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Northern District Times (Australia)
January 28, 2009 Wednesday
1 - MB Edition
Giving Armenians a voice `Our kids will integrate so why not the
parents'
CHARIS CHANG
`Our kids will integrate so why not the parents'
AS a Ryde councillor Sarkis Yedelian has had many opportunities to
attend citizenship ceremonies and every time he does he renews his
allegiance to this country.
But this year's Australia Day held special significance for Cr
Yedelian, who is of Armenian ancestry, as he was awarded a Medal of
the Order of Australia in the General Division (OAM).
Since immigrating to Sydney in 1979 from Beirut, Lebanon, Cr Yedelian
has been an active member of the Armenian community in Australia as
well as involving himself in the Australian community at every level.
For the last four years he has been a volunteer in the SES and when he
was elected to Ryde Council in 2004 he was the first, and is still the
only councillor, of Armenian ancestry in Australia.
He was awarded the OAM for his service to the Armenian community
through the promotion and development of multicultural integration
initiatives, and to local government.
``I'm very privileged to receive this award,'' said Cr Yedelian.
``My father was active in the community and he always told me I should
be,'' said Cr Yedelian.
``My wife also helps me a lot, my family supports me, it's a team
effort.''
Fluent in five languages Armenian, Turkish, French, Arabic and English
Cr Yedelian believes in multiculturalism.
``I want harmony and I believe in integration,'' he said.
``I don't think different cultures in Australia should distance
themselves from each other.
``I love multiculturalism at the end of the day our kids will
integrate so why not the parents as well?''
Cr Yedelian helped to form the Ryde Multicultural Centre in West Ryde
where people from different cultures can mix and access advice about
government services.
He also helped start the Armenia Weekly magazine, the Armenian
community radio hour on 2NSB FM and community television station
Channel 31.
Next month he will celebrate the 30th anniversary of his own
citizenship.
``People come to Australia because they want to be Australian.
``You look all around the rest of the world there are problems even if
I had my choice again, I would still choose this place to be my
country.''
January 28, 2009 Wednesday
1 - MB Edition
Giving Armenians a voice `Our kids will integrate so why not the
parents'
CHARIS CHANG
`Our kids will integrate so why not the parents'
AS a Ryde councillor Sarkis Yedelian has had many opportunities to
attend citizenship ceremonies and every time he does he renews his
allegiance to this country.
But this year's Australia Day held special significance for Cr
Yedelian, who is of Armenian ancestry, as he was awarded a Medal of
the Order of Australia in the General Division (OAM).
Since immigrating to Sydney in 1979 from Beirut, Lebanon, Cr Yedelian
has been an active member of the Armenian community in Australia as
well as involving himself in the Australian community at every level.
For the last four years he has been a volunteer in the SES and when he
was elected to Ryde Council in 2004 he was the first, and is still the
only councillor, of Armenian ancestry in Australia.
He was awarded the OAM for his service to the Armenian community
through the promotion and development of multicultural integration
initiatives, and to local government.
``I'm very privileged to receive this award,'' said Cr Yedelian.
``My father was active in the community and he always told me I should
be,'' said Cr Yedelian.
``My wife also helps me a lot, my family supports me, it's a team
effort.''
Fluent in five languages Armenian, Turkish, French, Arabic and English
Cr Yedelian believes in multiculturalism.
``I want harmony and I believe in integration,'' he said.
``I don't think different cultures in Australia should distance
themselves from each other.
``I love multiculturalism at the end of the day our kids will
integrate so why not the parents as well?''
Cr Yedelian helped to form the Ryde Multicultural Centre in West Ryde
where people from different cultures can mix and access advice about
government services.
He also helped start the Armenia Weekly magazine, the Armenian
community radio hour on 2NSB FM and community television station
Channel 31.
Next month he will celebrate the 30th anniversary of his own
citizenship.
``People come to Australia because they want to be Australian.
``You look all around the rest of the world there are problems even if
I had my choice again, I would still choose this place to be my
country.''