The Australian Lebanese Chamber of Commerce Trade Relations chief staged Australia’s first skills and services exhibition in the Middle East 20 years ago.
“It was the largest trade delegate to visit that part of the world and many more trade missions have followed,” he said.
“I’ve also worked closely with Tourism Australia before Covid struck, promoting Australia as a holiday destination and not just for migration.
“When the borders re-open, I plan to do many more.”
Also the former chairman of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy Council in Australia, former Sydney Lebanon Lions Club president and director of Mid-East Link (food imports/exports), Michael says he is thrilled with the OAM recognition.
“I am deeply honoured,” he said.
Scarcely able to believe he has been named among ‘such great men and women’, Campsie’s Dr Anthony Hasham also received an OAM for services to business and the Australian-Lebanese community.
Managing director of the Australian Lebanese Chamber of Commerce since 2003, Anthony is former vice-president of the Maronite Archdiocese of Sydney, president of the Maronite Catholic Society in Australia and founding member and director of the Australian Maronite Professional Council.
He is also building advisor for St Charbels Parish and Archdiocese, engineering director of Structural Services, Future Build Australia Pty Ltd (Abu Dhabi) since 2009 and founder and managing director of the Australian Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd since 1998.
The tireless worker says he is extremely honoured.
“It is incredible recognition and I certainly feel extremely blessed,” he said.
