Sydney Fairwater Reception 2005 : 10 March 2005

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On 10 March 2005, Ambassador Declan Kelly and Mrs Anne Kelly hosted an Australian Ireland Fund reception at the beautiful home of Lady Mary Fairfax AM, OBE. The function took place on the terrace which allowed guests to take in the spectacular views of Sydney Harbour and the Bridge on the balmy autumn evening.

The event again provided a wonderful opportunity to highlight the good work being funded from the Sir Warwick Fairfax Trust and the Australian Ireland Fund. Lir Integrated Primary School opened its doors in September 2004 – thanks to the generous donation from Lady Mary Fairfax, The Sir Warwick Fairfax Trust and The Australian Ireland Fund. Another 7 Integrated Schools are being supported also. We are continuing to work closely with our Dublin office and the Integrated Education Fund in Northern Ireland to fund more worthwhile and deserving projects and assess how best these funds can be used.

The Function was extremely well attended with 85 guests turning up for an evening of drinks and banter. The guests consisted of Fund Directors, Governors, Benefactors and Supporters. Guests included Fund Chairman and Life Governor Charles Curran AO, Director and Governor Cameron O’Reilly, Director Jane Cosgrove, Director and Treasurer Sandy Bathgate OAM, Governor Sir Ron Brierley, Director Governor Frank Curran, Director and Governor Pierce Cody, Director Ted Johnson, Governor Dympna Matthews, the O’Brien Governors, Director and Governor Jack O’Mahony, Director Ron Porter, Governor Imelda Roche AO, Governor Mary Lee, Governors Peter and Toni Ryan, Governors Julie McIntosh.

Ambassador Kelly described current difficulties in Northern Ireland. These illustrate the continuing importance of the work of The Ireland Funds in assisting in the process directed to the achievement of peace and reconciliation in Ireland.

Chairman Charles Curran AO, also spoke and thanked all our sponsors very much, in particular Richard Froggatt of Austrian operated by Lauda Air, APN News and Media, Australian Radio Network, Cody Outdoor, Classic Safari Group, Sydney Yachts, Chateau de Beauregard – to name just a few. We all know how important sponsors are and we sincerely thank you for your continuing support.

Ron and Helen Porter became Governors on the night, we thank them for their generosity. Mrs Deirdre O’Dowd Page renewed as a Benefactor on the night, as did Mrs. Anita Cowan and Mrs. Jo Fisher. Mr. Andrew Hyland became a Benefactor on the night.

We thank all our supporters so much for their continuing and generous support.