Happy Birthday to us! The Ireland Funds Australia 30th Anniversary Celebration
March 6, 2017
The Ireland Funds Australia welcomed friends, sponsors and supporters, new and old, to Kensington Street’s Olio on Monday 6 March for a very special occasion. The evening was an opportunity for newly appointed Chairman Yvonne Le Bas and the board of the Ireland Funds to celebrate the achievement of reaching 30 years, no small feat for any organisation. The theme of the evening was celebration, alongside some gentle encouragement for supporters to dream big dreams for the next 30.
The Chairman welcomed guests with a special mention for former chairmen, Charles Curran AC, John O’Neill AO and Alan Joyce, Irish Ambassador to Australia Breandán Ó Caollaí and the evening’s host Dr Stanley Quek. Yvonne then shared Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s letter of congratulations, which had a particular impact given the PM’s history with the IFA, having been a supporter of the Fund since sitting on the inaugural committee in 1987. Yvonne also made a special presentation to Executive Director Teresa Keating who has been with the Fund from the beginning.
Yvonne unveiled the freshly finished 30th anniversary video acknowledging the achievements of the Fund with reflections from a number of people including Charles Curran AC, Alan Joyce and John O’Neill AO.
Guests then had a special treat, serenaded by a trio from the Sydney Symphony orchestra, (kindly provided thanks to Tim Harrowell of Emirates) who closed with a beautiful rendition of Danny Boy.
The Ambassador told guests of his first personal interaction with the Ireland Funds in 1991 in London. He praised the Funds’ ability to create an inclusive Irish society, especially in their nurturing and support of the Young Leaders Network. He also read a letter to the Fund from Irish President Michael D. Higgins, recognising the Funds’ contribution to peace and reconciliation and to strengthening the ties between the two countries.
The evenings generous host – Dr Stanley Quek, Chairman of the Ireland Funds Singapore – thanked guests for coming and closed proceedings with a challenge to all those in the room, to redouble our efforts in this 30th year, to give back and help more people in need. Dr Quek also thanked Olio’s Head Chef, Sicilian-born award-winning Lino Sauro for the decadent degustation that left everyone wanting but unable to eat anymore!
With special thanks to Casama Group for the beautiful wines.
Thank you to all our supporters who attended the evening, helping us to launch our 30th birthday celebrations in style.
Photographer: Matt Teague
