connect 2018 • 77 AUSTRALIA AROUND THE WORLD connect 2018 • 77 March, 2018 On March 7, a beautiful autumn evening reception on the stunning grounds of Fairwater was once again hosted as a thank you to the incredible supporters of The Ireland Funds Australia. Irish Ambassador Breandán Ó Caollaí thanked supporters on behalf of the Government of Ireland for their friendship and financial support to the people of Ireland. Over the evening, we reflected on the wonderful year that was 2017, including the highlight of hosting a dinner for President of Ireland Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina. Chairman of The Ireland Funds Australia Yvonne Le Bas thanked all guests including supporters, board members and corporate partners for their ongoing support. Fairwater Supporters Reception 1 2 3 1 David Kelly, Carmel Callan, Ambassador Richard Andrews, Yvonne Le Bas 2 Kim Maloney, Toni & Peter Ryan, Amber Cleary, Lisa Malouf 3 Ambassador Breandán Ó Caollaí June, 2018 Overlooking the city skyline at the fabulous Blackbird, supporters came together on June 5 to connect and have some fun. Executive Director, Teresa Keating, provided a brief history of The Ireland Funds Australia and how today The Ireland Funds exists in 12 countries, supports over 3,200 projects in Ireland and Irish causes around the world and has raised more than $600 million for those projects. Teresa told guests that in 2017, The Ireland Funds Australia proudly celebratedits30thAnniversaryandoverthelast5years93.5%oftax deductible donations received had been allocated to our charities. Former Lord Mayor of Brisbane and former Director, Sallyanne Atkinson AO and Director Dr. Tom Moore thanked everyone for comingoutmid-weektosupportactivities.YoungLeadercommittee member Jude Bolger, spoke of his involvement giving back in Ireland and Australia. Brisbane Supporters Reception 1 2 3 1 Jude Bolger, Sallyanne Atkinson AO, Cian O’Brolchain 2 Guests at Blackbird 3 Teresa Keating, Dr. Tom Moore and supporters