That’s right! Australia’s oldest and most famous road also exists in Lebanon!

In a recent private trip to Lebanon in September 2009, I had brought new signs that “updates” the original sign while still respecting the late Joe Barakat’s work. One of the new signs will be hung above the original, while the other sign has been given as a momento to the Barakat family in Kfarsghab, Lebanon. These signs and the trip was self-funded.

Back home in Australia and Parramatta, a third new sign has also been given to the Australian Kfarsghab Association in remembrance of the late Joe Barakat and his decades of contribution to the Lebanese community both in Australia and in Lebanon.

It is a personal regret of mine that I did not know the late Joe Barakat. But he has without doubt positively affected others in a way that is personal and meaningful to them. His genuine interest in the welfare of others was extraordinarily generous and also exemplary that inspires me and others to pay it forward, like a cascading effect that is lasting and very good. May the spirit of Joe Barakat live in all of us.

Click here for photos of Clr Chiang Lim's visit to Kfarsghab

Click here for Facebook photos of Clr Chiang Lim's visit to Lebanon

Click here for Clr Chiang Lim's words about the late Joe Barakat in his acceptance speech as the new Deputy Lord Mayor