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House of Assembly - Fifty-Fourth Parliament, Second Session (54-2)
2020-02-20 Daily Xml
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Nemer, Mr E.

Mrs POWER (Elder) (15:36): I rise today to acknowledge Mr Elias Nemer and his service to both our community and South Australia. Mr Nemer has served as the Honorary Consul for Lebanon, and on Saturday just past we gathered at the Maronite church in Westbourne Park to acknowledge and celebrate his 41 years of service. At the event, Mr Nemer was bestowed the Medal of Saint Maron by Bishop Tarabay, and former ambassador Milad Raad gifted Mr Nemer the Lebanese Embassy trophy—well-deserved accolades indeed, given that Mr Nemer's journey has certainly been one of dedication and passion.

At the age of 17, Mr Nemer left Lebanon and arrived by himself in Australia to join his eldest brother. It was at his brother's house that he met his wife, Violet, who I have heard was an incredible woman. Together they would go on to have seven children, 18 grandchildren and, more recently, two great-grandchildren.

Mr Nemer and his two brothers share the stories of so many hardworking migrants to Australia. With tenacity and determination, all three brothers succeeded in their business ventures in their new-found country. It was their passion and commitment to positively contributing to the community that led the three brothers to devote their time and energy to help establish the Lebanese Association and the Maronite Church in Adelaide.

In 1971, Mr Nemer became the first elected president and chairman of the Lebanese Maronite community in Adelaide. He also became president of the Lebanese Cultural Association. Mr and Mrs Nemer's love of the Lebanese community was always evident. Even prior to his becoming an honorary consul, they welcomed many guests to their house, which was described as being often full of people, music and food. That is very Lebanese, coming from someone who has a dad who is Lebanese.

On Saturday night, it was a delight to see the collection of photographs that captured part of Mr Nemer's journey, including Mr Nemer with former premiers such as Don Dunstan and John Olsen, and with many other leaders of our state and country. He and his wife assisted many Lebanese migrants, helping them to adapt to their new homeland in Australia, supporting them to gain employment, find housing and embrace the Australian way of life.

Mr Nemer was recognised on Saturday in front of his family and friends, Bishop Tarabay, Ambassador Milad Raad, Monsignor Emmanuel Sakr, Senator Alex Antic, heads of other religious communities and their committees, multicultural associations and members of the Lebanese community. I was also personally pleased to be there for such a special celebration.

Mr Nemer's daughter, Anne Awwad, delivered a beautiful and moving speech and acknowledged that, even though her father worked for many years as a successful businessman and for 41 years as an honorary consul, it is his family he is most proud of. She reflected on the way that he and their late mother, Violet, had instilled in their children and grandchildren the value of education, hard work and dedication. He has inspired them all to pursue their dreams and helped them to reach their greatest potential.

The following day, on Sunday just past, celebrations at the Maronite church continued with the Feast of Saint Maron celebrating the patron saint, and I was pleased to attend yet again. Special congratulations to the Maronite Youth Committee and the church for organising another great event over the weekend, and once again special congratulations to Mr Nemer.

To summarise the extraordinary impact Mr Nemer has had on his local community, religious community, family and friends, Anne said it best: 'Much like the enduring seeds of Lebanon, Elias George Nemer's legacy will remain steadfast and deep rooted.' Thank you and congratulations to Mr Nemer.

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