Clr Samir Yousif

04/05/2026

teven Azabo, Parish Priest of St. Thomas the Apostle in Sydney, I had the honour of attending a dinner held in honour of His Beatitude Patriarch Mar Paul III Nona at Lantana Reception in Sydney.

The event was attended by priests and nuns, along with a large number of distinguished guests, government representatives, and Members of Parliament. Among those present were the Hon. Chris Bowen, Minister for Energy and Climate Change; Mr Frank Carbone, Mayor of Fairfield City; Ms Dai Le MP, Federal Member for Fowler; Mr Haval Syan, Representative of the Kurdistan Regional Government in Australia and New Zealand; Mr Muthanna Kamil Al-Subaihi, Consul General of the Republic of Iraq; Dr David Saliba MP, Member for Fairfield (NSW); Mr Edmond Atalla MP, Member for Mount Druitt; Mr Nathan Hagarty MP, Member for Leppington; Ms Charishma Kaliyanda MP, Member for Liverpool; Councillor Kevin Lam, Deputy Mayor of Fairfield City; and Councillor Charbel Saliba, Fairfield City Council.

Representatives from Chaldean, Assyrian, and Lebanese organisations also attended, including the Australian Chaldean League, represented by Mr Ruel Shamas, Vice President, and Mr Laith Al-Jano, Secretary, who—as always—excelled in organising and presenting the program.

Several speeches were delivered during the evening. Ms Germain Sanna also recited a poem written by Ms Elham Dakaly, which added a special cultural touch to the celebration. This was followed by an address by His Beatitude, in which he expressed his sincere gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of this special event.

The Chaldean League also presented His Beatitude with a commemorative gift—an oil painting created by the artist Ador Hedo—to remain a lasting memory for him.

At the conclusion of the evening, commemorative photos were taken with His Beatitude and the guests, in an atmosphere filled with joy, unity, and pride.

26/04/2026

It was my honour to participate in the ANZAC Day memorial ceremony held by the Triglav Club for the Slovak community, representing Frank Carbone, Mayor of Fairfield. During the ceremony, I delivered the “Prayer for the Nation” and had the privilege of laying a wreath at the memorial on behalf of the Mayor, in honour of the sacrifices made by the servicemen and women who served their country and in remembrance of their enduring legacy.

This participation reflects the importance of commemorating this significant national occasion, respecting the history of those who gave their lives for freedom and peace, and strengthening the values of gratitude and respect for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for future generations.

26/04/2026

By kind invitation from the Chaldean Committee of Mankish in Sydney, I had the honour of attending the celebration of the Feast of Saint Mar Gorkis in my capacity as a member of Fairfield City Council, in a warm spiritual and social atmosphere that brought together members of the community and families of the town in a day filled with unity and love.

The celebration was honoured by the presence of Fr. Hadeel Al-Babo and Fr. Mumtaz Beqasha, who blessed the food and offered prayers for peace, goodness, and blessings for all attendees. We were also pleased by the attendance of Mr. Laith Alchino, Secretary of the Chaldean League of NSW, who welcomed the guests with kind words and, as always, presented the program beautifully and professionally, adding a wonderful spirit to the occasion.

Such blessed gatherings reflect our community’s strong faith and proud heritage, while strengthening the bonds of friendship, love, and connection among all.

My sincere thanks and appreciation to the Chaldean Committee of Mankish in Sydney for their excellent organisation and warm hospitality. May God bless their efforts and protect everyone.

25/04/2026

On this sacred ANZAC Day, we lift our hearts in prayer for our nation and its people.

25/04/2026

By the kind invitation of the St George Chaldean Association of the people of Birsifiya, I had the honor of attending the celebration of the Feast of St George, in a wonderful spiritual and social atmosphere that brought together members of the community and local families in an occasion reflecting love, unity, and our cherished traditions.

The celebration was honored by the attending of Rev. Fr. Maher Gurges, Rev. Fr. Lazgin Yousif, and the Sisters Elham Dakali, Germaine Sanna, and Chris Daqaq, whose participation added a blessed spiritual presence to the occasion.

Such blessed events help strengthen the social and spiritual bonds among our community members and preserve our religious and cultural heritage for future generations.

My sincere thanks and appreciation to the St George Chaldean Association of the people of Birsifiya for their kind invitation and excellent organization. Wishing them continued success and blessings.

24/04/2026

I as honoured today to attend and participate in the ANZAC Day Ceremony held at Patrician Brothers’ College Fairfield, representing Frank Carbone, Mayor of Fairfield.

The event was attended by the College leadership, staff, students, and invited guests, as we came together to commemorate the service and sacrifice of Australians who served their nation, in an atmosphere of respect, gratitude, and remembrance.

Our participation in this important national occasion reflects our pride in Australia’s history and the sacrifices of its men and women, while reinforcing the values of unity, belonging, and community service.

24/04/2026

ves Khoury and his wife Mrs Layla Khoury, we were honoured to attend the dinner they hosted in honour of Mr Raymond Shamlati, the Consul General of Lebanon in Sydney, who has recently commenced his duties.

The gathering included a distinguished group of members of the Lebanese community in Sydney, in a warm atmosphere marked by friendship and appreciation, highlighting the important role of Arab communities in strengthening social and cultural ties and promoting unity and cooperation.

21/04/2026

By the kind invitation of Rev. Fr. Maher Goerges Episcopal Vicar for the Chaldeans in Australia and New Zealand, and Rev. Fr. Steven Azabo, Parish Priest of St. Thomas the Apostle Diocese in Sydney, I had the honour of attending the official reception for His Beatitude Patriarch Mar Paulis III Emil Nona in Sydney, in an atmosphere filled with joy and warmth.

The celebration was attended by representatives from various Eastern and Australian churches, together with a number of distinguished political, civic, and community leaders, including Frank Carbone, Mayor of Fairfield City; Chris Bowen, Australia’s Minister for Climate Change and Energy; Mr Haval Syan, Representative of the Kurdistan Regional Government; Mr Muthanna Al-Subaihi, Consul General of the Republic of Iraq in Sydney; Tri Vo, Member of Parliament for Cabramatta; and Edmond Atalla, Member of Parliament for Mount Druitt.

Also in attendance were Councillor Charbel Saliba of Fairfield City Council, Councillor Eddie Sarkis and Councillor Steve Christou of Cumberland City Council, Ms Salah Al-Kahili, President of the Mandaean Community in Australia, Deacon Roiel Shammas, Vice President of the Chaldean League of New South Wales, and Mr Laith Al-Jano, Secretary of the League, along with many representatives of Iraqi and Chaldean community organisations across Australia.

The celebration was also attended by Mr Waleed Bidawid, who travelled from Melbourne, former Councillor Carmen Lazar, and a large gathering of community members who came to welcome His Beatitude and express their joy on this blessed occasion.

The strong attendance reflected the spiritual and national standing of His Beatitude the Patriarch,

19/04/2026

I was honoured to participate in the Bring It On! Youth Festival 2026 held at Fairfield Showground, alongside the Mayor of Fairfield City, Mr Frank Carbone, councillor Mary Saliba and in the presence of a large number of community members, young people, and families.

The festival reflected the vibrant spirit and diversity of Fairfield City through entertainment, cultural performances, and youth-focused activities aimed at supporting young talents and encouraging creativity and community participation.

We sincerely appreciate the great efforts made by Fairfield City Council and all organisers in making this outstanding event a success, once again proving that our youth are the future and pride of our city.

17/04/2026

15/04/2026

Today, I had the honour of joining Councillor Frank Carbone, Mayor of Fairfield City, at a special ceremony to confer Australian citizenship upon more than 600 members of our local community. The event was held in a celebratory atmosphere that reflects the spirit of diversity and belonging that defines Fairfield.

The occasion was also attended by Mrs Dai Le, Federal Member for Fowler, along with my fellow Fairfield City Councillors, Councillor Hugo Morvillo, Councillor Kate Hoang,Councillor Milovan Karajcic and inspector Kat Daives from Fairfield police. Together, we shared this important national milestone with the new citizens and their families as they officially became part of the Australian community.

Congratulations to all residents of our great city of Fairfield on receiving their Australian citizenship today. We wish them a bright future filled with success and meaningful contributions to their new home.