Media Releases

VLCC Media Release

5 December 2007

The Victorian Lebanese Community Council (VLCC) hosted its official launch on Wednesday 17 October 2007 with over 250 guests attending. The VLCC was established to address the needs of the Australian-Lebanese community, particularly aiming to promote cultural understanding and tolerance among the people of Australia with the hopes of strengthening community relationships.
Among the guest speakers were shadow minister of Multicultural Affairs, Mr Nicholas Kotsiras, Mr James Merlino of the Australian Labour Party currently acting as the Minister Assisting the Premier on Multicultural Affairs and The Minister for Vocational and Further Education, Hon Mr Andrew Robb.
Guests attending the launch ranged from Federal and State politicians, Government departments, community organizations, City Councils, Lebanese community leaders and associations, and Arabic and mainstream media (including Middle East radio, SBS Arabic radio and Youth Central). Religious leaders were also present together with Arabic diplomats, Victoria Police, University academics and students, members from the Indigenous community and VLCC members and sponsors. The event offered an opportunity for guests and members to network and forge new relations with other established organizations to enable and encourage future collaborations on prospective projects. Throughout the night, guests were offered an insight into Lebanon and Lebanese culture and history, while enjoying Lebanese traditional dance, entertainment and food.

Activities included guest speeches, a short video showcasing Lebanese traditions and lifestyle, a power point presentation and Arabic dance. Attendees were also provided with an information kit containing facts about Lebanon and information on the VLCC and broader Lebanese community.
Those who attended showed great interest in membership and were eager to provide future support. Inspired by the council and its aims, a group of Australian-Lebanese youth attending the launch have decided to organise and host a fund-raising dinner for the VLCC. Following the event, Federal MP, Kevin Thomson congratulated the VLCC on a "fine launch".
The rising concerns within Australian-Lebanese youth also prompted the guest appearance of Bashar Houli of the Essendon football club, a public sporting figure and positive role-model to the youth. Houli spoke of his sporting achievements and commitment to the Australian-Lebanese community. The risk of teenagers turning to violence and crime within the Lebanese community in Victoria has spurred the council to tackle the issue at a grass-roots level by enforcing a series of youth-directed initiatives. Educational programs, such as workshops, mentoring programs and motivational talks at schools are among the many projects to be pursued.

The Secretary
Victorian Lebanese
Community Council Inc.
PO Box 59 Bentleigh, VIC 3204
Media Contact:
Ms. Cathy Soufan
0421 676 177
csoufan@vlcc.com.au