Brisbane Garden Party : 30 July 2006

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The annual Australian Ireland Fund Brisbane Garden Party was held at the beautiful grounds of Hillstone St. Lucia Golf Links on Sunday 30 July. In attendance this year were Her Excellency, Ms. Quentin Bryce AC, Governor of Queensland and Mr. Michael Bryce AO, His Excellency Declan Kelly, Ambassador of Ireland to Australia and Mrs. Anne Kelly, Mrs. Linda Lavarch, Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Councillor Judy Magub and Mr. Ronan Lee MP (QLD) at the Grand View Room of Hillstone St. Lucia, overlooking St. Lucia Golf Links. Special guests on the day also included Chairman Charles Curran AC, Governor and Director Ms. Sallyanne Atkinson AO, Prof. Peter Sheehan AO and Mr. John Brophy OBE.

The afternoon commenced with canapés and champagne on the terrace of Hillstone, St. Lucia on this, another glorious Brisbane day. Guests were treated to a display of Irish Dancing from Watkins Irish Dancing Academy.

After an introduction by the Master of Ceremonies Ms. Sallyanne Atkinson AO and welcome by Chairman Charles Curran AC, the Queensland audience was treated to the informative, yet amusing experiences of growing up in Northern Ireland during the times of the Troubles by Dr. Nick Earls, Australian author from Belfast, Northern Ireland. Dr. Nick Earls has an Honours Degree in Medicine from the University of Queensland, and published his first book while still a student. His insights into the conflict from the perspective of a young boy growing up in Northern Ireland in the 70’s, provided listeners with an almost surreal picture of a divided society full of animosity and ancient hatreds. The picture painted showed the need for continued action and support of the cause of integrated education which provides the mechanisms to build long term bridges and cross cultural ties.

Our hugely successful live auction was once again hosted by Mr. Philip Black, and items sold included two beautiful Waterford Crystal pieces purchased by Director Dr. Tom Moore, courtesy of Waterford Wedgwood; two trips on the 60” yacht “SYDNEY” cruising beautiful Sydney Harbour including a selection of fine Australian wines for the afternoon courtesy of Chairman Charles Curran AC, purchased by Mr. Peter Reid and Mr. Peter Power, a Cirque du Soleil Tapis Rouge VIP package for 6 people courtesy of APN New and Media purchased by Mr. Tony Hanlon of Somerville Industries Pty Ltd; an Australian Radio Network package on Radio 4KQ Brisbane Radio purchased by Lily Studios of Brisbane; a limited edition handwritten, silkscreen printed, song manuscript to John Lennon’s famous song “Real Love” courtesy of Mrs. Maureen McCarthy purchased by Mr. John Ryan.

The fabulous Qantas business class trip to Europe for two persons including connecting flights with Aer Lingus courtesy of Tourism Ireland, 7 days car hire courtesy of Avis, and an accommodation package including castle stays sponsored by Driveaway Holidays was generously purchased by Mr. Mike Dart.

The final address of the day was given by His Excellency Declan Kelly, Ambassador of Ireland to Australia, who is departing for Canada to take up his new posting there. We thank Ambassador Declan Kelly and Mrs. Anne Kelly for all their support of the Australian Ireland Fund during their four years in Australia.

The band Tulca Mór entertained the guests with a fantastic repertoire of traditional Irish music and song until the afternoon concluded.

Photos

1. Mr. Charles Curran AC
2. Table setting
3. Mr. Charles Curran AC, Ms. Teresa Keating, Mrs. Anne Kelly, H.E. Declan Kelly Ambassador of Ireland to Australia, H.E. Ms. Quentin Bryce AC, Governor of Queensland, Mrs. Sallyanne Atkinson AO, Mr. Michael Bryce AO.
4. Ms. Cathrine McDonald of Australian Radio Network with guests
5. Mr. Arthur Dobeson and Mrs. Janet Dobeson
6. Mr. Adrian Bertolla, Mrs. Siobhan Bertolla-McGirl, Mr. Chris McGirl, Mrs. Julie McGirl
7. The Dining Room
8. Guests
9. The Garden Party
10. Ms Elizabeth Caffe & guests
11. Mrs. Jeanie Ryan, Mrs. Yvonne Reid, Mrs. Jenny Musgrave, Mrs. Elizabeth Mor
12. Mr. Charles Curran AC, Mr. Charles E Curran, Mrs Gayleen Trevaskis, Mr. Reg Trevaskis
13. Mr. Peter Ryan, Mrs. Toni Ryan, Mr. Charles Curran A.O., Mr. Frank Curran
14. Dr. Nick Earls, Author
15. Ms Jennifer Kelly, Mrs Ann Farrel, Mr Lindsay Farrel, Mrs Layla Butrous, Mr Nasir Butrous, Mrs Helena Druer, Mr Alan Druery
16. Ms Denise Britton
17. Ms Carly Molloy, Ms Catherine McDonald
18. Mr. Tim Conroy
19. Ms. Kerrie O'Callaghan, Mr. John Rowell
20. His Excellency Declan Kelly, Ambassador of Ireland to Australia
21. Mrs. Linda Lavarch Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Mrs. Laurel Yesberg, Ms. Clare Gillic
22. Dr. Frank Cunningham Dr. Michael Treplin
23. Ms. Maria Maguire, Mr. Niall O’Brien, Mr. Alex Henderson, Ms. Olivia McGuckin, Mr. Mike Webb, Ms. Clare Foley
24. Dr. Michael Treplin, Mrs. Nell Treplin, guest, Ms Pam Easton
25. Mrs. Jenny Musgrave, Mr. Peter Reid, Mrs. Jo Sinclair, Mrs. Lee Stenson and Mrs. Elizabeth Mor
26. Mr. Max Morley from Westpac and guests
27. Fr. Peter Quin SJ, Mr Bill Grace, Mrs. Bernadette Grace, Mr. John Brophy OBE, Mrs. Debra Curran
28. Ms. Susan Watson and Dr. Tom Moore