The journalist, author and football player, coach and administrator has been active in a range of leadership roles within the Australian Lebanese community including the Association of Zgharta, the Maronite Catholic Society of Australia, El-Marada Australia, the United Australian Lebanese Movement and Lebanese Radio.
A Merrylands RSL Club Director, Sarkis has previously been awarded the Shield of the Lebanese Consulate in Sydney in recognition of intellectual works and the Lebanese World Cultural Union Award.
He said receiving the win “felt great” after 40 years of working hard in the community to help make life better for all.
“I’m proud of my Lebanese roots but Australia has given us everything,” he said.
“It gave us the opportunity to start a new life and to contribute; it really is the best country in the world.”
Sarkis said his main goal over the years was to help Lebanese migrants settle well here.
“I’ve been involved in a range of settlement and integration activities, this has always been my top priority,” he said.
“I thank the Government and organisers for the OAM award, I am very grateful, and will continue to do all I can to add to this country’s progress.”
Over four decades of supporting settlement of Lebanese migrants
CALLING it one of the greatest honours of his life, Merrylands resident Sarkis Chahine Karam has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for service to the Lebanese community of Sydney.
