On Wednesday 27 May 2009, The Australian Ireland Fund Director Sallyanne Atkinson AO hosted the Brisbane Supporters Reception. The event was held in one of PricewaterhouseCoopers’ function rooms, guests enjoyed cocktails and canapés while taking pleasure in the beautiful views of the Brisbane’s city lights.
Special guests attending the event included major supporters Mark Cooper of Etihad, Mark Jamieson of APN Australian Publishing, Maurice Holland of Hyatt Regency Coolum and Drs Frank & Ailbhe Cunningham. Also in attendance were Australian Ireland Fund Directors Frank Curran and Tom Moore.
Johanna Roche, Partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers, who very generously hosted the event welcomed guests to the reception.
Director Sallyanne Atkinson AO provided an update on the activities of the Fund over the last twelve months and shared details of a review The Australian Ireland Fund has undertaken over the last number of months about our structure and activities going forward. The Australian Ireland Fund will, going forward, in addition to remaining committed to integrated education in Northern Ireland, contribute meaningfully to Australia, which has been hospitable to so many Irish families over many generations.
We now see the opportunity to take the invaluable lessons of the Ireland Funds experience in effectively dealing with the ever challenging occurrence of social breakdown and the consequent process of reconciliation into our own communities of need in Australia. We are currently developing our strategy in this regard.
Sallyanne Atkinson AO also informed our supporters of the upcoming Brisbane Gala Luncheon which will be taking place on Sunday 16 August at Hillstone St. Lucia.
The event provided an opportunity to thank all those who supported our work and provided an opportunity to network and share a drink with friends – old and new!
