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SYDNEY: More than 100 Armenians gathered at the Armenian Cultural Centre for the illustrated presentation 'Photographic Documentation of the Aftermath of the Armenian Genocide’ delivered by Vicken Babkenian as part of the Armenian National Committee of Australia’s (ANC Australia) lecture series in 2011.

A Director of the Australian Institute for Holocaust and Genocide Studies (AIHGS), Babkenian utilised countless photos, articles and archives from the 1920s to reveal how they were used by humanitarians to build sentiment amongst the wider Australian public and to garner support and funding for the survivors of the Armenian Genocide.

In his presentation, Babkenian explained that the extent and reach of the humanitarian efforts to aid survivors of the Armenian Genocide were groundbreaking for their day.

He said: “The efforts of the Armenian Relief Fund of Australia and other similar organisations around the world lead to the first international humanitarian campaign and to modern fund raising methods.”

“By utilising celebrity, photos, personal stories and film, the various relief committees were able to attain funds and deliver support to the desperate Armenians,” Babkenian added.

In closing remarks after the presentation, ANC Australia Executive Director Varant Meguerditchian thanked Babkenian, stating: “The work of ANC Australia in the public and political sphere is enhanced by the research of Mr Babkenian.”

“We will continue to support his research which represents a fundamental component in our collective efforts aimed toward achieving recognition of the Armenian Genocide in Australia.”