last Australia Day he and his wife Susan would be hosting, so it gave them a chance to say ‘Thank you’ to their many friends and colleagues before they leave. “This year we have chosen a theme which is universally recognised as one of the most effective means for promoting economic growth and achieving lasting peace and security,” he said, “Tonight is all about celebrating the role of women in all walks of life in Australia and Pakistan.” He then mentioned the special women who were present; regretted that Australia’s ambassador for women and girls, Natasha Stott Despoja had been unable to come in person but had recorded a message for the occasion; recognised Pakistan’s Honorary Consul for trade and investment in Melbourne, Ayesha Bux, who is coordinating with Depilex (beauty institute) and COTHAM (hospitality college) to run classes in cooking and hairdressing (with Faiza Rehman and Joanne Gan) and concluded by thanking all the sponsors and his colleagues of the high commission, especially Nicole, for their hard work in making the event a success. In her message Ms Despoja spoke of Australia’s commitment to the empowerment of women; its assistance to promote the same and stressed the fact that working together, challenges can be met and equality for all achieved.
Second secretary Dr Rasha Ruhayel then came and gave a brief account — in Urdu — about the ongoing projects to empower women and girls. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of awards to four of the twelve alumni who have been selected this year for their achievements — Sadaf Jamil; Dr Munir Husain Zia; Raheel Waqar and Lubna Hashmat.
After the official agenda came to an end, the music went into concert/dancing mode and while most of the guests went home, members of the high commission and a few of their close friends stayed on to enjoy the rest of the evening. ‘Australia Day in Spring’ will also be celebrated in Lahore and Karachi in the coming week.