We held our Sydney Garden Party at Fairwater on Sunday 19th November 2023, and it was a perfect day in every way. The sun was shining as we came together to celebrate and enjoy each other’s company, reflect on the past 36 years and look forward to the years ahead at this very special place.
Our dress code was White, and saw our guests arrive in a sea of white to enjoy welcome cocktails with views over Sydney Harbour before moving into lunch.
Our Executive Director Teresa Keating welcomed all our guests and introduced our MC for the day – the incredible Catherine Murphy ABC Sports Reporter who welcomed to stage Jacob Bonney an AIEF Scholarship recipient to do Acknowledgement of Country. We were then officially welcomed by our Chair Yvonne Le Bas who acknowledged guests with a special mention to Annie Cannon-Brookes, Ambassador Tim Mawe and Consul General Rosie Keane. Our Board Members including Dr Tom Moore, Patrick Tuttle, Ray Wilson, David Woodward, John Gallager and Frank Curran. As well as our International Guests Dr Stanley Quek, Angela Moore and Oliver Murray. Laing O’Rouke, Capital Investments, Inagh Foundation, Angela Moore and all our Table Captains that took Gold, and Silver tables.
Yvonne shared highlights from the past 36 years of The Ireland Funds Australia, the 261 projects we have supported with $17 million focusing on Education in particular integrated education and scholarships, Community Development in Ireland and Australia. In 2023, we made 19 grants totalling $1.89 million which supported 15 projects in Ireland and 4 in Australia.
We then had the most incredible performance by Dermot Kennedy – a platinum-selling global artist, currently touring Australia and New Zealand with his new album ‘Sonder’. Dermot very kindly supported The Ireland Funds by donating his time to entertain us. A standing ovation and an absolute highlight, thank you Dermot!!!
We heard from Ambassador Tim Mawe and we were then all entertained by The Rat Pack Reloaded, evoking the style of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jnr and Michael Bublé. Our guests were up and ready to dance! Our live auction followed and created much bidding and excitement with all items selling! We thank our very generous sponsors Miriam Innes, Coolmore Australia, Michael O’Brien, Alloggio, Glen Dimplex, Capital Investment Group, The Merrion Dublin, Castlemartyr Resort, Sheen Falls Lodge, Trinity Townhouse Dublin and Australian Radio Network and our Auctioneer – Romany Brooks.
Our raffle was hotly contested, and we greatly appreciate all of the participation. Our lucky winner won a sailing experience on Charles Curran AC Yacht Sydney and a Crossray Outdoor Kitchen – we thank our generous sponsors Charles Curran, AC, Capital Investments and Glen Dimplex.
With formalities over, guests were invited to move down by the water to cap off the day and enjoy the sunshine, DJ tunes and the most stunning view of Sydney Harbour.
An incredible day and so special to be back at Fairwater with so many friends of The Ireland Funds Australia celebrating, enjoying, and coming together to make a difference and to help those that need us now more than ever before.
With special thanks to our hosts the Cannon-Brookes family and to all our sponsors.
If you would like to help us to continue the vital work of The Ireland Funds, see our IMPACT REPORT. You can make a tax-deductible donation here.
