World Lebanese Cultural Union
WLCU National council in Victoria headed by Youssef Saba and WLCU Regional council of Australia and New Zealand headed by Tony Yacoub held the event of Miss Emigrants in Australia for the year 2013 in Melbourne where more than 500 people attended the event.
The celebration began with both the Australian and Lebanese national anthems. The hosts of the evening; Sandra Bejjani and Eve Elsheikh welcomed everyone on behalf of The World Lebanese Cultural Union – State Council Of Victoria, The President – Mr Youssef Saba and the Executive Committee and recognised distinguished guests as follows: The Consul General of Lebanon Ghassan El–Khatib representing the Ambassador of Lebanon H.E Dr Jean Daniel, The President of the Legislative Council – Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region Honourable Bruce Atkinson and his wife, Consul General of Oman Dr. Hamed AL Alawi, Vice Consul of Oman Musallam AL Amri, the Honourable MP Kelvin Thomson, Parliamentary Secretary for Trade – Federal Labor Member for Wills Councillor Oscar Yildiz Mayor Moreland City Council and his wife, Former Mayor Moonee Valley City Council Councillor John Sipek and his wife, WLCU WVP Joe Arid, the President of WLCU – GRC Australia and New Zealand Tony Yacoub and his wife, Father Elias Matta and his wife, WLCU Chapters & Members, Lebanese Associations, Political Parties, Media Representatives & Sponsors.
The hosts stated that on this night we celebrate our wonderful heritage, that of which 12 beautiful young ladies have chosen to take part in this competition to represent their beloved country Lebanon. The celebration of Miss Emigrants goes back to the 1950’s in Dhour Shweir Lebanon, in hopes of reconnecting and strengthening the Lebanese Emigrants to their roots by uniting them through the universal language of beauty. The World Lebanese Cultural Union is very proud to be presenting this event.
Miss Lebanon Australia of 2012 – Miss Najla Fakhry and our 2nd Runner-Up for 2012 – Miss Patricia Noja were then invited to the stage and presented flowers in recognition of their achievements.
Speeches
First guest speaker– The Consul General of Lebanon Mr Ghassan El–Khatib representing the Ambassador of Lebanon H.E Dr Jean Daniel:
“The occasion of the election of Miss Lebanon Emigrant is a very happy occasion waiting for a lot of expatriates and reflects an overwhelming joy in the hearts of the Lebanese expatriate youth. A luminous image in the life of the Lebanese community in Australia and in the lives of the Lebanese communities in the Diaspora; He added: “On the election day, the elected Queen will combine the charm and culture of Lebanon and its openness to the world. She will reflect to the world’s high-end and cultural homeland, the true image of Lebanon’s brilliance in its beauty. This election will be under the patronage of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Lebanon, General Michel Suleiman, and the Tourism Minister Mr. Fadi Abboud.
And concluded:” You, O expatriates, you are still the pride of Lebanon and its cultural wealth, having contributed to the deployment of its heritage and to uphold it. I wish you luck and thank the World Lebanese Cultural Union (Victoria) and the organizing committee in Lebanon and all participating states. Thanks to Michel Doueihi, World President of the World Lebanese Cultural Union and to Tony Yacoub President WLCU – GRC Australia & NZ, and Youssef Saba President of WLCU State of Victoria and all those working with them. “
Second guest speaker – The Honourable Bruce Atkinson – President of the Legislative Council – Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region:
The title of Miss Lebanon provides an opportunity to promote and raise awareness about the Lebanese history and culture and the significant contribution the Lebanese people have made to Australia. The Miss Lebanon title recognises good citizenship and a commitment to the Lebanese community that has made Australia home as well as to the broader community. The title is about bringing people together and building new opportunities. It is an important and rewarding role that will undoubtedly open doors to pursue further and more significant achievements. Miss Lebanon is a celebration of the combination of Australian and Lebanese cultures. It is about personal and civic values. It is about striving to be your best and to using your knowledge, talents, energy, enthusiasm and work to make a positive contribution to our community.
Congratulations to all the contestants as they are all willing to take on this important role that is to be Miss Lebanon and become not only an ambassador for the Lebanese culture and heritage in Australia but also to become an inspirational figure for others, especially young people.
Message from The Mayor of Dhour-Shweir Habib Jouka Moujaes
“Miss Emigrants” The bridge which communicates Lebanon with the Lebanese Emigrants all over the world!
Dear Lebanese Emigrants,
“Miss Emigrants” isn’t a simple Beauty pageant; It is a way to link those who are far by distance close by heart to their motherland “Lebanon “ . Its aim has always been to reveal the beautiful face of Lebanon and expressly Dhour-Shweir “The land of love and beauty”. Being far from your hometown had never been an obstacle in achieving great success wherever you are. Each one of you is the Lebanese spirit which embodies all the virtues and values of every human being! Each one of you is the pride of our country.
Therefore, always remember that only by standing side by side and working for the general welfare we make the difference we all strive for the best of our country! We are eagerly waiting for you in August to gather and celebrate the “Emigrants Festivals” and live a memorable evening of “ Miss Emigrants” on August 10th, 2013 in Dhour-Shweir.
Message from Michel Doueihi, World President of the World Lebanese Cultural Union
Ladies and gentlemen, members of the World Lebanese Cultural Union of Australia and New Zealand;
I am pleased on this happy occasion that Australian Lebanese meet for the second time in the state of Victoria to elect Miss Lebanon Emigrant and to highlight the civilized face of the Lebanese community in this country. The winner from this night will represent us in the celebration which will be held in the town of Dhour Chweir – Lebanon. She will join the throne of beauty with girls from around the world to elect Miss Lebanon Emigrant 2013 on the 10th of August under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Lebanon, General Michel Suleiman.
I express my appreciation and thanks to the President of the World Lebanese Cultural Union state of Victoria Youssef Saba and his Executive Committee and also to Tony Yacoub the President of the WLCU in Australia and New Zealand. Their outstanding efforts have made this event successful. Their ongoing activities highlight the name of Lebanon in this country. Best wishes to them all to keep the name of Lebanon high around the world.
Four Special Guest Judges participated in the event: The Honourable Bruce Atkinson, Stella Torrance Commotion Fashion Boutique, Alin Le Kal Fashion Designer and Santina Pivato Designer / Dressmaker
First Entry: 12 gorgeous contestants for Miss Lebanon Australia 2013 were welcomed to the stage. Each girl entered with the zafeh group and danced to the Lebanese song listed beside her name below. Ina-Rosa & Saba-Elio presented each contestant with a rose after their introduction…
Contestants’ presentation order
1. Genevieve Yarak (dakhilo chaklek janani)
2. Sarah Sadaka (metr w sab3een)
3. Jasmine Sobh (ghibi ya chames ghibi)
4. Hallen Sukkar (el sa3a sab3a)
5. Janette Mekdassi (3alawa neraj3 metel ma kena)
6. Zainab Taleb (layki layki)
7. Jessica Mansour (bl rouh bl dam)
8. Nadine Al-Antouri (khalini choufak bl layl)
9. Cosette Saba (ana lach had houbak)
10. Gita Issa (chefta bchare3 el hamra)
11. Sarah Abdul Samad (chou jabek 3a hayena)
12. Jeanelle Hamzy (jumhuryet albi)
At the end of the first entry the amazing Dance Trainer and Choreographer – Mrs Golda Elsheikh –was commended for her hard work and presented with flowers.
Second Entry: Following an entertainment segment by DJ Sami Saoud, the contestants returned to the dance floor preceded by young children waving Lebanese and Australian flags. The contestants invited their parents to the dance floor and performed the dabke dance to the song “Raje3 yet3amar lebnan”
Before the contestants’ third entry, a Sizzling Brazilian Floor Show was performed by the Katumba group in Melbourne.
Third Entry: Contestants danced to the Miss Lebanon official song.
At the conclusion of this entry there was further entertainment by Musicians Sargon and Samir. DJ Sami also played some English music.
Fourth Entry: Evening Dress – Catwalk & Questions
The beautiful contestants were welcomed back onto the stage dressed in their exquisite evening gowns for their final presentation for the evening. Each girl walked down the catwalk and posed. She was asked to choose an envelope which held her question for the evening. The questions were asked by the judges.
While waiting for the final winner to be announced. The hosts along with the dance trainer/choreographer Mrs Golda Elsheikh, announced all the ‘Miss’ awards as follows:
Miss Photogenic Genevieve Yarak
Miss Personality Gita Issa
Miss Elegant Sarah Abdul Samad
Miss Charismatic Hallen Sukkar
Miss Congeniality (Friendship) Janette Mekdassi
Miss Beautiful Eyes Jeanelle Hamzy
Miss Dancing Queen Jasmine Sobh
Miss Intelligent Jessica Mansour
Miss Talent Nadine Al-Antouri
Miss Captivating Zainab Taleb
Miss Athletic Sarah Sadaka
Miss Travel Cosette Saba
As the time approached midnight, President of the Legislative Council Victoria Bruce Atkinson announced the names of the winners on behalf of the judging panel;
The second runner-up was Jeanelle Saab Hamzy. Her award was presented by Miss Patricia Noja ( 2nd Runner Up 2012) and Mr Joe Arida – World Vice president of the WLCU.
The first runner-up Cosette Saba, was presented her award by Mr Tony Yacoub President of WLCU GRC Australia & NZ and Sayed Hatem – Vice President WLCU Victoria
Miss Emigrants 2013 in Australia was awarded to Jessica Mansour. Miss Najla Fakhry – Miss Lebanon Emigrant Australia 2012 crowned the winner. Other awards were presented by Mr Youssef Saba President of WLCU state Council of Victoria and Lebanese Consul General Ghassan Khatib.
Congratulations to all of our contestants for the night. We thank all those who contributed to the success of this event.
The WLCU – Victoria distributed a booklet containing photos of all the contestants and their information. It also included the program for the night and words of the guest speakers and messages from the World President WLCU Michel Doueihi and Dhour Chweir mayor Habib Mjaas. Miss Lebanon Emigrant Australia will depart to Lebanon to represent Australia, amongst 35 queens elected from around the world, to participate in the final celebration which will be held on 10 August 2013 in the town of Dhour Chweir, under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Lebanon, General Michel Suleiman.
