The AIM Association proudly participated in Oz Arab Media’s second annual gala dinner on May 17, 2024, at the stunning Doltone House in Bossley Park. The event, which attracted nearly 600 attendees, was a celebration of community achievements and the recognition of outstanding contributions in various sectors through the AIM Business Awards.
Guests were welcomed with an elegant ambiance created by music from Alive 90.5 and delicious canapés, setting the stage for a memorable evening. Monique Helene, a talented singer, enthralled the audience with her performance, marking the official start of the event. Additionally, the Lions Club of Canterbury Bankstown actively fundraised for the Shepherd of Egypt, showcasing their dedication to supporting charitable initiatives.
Jeff Hindmarsh, the evening’s MC, greeted the attendees and dignitaries, setting a warm and inviting tone. The formal proceedings began with Uncle John Dickson’s heartfelt Welcome to Country, followed by Monique Helene’s stirring rendition of the Australian National Anthem. The opening remarks highlighted the significance of the AIM Business Awards and introduced the esteemed panel of judges, including Carol Ferrone, Immanuel Selvaraj, Julia Lattouf, Mohamed Hage, Laura Viskovich, Samiul Karim, Sophia Sarkis, and Nissy Mattar.
A promotional video showcased Oz Arab Media’s impactful work, followed by a keynote address from Remy Wehbe, a retired Lebanese Army Major and General Manager of Oz Arab Media. The event also recognized the generous contributions of platinum sponsors such as Little Scribblers Early Learning Centre, The Doltone House, RJS Aluminium, and Aldawli Printing Australia.
Distinguished speeches were delivered by prominent figures, including The Hon. Jihad Dib, Minister for Customer Services and Digital Government, Emergency Services, and Youth Justice; and The Hon. Mark Speakman, Leader of the Opposition in NSW. The Hon. Tony Burke, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Minister for the Arts, and Leader of the House, represented the Prime Minister, The Hon. Anthony Albanese.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the AIM Business Awards, celebrating outstanding achievements across various categories. These awards were proudly supported by Multicultural NSW and Bankstown RSL among others.
Non-Profit Category: The Justice Support Centre was honored for its exceptional contributions to the community. The award was presented by Nissy Mattar and Samiul Karim. Nissy, a renowned philanthropist, shared her insights on what makes a non-profit stand out, emphasizing the importance of impact and dedication. Samiul Karim also provided insights into the Australian Saudi Business Forum’s latest initiatives.
Business Category: Kids United OSHC received the award, recognizing their innovative and impactful business model. Julia Lattouf, co-founder of the Lebanese Film Festival, and Mohamed Hage, President of the Australian Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry, presented the award. Julia highlighted the upcoming Lebanese Film Festival events, while Mohamed discussed recent achievements of the Australian Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Entrepreneur Category: Jad Al Masri, an exemplary entrepreneur, was celebrated for his dynamic approach and significant contributions to the business community. The award was presented by Carol Ferrone and Laura Viskovich. Carol offered advice on personal branding for entrepreneurs, and Laura spoke about the unique aspects of the Legacy International Pageant.
A new award was also introduced by AIM Association, which was the AIM Heroes Award highlighting the work of a distinguished individual in promoting multiculturalism in Australia. This year’s AIM Hero Award was presented to Mr. Mohamed Hage for his exemplary work in bridging the gap between Australian businesses and the Arab world.
In addition to the awards, the event featured a live auction conducted by John Moussa, a video about the Shepherd of Egypt, and a captivating performance by violinist Fares Khoury. The evening concluded with a raffle draw, silent auction announcements, and closing remarks, where appreciation was expressed to all sponsors and attendees.
The AIM Association’s participation in Oz Arab Media’s second annual gala dinner was a testament to our commitment to recognizing and fostering excellence within the community. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to making this event unforgettable and look forward to continuing our mission of celebrating and empowering outstanding individuals and organizations.
