Sam Dabboussy

Hansard ID: HANSARD-1323879322-127316

Hansard session: Fifty-Seventh Parliament, First Session (57-1)

Sam Dabboussy

Mr MARK COURE (OatleyMinister for Multiculturalism, and Minister for Seniors)

——Speaker, I would like to congratulate Sam Dabboussy, an artist within my electorate who recently won the 2022 Australian Muslim Artists Art Prize. The $10,000 prize was awarded for his portrait of Lebanese-Australian doctor, Mr Jamal Rifi from Belmore, who transformed the driveway of his home into a pop up vaccination site during the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak last year. Dr Rifi is a highly respected member of the Muslim Community and advocates strongly for interfaith initiatives, whilst founding many Islamic community groups. The painting by Mr Dabboussy holds great value to the communities which have been touched by the work of Dr Rifi. As the Minister for Multiculturalism, Islamic art is so important to our State. It expresses important truths and fascinating stories, hardships and celebrations. I am so thankful for the work that the Islamic Museum of Australia does to host this competition each year. This is a fantastic achievement and one that deserves praise and recognition. I congratulate Sam and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.