About AAC

History of the AAC

Australians of Arabic backgrounds have been settling in and contributing to Australia for well over a century. While many community organisations have emerged, there was no infrastructure which could be a vehicle to express their unified voice on issues of common concern. The racism experienced during the first Gulf War prompted the need to establish the AAC, which would focus on the relationship between the Australian Arabic community and the wider Australian community. After extensive community consultations, a group of committed community leaders from diverse backgrounds formed the AAC in July 1992.

Aims of the AAC

  • To act as a consultative group to government, media, and the wider community.
  • To campaign against racism and address its causes, symptoms and solutions.
  • To promote the benefits of the Arabic language to all Australians.
  • To campaign for more accurate media representation of Arabic issues.
  • To promote greater Arabic community participation in Australian social, cultural and political life.
  • To orchestrate community education projects which enhance greater understanding and dialogue.
  • To promote contributions of Arabic civilisation in human history and in Australian society.
  • To provide input into government policies, inquiries and law reform.
  • To defend the image of the Arabic community in the Australian public arena.

Join the AAC

The AAC who is a winner of the Human Rights Community Award from the Australian Human Rights Commission, continues to run proactive projects, research the effects and develop, implement and advocate for wide ranging solutions to racism; and consistently promote human rights and community relations. The AAC also maintains our advocacy and communication with media, government, community organisations, business and the public, constantly raising the profile of issues of concern to all Australians. This work is undertaken by volunteers, who initiate, coordinate, implement and evaluate the high amount of work we undertake.

To do this we need your help. There are two ways in which you can assist, the most important of which is becoming a financial member and the other is by making a donation.

Become a Member

Structure

Chairman: Roland Jabbour

Mr Jabbour has been a member of the AAC since 1992, and for a number of these years has held the position of Chairman. As a prominent member of the wider and business communities, he holds executive roles in many community groups and has repeatedly made outstanding contributions to both Arabic and wider Australian community.

Chairman's CV

Executive Director: Will Abdo

Mr Abdo has been an active member of the AAC since 1995 and has brought to the Council a wealth of knowledge and experience in accounting, digital media and project management. He has managed numerous community bridging projects and represented the AAC at various high profile events including government, media, business and community. Mr Abdo is a business and trade development consultant and CEO of Webtrade Marketing Pty Ltd.

Executive Director Bio

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