About Us

As far back as the 1900's, various communities have lived and thrived in Sudan comprising of diverse cultural groups ranging from Syrians, Egyptians (Coptic), Armenians, Greek and Italian to name a few.

Until the secession of South Sudan in July 2011, Sudan was the largest country in Africa and the Arab league, and the 10th largest country in the world. It is bordered by Egypt to the north, Libya to the northwest, Chad to the west, the Central African Republic to the southwest, South Sudan to the south, Ethiopia to the southeast, Eritrea to the east, and the Red Sea to the northeast. Sudan has a population of 44.91 million people as of 2021 and occupies 1,886,068 square kilometers (728,215 square miles). In the early 1900s many Syrians, in search of a better future and fleeing from civil unrest and persecution in Syria, migrated to Sudan and worked in agriculture, trade, aquaculture (production related to the Nile) and other fields of industry. 

With a common Sudanese identity and united by Christian faith, The Sudanese Syrian Club was born. Dubbed, "Al Nadi Al Soori" (translated from Arabic as "The Syrian Club") - this establishment was a venue to enjoy the company of family and friends alike. The Sudanese and Syrian Committee was tasked with organizing various events which proceeded to the purchase of a permanent premises to be the local venue for the Syrian Sudanese community gatherings.

The Syrian Club was buzzing with life and activities, and was the main weekly social outing for many families; enjoying great food, family gatherings, sporting events, discos, weddings, Christmas and New Year parties just to name a few. 

Often members would visit the club after finishing their day jobs, with festivities beginning from 7.30 pm and lasting well into the night.

Progressively from the 1970-1990s, Sudan saw increasing waves of migration to Western countries abroad - some to Canada, some to Australia and some to Europe. Reasons included a stagnating economy, introduction of military conscription and the introduction of Sharia law in the 1980s, and the promise of a safer and better future abroad. 

New Beginnings

In Australia, most of the Sudanese migration was through work (skilled visas), family reunion visa, and refugee visas. Whilst adapting to a new country and a new culture is always difficult, successful assimilation into Australian culture was achieved with the large majority attending local schools, universities, working in industry and starting their own businesses. 

In Australia, the 1990s/2000s witnessed the peak of the Sudanese community events which included:

New Years Eve Party held annually, has always been the crowning event of the year. A formal dress up ball event with a four-course meal, live entertainment, band or DJ, party hats, lucky door prizes and a countdown to the New Year.

St Barbara Feast Day gathering where families would bring their home-made desserts and hold a competition to see who made the best “karabeej” (rounded balls of walnuts coated with a sugary white topping). Which is a tradition that continues to this day. In 1999 the Sudanese committee organized a play by the children of the community relating the life story of St Barbara. 

Children’s Christmas Party decked out with a volunteer Santa distributing presents to all the children while everyone joined in on the BBQ.

Easter Monday bus trips (to the Hunter Valley, Terrigal and Bowral) and Sydney Harbour Cruises. 

Pizza nights and picnics and many other wonderful family friendly outings. 

Fancy dress and Jellabiya parties wherein the traditional clothes of the Sudanese native people are worn. This includes a white tunic, a white draped headpiece, and sandal footwear. 

From Jellabiyas to Tuxedos, the Sudanese and Syrian Society has always covered an assorted range of events to cater for all ages and importantly the youth of the community. In the past, the youth have been involved with bowling, basketball and soccer competitions- as well as Escape Rooms, “Minute to Win It" style trivia and recreational nights such as pizza nights to dinners at local venues.

Who are we, and what are our aims:

We are a community of Christian Sudanese Australians of Syrian Heritage that seek to bring Syrian Sudanese customs, values and traditions into the modern setting of the 21st century and to continue the legacy of the Sudanese Syrian Club that was initially established in Sudan. The aim of our community is to promote fellowship, social gatherings, and the celebration of life together in all stages of life throughout the calendar year. We are a united community in fellowship. We are a democratic society with an executive committee, led by a President, a Vice President, a Secretary and a Treasurer.

All our executive committee members are 100% volunteers with proceeds of events going back into the community to see it thrive and to see it passed onto the next generation.

Historically we emerged from a common heritage of Middle Eastern Christianity, we are a non-denominational entity that accepts all sects and brands of Christianity.  Our goals and events are aimed at the intent of social fellowship including religious celebrations. 

In Sudan, we lived peacefully and co-existed with all nations and religions and carry on this legacy today proudly.

" A Sudani is a Sudani"

We are united as a community.

For further information please feel free to make contact.