Australian expats enjoy barbecue for a good cause

Dubai: Australian expatrates' unwavering love for their country is money in the bank for charities dedicated to helping others.

Revellers celebrating Australia Day at a barbecue yesterday at Dubai Creek Park and a separate feast and auction by Australian Business Council, Dubai, at Emirates Golf Club dug deep to give to worthy causes.

Hundreds of national day celebrants at the Creek Park made donations to the UAE Red Crescent while fellow citizens gave thousands at the ABCD barbecue to Australia Cancer Research Foundation.

The mood was definitely festive as attendees observed an annual civic holiday that marks entry into Sydney Harbour in 1788 of the First Fleet confirming British dominion over east Australia at the time.

Raymi Van der Spek, chairman ABCD, told Gulf News he was pleased that more than Dh124,150 was raised from a large turnout of about 300 people at the golf club's lawn terrace.

Sporting acoubra headwear from the Outback, Aussies were generous throughout a major auction that offered everything from a boxing glove signed by Mohmmad Ali to signed football jerseys.

‘Best day ever'

Emirates airlines provided two business-class tickets for any Australia destination for auction as well.

"I think we did very well judging by the numbers," said Van der Spek. "It's all done in good fun. It's a quintessential and classic way of Australians enjoying themselves with some good friends."

Australian Ambassador to the UAE Pablo Kang was on hand as was outgoing Australian Consul Kym Everett.

Karen Price-Francke said she enjoyed one of her best Australia Days ever.