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It was no surprise to us the event was sold out in a week again this year. The luncheon becomes more popular year on year. With a full house of 1,000 people it is so pleasing for Directors to see so many familiar faces at the lunch; particularly pleasing is the numerous new young members that the Club continues to attract. Indeed we are seeing daughters and sons, nieces and nephews of long standing members now members of the Club in their own right. Our new website – sponsored by Optus – in no small measure ensures that young professionals find us on their arrival into Australia providing a valuable network to them.
On the day we launched our new website and also our Ninth edition of the Lansdowne Club Directory 2008.
We were entertained on the day by Australian Idol Damien Leith who thanked his many supporters for following his Idol journey. Michael Pascoe MC’d the day introducing Chairman Peter Brennan. Our guest of honour was Mr. Noel Dempsey, TD, Irish Minister for Transport. Minister Dempsey gave guests an update on the Irish economy and on behalf of the Irish Government and the President of Ireland wished everyone a Happy St. Patrick’s Day. The Hon. Tony Burke, Minister for Agriculture represented the Prime Minister of Australia Kevin Rudd. Comedian Paul Martell had guests laughing heartily as he entertained us once again.
The Chairman’s award this year was presented to Mrs. Briege Tuite, former owner of the hugely successful “Mean Fiddler” at Rouse Hill.
Part of the Proceeds of the raffle on the day went to two worthy causes:
Reach Out! An Australian initiative, is a web-based service that inspires young people to help themselves through tough times.
The aim of the service is to improve young people’s mental health and well being by providing support information and referrals in a format that appeals to young people.
Reach Out! is an initiative of the Inspire Foundation (inspire.org.au). The mission of the Inspire Foundation is to create opportunities for young people aged 16-25 to change their world. By "their world", we mean whatever is real for them. This could be struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, wanting to do something for their local community or simply experiencing new ways to learn and grow. Visit the Reach Out! website at reachout.com.au.
The Rock Challenge, an Australian initiative, is a drug and crime prevention vehicle in the form of a performing arts competition for primary and secondary schools. The focus on this friendly and vibrant competition is on young people leading healthy lifestyles and being their best without the need for tobacco alcohol or other drugs. The Rock Challenge is an effective means through which agencies having an interest in community safety and wellbeing can fulfill their responsibilities.
The Rock Challenge was established in the UK in 1996 and has grown from 11 schools with 800 participants in Portsmouth to 15,000 students today from 218 schools who took part in 32 events throughout England Scotland and Northern Ireland. Visit the Rock Challenge website at rockchallenge.com.au.
Last year In Northern Ireland 600 students participated from seven secondary schools and three primary schools between the ages of 8 and 18. The Northern Ireland Primary event was won by Knocknagoney Primary School, one of the most deprived areas of Belfast. The secondary event was won by St. Louise’s which participated for the first time and went on to the Northern Finals in Grimsby in June.
The donation for Rock Challenge was accepted Frank Curran, Director of The Australian Ireland Fund through which the donor designated grant was accepted on behalf of Rock Challenge. Visit the The Australian Ireland Funds website at irlfunds.org.
The day was a wonderful success and we thank our fantastic sponsors:
 Singapore Airlines |
 Optus SingTel |
 IDA Ireland |
Aer Lingus; Anthony Squires Fine Quality Clothes; Australian Ireland Fund; Avis Rent a Car; Charterhouse Partnership; Enterprise Ireland; Guinness / Diageo; Harrigans Irish Pub; Hunter Valley Gardens; Irish Echo; Maxxium; Plush Sofa Superstores; Suntory; Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre; Studio 51; Taste Ireland; Tourism Ireland; Waterford Crystal; Yalumba.
The Chairman thanked all the Board of Directors for their assistance with the event.
The Chairman also made a presentation to Sabine Hochbaum, the Club’s Event Manager as a thank you for the wonderful job she did.
Thank you to all our members for continuing to support the activities of the Lansdowne Club.
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View the Program from this Event |
