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WHO WE AREThe Board is committed to advancing the interests of businesses across industries. Our leadership team brings a wealth of experience, strategic insight, and a shared vision for economic growth, innovation, and community engagement. |
Executive Board Members:Chair: Bernadette Khoury JPCo Chair: Dr Afif Hadj Vice Chairs:
Independent Adviser: Will Abdo Public Officer: Lara Peralta General Secretary:
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Bernadette Khoury JP LinkedIn: bernadette-khoury-78113148 Respected Leader | Justice of the Peace | Advocate for Community, Business & Multicultural Affairs Bernadette Khoury JP is a distinguished leader whose career spans law, politics, business, community development, and the arts. With a commitment to justice, diplomacy, and multicultural advocacy, she empowers communities, fosters international relations, and helps shape policies that drive meaningful change. Current Roles Chairperson – Australian Lebanese Business Council Inc. As Chairperson of the Australian Lebanese Business Council, Bernadette strengthens trade and investment opportunities between Australia and Lebanon, facilitates key business partnerships, advocates for supportive policy, and champions growth across multiple industries. Parliament of Victoria – Political & Legislative Affairs Bernadette contributes to policy development, legislative strategy, and community engagement, ensuring that government initiatives reflect diverse community needs across Victoria. Executive Protocol Officer – Honorary Consulate for the Republic of Lebanon to Tasmania Representing Lebanon’s interests in Tasmania, she facilitates diplomatic engagements and strengthens bilateral ties while upholding official protocols. Justice of the Peace (JP) For over 25 years, Bernadette has served as a JP, providing free and impartial witnessing of legal documents and upholding the integrity of legal processes. Australian Ambassador for Women She leads initiatives that support women’s empowerment and leadership across business, politics, and community sectors. Australian Ambassador for Youth Bernadette champions initiatives for young Australians in education, employment, and leadership, building pathways to success. Advisor – Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) Regional Advisory Council (Eastern Suburbs) Bernadette provides guidance on policies affecting multicultural communities, ensuring government decisions reflect the needs of migrants, refugees, and culturally diverse populations. International Liaison Officer – ETEA At Education Training & Employment Australia, Bernadette strengthens global partnerships to enhance access to world-class training. Producer – Thespian Theatre Company She supports thought-provoking theatre that amplifies diverse voices and underrepresented stories, advocating for the arts as a platform for social change. Vice Chairperson – Maronite Mass Centre Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne Bernadette works to preserve and promote Maronite heritage and faith through cultural and religious events that bring communities together. Past Roles & Contributions Executive Director – Australia New Zealand Lebanon Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ANLCCI) Led initiatives strengthening trade between Australia, New Zealand, and Lebanon, promoting economic collaboration and investment. Chairperson – ANLCCI Business Women’s Group Led programs supporting female entrepreneurs and business leaders, creating opportunities for professional growth and success. Practice Manager – Blackstone Waterhouse Zouki Lawyers and Zouki Lawyers Managed legal operations and client relations, ensuring efficient functioning of a high-profile law firm. Legacy & Impact Bernadette’s career is defined by leadership, advocacy, and cross-cultural collaboration—leaving a lasting impact across law, politics, business, and the arts. |
Dr Afif hadj
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Rosanna Baini OAM
LinkedIn: rosanna-nee-chaina-baini-oam-jp-01a06b67
A mother of five, academic lecturer, PhD candidate, and successful businesswoman, Rosanna understands the challenges women face in the modern world. Honoured with the Order of Australia Medal (2020), she is an inductee of the Victorian Honour Roll of Women and serves as a Victorian Ambassador for Women. She also received the Vice President's Jewel – Life Member, Royal Freemasons Homes of Victoria. Rosanna is a Founding Executive Director of the Australia New Zealand Lebanon Chamber of Commerce and Industry, showcasing expertise in bilateral trade and business development. As a Sessional Academic Lecturer at Victoria University College of Sport, Health & Engineering, she teaches Research Methods, Dermal Science, Philosophy, Evidence & Health, Cognition, Legal & Ethical Practices, and Professional Communication in Healthcare. Her career includes serving as Victorian Commissioner for Multicultural Affairs (Youth, Justice, Education, Healthcare, Women, Immigration, Sports, Arts, Business) under former Premiers The Hon Jeff Kennett AC and The Hon Dr Steve Bracks AC. She has been active in the Chief Justices Advisory Committee (Family Law Court), Austcare, Red Cross, Ethnic Communities Police Advisory Committee, Court Network, and the Victorian School of Languages. Rosanna is a Justice of the Peace and served as a Bail Justice for 15 years (appointed in 1994). Academically, she has postgraduate studies in Tertiary Education, a Masters in Research (First Class Honours), and is pursuing a PhD. Her education also includes a Bachelor of Health Science, a Bachelor of Arts (Distinction) in Criminal Justice Administration, and a Diploma in Business Administration & Management (Accountancy). Beyond professional pursuits, Rosanna supported her late husband’s commercial sales work in the family business (Baines Pest Control) and was a franchisee of Hairhouse. She contributed to the Victorian Maronite Community Stewardship Committee (1989–2006). Her personal credo: “I can help you reach a potential you didn’t even know you had.” |
Celine Khoury
LinkedIn: celine-khoury-aa58b6110
Celine Khoury is a criminal defence lawyer, award-winning creative, and community leader serving as Legal Counsel for the Australian Lebanese Business Council (ALBC). Named the 2024 Rising Star of the Year at the Women in Law Awards, Celine is admitted to the Supreme Court of Victoria and the High Court of Australia and focuses on criminal defence with fearless advocacy and integrity. Outside the courtroom, Celine is the founder and Artistic Director of Thespian Theatre Company (relaunching as Asamina Theatre Company), dedicated to multicultural and multilingual stories reflecting Middle Eastern heritage and migrant experiences. For this work, she received the 2024 Multicultural Youth Award. She provides pro-bono legal advice to members of Victoria’s Lebanese and Somali communities—supporting victims of domestic violence, migrants facing legal hardship, and those lacking access to justice. She has contributed extensively to the Victorian Maronite community. Celine served as Founding Executive Director of the Young Entrepreneurs under ANLCCI, creating pathways for culturally diverse youth in business and leadership. She also became the youngest elected female Director in UN Youth Victoria’s history (Director of Communications, United Nations Youth Australia), leading national engagement campaigns for youth empowerment. Her collaborations with the Kahlil Gibran Collective support cultural preservation projects that honour Lebanese heritage and identity. Bridging justice, culture, and community, Celine is committed to storytelling with purpose and leadership that reflects the diversity of the communities she serves. |
Sam Zawadi
LinkedIn: sam-zawadi
Sam transforms organisations and coaches leaders and teams across technology, government, startups, and creative sectors—guiding cultural and operational shifts for sustainable success. Specialising in enterprise-level transformations, leadership coaching, and building high-performing teams, Sam has led B2C and B2B initiatives to deliver customer value in dynamic environments. Agile Experience
Coaching & Facilitation
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Will Abdo
LinkedIn: will-abdo-30616318
Wehbe (Will) Abdo is the CEO of Webtrade Marketing Pty Ltd, a consulting company with a vision to boost trade and investment between Australia and the Middle East by proactively connecting, engaging, and enhancing bilateral relations. With 25+ years’ experience in international trade, public relations, business development, commercial intelligence reporting, and taxation, Wehbe promotes and markets opportunities across Real Estate & Construction, Mining, Education, Health & Fitness, Tourism, Halal Foods & Hospitality, Entertainment, and Emerging Technologies. He also facilitates import/export of Halal products (e.g., meats, dairy) including compliance, certification, and sourcing. He served on the Management Committee of the Australia Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AACCI) and advised on internal operations and restructuring. He has advised the Australian Federal Government on e-marketing and e-commerce strategies for Australia–MENA markets, presenting reports and evidence on bilingual, culturally sensitive digital platforms. Additional Leadership Executive Director, Australian Arabic Council (AAC) for 29+ years—leading human rights, community relations, youth achievement, and cross-cultural understanding initiatives; representing AAC at government, media, business, and community forums. Former Assistant Vice President, Universal Peace Federation (UPF)—a UN ECOSOC-affiliated NGO—organising high-level meetings and events. Managed 100+ Ambassadors for Peace globally. Qualifications & Associations
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Zahra Fakhri
LinkedIn: zahra-fakhri-2b990537
I am an experienced Scrum Master/Delivery Lead and Senior Business Analyst with 20+ years of experience driving successful Agile transformations and delivering high-impact solutions. I bridge business needs and technical execution to keep teams aligned and focused on customer value. In my current role at Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT), I guide cross-functional teams through Scrum, facilitate ceremonies, coach team members, and partner with Product Owners to prioritise and manage backlogs. I foster collaborative, high-performing teams centred on continuous improvement. As a Senior Business Analyst, I define and document clear, actionable requirements aligned to organisational goals, facilitate inceptions, user story mapping, and backlog refinement, and work with stakeholders to deliver iteratively. Core Skills
I’m passionate about helping teams collaborate effectively to deliver customer-driven solutions and enabling organisations to successfully adopt Agile practices for long-term success. |
Rita Fakhry *************COMING SOON************ |
Bassima Hawli PhD in Public Health Post Graduate Diploma in Medical Sonography Bachelor Degree in Medical Radiation Founder and Director of:
Bassima Foundation (president) Helping Dialysis patients in Lebanon & providing day trips for our elderly. Meet and greet events Chairman of Victoria for the Australian Citizens Party |
Mona Taouk *************COMING SOON************ |
Madonna Awad *************COMING SOON************ |
