Founder's Legacy
The Chand Raat Eid Festival (CREF) was founded in 1998 by Syed Atiq ul Hassan, a prominent journalist, author, IT professional, educationist, and respected community leader, together with his wife, Surraya Hassan, a passionate and active community worker. Motivated by a vision to bridge cultural divides and celebrate the eve of Eid within Australia’s multicultural society, they launched CREF as a modest community gathering in Sydney.
What began as a small celebration soon grew into a landmark event, evolving in step with the growing diversity of Australia’s population. Syed Atiq ul Hassan’s unwavering dedication to social harmony, intercultural dialogue, and civic inclusion laid the foundation for what is now one of the country’s most recognised and celebrated multicultural festivals.
Over the years, his exceptional community service and commitment to multiculturalism were widely acknowledged. He received numerous accolades, including:
- The Stepan Kerkyasharian AO Harmony Award (Multicultural NSW, 2014)
- Auburn Citizen of the Year (2014)
- Parramatta Senior Citizen of the Year (2018)
- NSW Premier’s Multicultural Lifetime Achievement Award (2024)
- World Halal Excellence Award (2023)
- Islamic Content Creation Award (2023, Thailand Halal Assembly).
He was also honoured as a finalist for multiple Lifetime Community Medals in 2025.
Under his visionary leadership, CREF became much more than a festive occasion, it transformed into a powerful platform for promoting cultural understanding, empowering youth, and strengthening community bonds across backgrounds and generations.
Today, his legacy continues to inspire the future of the festival. The CREF 2026 team is proud to carry forward Syed Atiq ul Hassan’s enduring vision by delivering a vibrant, inclusive, and memorable event that celebrates the spirit of unity, harmony, and diversity.
