After an impressive 33 years of service as the Sri Lankan Consul in Queensland, Mr. Anton Swan retired from his voluntary role at the end of June this year. In this tribute, we celebrate his remarkable commitment and selfless contributions.  
Queensland’s Sri Lankan community, now exceeding 10,000 members, heavily relies on the Consul’s tireless efforts. As an honourary Consul, Mr. Swan plays a pivotal role. He maintains close ties with the Sri Lankan embassy, ensuring he stays updated on the latest changes and requirements. Managing his office single-handedly, he juggles numerous telephone calls and appointments, often travelling long distances to attend community events, where he even drives himself.  
Mr. Swan’s humble nature shines through as he assists individuals in getting their documents certified for new passports, passport renewals, affidavits, birth certificates, and power of attorney documents. His services are particularly vital for Queensland’s pensioners, who often depend on his assistance. To accommodate the community’s needs, he dedicates a significant portion of his weekends.  
His dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. Mr. Swan has earned respect from both the Sri Lankan community and Queensland’s administration. He serves as a patron for numerous Sri Lankan associations in Queensland and is renowned for his punctuality. His commitment extends beyond his role as Consul; he has been a forward-thinker throughout his life, earning accolades for Sri Lanka through his achievements in sports.  

A Life of Achievement  
Born in 1948, during Sri Lanka’s year of independence, Anton Swan completed his studies at St. Mary’s College Dehiwela. As a student, he gained recognition for his exceptional swimming skills. He achieved national standards and represented Ceylon in swimming meets. Notably, he was among the swimmers who successfully crossed the challenging Palk Strait from Sri Lanka to India. He also set a record in another popular event of the time, the annual six-mile swim from Mount Lavinia to the Colombo Galle Face. Furthermore, he contributed to the Kinross Life Saving Club as a dedicated volunteer for many years.  
In addition to his swimming prowess, Anton was a prominent school boxer, reaching the Stubbs Shield level and achieving remarkable success. His talents extended to rugby, where he held national promise.  

A New Life in Australia  
In 1970, at the age of 22, Anton Swan made a life-altering decision to migrate to Melbourne, Australia. His move coincided with the government’s takeover of estates, prompting many in Sri Lanka’s Burgher community to explore opportunities abroad. Anton vividly recalls those early years in Melbourne, where it was a rare occurrence to encounter fellow Sri Lankans on the streets. The multicultural society we now know was absent then, and he faced the challenges of racism.  
Beginning his life in Australia wasn’t easy. Anton took on multiple jobs, from stacking shelves at Coles at night to cleaning office buildings in the mornings. Even during weekends, he could be found working at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.  

Family and Marriage  
In Melbourne, Anton met Bronwen, who would become his life partner. They married in April 1972, embarking on a successful journey that spanned half a century. Together, they raised four children—Jamie, Tracy, Mark, and Stephen.  

Becoming Sri Lanka’s Honourary Consul  
Anton Swan relocated to Brisbane in 1974 and assumed the role of honourary Consul for Sri Lanka in 1990. His passion for helping people and connecting with fellow Sri Lankan Australians led him to embrace this role. He became President of the Sri Lankan Society of Queensland in the late 1980s and actively participated in various Sri Lankan associations. He also served as a Justice of the Peace and coordinated the Sri Lankan Pavilion at the World Expo in 1988.  

Recognized by the Australian Government  
Anton Swan holds the record for being Queensland’s longest-serving Consul. His exceptional service was acknowledged by the Australian Government, which awarded him the prestigious “Medal in the Order of Australia”—an honor rarely bestowed upon a consul of any country in Australia. Anton attributes his success to his political neutrality and independence, emphasizing that no politician ever interfered with his work.  
As Mr. Anton Swan prepares to retire, the community has organized a series of farewell events to express their deep gratitude for his decades of unwavering service.  
In conclusion, Anton Swan’s remarkable journey—from a promising Sri Lankan sportsman to an invaluable honourary Consul in Queensland—stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment