Coptic New Year Celebrated at NSW Parliament, Recognising the Contribution of Coptic Australians

The event provided an opportunity to celebrate Coptic faith and heritage while recognising the significant and diverse contributions of Coptic Australians to Australian society.

SYDNEY, NSW — 17 September 2026 — Last night, the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Sydney and Affiliated Regions hosted the inaugural Coptic Nayrouz celebration at the Parliament of New South Wales, bringing together community leaders, professionals, public servants and members of the Coptic Australian community to mark the Coptic New Year.

The Diocese was honoured by the attendance of The Hon. Chris Minns MP, Premier of NSW, The Hon. Steve Kamper MP, Minister for Multiculturalism, The Hon. Mark Coure MP, Liberal Member for Oatley, and several Members of Parliament, including Ms Julia Finn MP, Labour Member for Granville, Mr Hugh McDermott MP, Labour Member for Prospect, Dr Joe McGirr MP, Independent Member for Wagga Wagga, and The Hon. Sophie Cotsis MP, State Member for Canterbury, Minister for Industrial Relations, and Minister for Work Health and Safety.

Representatives from diplomatic, public service and community organisations were also in attendance, including Her Excellency Mrs Reem Zahran, Consul General of Egypt, Mr David Hudson, NSW Police Deputy Commissioner, Ms Lorraine Finlay, Human Rights Commissioner, and Mr James Jegasothy, CEO of Multicultural NSW.

Among those attending were Coptic Australians recognised for excellence and service across a broad range of fields, including medicine, law, business, education, science, technology and public service. The event also highlighted the next generation of young Coptic Australians, carrying forward their heritage while pursuing education, professional achievement, service and leadership in Australia.

The Coptic Nayrouz marks the beginning of the Coptic calendar, commencing on the first of the coptic month Tout, which generally falls on 11 September in the Gregorian calendar. The Coptic calendar is rooted in the ancient Egyptian calendar, then following 284 AD, became closely associated with commemorating the Christian martyrs of the era of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. For Coptic Christians, the Nayrouz is therefore both a celebration of a new year and a time to remember a heritage defined by faith, perseverance and hope.

The Diocese said tonight’s celebration provided an opportunity for Coptic Australians to share and honour a longstanding tradition while reflecting on the enduring place of Coptic faith and heritage within Australia’s diverse national story.

“We are deeply honoured to celebrate the Coptic Nayrouz at the NSW Parliament and grateful for the support of all those who attended,” says Fr. Joshua Tadros, Papal Legate of the Diocese of Sydney and its Affiliated Regions. “Our community is proud of the impact that Coptic Australians are making across Australia, and look forward to the next generation who will continue to carry the Coptic heritage and faith into their future.”

The gathering reflected the role that cultural and faith communities play in strengthening social cohesion in Australia, maintaining distinctive histories and traditions while actively participating in, contributing to and helping shape the nation's shared future.

The Diocese looks forward to continuing to celebrate Coptic heritage while fostering service, contribution and fellowship within the broader Australian community.