Official launch of naming George Khattar on a street in the Australian city of Parramatta

18/5/2015

(Translation of this article appears in Arabic section)

Sydney – Middle East Times Int’l: The Parramatta City Council’s  recently held a ceremony in the occasion of naming a street in the city after George Naim Khattar, which is divided from "Phillip Street," in recognition of the efforts of the late businessman George Khattar and his bestowals to Parramatta city.

The ceremony was attended by a large number of personalities of the Lebanese and Arab communities and officialls including Hon. Philip Ruddock MP and the Lebanese Consul Maher Kheir.

Lord Mayor of Parramatta Lorraine Wearne, praised the late George Khattar and his services and achievements to Parramatta, and then Joe Khattar, President of the Lebanese Australian Chamber of Commerce gave a speech in which he praised the markings and qualities of his brother George, who left them only in his body but his spirit remains with them forever.

The daughter of the late George Naim Khattar, Georgia Khattar recalled also in a speech the life journey and qualities of her father.

At the end of the ceremony a commemorative plaque was revealed in honor of George and Khattar’s Family.

Joe Khattar’s Speech

On behalf of our family, I wish to thank you for bestowing this wonderful honour upon my late brother by naming this street …. George Khattar Lane.

Our thanks extend to all who have championed this initiative… particularly,

-           the Lord Mayor Councillor Lorraine Wearne….

-           the former Lord Mayor Councillor John Chedid…

-           Councillor Chiang Lim …..

            and especially

-           Peirre Esber for his extraordinary dedication.

Today promises to be a stepping stone for future positive recognition …. of those who contribute and will continue to contribute in the future to Parramatta and to the wider community.

We also want to extend the family’s gratitude to the media ….

for their ongoing assistance in providing positive coverage on George’s legacy.

Parramatta is a city steeped in history, much of it dating back to colonial times.

My brother George was very much a part of our city’s recent history.

His architectural vision and many charity works are woven into the story of modern Parramatta.

Now, thanks to Parramatta City Council, George’s legacy will be recognized for future generations.

The proximity of George Khattar Lane to Church Street and Phillip Street is also a wonderful reminder of George’s passion for fine dining and life.

This Lane is a tangible recognition of the contribution of one of Parramatta’s finest sons …… George Naim Khattar.

Lord Mayer’s Speech

We are here this morning to honour a family man, business man, philanthropist and respected member of the Australian Lebanese community, the late George Khattar.

George fit a lot into his relatively short time on Earth (he was just 44 years old when he died on 29 April 2010).

George was a Director at Dyldam Developments, President of the Australian Lebanese Chamber of Commerce… and a husband, father, son and brother.

As a philanthropist, George contributed to many charities and causes including the youth centre at Our Lady of Lebanon Church, his old school, the Marist Brothers and the Parramatta Eels.

We also know that George was very passionate about Parramatta.

He inspired many buildings we see around us in this city and of course, he supported the Parramatta Eels.

So it is only fitting that today, we name this lane in his beloved Parramatta to honour George and his memory.

Daughter Georgia’s Speech

On behalf of My Mother Carol, My Sister Alana and I, I would like to thank you all for joining us on this special Day.

My dad had a compassionate nature that welcomed everyone in need.

My dad had a big heart full of love and willingness to share.

My dad treated everyone equal and wanted everyone to be treated fair.

My dad was humble, amazing and unique.

My Dad left everyone and every place better than he found them because he was Beautiful, He was George Naim Khattar, but above all he is MY DAD.

A memory we can look back on and cherish and will always be etched in my heart and the hearts of my family.

We are grateful for this memory, this moment. As my mother Carol keeps reminding my sister and I, My dad was a dreamer that made dreams come true.

I ask you to join me and look up to the sky and give my dad a big George Khattar Smile!!!!