Sydney: Bosnians and Herzegovinians held a magnificent celebration for their beloved BiH

(Patria) - Bosnians and Herzegovinians in Sydney held a magnificent celebration for their beloved homeland on Statehood Day, 25 November.

The long-announced ceremonial academy was organized under the patronage of the Consulate of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sydney and in joint cooperation with the Australian Bosnian-Herzegovinian Cultural Association and all BiH associations in NSW.

The ceremony was opened by students and hosts, Mak Vugdalić and Ajla Fajić, with professor and director of the Bosnian Ethnic School Maida Kulić Vugdalić. The introductory speech was given by honorary consul Mr. Amir Šahinović, who, along with congratulations for Statehood Day, emphasized how important unity is for the survival of our Bosnia and Herzegovina, and presented a certificate of appreciation and a valuable gift - an artwork by Vasvija Balić on behalf of the Consulate to long-time activist in the BiH community Muhamed Kumalić.

After that, congratulations were also delivered by members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Denis Bećirević and Željko Komšić via video link.

The gathering was also addressed by the President of the Council of the Bosnian Community Safet Alispahić, who, on behalf of the mentioned organization, awarded recognitions for long-term work in the BiH community of NSW: to the choir Modra rijeka, Mirsad Kadić, Senad Balić and Muhamed Kumalić. Given that a significant number of Australians from the political top also attended the ceremonial academy, along with other distinguished guests from all spheres of social life, their congratulations and delight at the organization of this event, as well as their commitment to nurturing the language, culture and tradition of Bosnians and Herzegovinians in NSW, were expressed through addresses by the Mayor of Liverpool, a city where a large number of people of BiH origin live, Ned Mannoun, and NSW Parliament member Charishma Kaliyanda. The final word belonged to the President of ABHCA, Ismet Halilović, and Hasan Alijagić, who announced a special guest from our country, Prof. Džemaludin Latić.

He also addressed those present, announcing several forums he intends to hold across Australia. KUD Zambak and Modra rijeka, as always, delighted all present with their performances, showing that they are true guardians of BiH heritage. Folk music performer Fikret Kolarić embellished the night with his songs.

And the surprise of the evening was the Bosnian Ethnic School, which also tried its hand at a choir performance in sevdah renditions, with renowned artist Nela Trifković, who traveled from Melbourne with her band Saray Iluminado especially for this occasion, which the guests received with great sympathy. We would also highlight the exhibition of paintings with Bosnian motifs by artist Vasvija Balić, who, with the help of decorator Muamera Šišić, beautified the hall of the beautiful Bosnian Centre and expressed a wish to donate one of her paintings to honorary consul Šahinović and BEŠ director Kulić Vugdalić for their persistent commitment and work in the BiH community in Australia.

The organizer also asked all present who wish to contribute and support the victims of Gaza through monetary donations, deeply aware of the price of freedom and peace and not forgetting those in need of help.

Gratitude goes to the large team of enthusiasts and volunteers who gave their all to make the event so successful. It was an unforgettable night, full of love and unity, just as befits the celebration of the birthday of our beloved BiH, it was announced.