Based in Granville, the proud and active members of the Maronite Catholic faith, have raised over $350,000 in the last nine years for charities in Australia as well as in Blouza to fund a water drilling project.
This resulted in residents having quality drinking water for the first time and the revival of the local agriculture industry.
In a special Christmas Charity Festival event in early December, Blouza Mayor Antonios Nabih Maroun (pictured with ABA President Raymond Eltakchi on left) and his wife Naziha travelled to Granville to enjoy the day, thank the Association and meet Cumberland Mayor Lisa Lake.
ABA Chairperson Jeff Younis said the festival showcased the collaborative efforts of volunteers coming together to organise a hugely successful event.
“The presence of community leaders reinforced the importance of community engagement and solidarity,” he said.
“Free activities and giveaways, made possible by the sponsors, contributed to the fun, welcoming atmosphere, with delicious food, drinks and gift stalls also featuring on the day.”
He said other festival highlights included the chocolate wheel, free showbags for the children and a visit from Santa.
“We are proud of our heritage but equally, also proud to be Australian,” he said.
“We are always keen to help improve the quality of Australian life as exemplified through our various fundraising efforts for charities.”
To find out more or get involved: blouza.com.
Mayor thanks migrant heirs
WITH over 4,000 members and the third largest of its kind in the country, the Australian Blouza Association (ABA) was formed in 1954 following the arrival of migrants in 1949 from the village of Blouza in North Lebanon.
