10 QUESTIONS – SARKIS YEDELIAN – OUR DISTRICT
Northern District Times
March 25, 2009 Wednesday
Australia
FLUENT in five languages and of Armenian ancestry, Sarkis Yedelian
is a great believer in multiculturalism.
Since immigrating to Australia in 1979, he has involved himself in
the community at every level, including as a Ryde councillor and
volunteer with the SES.
On Australia Day this year he was awarded a Medal of the Order of
Australia (OAM) for his service to the Armenian community through the
promotion and development of multicultural integration initiatives,
and to local government.
He answers 10 questions that provide an insight to his passions
and pastimes.
1 I love living in the northern districts because … it incorporates
the City of Ryde. It’s close to everything we have Parramatta and Lane
Cove rivers. We have the luxury of having Lane Cove National Park, and
you can study and work in a green, clean and safe environment. People
are down to earth and friendly.
2 If I could change something about the northern districts it would
be … remove 80 per cent of the cars and have a timely, working,
integrated public transport system.
3 My funniest memory of growing up is … learning the rules of
cricket when my son decided to play soccer and cricket at the same
time. I still enjoy watching the kids play and learn in the same park
that I used to go with my kids.
4 When I tell people I am a Ryde councillor, they usually say … are
you really? And they think being a councillor is a full-time job and
they start asking questions about Ryde and give suggestions on how
we can improve the services.
5 The best meal I had in the area recently was at … Ani’s
Mediterranean Restaurant at Blaxland Rd, Top Ryde. They make the best
spicy Armenian and Lebanese food.
6 The last time I had a night out … was last week. I had my school
mates from high school visiting from France we had great night out
at Top Ryde.
7 What I love about my life is … that I still have great health,
wonderful family and the opportunity to serve Ryde residents as their
elected councillor.
8 My favourite spot in the area is … the panoramic view of City
of Ryde from the sixth floor of the council building. You can see
the Harbour Bridge, the mountains and surrounding suburbs. The most
interesting view is the look of the construction of the new Top Ryde
City shopping centre.
9 I like to go on holidays to … Surfers Paradise and enjoy the
wonderful beaches.
10 My life changed when … 30 years ago, I decided to migrate to
Australia, got married and became an Australian citizen that is still
the best decision I ever made.