We are delighted to announce that our 2012 Melbourne Gala Lunch raised over $70,000 for projects supported by the Australian Ireland Fund including, integrated education in Northern Ireland and providing quality education for disadvantaged indigenous young Australians. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters and the hard work of the Committee.
The event took place on Sunday 3rd of June at the stylish and elegant Zinc at Federation Square, which overlooks the River Yarra. Over 200 guests were greeted with a wine and Guinness reception and music from young Melbourne/Irish band Six at the Crossroads. Australian Ireland Fund Director, Mary Waldron who was the luncheon chair and Master of Ceremonies for the day welcomed guests.
Australian Ireland Fund Chairman Alan Joyce attended the event and other Australian Ireland Fund Directors present were Ted Johnson, Kevin Luscombe AM, Ciaran Davis, Briege Tuite, Executive Director Teresa Keating, Professor Rónán McDonald, Director of the Australian Ireland Fund Chair of Modern Irish Studies at UNSW. The distinguished guests included Ambassador, HE Mr Noel White and Mr Brian Shanahan from the Chamber of Commerce.
Australian Ireland Fund Chairman Alan Joyce announced that worldwide Ireland Funds Promising Ireland Campaign smashed its original $100,000,000 target to raise $120,000,000 almost two years ahead of schedule. Alan then spoke about projects supported by the Australian Ireland Fund including Hazelwood and Slemish integrated colleges in Northern Ireland and the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation. Alan finished by thanking guests for supporting the Australian Ireland Fund and explaining that people of Ireland need us now more than ever and we can assist Ireland in its recovery – it is now time for us to give something back.
The Live auction was conducted by our wonderful supporter Gerald Delany, who kept guests entertained! Thank you to our major sponsors: Qantas, Capital Investment Group, Australian Radio Network, Eureka 89, Avis and Channel Nine.
Guests then relaxed with dessert and Irish coffees and enjoyed the music of up and coming Irish singer – songwriter Fiach many stayed on to mingle and enjoy the atmosphere of such a great day.
Thank you to our table captains and sponsors, quite simply our work would not be possible without your help
Mr. Barry Corr, Mr. Ciaran Davis, Ms. Mary Dowling, Mr. Ted Johnson, Mr. Alan Joyce, Ms. Teresa Keating, Ms Yvonne le Bas, Mr. Kevin Luscombe, AM, Mr Pat Moran, Mr. Paul Moynes Mr. Seamus McPeake, Mr. David Murphy, Mr. Paul O’Brien, Mr Julien O’Connell, Ms Agnes Sheehan, Mr Brendan Sheehan, Mrs Briege Tuite and Ms. Mary Waldron.
Aer Lingus, Ashford Castle, Sheen Falls, Melbourne Wine Tours, The Como Melbourne, Lite n Easy, Guinness, Rydges Hotels and Resorts, Marais, Waterford Crystal, Setanta Wines, ZINC at Federation Square, Scotchmans Hills, Harrigans Irish Pub and Hunter Valley Gardens, Bunyip Tours, Taste Ireland, Suntory Australia, Rockpool, Newbridge Silverware, Brand Events, Guillaume at Bennelong, Toll, Shashen, Christina Re, David Egan, Melbourne Theatre Company, Toll, Asset Interiors, Ms. MaryAnne Bennie Butlers Chocolates, National Celtic Festival, Brighton Public Golf Course and Libertine Parfumerie.
