David Coleman, Federal Member for Banks, and Shadow Minister for Communications.
Banks is a key seat at the upcoming federal election. For the Liberal Party, Banks represents the heart of the Liberal Party in Sydney’s West. The area of Banks covers parts of both the Canterbury Bankstown Council, and the Georges River Council.
At the event, the Hon. David Coleman reflected on the current conflict in the Middle East, “a lot of people have suffered tragic consequences in the Middle East,” and acknowledged its impact on the Lebanese Australian community. He demonstrated his commitment to supporting the community at the next election.
With less than 200 days until the next election, Coleman shed light to the significance of the seat of Banks.” This seat was held by Labor for 64 years…It is a battleground at the next election.”
The Hon. Sussan Ley, also attended the fundraiser. In her speech, she praised the resilience of the Lebanese Australian community and their commitment to rebuilding Lebanon, a country she remembers for its natural beauty and opportunity. Ms Ley’s father worked in the Middle East and is a fluent Arabic speaker. It is his influence that inspired Ley to gain a better understanding into the Lebanese culture, which she holds in high regard.
“It was important to join with so many hard-working Lebanese Australians at the Liberal Friends of Lebanon event last night – especially at this difficult time for the families with loved ones in Lebanon right now.”
Ms Ley also shared her support for Coleman. “I was pleased to join my wonderful Shadow Ministerial colleague, David Coleman, and to see first-hand the mutual support and affection that exists between Lebanese Australians, living in Banks, and David as their proud representative in Canberra.”
At the event, the Liberal Friends of Lebanon recognised the efforts of two key supporters, Phillip Ruddock AO, and Leila El Khoury. The Chair of the Liberal Friends of Lebanon, and the event’s MC, Wendy Finianos, expressed her gratitude for their ongoing dedication and support for the organisation and its initiatives. Particularly, for Ruddock’s support to Finianos to establish and grow the organisation, and El Khoury’s tireless efforts to engage the Lebanese Australian community.
The Liberal Friends of Lebanon is one platform for the Lebanese Australian community to share their voice to Parliament. Finianos encouraged the community to get more involved with at the next election, and to support the Liberal Party, “by (supporting) the right people in government on many levels, that’s how we can make a change, and that’s how we work to get the right people in government to support our war-torn country (Lebanon).”
