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OZ Arab Media Celebrates Milestone with Grand Opening of New Facility in Milperra Sydney

(Exclusive Coverage to Sada-e-Watan Sydney by Mr. Zaid Siddiqui)

With a sense of pride and achievement Oz Arab Media celebrated the unveiling of its new facility in Milperra on 22 February 2025 with a Grand Opening Ceremony alongside over 250 guests, partners, and friends, marking a new exciting chapter for the media company. What started as an idea between co – founders Remy Wehbe and Charbel Tadros has now grown to become a trusted media platform for Arabic communities across Australia. Director of Oz Arab Media Remy Wehbe kicked off the ceremony by reflecting on the incredible journey of Oz Arab Media. “When we first started this journey that was back four years ago it was an idea between Charbel and Zaid Siddiqui. We both started very small and look in four years’ time where we are at the moment,” Wehbe emphasized. 

Wehbe highlighted that Oz Arab Media’s vision as a company is to create an impartial media platform that doesn’t take sides and reflects the ideas of political parties, associations etc. “So, our aim was not only to deliver innovative and impactful solutions but also foster creativity, collaboration and trust,” said Wehbe.  He further said that the office is not the physical location but a symbol of growth, ambition and dedication of the team. Wehbe concluded his remarks by pointing out that the company’s goal remains the same, by pushing boundaries, deliver exceptional results and make a lasting impact in the media landscape. 

Furthermore, the ceremony attracted many distinguished guests including the President of the World Lebanese Culture Union, Dr Ibrahim Constantin who made some heartfelt remarks on the company and congratulated them on reaching a new chapter in the company’s history. “Oz Arab Media has been making a profound impact by informing and inspiring communities locally and globally. Its community initiatives support education social justice and humanitarian efforts, empowering individuals and fostering unity,” Constantin expressed. 

He also emphasized on the company’s commitment in journalistic integrity. “It’s unwavering commitment to truth, ethical reporting and public service ensures that Oz Arab Media remains a trusted and influential force in shaping a more informed, connected and compassionate society,” Dr Constantin pointed out.   

Long time friend of Oz Arab Media, Mayor of Canterbury Bankstown Bilal El-Hayek also attended the ceremony and made some informative remarks. “Canterbury Bankstown is home to more than 120 language groups, let me assure you we have 55,000 people that come from Lebanon, that is a massive number. So, the 55,000 people that come from Lebanon and about 100,000 that speak Arabic they deserve an outlet somewhere where they can go and read the news such as Oz Arab Media. I just want to say Remy and the team congratulations,” emphasized El-Hayek. 

Shadow Minister and Member for Oatley the Hon. Mark Coure, During the Interview

Shadow Minister and Member for Oatley the Honourable Mark Coure attended the ceremony and shared some inspirational remarks along with congratulating the company. “What we see today with Remy, Charbel and the whole team of Oz Arab Media is the same passion, that drive and that determination. Very few businesses that set up at the start of Covid are around today. There are very few businesses that set up at the start of Covid that are as successful as Oz Arab Media. To Remy, to Charbel that deserves a big round of applause, Coure emphasized. 

Furthermore, the CEO of Canterbury Bankstown Chamber of Commerce Wally Mehanna pointed out how Remy and Charbel are good examples of determination and about creating a proud moment not just for them, for all of us and ended his remarks by congratulating the team.  

Special guest His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Abdellatif, Charge’ affairs of the Embassy of the Republic of the Sudan praised the platform for strengthening community ties and highlighted that he is proud to witness a media platform that reflects the rich and diverse of Arab heritage including the voice of the Sudanese community in Australia. 

Minister for Education, the Honourable Jason Clare was also in attendance at the ceremony calling Australia the best country in the world. “That’s part of the genius and importance of Oz Arab Media. It helps [showcase] the stories from the sad and terrible things happening in Sudan to the awful things that we see happening in the Middle East to the great news when it happens when there is political leadership back in Lebanon; it’s saying that whole story for all of Australia,” Clare pointed out. The minister also highlighted the great things that Oz Arab Media do. “We’re here because we love you, we’re here because we respect the work that you do. We understand how important it is,” Clare emphasized. 

Carol Ferrone from the ABC spoke about the idea that Remy Wehbe and Charbel Tadros had. “To create a platform that informs, educates and unites, an idea that has grown into Oz Arab Media. A voice for our communities, an advocate for our stories and a champion for inclusivity,” Ferrone said. She expressed that Oz Arab Media is more to just a news platform and is a space where cultures converge, where every voice matters and where diversity is celebrated.

“It doesn’t simply report the news, it connects people, it ensures that Arabic speakers no matter how long they have been in Australia have access to the news that matters to them in their language through a lens that reflects their loved experiences. But what makes Oz Arab Media truly special is its unwavering commitment to the entire community. It’s not just for one culture or group. It’s a platform for all cultures whether it’s promoting local businesses, highlighting charities doing incredible work or shining a light on emerging talent personalities, Oz Arab Media is dedicated to supporting and uplifting the people who make our community thrive,” Ferrone emphasized. 

Media Manager at Oz Arab Media and president of AIM Association who’s sharing the premises Charbel Tadros expressed his support on the hard work by the many volunteers who continue shaping Oz Arab Media and pointed out the success the company has achieved. “None of what we have achieved in the past four years could’ve been possible without the hard work and dedication of our extensive team of volunteers and contributors in and out of Australia. You’ve met some of them today, and I am sure you loved them, but there are many more who couldn’t make it, yet their hard work is apparent in today’s massive success with close to 250 people in attendance,” Tadros highlighted. 

Oz Arab Media has been significant for people who have been with the company from its early days such as former reporter Joseph Najjar. “I was actually the first reporter two year ago now in 2023. It’s an incredible idea, not just an idea it’s a reality. Its where I began, so I’m grateful to these guys,” Najjar emphasized. For the director of Oz Arab Media Remy Wehbe, working in media has always been a passion so he can express his thoughts and vision through a media platform. 

Furthermore, the ceremony concluded with the ribbon cutting filled with laughter, handshakes, heartfelt, congratulations and champagne sprayed outside the entrance of the facility, marking the opening of not only a brand-new facility but an exciting new milestone for the company where it can reach new heights and continue serving not only Arabic communities, but also amplifying diverse voices and shaping multicultural media in Australia. Additionally, catering was provided to guests by CharCha by Charbel Chaaya.  

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