Maryana Abdo

20 June 2024

Rock bands, flash mobs, slam poets, performance groups and much more! Recently, talented students from across our public school system showcased their skills to secure a coveted spot in this year's show, All 4 One. Among the many students who auditioned was Maryana Abdo, a Year 11 student from Miller Technology High School. I have had the pleasure of hearing Maryana sing and can confirm that she is a formidable talent, and a testament to Liverpool's incredible talent in the performing arts. Moving to a new country is an often-daunting process and adjusting to new systems, language and people can be stressful. This is especially true for those who come to this country as refugees, like Maryana and her family. She has played to her strengths, however, using her operatic skills to learn English and build her confidence. Maryana has been singing opera since she was seven years old and amazingly, is completely self‑taught. Fittingly, this week is Refugee Week which celebrates the contributions made to our community by those who come to Australia as refugees. I congratulate Maryana on her courage in auditioning and wish her all the best as she continues to hone her craft.