Thousands Expected to Attend Opening of Assyrian Genocide Monument
Fairfield, Australia -- MAYOR Nick Lalich has promised a "thorough event management plan" to cope with the large crowds that are expected to attend the unveiling of the Assyrian genocide monument in Bonnyrigg on Saturday.
Thousands are expected to attend the official opening of the monument at the corner of Elizabeth Drive and Smithfield Rd from 11am until 1pm.
With no parking or toilet facilities available at the site, those wishing to attend will have to meet at the nearby Nineveh Sports and Community Club to catch a shuttle bus to the ceremony.
Mayor Lalich said those wanting to use the toilet will have to go to the club or "nearby" at McDonald's across the road.
"The Assyrian Universal Alliance has appointed wardens to ensure any overflow of parking does not disrupt nearby residents," he said. "In addition, the Assyrian Universal Alliance has informed all nearby residents and essential services including ambulance services and the police, who have placed appropriate conditions to run the event."
Parking concerns were raised as one of the main objections to the $70,000 monument before it was approved by Fairfield Council last year.
Objections were also received from the Turkish community, who stand accused of the genocide.
The monument has been funded by the Assyrian Universal Alliance, who are also required to fund its upkeep.
Spokesman Hermiz Shahen said Saturday's date held particular significance for the Assyrian community, and was known as Assyrian Martyrs Day.
"This memorial stands for the Assyrian genocide committed at the hands of the Ottoman Turkey during World War I, which claimed about 750,000 innocent lives," he said. "The site is expected to become a pilgrimage site not only for the Assyrians but for all Australians who are sympathetic to the issue."
Members of the Assyrian Universal Alliance are this week putting the finishing touches on the monument and are busy finalising a number of landscaping and paving requirements.
Kids march to remember
THE Assyrian Levies Association led a march through the Fairfield CBD on Sunday in honour of children killed by acts of genocide.
Association members and their families marched from the Assyrian Church of the East and finished at the Assyrian-Anzac memorial in Honour Ave.
Children marched with their teddy bears as a mark of respect for the infants killed in acts of genocide during World War I.
Later this month the stuffed toys will be given to sick youngsters at The Children's Hospital at Westmead.
Assyrian Levies Association president Gaby Kiwarkis said the march aimed to raise awareness of the children who had been caught up in war.
"It was a fantastic day," he said.
"We had just over a 100 show up.
"My whole car was filled with stuffed toys that we are going to give to The Children's Hospital."

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