By Foaad Makansi
One of the most beautiful, elegant and wonderful celebrations ever for you is the one that friends and family organise for you. Nothing lasts in your imagination like these memories.
In these shots. on this day, I turned 40 years old.
It is my first year in Australia.
In fact, what I found on this day was greater than my expectations and imagination. I met 85% of the good people I knew in this country, specifically in the Byron Shire community, which includes the highest meanings of humanity, justice, and equality.
One of the most beautiful things I saw was that everyone was cheering, singing, and cooperating to make this day perfect, and indeed it is. I will never forget this celebration.
The absence of some friends from celebrating with us was tantamount to their presence because they expressed their beautiful wishes to me and my family and made their excuses for not being able to attend.
I would like to say that I am very proud of my relationship with all my close friends. Truly, I am very grateful for your presence in my life and the life of my family, which has finished its first year in Australia and enjoyed a new life filled with love, friendship and happiness in every sense of the word.
I say to you, thank you very much, my new family. I will not be able to thank you enough. You have more names than I can remember.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this wonderful organisation. Thank you for inviting all the people with whom I have very exceptional friendships, brotherhood and love.
Thank you to everyone who attended and to everyone who was unable to attend as well.
A group of volunteers to support our refugee family. I promise you that our connection with you will grow stronger.
Director and founder of the sunglasses company, I am very proud to be a member of your team.
My teachers in the English language classes, I will never forget your kindness to me, you are the ones who give me self-confidence.
My colleagues in the English language classes, your attendance at the ceremony was one of the most important lessons we learn together.
My daughter’s teachers, your exceptional presence is a source of pride for us. You are our role models that we are proud of.
My neighbours, friends, and loved ones in this most wonderful community. You have been and still are by our side in the most difficult circumstances. I hope that we will always live up to your aspirations. I also wish you a happy life, just as you filled my first year in Australia with happiness and bright hope.
The refugee support community in Ballina and the Northern Rivers. My words cannot describe you and I thank you as you deserve.
Thank you for your support and standing alongside the refugee families whom you have given safety, humanity, love, full care and integration with their beautiful surroundings.