22/02/2026
The Australian Egyptian Forum Council - AEFC, Through Its Youth Chapter, Hosts Its Annual 2025 HSC Honours, Educators & Talents Recognition Ceremony:
The Youth Chapter of the Australian Egyptian Forum Council (AEFC) proudly hosted its 𝕒𝕟𝕟𝕦𝕒𝕝 𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟝 ℍ𝕊ℂ ℍ𝕠𝕟𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕤, 𝔼𝕕𝕦𝕔𝕒𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕤 & 𝕋𝕒𝕝𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕤 ℝ𝕖𝕔𝕠𝕘𝕟𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 ℂ𝕖𝕣𝕖𝕞𝕠𝕟𝕪, continuing a valued tradition of celebrating academic excellence, educational leadership, and emerging talent within the community.
Held in the presence of students, families, educators, dignitaries, and community leaders, the event recognised outstanding HSC high achievers for their dedication, perseverance, and exceptional academic performance.
The ceremony also honoured and awarded educators whose mentorship and commitment played a pivotal role in shaping their students’ educational journeys. Families were acknowledged for their steadfast encouragement and partnership in nurturing success.
The evening commenced with an opening address by the AEFC President, Mr Michael Zaki, who encouraged the younger generation to recognise the privilege of being rooted in one of the greatest civilisations in human history while growing and thriving in one of the world’s strongest and most successful multicultural nations. He emphasised the responsibility and opportunity that come with embracing both heritage and identity in shaping future leaders.
The ceremony was further enriched by distinguished addresses from Her Excellency the Consul General of Egypt, Reem Zahrane, His Grace Daniel, The Honourable Hugh McDermott MP: and Parliamentary Secretary to the Attorney-General, MP, The Honourable Mark Coure MP, and an inspirational address by the Head of St Mary & St Mina's Coptic Orthodox College, Mr Paul Humble. These speeches highlighted the transformative power of education, strong values, and community support in preparing young people for future leadership.
The celebration featured captivating musical and choral performances showcasing the remarkable talents of students from St Mark's Coptic Orthodox College and St Mary & St Mina's Coptic Orthodox College, adding a vibrant and uplifting dimension to the occasion.
With more than 125 confirmed bookings, the annual ceremony demonstrated strong community engagement. In addition, several dignitaries and representatives joined the celebration, including:
* Her Excellency Reem Zahrane, Consul General of Egypt,
* His Grace Bishop Daniel of Sydney, Orthodox Bishop of Sydney and its affiliated regions,
* The Honourable Hugh McDermott MP: State Member for Prospect, MP, State Member for Prospect and Parliamentary Secretary to the Attorney-General
* The Honourable Edmond Atalla MP, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Police and Counter‑Terrorism;
* The Honourable Mark Coure MP, MP, and the Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism, Jobs, Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology
* A special visit by the Honourable Liesl Tesch MP, AM,
Member for Gosford Deputy Government Whip
* Fr Anthony Morgan representing the Most Reverend Tadros, The Coptic Orthodox Papal Legate to Sydney
* Mr Paul Humble, the Head of St Mary & St Mina's Coptic Orthodox College,
* Mr Michael Atteya, the head of St Bishoy College,
* Mr Anthony Deans, the head of St Mark's Coptic Orthodox College
* Mr Ross Nassif, Coptic Education Board Member, and
* Several community dignitaries
The event received media coverage from SBS Arabic, Aghapy Tv, and ElManara Magazine, underscoring its significance within the broader community.
As an annual initiative, the HSC Honours, Educators & Talents Recognition Ceremony reaffirms AEFC’s ongoing commitment to empowering youth, recognising excellence, and strengthening the bonds between families, educators, and the wider Australian community.
The AEFC and its Youth Chapter extend their sincere appreciation to The Honourable Hugh McDermott, MP, and the Parliament of NSW for graciously hosting this prestigious event. And for the Coptic colleges representatives, Mrs Dena Mikhael, Mrs Tania Khoshaba & Mrs Hala Ibrahim, and Mr Kyrollis Morgan.
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Consulate General of Egypt - Sydney Egyptian Streets المصري اليوم
Australian Embassy in Egypt
