Council for Australian-Arab Relations Appointments

Today I announce the appointment of a newChair and three new Board members to the Council for Australian-Arab Relations(CAAR): Mr Houssam Abiad as the Chair of the Council, Ms Dalene Wray, MrWayne Borg and Dr Peter Hendy.

TheBoard members will contribute to CAAR's efforts to strengthen Australian-Arabrelations by advancing areas of shared political, economic and social interestand building greater awareness of each other's culture and values.

Thenew members will bring a wealth of skills, networks and experience to CAAR.

Mr Abiad has served on the CAAR Board sinceJanuary 2016 and as Deputy Chair from December 2016.

Ms Wray has served as General Manager of OBEOrganic, Australia's largest producer of organic beef, since 2012. Ms Wraydeveloped OBE Organic's market presence in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UnitedArab Emirates and Asia.

MrBorg is the Managing Director of Fox Studios Australia. Prior to this, heserved as Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer of the Abu Dhabi Media ZoneAuthority.

TheHon Dr Hendy was the Member for Eden-Monaro in the Australian Parliament from2013 to 2016. He has previously served as Executive Director on the BahrainEconomic Development Board and as Chief Executive Officer for the AustralianChamber of Commerce and Industry.

Ithank outgoing CAAR Chair Ms Sue Ismiel and Ms Yassmin Abdel-Magied for theircontribution to the Council.