Armenian Community Welfare Centre

04/11/2026

“There is a bit of an overlap between scouting and medicine, because both are about serving others”. says Dr Raffi Sahagian.

In this episode of Willoughby Stories, we speak with Dr Raffi Sahagian, a long-serving GP at Willoughby Medical Practice who has cared for local families for decades. His front-row seat to the community's evolution, across generations of patients, gives him a perspective on Willoughby that very few people hold. Beyond medicine, Dr Raffi was one of the early members of the 2nd Willoughby Scouts and served as team lead, contributing meaningfully to youth development and community life. He shares his journey, his observations, and his deep connection to this place.

Check out our website: https://www.willoughbystories.com.au
YouTube: https://youtu.be/I1GMdmPAlfA

In this episode of Willoughby Stories, we speak with Dr Raffi Sahag...

03/11/2026

Melbourne Cup at ACWC!

28/10/2026

A heartfelt congratulations to our very special volunteer Mariam Aroyan on receiving a well-deserved NSW Volunteer of the Year award!
Volunteers like you are truly the heart and soul of our community. Your kindness, generosity, compassion, and willingness to give your time to help others make a difference in more ways than you may ever realise.

Thank you for giving so much of yourself to help others. You are truly appreciated, and it’s wonderful to see your efforts recognised. So very proud of you!

10/10/2026

Homelessness can happen to anyone. Even people who lived like us in Willoughby can lose their way.

In this episode of Willoughby Stories, Carly Hall speaks about Alfresco Community Kitchen. She tells us how every Tuesday and two Sundays a month, she and her team serve food at Martin Place, bringing dignity, compassion and human connection to hundreds of people experiencing homelessness, social isolation and financial hardship. Carly opens up about how she learnt that love, genuine relationships and compassion heal. She says the people they serve miss sharing a family meal and having a simple chat.

Powered by volunteers, donated food and community partnerships, Alfresco Community Kitchen is more than a place to eat. Thanks to Carly's work, it is a welcoming space where people feel seen, respected and valued.
We fill Martin Place with tables and chairs, like a Christmas dinner, at Christmas time, street community joins in to play music, and it becomes a wonderful celebration of family. It’s often been years, and years since some of them had family dinners, they don’t get invited to parties anymore…”, says Carly Hall

https://youtu.be/zraI4e0MssU



More about Alfresco Community Kitchen here: https://www.tack.org.au/

In this episode of Willoughby Stories, Carly Hall speaks about Alfr...

24/09/2026

We had a wonderful time, as always, at the Armenian Film Festival!

Another beautiful afternoon filled with great cinema, laughter and lovely company!

19/09/2026

“My home is my castle,” says Tony Walker, quoting the famous Australian movie The Castle.

In the second episode of "Willoughby Stories", we are speaking with Tony Walker, Principal and Head of Residential Sales at Shead Property, one of the North Shore’s longest-standing independent real estate agencies, with roots in this community dating back to 1928.

Tony shares his childhood memories of Chatswood, how the community has transformed into a metropolis over the decades, and, most importantly, what has stayed the same.

https://youtu.be/MbcyWk8K0wc

In the second episode of "Willoughby Stories", we are speaking with...

14/09/2026

We had a wonderful week celebrating the special dads and father figures in our Seniors Group! Along with laughter, stories, and delicious treats, we enjoyed beautiful music from our guest musician, Arsen Mangasarian, who entertained us with Armenian melodies played on a variety of musical instruments. 🎶🇦🇲

We were also grateful to welcome our guest nutritionist Tatiana Bedikian, who shared valuable insights into the importance of healthy foods, good eating habits, and ageing well. 🥗🍎

A wonderful week filled with music, learning, friendship, and celebration!

05/09/2026

On Sunday, 30 August, the Armenian Community Welfare Centre proudly hosted its third annual Armenia Day Festival at Chatswood Shopping Centre ❤️💙🧡

The event continues to grow each year, bringing together Armenian organisations, schools, cultural groups, businesses and families to celebrate our culture, traditions, music, dance and community spirit.

We were honoured to welcome Willoughby Council Mayor Tanya Taylor, Jerome Laxale MP, Councillor Robert Samuel, Councillor Kristina Dodds, Councillor Michelle Chuang and Ryde Councillor Lyndal Howison, who joined our community and took part in the celebrations.

ACWC extends its sincere thanks to all our community organisations, clergy, schools, performers, businesses, volunteers and supporters who helped make Armenia Day 2026 such a wonderful success.

A special thank you to the City of Willoughby and City of Ryde for their continued support and for celebrating alongside our community.

We look forward to bringing everyone together again next year! ❤️💙🧡

20/08/2026

"I was literally broke, I was starting over": Solveig Coulon on Building Le Marché French Market

In our first episode of Willoughby Stories, I speak with Solveig Coulon, founder of Le Marché French Market, a vibrant cultural initiative that brings the ambiance of a traditional French village market to Sydney. Solveig tells us how a small business concept that started during COVID-19 turned into a much-loved community experience that combines food, culture, and human connection.

She opens up about being literally broke, exiting a relationship, and starting over with Le Marché. Her early skepticism has since given way to something bigger than she imagined. Today, Le Marché is a genuine destination in Willoughby, a place where locals gather not just to shop but to meet friends and experience the authenticity of a true French market.

Solveig's story is a testament to the power of storytelling, shared cultural experiences, and community in creating meaningful public spaces.

https://youtu.be/JOsYoP6X1h8

In our first episode of Willoughby Stories, I speak with Solveig Co...

01/08/2026

Introducing Willoughby Stories! 🎬

We're thrilled to launch a brand-new interview series celebrating the people who make our community truly special. ✨

In proud partnership with Willoughby City Council, the Armenian Community Welfare Centre is putting a spotlight on the inspiring locals shaping our neighbourhood, their stories, their journeys, and their impact.

Every corner of Willoughby has a story worth telling. Ours starts now. 🌟

📺 Subscribe on YouTube:
🌐 Visit us: www.willoughbystories.com.au

Stay tuned, our first episode is coming soon! 👀