On October 26, 2024, the Romanian-Australian Book Club organized its first cultural event in Parramatta, titled “Dimineți de Suflet” (Soulful Mornings). This event, held in the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the Baba Ghanouj restaurant, brought together lovers of culture and literature for a meaningful dialogue about experiences and emotions.
At the opening of the event, the founder of the Romanian-Australian Book Club, writer Anișoara Laura Mustețiu, addressed the participants with the following message:
*”Welcome, dear Romanians! Today, I have the joy of being surrounded by kind-hearted people on a special day—the first cultural event of the Romanian-Australian Book Club. Thank you all for your support and for being here!
I founded the Romanian-Australian Book Club with the intention of creating moments that enrich the soul, to exchange ideas and emotions, and to build new bridges of spiritual and heartfelt connection. The Romanian-Australian Book Club also has a publishing house, which has already published three books—Yarran, Povesti din Australia (Yarran, Stories from Australia, Romanian-English edition) and Prețul Onoarei (The Price of Honor), both written by me and already read by many of you. The latest published book is Murrals, poetry by Mihaela Cristescu, with artwork by Luminița Șerbănescu.
I hope this meeting of the Romanian-Australian Book Club is only the beginning. The path I wish to walk with you is one of harmony, human kindness, and beauty found in art, in the heart, and in words. We are here to share experiences, thoughts, and beautiful, meaningful ideas—to carry forward the beauty of creation. Because, in the end, what truly matters is creation, whether in literature, theater, or art—a creation that contributes to the richness of our culture.
The theme of this event is Love. And for those who know me, whether personally or through my books, they know that the word ‘love’ is woven into everything I do—including in organizing this small event. But today, I want to speak about love reflected in culture. Culture mirrors not only the thoughts and emotions of artists and writers but also humanity as a whole—people from all times and their actions.
I must reveal that this event would not have been possible without the heartfelt support and collaboration of writer Mihaela Cristescu, whom I have known as both a poet and the editor of the eight volumes of Romanian/Australian Anthologies of Contemporary Poetry and Prose. She has also coordinated the launch of these volumes at the NSW State Library. Both Mihaela Cristescu and I are inspired to write, but also to promote other writers—she, through the Poetry and Prose Anthologies, and I, through the magazine I founded, Emoții și Lumină (Emotions and Light), and my cultural broadcasts on Radio ProDiaspora.
I admire and cherish Mihaela Cristescu. I admire her because, no matter how difficult the journey, she never gives up. I cherish her because she brings beauty and depth to both Romanian and Australian culture. That is why the publishing house of the Romanian-Australian Book Club has included her latest literary creation, Murrals—a fascinating poetry book that invites readers to both enjoyment and reflection. It also features unique photographs by artist Luminița Șerbănescu.”*
