Thank you to everyone who attended our Inaugural Fundraiser Dinner last Thursday!
At a time when our freedom of expression is under unprecedented attack, your donations and support allows the CLDC to continue defending our civil liberties.
Thank you to our panellists, Mary Kostakidis, Dr Lana Tatour, Dr Mohammed Mustafa and our panel moderator Dr Nick Riemer for their insights and candour.
From Amani Haydar’s moving reading, the humour of MC Nazeem Hussain and auctioneer Alissar Gazal, and Nick Hanna’s inspiring call to action, the evening was truly one of celebration and solidarity.
We are immensely grateful for your support and are committed to honouring the generosity of our community.
There is still a lot of work to be done. For more information on how to donate and support the CLDC, please see the link in our bio.
It was so uplifting for members of the Coalition of Women for Justice and Peace to be among a completely sold-out crowd of over 640 attendees, all eager to help establish a Civil Liberties Defence Centre, a not-for-profit community legal service dedicated to protecting freedom of expression and other civil liberties in Australia.
It was an evening of solidarity, compassion, and collective commitment to justice, reminding us that nothing is more powerful than a community coming together for a humanitarian cause.
$7300 raised for @thecldc !
A heartfelt thank you to those who joined us for the Cook and Dine for Palestine evening on 26th April 2026, as well as all who donated in lieu of admission tickets. Our cooks were phenomenal!
A special shoutout to @zaze.zaze.jewels for the pop up stall with a generous 100% of proceeds going to our fundraiser.
Photographs courtesy of @razan.fakhouri
New Speaker Announcement: Dr Mohammed Mustafa
We are excited to announce that Dr Mustafa will be joining our panel at the CLDC Inaugural Fundraiser Dinner this Thursday. Dr Mustafa will be replacing Antoinette Lattouf, who is no longer available to attend.
Dr Mohammed Mustafa is an English-Australian emergency physician trainee of Palestinian heritage whose courageous humanitarian work has brought critical attention to the healthcare crisis in conflict zones. Coming from a Palestinian refugee family, Dr Mustafa pursued medical training across Britain and Australia, embodying a lifelong commitment to human rights and care for the world’s most marginalised.
In June 2024, driven by a profound sense of responsibility, Dr Mustafa volunteered in Gaza’s Nasser and European hospitals in Khan Younis, providing urgent medical assistance amid challenging conditions. His dedication led him back to Gaza in March 2025 with the Palestinian, Australian, and New Zealand Medical Association team, just as the fragile ceasefire collapsed. Through powerful live social media coverage directly from the emergency departments, Dr Mustafa revealed the devastating realities faced by healthcare providers and civilians. His posts rapidly gained global attention, reaching millions and prompting critical conversations among politicians, international organisations, and the public.
An unwavering advocate for healthcare as a fundamental human right, Dr Mustafa continues his influential work, highlighting the urgent needs of children and vulnerable populations trapped in conflict. His unique perspective, personal experiences, and tireless advocacy make him a compelling voice for justice, humanity, and compassionate healthcare worldwide.
Tickets for our Inaugural Fundraiser Dinner have now sold out!
Thank you to everyone who purchased a ticket. We look forward to hosting you at this important event.
For those who missed out but would like to support us, please consider donating - link in bio
Less than 15% of tickets remain. Book now before it sells out!
Additional speaker: The legendary Lizzie Jarrett of Blac Caucus.
CLDC is a not-for-profit organisation recently established to promote and protect freedom of expression and other democratic rights in Australia. We were established in response to the unprecedented assault on civil liberties of people expressing support for human rights in the Middle East. Our mission is to:
• provide advice and representation to disadvantaged people facing legal issues due to the exercise of their civil rights
• conduct public interest litigation
• provide community legal education, and
• advocate for the protection of civil liberties.
At a time when our fundamental freedoms are being undermined like never before, CLDC will provide accessible, effective and fearless assistance to the community. This inaugural dinner is to raise funds for us to carry out this essential work.
Enjoy a three-course meal while you hear from some of the most prominent and insightful advocates for freedom of speech at the beautiful Grand Ballroom of The Renaissance (formerly Westella).
This is an event not to be missed!
🗓️ Thursday 7 May 2026
🕰️ 6:00 PM
📍 Westella Renaissance 3 New Street E, Lidcombe NSW 2141
Ever wondered what it’s like in Teta’s kitchen? Come watch! And eat! As we share recipes and stories.
Your entry ticket gets you:
🫒 an intimate cooking demonstration of four quintessential Palestinian dishes
🫒 a three course meal consisting of this carefully curated menu
🫒 a surprise take home gift made especially for the event
Proceeds from the ticket sales will be donated to the Civil Liberties Defence Centre - a not-for-profit legal centre dedicated to defending freedom of speech and other democratic rights in Australia.
Space is limited, so get your tickets quick! 🔗Link in bio🔗
All food is Halal, with vegetarian and gluten free options available. This is an alcohol free event. Please email us at [email protected] for allergies and other dietary restrictions.
Announcing the launch of the Civil Liberties Defence Centre (CLDC)- a not-for-profit legal centre dedicated to defending freedom of speech and other democratic rights in this country.
CLDC’s Inaugural Fundraiser Dinner will be held on 7 May 2026 at the Westella Renaissance in Lidcombe NSW.
Tickets on sale now. Link in bio 🔗
Civil Liberties Defence Centre invites you to an evening of solidarity, inspiration and action. Hosted by comedian @nazeemhussain and CLDC Chair @nicholashanna1 , with special guests including @antoinette_lattouf , Mary Kostakidis, @lanatatour , @amanihaydar and Dr Nick Reimer.
CLDC is a not-for-profit organisation recently established to promote and protect freedom of expression and other democratic rights in Australia. Our mission is to:
• provide advice and representation to disadvantaged people facing legal issues due to the exercise of their civil rights
• conduct public interest litigation
• provide community legal education, and
• advocate for the protection of civil liberties.
At a time when our fundamental freedoms are being undermined like never before, CLDC will provide accessible, effective and fearless assistance to the community. This inaugural dinner is to raise funds for us to carry out this essential work.
Enjoy a three-course meal while you hear from some of the most prominent and insightful advocates for freedom of speech at the beautiful Grand Ballroom of The Renaissance (formerly Westella).
This is an event not to be missed! To book tickets see link in bio 🔗
🗓️ Thu 7 May 2026
🕰️ 6:00 PM
📍 Westella Renaissance 3 New Street E, Lidcombe NSW 2141
Free Legal clinic. For anyone assaulted, injured, detained, searched or otherwise mistreated by police at the February 9th Sydney Herzog protest.
Malvern Hill Uniting church, Croydon
28.02.26
#fujifilm #photojournalism #fujifilm_xseries #nsw
It was an honour to be able to assist these incredible lawyers and law students at the first pro bono legal clinic for victims of the police crackdown at the Herzog protest.
In total, 60 people were able to meet with experienced lawyers to share their account and receive legal advice about their options and how they may be able to help others affected.
The next clinic is taking place this Saturday 28 February from 9:30am - 2:30pm at the Malvern Hill Uniting Church, Croydon.
📸 @ceasefirenowphotography 🙌🏽
