AYF Australia Celebrates 30 Years
SYDNEY - The Armenian Youth Federation of Australia (AYF Australia) celebrated 30 years of activism in the community at a Dinner Dance in Willoughby on Friday, 1st November.
The evening, organised by AYF Australia’s Nigol Touman Executive, was attended by 200 former and current members of the organisation which was formed in Sydney in 1978.
AYF Australia Chairperson, Maggy Kayserian addressed the attendees, stating “it is an honour for current members to be flanked by those who formed the AYF 30 years ago, as well as those who kept it active for her fellow members to enjoy today”.
Tamar Gulumian, also of the AYF Australia Executive, took the audience down memory lane, recalling the formation in 1978 when Dr. Papken Papazian visited from Lebanon to formally announce the formation of the organisation which would be the hub for young Armenian-Australian activism for 30 years and beyond.
Haig Kayserian spoke on behalf of the AYF Alumni, toasting a Happy Anniversary to all generations of members who brought the organisation to where it sits today; as strong as ever in 2008 and ready to face unpredictable challenges.
He said: “The AYF is many things to many people, but the underlying success of it is its ability to produce leaders of Armenian communities worldwide. All of you here today are testament to that, and supporting this organisation by contributing to its growth will ensure our community develops many leaders for many years to come.”
The evening’s entertainment was provided by Hagop Gulumian and the Dikranakert band, while members took part in old ‘camp games’ on the dance floor.
