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The Cedars of Lebanon Folkloric Group has been established 30th March 1977 by Elie Akouri teacher and choreographer of the Lebanese Dabki dance in Australia.
Having migrated alone to this wonderful country full of dreams and opportunities, speaking little English then I found the language barrier very difficult to overcome. Although I was lucky to have secured a full time job. I had neither family nor friends yet, and planning for the future was not as easy as anticipated. Having studied and researched the Lebanese Traditional Folklore. I dedicated all my spare time and frustrations towards the production of my first Folkloric play,and the search for young Lebanese migrants sharing an interest in the Lebanese folklore. Soon, I had a group of 24 boys and girls and my first production, ‘ A father’s mistake’ was staged in that same year 1974. The play being an instant success had brought together hundreds of non English speaking Australian/Lebanese families who for the first time in Australia had seen a play in their own language which they understood. Response from the community has reflected an intense need amongst the Australian /Lebanese community. Soon after, we where asked to stage other productions that were sponsored by different charitable associations, and asked to perform at public places for the Australian English speaking communities. There on I realised that there was an opportunity for us to assist many Lebanese non English speaking migrants to adjust to their new lives in Australia. And there by also promote a role model of the Lebanese in Australia, by sharing our exotic and colourful folklore with people of all age’s colours and cultures. In 1977 the Cedars Of Lebanon Folkloric Group was formed. The group socialises in teaching the Lebanese folkloric Dabki dance to all ages and all cultures. |
Elie Akouri Founder/ Leader
The Cedars of Lebanon Folkloric Group
Elie Akouri’s volunteer work began in 1973 in Australia, where he was teaching the migrant communities acting, dancing and different sports. On the 30th of March 1977, Elie founded the Cedars of Lebanon Folkloric Group, where he voluntarily taught various individuals the Lebanese Folklore. He also formed 8 different sports groups, including but not limited to soccer, volleyball and many more. Elie also opened the First Lebanese Club in Bankstown, which was known as the Cedars of Lebanon Theatre Restaurant, which aimed at uniting the communities together and assisting the young generation to get involved in a sports team.
Moreover, Elie from his own free will and voluntarily planned overseas activities to South America, Uruguay Argentina in 1986, where the Group directed by Elie Akouri, presented the Lebanese Australian Culture for 2 weeks, as well as trips to Canada/ USA in 1988 for 2 Weeks and Lebanon in 1997 for one Month to showcase the Lebanese Australian Culture
Elie also voluntarily worked towards sponsoring and raising money for the disadvantaged children in Lebanon as well as for the Children’s Hospital which was then in Camperdown and now in Westmead.
Elie also performed on all TV channels, including channels 7, 9, 10, SBS and ABC in Australia, as well as the Lebanese TV's Channel's in Lebanon, South America TV's and Canada presenting the Australian and the Lebanese Community which was present in this country.
He also taught the Lebanese folklore and culture to more than 675 young girls and boys / children and adults, through his formation of the Cedars of Lebanon Folkloric Group. His voluntary teaching of the Lebanese folklore and culture extended to hundreds of students in 15 different schools.(Public and Privet)
Elie dedication and commitment to servicing the community, has been ongoing since he came to Australia 1973 more than 52 years and he continues to provide to the public, teaching & performing.
Elie has been for the past 52 and half years voluntarily servicing for the community. This time commitment is a special attribute in which Elie holds, as it is very rare to find an individual who has worked for the community for such a long time. His focussed, determined and hard working nature allowed him to perform his work for the extensive period of time. Elie has never given up, notwithstanding the many obstacles which he has faced and always perseveres until he perfects his goals.
Elie never settles for second best, he always aims high in his voluntary work and continually raises the bar in order to achieve excellence in all areas of his work.
Elie moral goodness is a trait which makes him stand out. His work has always been aimed to form a healthier and cultural diverse community where all individuals get along. His thoughts are always aimed at how he is able to make the community a better place.
Elie practices the right ethics, which makes him a role model for all to follow. He is a commendable individual, as he lives his life and performs his work with honesty and integrity.
Elie is also enthusiastic about his work and therefore through his actions and personality, he encourages others to follow in his footsteps.
Elie volunteer work, has not only been recognised within one community, it has had an impact on the world at large. His courageous and determined nature has allowed him to stand up for what he believes and has enabled him to have such a great effect on a large scale.
Elie work has allowed for the various ethnic communities to be unified. Elie has taught the community about the Australian and Lebanese culture, whilst also promoting cultural diversity. Elie has set an example to the community at large, showing that through commitment and dedication, one can keep servicing for such a long time.
Elie started in 1973 Teaching the Lebanese /Australian Culture and he founded the Cedars of Lebanon Folkloric Group 30/3/1977, which till this date is the only voluntary Lebanese Folkloric dance group in Australia. He has put together concerts presenting to the large community the real Lebanese Folkloric act by holding stage performances as well as festivals. Performances were also held in all Australian States as well as overseas- Lebanon & South America to entertain and educate the youth of the Lebanese and non Lebanese communities about the Lebanese Culture for the past 52 & half years.
Although Elie faced many obstacles on his journey, he was able to overcome them through his focussed, hardworking and enduring nature. The dedication and personal motivation which are qualities Elie has, allowed him to be able to continue his voluntary work for 52 & half years. Despite being faced with many personal obstacles, Elie did not allow them to get in the way of his work, as he has a passion for helping people and is thoughtful towards others. He is a resilient individual always standing up and not allowing any negative life conditions to prevent him from continually servicing for the community.
Elie volunteer work for the past 52 & Half years since he arrived to Australia, has been focussed on achieving the same goal. This has allowed his determination to continue, as seeing the community benefiting from such great works has encouraged him to carry on.
Elie, is a commendable individual who has only ever worked towards ensuring a better community. His volunteer work marks as being of high significance amongst the community as well as worldwide.
The Following is a brief list of the volunteer work that Elie Akouri has carried out:
Elie Awards
25)I Love Lebanon Award - 2018
26)Citizen of the year Bankstown C.C. Australia Day- 2019
27)Volunteer Awards - 2011
28)A.G.V Awards - 2016
29)Syndicate of Lebanon Award- 2017
30)Canterbury Bankstown C.C. Recognition Awards- 2014
31)Canterbury C.C. Citizen of the year award- 2007
32)NSW Premiere Lebanese Award - Culture & Art Award- 2011
33)N.A.D.C. Australia Day Award- 1999
34)Achievement Award - 1999
35)World Lebanese Culture Union Award- 1983
36)Community Relation Award - 2010
37)The Year of Volunteer Award- 2001
38)International of the year Award- 2001
39)Certificate APP to Australian Volunteer Award - 2017
40)Community Relation Commission Award 2001
41)Canterbury C.C. Citizen of the year Award- 2010
42)The Arab Heritage for Culture & Art Award- 1994
43)Saint Charbel College Award- 1993
44)Canterbury / Bankstown Rugby C.V.F.G Award - 1993
45)Certificate of distinguished achievement Award- 2016
46)Jihad Dib MP Parliament of NSW Award- 2019
47)Premier of NSW Award- 2011
48)Parliament of NSW Award- 1999
49)St George Community Awards- 2016-2012-2018-2017-2019-2020-2021-2022-2023-2024-
50)The Queens Silver Jubilee Australian at the opera house Sydney-1977
51)Opera House Awards -1977 till 1991
CLFG Awards & Medal's
Moreover, Elie from his own free will and voluntarily planned overseas activities to South America, Uruguay Argentina in 1986, where the Group directed by Elie Akouri, presented the Lebanese Australian Culture for 2 weeks, as well as trips to Canada/ USA in 1988 for 2 Weeks and Lebanon in 1997 for one Month to showcase the Lebanese Australian Culture
Elie also voluntarily worked towards sponsoring and raising money for the disadvantaged children in Lebanon as well as for the Children’s Hospital which was then in Camperdown and now in Westmead.
Elie also performed on all TV channels, including channels 7, 9, 10, SBS and ABC in Australia, as well as the Lebanese TV's Channel's in Lebanon, South America TV's and Canada presenting the Australian and the Lebanese Community which was present in this country.
He also taught the Lebanese folklore and culture to more than 675 young girls and boys / children and adults, through his formation of the Cedars of Lebanon Folkloric Group. His voluntary teaching of the Lebanese folklore and culture extended to hundreds of students in 15 different schools.(Public and Privet)
Elie dedication and commitment to servicing the community, has been ongoing since he came to Australia 1973 more than 52 years and he continues to provide to the public, teaching & performing.
Elie has been for the past 52 and half years voluntarily servicing for the community. This time commitment is a special attribute in which Elie holds, as it is very rare to find an individual who has worked for the community for such a long time. His focussed, determined and hard working nature allowed him to perform his work for the extensive period of time. Elie has never given up, notwithstanding the many obstacles which he has faced and always perseveres until he perfects his goals.
Elie never settles for second best, he always aims high in his voluntary work and continually raises the bar in order to achieve excellence in all areas of his work.
Elie moral goodness is a trait which makes him stand out. His work has always been aimed to form a healthier and cultural diverse community where all individuals get along. His thoughts are always aimed at how he is able to make the community a better place.
Elie practices the right ethics, which makes him a role model for all to follow. He is a commendable individual, as he lives his life and performs his work with honesty and integrity.
Elie is also enthusiastic about his work and therefore through his actions and personality, he encourages others to follow in his footsteps.
Elie volunteer work, has not only been recognised within one community, it has had an impact on the world at large. His courageous and determined nature has allowed him to stand up for what he believes and has enabled him to have such a great effect on a large scale.
Elie work has allowed for the various ethnic communities to be unified. Elie has taught the community about the Australian and Lebanese culture, whilst also promoting cultural diversity. Elie has set an example to the community at large, showing that through commitment and dedication, one can keep servicing for such a long time.
Elie started in 1973 Teaching the Lebanese /Australian Culture and he founded the Cedars of Lebanon Folkloric Group 30/3/1977, which till this date is the only voluntary Lebanese Folkloric dance group in Australia. He has put together concerts presenting to the large community the real Lebanese Folkloric act by holding stage performances as well as festivals. Performances were also held in all Australian States as well as overseas- Lebanon & South America to entertain and educate the youth of the Lebanese and non Lebanese communities about the Lebanese Culture for the past 52 & half years.
Although Elie faced many obstacles on his journey, he was able to overcome them through his focussed, hardworking and enduring nature. The dedication and personal motivation which are qualities Elie has, allowed him to be able to continue his voluntary work for 52 & half years. Despite being faced with many personal obstacles, Elie did not allow them to get in the way of his work, as he has a passion for helping people and is thoughtful towards others. He is a resilient individual always standing up and not allowing any negative life conditions to prevent him from continually servicing for the community.
Elie volunteer work for the past 52 & Half years since he arrived to Australia, has been focussed on achieving the same goal. This has allowed his determination to continue, as seeing the community benefiting from such great works has encouraged him to carry on.
Elie, is a commendable individual who has only ever worked towards ensuring a better community. His volunteer work marks as being of high significance amongst the community as well as worldwide.
The Following is a brief list of the volunteer work that Elie Akouri has carried out:
- Leader, choreographer, costume Designer, writer and Director of the Cedars Of Lebanon Folkloric Group (CLFG);
- Established 1st Lebanese Club at Restwell St - Bankstown 1983
- Established 8 different sports group at CLFG Theatre Restaurant
- Raising Fund for Children Hospital's;
- Raising fund for the Disabled;
- Visiting People at the Hospital with Members of the CLFG as well as providing assistance;
- Workshops in every State teaching People about the Lebanese Australian Culture;
- Organising Fund Rising;
- Organising and paying to remove the Old Cedar Tree from the Botanic Garden in the City and replacing it with a new Cedar Tree ( Donation );
- Organising the yearly (Lebanon Carnival at Darling Harbour) this is the only event for all the Lebanese and non Lebanese free of charge.
- Organising 1st Lebanese CLFG Exhibition at the State of NSW Library 26-27 October 2019
- Lebanon Carnival Event Every year for the past 48th ( this year Sunday 12th October 2025
- CLFG yearly Concert in Bankstown Theatre 2023
- CLFG Concert ( Lebanon forever) In Melbourne Saturday 17th February 2024
- CLFG Special Festival in Melbourne Sunday 18th February 2024
- CLFG Concert in Brisbane Saturday 30th March 2024
- CLFG Concert in Wollongong Saturday 9th March 2024
- CLFG Christmas Party Saturday 9th December 2024 in Ashfield NSW
- CLFG Trip to Mayfield Garden Sunday 24th September 2024
- CLFG trip to Canberra Florida Festival Sunday 15th October 2024
- CLFG Concert in Tasmania 2024
- CLFG Concert in Sydney Sunday 13th October at Bryan Brown Theatre - Bankstown
- CLFG Trip to Wollongong Sunday 29th September 2024
- and many more things here in Australia and oversees
Elie Awards
25)I Love Lebanon Award - 2018
26)Citizen of the year Bankstown C.C. Australia Day- 2019
27)Volunteer Awards - 2011
28)A.G.V Awards - 2016
29)Syndicate of Lebanon Award- 2017
30)Canterbury Bankstown C.C. Recognition Awards- 2014
31)Canterbury C.C. Citizen of the year award- 2007
32)NSW Premiere Lebanese Award - Culture & Art Award- 2011
33)N.A.D.C. Australia Day Award- 1999
34)Achievement Award - 1999
35)World Lebanese Culture Union Award- 1983
36)Community Relation Award - 2010
37)The Year of Volunteer Award- 2001
38)International of the year Award- 2001
39)Certificate APP to Australian Volunteer Award - 2017
40)Community Relation Commission Award 2001
41)Canterbury C.C. Citizen of the year Award- 2010
42)The Arab Heritage for Culture & Art Award- 1994
43)Saint Charbel College Award- 1993
44)Canterbury / Bankstown Rugby C.V.F.G Award - 1993
45)Certificate of distinguished achievement Award- 2016
46)Jihad Dib MP Parliament of NSW Award- 2019
47)Premier of NSW Award- 2011
48)Parliament of NSW Award- 1999
49)St George Community Awards- 2016-2012-2018-2017-2019-2020-2021-2022-2023-2024-
50)The Queens Silver Jubilee Australian at the opera house Sydney-1977
51)Opera House Awards -1977 till 1991
CLFG Awards & Medal's
- I Love Lebanon Award - 2018
- Australia Day Bankstown C.C. Award Community Award 2019
- C.B.C.C. Community Grant - 2017-2019
- Sydney Western Awards -
- St George Community Awards
- Republic of Lebanon Cedars Captain Medals by President Michel Aoun 7//10/2022 receiving the medal on 8/12/2022 in Sydney at the Lebanon Consulate by C G Charbel Maacaroon.
- Elie Akouri ( OAM ) the 9th of June 2025 ( King Charles Birthday) Receiving the Medal on the 8th of September 2025 at the Governor House- Sydney NSW by the Governor Her Excellency the honourable Margaret Beazley Ac Kc .
Medal of the Order of Australia 2025
The Cedars of Lebanon Folkloric Group
Awards / Trophies / Medal's
Elie Akouri came to Australia January 1973 about 53 years ago, start teaching acting and stage work
1st activities it was 1974 in Granville after 1 year teaching and training
1975 start teaching the Lebanese Culture ( Dabki) and acting
30th March 1977 established The Cedars of Lebanon Folkloric Group - training at the Holy trinity Church -Granville
About 53 years Teaching-Performing with more than 675 members of CLFG and About 35 Members before CLFG
More than 70 Awards and medals Elie and CLFG received during those 53 years of hard work in Australia in every state and overseas
And more than 30 Trophies from 8 different Sports teams under CLFG Sport Club by Elie Akouri. from 1983 till 1986.
THE HILIGHT OF THE AWARDS AND MEDAL'S
The Cedars Capitan Medal - 8/12/2022 from President Michel Aoun ( President Republic of Lebanon ) at the Consulate of Lebanon - Sydney
Order Australia Medal from the NSW Government on King Birthday 8/9/2025 at the Governor house NSW
1st activities it was 1974 in Granville after 1 year teaching and training
1975 start teaching the Lebanese Culture ( Dabki) and acting
30th March 1977 established The Cedars of Lebanon Folkloric Group - training at the Holy trinity Church -Granville
About 53 years Teaching-Performing with more than 675 members of CLFG and About 35 Members before CLFG
More than 70 Awards and medals Elie and CLFG received during those 53 years of hard work in Australia in every state and overseas
And more than 30 Trophies from 8 different Sports teams under CLFG Sport Club by Elie Akouri. from 1983 till 1986.
THE HILIGHT OF THE AWARDS AND MEDAL'S
The Cedars Capitan Medal - 8/12/2022 from President Michel Aoun ( President Republic of Lebanon ) at the Consulate of Lebanon - Sydney
Order Australia Medal from the NSW Government on King Birthday 8/9/2025 at the Governor house NSW
"St George Community Awards 2018"
Monday Night 29th October 2018, a day after The Cedars of Lebanon Carnival of 2018 which was held at Darling Harbor, celebrating CLFG 41years Anniversary. Elie Akouri on behalf of "the Cedars of Lebanon Folkloric Group" and himself attended (St George Community Awards Ceremony Anniversary 8 years running) .Elie and The Cedars of Lebanon Folkloric Group was humbled to receive a community award and then Elie himself received a senior volunteer award." Elie and CLFG were the only Lebanese group receiving St George Community Awards, The event was held by Member for Oatley Mark Coure MP at Hurstville RSL Club. Also present at the event as special guest to assist in the presentation of the awards was the Premier of NSW, the Hon Gladys Berejiklian MP.
