Fadia Ghossayn receives OAM for fostering Australia Lebanon relations

Professor Fadia Ghossayn will today become a Member of the Order of Australia for the indelible mark she has made on Australia-Lebanon relations, students’ lives and the community.

Professor Fadia Ghossayn has received an OAM for her service to Australian-Lebanon relations.

Professor Fadia Ghossayn will today become a Member of the Order of Australia for the indelible mark she has made on Australia-Lebanon relations, students’ lives and the community.

A dentist from Lebanon, Prof Ghossayn moved to Punchbowl in 1999 after witnessing horrible atrocities in the South Lebanon war.

She said it was these atrocities in Lebanon that led her to take full advantage of her life in Australia.

“Every day was touch and go,” Prof Ghossayn said.

“I saw so many people lose their life or their loved ones. My life in Australia is a joy.

“I use these kinds of accolades to remind my fellow citizens about how grateful we must be to Australia and the Australian way of life.”

But Australia has much to be grateful to Prof Ghossayn too.

Since arriving in Sydney, Ghossayn set about forging a strong relationship between Lebanon and Australia, most effectively as the founding president of the Australian Lebanese Foundation at the University of Sydney.

Her work with ALF has enabled her to single-handedly organise $304,000 worth of annual scholarships for 84 Australian Lebanese students.

In a watershed idea, Ghossayn teamed up with leaders in Lebanon to set up a register so the Australian Lebanese community can vote in their home country’s elections — so far 15,000 people in Australia have registered.

She has also helped the homeless as an active and founding member of the St Merkorious Charity that provides over 1,000 meals per week to needy families in the wider Sydney area.

Through her work with White Stone Project, Ghossayn has assisted people with drug, alcohol, and gambling addictions.

She is a founding member and president of the Australian Maronite Professional Council and supporter of the Lebanese Heart Foundation.

Ghossayn spoke of her love of the Australian Lebanese community who “shine by their efforts, talent, and generosity.”

“This award is a symbol and a message to Australian Lebanese citizens,” she said.

“I urge my fellow Australians who have roots in Lebanon, to open their heart and engage in this remarkable society of ours.

“The bottom line is simple — to lend a hand.”