connect 2018 • 78 AROUND THE WORLD AUSTRALIA May, 2018 The Ireland Funds Australia celebrated its annual Melbourne Luncheon at Zinc at Federation Square on May 18 where more than 180 guests enjoyed great food, fun, entertainment and company, all while giving some- thing back. AIEF Scholarship graduate Gabrielle Ebsworth gave a wonderful acknowledgement of country and speech to open the occasion. Chairman of The Ireland Funds Australia Yvonne Le Bas welcomed guests including Board Members, Supporters, Major Sponsors and the Melbourne Young Leader Committee. Yvonne provided an update on the work of The Ireland Funds Australia over the last 12 months which included hosting 15 events and a grant round of $416,000 for the 2016/2017 financial year. Irish Ambassador Brean- dán Ó Caollaí endorsed the work of The Ireland Funds Australia telling guests the support of The Ireland Funds worldwide network for nonprofit organiza- tions was vital and was making a huge difference in the lives of many people. MC Catherine Murphy invited Professor Karen Day, Dean of Science at Mel- bourne University to the stage to discuss her impressive career along with some initiatives The Ireland Funds Australia and Science Gallery Melbourne were partnering together to support via pledges on the day. First offered, a unique opportunity for a young Indigenous Australian to join the Science Gallery Melbourne team in a part-time paid role for 6 months with the opportunity to travel to Science Gallery Dublin for further work experience. Secondly, a regional schools outreach programme where students from disadvantaged areas in Victoria and Dublin will travel to their respective Science Gallery to spend a day on campus. Auctioneer Chris McKearney, EBM Insurance, expertly conducted the live auction. A huge thank you to major sponsors, Emirates, Coolmore Stud, Sydney Yachts, Mrs Jones at the Orient, Eureka Level 89, Rugby Australia and Australian Radio Network. Guests were entertained by the Bad Penguins and 3 TenOz, who brought soaring vocals and humorous banter to the day. Melbourne Luncheon 1 4 7 2 5 8 3 6 1 Yvonne Le Bas 2 Gabrielle Ebsworth 3 Professor Karen Day, Catherine Murphy 4 Ambassador Breandán Ó Caollaí 5 Professor Pat McGorry AO, James Dunne, Helene McNamara, Celtic Club guests 6 3 TenOZ perform 7 Sandra Booth, Catherine Murphy 8 Teresa Keating, Chris McKearney, Sharon Fox-Slater, EBM Insurance guests