World Lebanese cultural union
To whom it may concern
The first wave of Lebanese immigrants arrived in Australia in the 1880’s. Now there are 300000 people of Lebanese origin who proudly call Australia Home. The Lebanese over this time have made great contributions to the development of Australian society. Since their first arrived they have been hard working, law abiding citizens, striving to do well.
During WWI and WWII many enlisted in the Australian Forces and fought on the fronts. They served with much pride and many lost their lives protecting their new found home and their freedom.
During the 70’s and 80’, when there was an outbreak of civil war in Lebanon, many migrated once more in search of freedom and safety. Those who settled in Australia again took the opportunity to work hard and improve their lives. They are a proud people and love to improve themselves and their home to be the best they can.
There are and have been many prominent Lebanese in Australia who have achieved much, and contributed positively to our Australian Society. They are proud to be Australian and even prouder to help in improving our communities.
Prominent Australians of Lebanese ancestry include:
• Zita Antonios, former Federal Race Discrimination Commissioner
• Professor Marie Bashir, first woman Governor of New South Wales
• Dr Trevor Batrouney, historian and social researcher
• Steve Bracks, Premier of Victoria
• Dr. Glen John Coorey, specialist urologist, teacher and philanthropist
• Benny Elias, rugby league player who captained New South Wales and Australia, playing 22 state of origin games and 14 international tests
• Saade Ghazi, Port Melbourne football coach and 1989 J.J. Liston medallist
• Hasem El Masri, Canterbury Bulldogs winger, and role model for children and young people
• Pierre Elmurr, sports vision consultant
• EDWARD OBEID MLC
• Ahmed Elrich, Socceroo, member of Australia”s Under 23s Athens Olympic soccer team, and supporter of children”s charities
• Joe Galani, founder of one of the largest furniture businesses in Australia
• David Malouf, one of Australia”s most acclaimed authors and winner of major international awards
• Daizy Gedeon Mir, journalist and film maker
• Dr Fred Nasser, leading cardiologist and volunteer surgeon
• Geoffrey Saba, renowned pianist
• Reuben Scarf, clothing manufacturer and retailer, and philanthropist
• Sir Nicholas Shehadie, Wallabies rugby union captain and Lord Mayor of Sydney
• The Honorable Barbara Perry MP-Minister for Juvenile justice
• The honorable John Ajaka MLC
• THOMAS GEORGE MP
• DARRYL MELHAM MP
• RICHARD TORBEY MP AND SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE FOR NSW STATE GOVT
• ALSO FIRST LEBANESE BORN LORD MAYOR FOR PARRAMATTA CITY COUNCIL MR TONY ISSA
• John Simon, entrepreneur and owner of Aussie Home loans
• BALMAIN RUGBY LEAGE CURRENT PLAYER ROBBIE FARAH
These are just to name a few. There is many more Australians of Lebanese origin who are known as quiet achievers. The majority not only have families to support here at home but also back in Lebanon, they have extended families that rely on them. Thus making it of utmost importance to achieve and succeed in whatever they do. And their persistence in succeeding is second to none.
In the recent spate of crimes e.g.: bikie related events, drive by shooting etc: occurring in Sydney, there seems to be an emphasis placed on the Lebanese Community’s involvement as a whole. We must insist in disapproving of this negative media coverage as it is damaging the good name and hard work which the Lebanese community have strived to achieve over centuries.
The Lebanese community is appalled by these events just as the rest of our society is. Most of the people of Lebanese origin migrated purely for the reason to be able to live in a safe and free land, and to strive for a better life. We disapprove greatly of the crimes that these so called hooligans are committing. The offenders of these crimes are not a reflection of our past and present contributions to Australian society. However because they have Middle Eastern names they are tagged as Lebanese. Most of these offenders are second, third and even fourth generation Australians, thus making them as Australian as the next person.
The Lebanese community as a whole feels it is negatively being targeted by the media. This is causing much racism towards our community. Our Australian Community as a whole is beginning to question all Lebanese people and their contributions to Australian society. Racism is an ugly issue, but it is sadly being promoted by the emphasis the media is placing on the origin of these offenders.
To be technically correct however the most true and original Australians are the Aboriginal people. So please let’s not promote racism. Let us all be one community and work together to improve our Australian society.
We would like to see these criminals brought to justice and we would like peace restored to our community. Let it also be known that, the Lebanese community does not support nor protect the unlawful actions of some individuals …. If there is any way we can be of assistance, we are as ready, willing and able as anyone else. However we would like the media to concentrate more on assisting our community in helping the authorities, not “pouring fuel on the fire”.
We hope to continue achieving and contributing positively to our Home –Australia.
Regards
Dani Geagea
World Vice President
World Lebanese cultural union
(Australian Lebanese association)