Armenian Youth Federation of Australia
PO Box 238, Willoughby, NSW Australia 2068
executive@ayfaustralia.org
www.ayfaustralia.o rg

PRESS RELEASE
3 NOVEMBER 2008

AYF AUSTRALIA CELEBRATES 30 YEARS

SYDNEY – The Armenian Youth Federation of Australia (AYF Australia)
celebrated 30 years of activism in the community at a Dinner Dance in
Willoughby on Friday, 1st November.

The evening, organised by AYF Australia’s Nigol Touman Executive, was
attended by 200 former and current members of the organisation which was
formed in Sydney in 1978.

AYF Australia Chairperson, Maggy Kayserian addressed the attendees, stating
"it is an honour for current members to be flanked by those who formed the
AYF 30 years ago, as well as those who kept it active for her fellow members
to enjoy today".

Tamar Gulumian, also of the AYF Australia Executive, took the audience down
memory lane, recalling the formation in 1978 when Dr. Papken Papazian
visited from Lebanon to formally announce the formation of the organisation
which would be the hub for young Armenian-Australian activism for 30 years
and beyond.

Haig Kayserian spoke on behalf of the AYF Alumni, toasting a Happy
Anniversary to all generations of members who brought the organisation to
where it sits today; as strong as ever in 2008 and ready to face
unpredictable challenges.

He said: "The AYF is many things to many people, but the underlying success
of it is its ability to produce leaders of Armenian communities worldwide.
All of you here today are testament to that, and supporting this
organisation by contributing to its growth will ensure our community
develops many leaders for many years to come."

The evening’s entertainment was provided by Hagop Gulumian and the
Dikranakert band, while members took part in old ‘camp games’ on the dance
floor.