Assyrian National Council of Australia Welcoming Minister for Multiculturalism

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Sydney – 30 November 2021
On Tuesday 30 November 2021, The Assyrian National Council of Australia (ANC) welcomed in their office at Wetherill Park , The Honorable Natalie Ward, MLC, Minister for Sport, Multiculturalism, Seniors and Veterans , The Minister was greeted on her arrival by Mr Hermiz Shahen , President of the ANC and Mr David David , President of the Assyrian Australian National Federation (AANF), with presence of father Shlemon Dinkha , Assyrian Church of the East – St Mary’s Cathedral , Dr Marian Joseph, Mrs Carmen Lazar, and members of the ANC , Ms Shamiran Shahen , Mr Albert Shlemon, Mr Tighlat Rommel and Mr Adison Alkhas .
Mr Shahen welcomed the Minister and thanked her for honouring the Assyrian community with her visit. He also thanked Government of NSW for working hard to establish strong relations with all communities and for their urgent respond to support those in need during the pandemic. He acknowledged the amazing role of the Assyrian community and Church leaders who worked very hard in helping deliver the crucial public health orders to our community through social media, including His Beatitude Mar Meelis Zaia AM, Metropolitan of Australia, New Zealand and Lebanon. Of the Assyrian Church of the East, Dr Marian Joseph , Mrs Carmen Lazar through the Assyrian Resource Centre, and Mr David David through his live program on Social Media (Voice of Hope) which was dedicated for this cause .
The Minister was also welcomed by Mr David David , Father Shlemon and Dr Merian , who explained the big and important role the Assyrian community played in the process of educating our community and encouraging them to follow the health advice. Mr Albert Shlemon briefed the Minister about how our Members and Volunteers of the Assyrian National Council of Australia carried out the distribution of hampers with food supplies and other household necessities to the most vulnerable communities who may be experiencing unique barriers and challenges during COVID-19 and to seniors living lonely particularly those with disability. Mr Tighlat Rommel talked about the role of Youth during this pandemic.
In her turn the Minister thanked the ANC and AANF Leaders and all members of our community for supporting the NSW Government’s response in our fight against COVID-19. “I am extremely grateful to our faith and community leaders who have been working tirelessly with us to ensure everyone in our community has access to reliable and trusted information.” the Minister Said.
Mr Shahen presented the Minister with a token of appreciation for her hard work and for honouring the Assyrian community with her visit.