By Malek Chalhoub

 

On Friday, 14 August, WLCU Sydney will host The Lucky Country, a special luncheon celebrating Australia, its people and the opportunities it has provided to generations who have come from every corner of the world to call it home.

The occasion will feature the Hon. Tony Abbott AC, Australia’s 28th Prime Minister and author, in conversation with Dr Shane Geha, President of WLCU Sydney. Rather than a political discussion, the afternoon will offer a warm and thoughtful reflection on Australia’s national character, its history and the values that have helped people from diverse backgrounds build lives of dignity, achievement and belonging.

The title of the event draws upon Mr Abbott’s memorable observation that “to be an Australian is to have won the lottery of life.” It is a sentiment that resonates deeply with the Lebanese Australian community. For many families, Australia became a place of refuge, stability and possibility, while successive generations have repaid that welcome through hard work, enterprise, faith, family life, professional achievement and service to the wider community.

Mr Abbott has previously acknowledged this contribution directly. In a message to the Australian Lebanese Chamber of Commerce, he celebrated the enduring relationship between the two countries, stating: “These awards also provide an opportunity to celebrate the strong ties between Australia and Lebanon. There are over 200,000 Australians of Lebanese origin and I pay tribute to the valuable contribution they make to our nation.”

Those words capture the spirit of The Lucky Country: an appreciation of Australia not only as a nation that welcomed migrants, but as a country continually strengthened by the cultures, traditions and aspirations they brought with them. The Lebanese Australian story is now inseparable from the broader Australian story, reflected in generations of families who have contributed across business, education, medicine, law, public service, the arts, sport and community life.

Through his conversation with Mr Abbott, Dr Geha will explore the experiences, qualities and shared values that have shaped modern Australia. The discussion will also consider what it means to belong to two proud traditions at once: to preserve a deep connection to Lebanon while participating fully and confidently in the life of Australia.

The luncheon will also welcome Anthony Shepherd AO, who will offer a few brief remarks. Mr Shepherd’s distinguished career has included major contributions to Australian infrastructure, business, the arts and sport. His involvement in landmark projects such as the Sydney Harbour Tunnel, Melbourne CityLink and EastLink reflects a long record of helping shape the physical and civic landscape of modern Australia.

At its heart, The Lucky Country will be a celebration of gratitude and contribution: gratitude for the opportunities Australia has provided, and recognition of the role Lebanese Australians have played in enriching the country in return.

WLCU Sydney looks forward to welcoming members, friends and guests for an afternoon of conversation, reflection and community, honouring both the country we came from and the country we are privileged to call home.

Join us for this special luncheon and conversation celebrating Australia, community and belonging. Tickets are available now through Humanitix.