Revealed: Western Sydney lunch guest list fit for King Charles

A rollcall of Western Sydney’s best ambassadors, we reveal some of the prominent identities invited to attend the exclusive barbecue — billed as an event to celebrate Australia’s cultural diversity — with King Charles next week.

Sydney father Danny Abdallah, who famously forgave a drunk driver who killed three of his children with wife Leila, is hoping to get royal support for his i4give Foundation when he attends a private barbecue with King Charles and Queen Camilla on Tuesday.

Mr Abdallah is among the prominent Western Sydney identities invited to attend the exclusive barbecue, billed as an event to celebrate Australia’s cultural diversity.

The Daily Telegraph can now reveal some of the prominent names on the invitation list, which includes sporting figures and former Australians of the year.

Mr Abdallah told the Telegraph that he was “very honoured and humbled” when he got the invitation from Premier Chris Minns.

He said that if he got a chance to talk to King Charles, he would raise the foundation he started with his wife to promote forgiveness.

Among those joining King Charles for lunch will be Leila and Danny and Leila Abdallah, top left; Noemie Fox, middle left; Deng Adut, bottom left; Casey Donovan, top right; Dr Daniel Nour, middle right and Professor Veena Sahajwalla, bottom right.

“It would be an opportunity to talk about the i4give Foundation and how we can promote it abroad, including a global i4give Day, for people to stop and reflect,” he told the Telegraph.

“Most people always hold a grudge, forgiveness is a gift you give yourself,” he said.

Others attending the barbecue include refugee lawyer Deng Adut, Street Side Medics founder Dr Daniel Nour, and inventor Veena Sahajwalla.

The founder and director of Armidale youth organisation BackTrack, Bernie Shakeshaft, has also accepted an invitation.

“To be invited to meet the King and Queen is just so humbling and an amazing recognition for BackTrack and for all the people finding solutions and making a lasting difference in their communities,” Mr Shakeshaft said.

“I am so honoured to represent the BackTrack young people who are changing their lives against the odds.”

The gathering is being assembled to meet His Majesty King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Western Sydney Wanderers Captain Lawrence Thomas has accepted an invitation, along with the team’s vice-captain. Gold medal canoeist Noemie Fox, from Penrith, is also attending.

Singer and actress Casey Donovan, who grew up in Bankstown, is also on the list.

While details about the security operation around the visit are being kept under lock and key, the Telegraph can now reveal some new details about the NSW Police operation to keep the royals safe.

Dubbed “Operation Royal visit,” NSW Poliec will deploy general and specialist officers to manage the movement of the King and Queen between engagements.

“Planning for the Operation has taken place over many months, and the NSWPF has been working with partner agencies including the UK Royal and Specialist protection team, to provide an operational response,” a NSW Police spokeswoman said.

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