Book Launch: Building a Life Speeches - Charles Kovess & Senator Richard Alston
Outline of comments made by Charles Kovess
at the launch of "Building A Life"On behalf of Heather and Ted Lustig, a warm welcome to you all, to this special occasion.
I have known Ted Lustig for over 12 years. He is a passionate man, and his biography reflects this.
There are a number of people who deserve to be recognised tongiht.
Firstly, Ari Unglik, the author. He has put together an excellent book, having worked on it over a number of drafts, and having to deal with Ted's attention to detail.
Paul Chadwick of Arnold Bloch Leibler also contributed greatly to the work, as well as co-developing the excellent title, "Building a Life".
The book's publisher, Hardie Grant, is led by Sandy Grant, with a huge contribution to its final look make by Tracey
O'Shaunnessy.As you know, book launches are designed to celebrate a book's birth, and to sell copies of the book!
Ted has decided to donate all of his shares of the proceeds of the book to the Alzheimers Association of Victoria.
Message from Senator Richard Alston I have known Ted Lustig for many years.
The force of his personality and the celebrated buildings he has brought to life have left their mark on Melbourne, its inhabitants and the physical and cultural environment which we enjoy and take for granted today.
Ted Lustig is the quintessential success story - a migrant from a war-torn country whose contribution to his adopted country can be measured on a grand scale and on many levels.
Ted Lustig has played a mahjor role in positioning Melbourne on the architecutral map, and his latest project, the Park Hyatt, is a magnificent fusion on culture and opulence.
Post war migrants, such as Ted, came to this country to begin a new life.
But the did not come alone.
They brought with them their culture, their sense of beauty and style and most of all, their great enthusiasm to succeed and make a contribution to their adopted country.
Europe's loss when migrants such as Ted left for a new life abroad, has been Australia's gain.
Ted, like so many new Australians, has over many years contributed considerable time, funancial success and interest to the development of the arts.
Ted was closely associated with Opera Australia through his membership of the National Council - an advisory and advocacy group of eminent persons.
He has been a patron of the Opera since 1987.
Ted has also been a generous sponsor of the Opera through his association with the Hyatt Hotels group.
I salute Ted for his contribution and efforts in making Australia the finest international example of how multiculturalism can and does succeed, and how it enhances a culture and society.
I know everyone whose life Ted has touched will enjoy reading his storyu and what made him the man he is today.
I wish Building A Life - Ted Lustig's Story every literary success.
