The Australian Ireland Fund launched the Australian chapter of the Young Leaders programme in Sydney on Thursday 5th November at the home of the Irish Consul General, Patrick Scullion. The launch took place in the form of a cocktail reception in the penthouse of the Grace Hotel and was attended by 90 young professionals of Irish and Australian descent.
Our Ambassadors of the Young Leaders network Katherine Keating, Sophie Curran, Fiona Tuite, Clare Foley, Vice Consul Siobhan Kelly and the Irish Australian Idol, Damien Leith invited contacts in their own individual networks to attend which made for a very interesting and diverse mix. Children of our Board and Governors were present, truly representing the next generation.
Executive Director Teresa Keating explained the history of the Ireland funds and the current work we are involved in in Ireland and Australia. Director and Treasurer Yvonne le Bas discussed the programme, introduced our Ambassadors and encouraged those present to interact with us and inform us of what activities they would be interested in attending and supporting going forward.
Host, Consul General told guests a couple of his thoughts on the work of the Australian Ireland Fund including our support for integrated education which he agreed is vital. He thanked guests for their interest, told them they were “the next wave” and we looked forward to strengthening our two countries ties and their own networks going forward.
