AUSTRALIA: The Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC-AU) hosted its annual Gala events in Melbourne and Sydney, raising a remarkable $155,000 to advance its advocacy efforts, and honoured Ann-Marie Hermans MP, Artsakh political prisoners, Tom Joyner, Mr Sarkis Yedelian and Mr Sarkis Mouradian.
The events in Melbourne and Sydney brought together over 200 guests, including federal and state politicians, councillors, community leaders, and distinguished supporters of the Armenian cause.
The organisation’s highest honour, the ANC-AU Freedom Award was presented to Artsakh Political Prisoners, including Mr Arkadi Ghukasyan, Mr Arayik Harutyunyan, Mr Bako Sahakyan, Mr Davit Ishkhanyan, Mr Davit Manukyan, Mr Davit Babayan, Mr Levon Mnatsakanyan and Ruben Vardanyan, who are currently captive by the Azerbaijani petro-dictatorship. The award was accepted by Permanent Representative of the Republic of Artsakh in Australia, Mr Kaylar Michaelian.
In addition, the ANC-AU also announced the 2024 Armenian-Australian Community’s Friend of the Year Award recipient as Ann-Marie Hermans MP, honouring her involvement in establishing the Parliamentary Friends of Armenia in Victoria and taking the charge in preventing the establishment of the Parliamentary Friends of Azerbaijan in Victoria.
The Ben Bagdikian Media Award was presented to independent journalist, Tom Joyner, who was the only Australian reporter on the ground in Armenia covering the ethnic cleansing of Artsakh in 2023, whilst a special one-off ANC-AU Service Award was bestowed to honour the outstanding contributions of former Armenian-Australian Councillors Sarkis Yedelian OAM and Sarkis Mouradian, recognising their dedication in local governments to the community.
Among those in attendance in Melbourne were John Pesutto MP - Leader of the Opposition and Member for Hawthorn; Ann-Marie Hermans MP - Member for South Eastern Metropolitan Region; Michael Galea MP - Member for South Eastern Metropolitan Region and Co-Chair, Chris Crewther MP - Member for Mornington; Kat Theophanous MP - Member for Northcote and Tim Wilson - Liberal candidate for Goldstein.
Prominent guests in Sydney included Paul Fletcher MP - Federal Member for Bradfield; Chris Rath MLC - Member of the New South Wales Legislative Council; Jacqui Munro MLC - Member of the New South Wales Legislative Council; Susan Carter MLC - Member of the New South Wales Legislative Council; Tim James MP - Member for Willoughby; Matt Cross MP - Member for Davidson, and local government representatives Tanya Taylor - Mayor of Willoughby City Council, Mira Ibrahim - Councillor at Liverpool City Council and Ismet Tastan - Councillor at Inner-West City Council.
Both events showcased highlights of the organisation’s #ANC-AUOutreach initiatives, including ‘A Day in the Life’ of 2024 Hagop Kortian Scholarship recipient, Lucy Kirakosian, the first-ever recipient from Victoria as well as a special production spotlighted on the organisation's Galstaun Government, Junior Advocates, and Youth Advocates programs.
Reflecting on the successes of the Armenian National Committee of Australia in 2024, Executive Director Michael Kolokossian attributed these achievements to the efforts and mobilisation of Armenian-Australian youth.
Kolokossian said, "Our successes and the future of the global Armenian nation belong to those who dare to dream beyond today’s trials and tribulations. It belongs to our youth, who are the architects of tomorrow’s world. That is why Hai Tad, your Armenian National Committee of Australia and our network of chapters across the globe, are empowering the next generation of go-getters who will carry the flame for justice to victory."
During the organisation’s night of nights, Armenian National Committee of America Grassroots Director, Gev Iskajyan, who participated in the organisation's Advocacy Week in Federal Parliament, delivered a heartfelt and powerful keynote address, pleading to Armenian-Australians to continue to stand by the organisation in their defence of all things Armenian.
Armenian National Committee of Australia Chairperson Vache Kahramanian who delivered the Vote of Thanks in Sydney to conclude both Gala Events said, "This Gala is a testament to the strength of our community and the invaluable support of our friends and allies in parliament, local councils, and the media. The funds raised will enable us to continue our advocacy for the Armenian people and our work in ensuring that justice prevails for Artsakh and our ancestral homeland."
