BIO

Roland is a distinguished leader in public service and business entrepreneurship with extensive experience of commerce and international trade relations. He is the Chairman of Jabbour Holding Group of companies, with its corporate headquarters based in Melbourne-Australia and offices across the Middle East region and globally. He oversees major projects between Australia and the Arab region, representing Australian universities, as well as the private sector and government institutions. Roland’s business network extends over a number of sectors, including international education and training, property development and investments, migration services, Media, hospitality, travel and tourism.

For many years, Roland’s vision and leadership has achieved wide-ranging successful partnerships between Australia and the Arab region, facilitating business and trade relations that work to promote stronger ties between Australia and the Arab world. Roland is well-known and respected within governmental and semi-governmental circles. He is widely consulted for and invited by the media to provide commentary on issues of international affairs and multiculturalism.

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He has developed a high profile as a community leader through a longstanding commitment to public service and community initiatives. A firm believer in actively contributing to society, he has held numerous community positions and government appointments. Former president and national chairman, he is currently Director on the National Board of the Australia Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AACCI) as well as the Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Morocco in the state of Victoria and recently member of the  Advisory Board - ANU Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies.

He is the founding and current Chairman of the Australian Arabic Council (AAC); founding director of the Australia Lebanon Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ALCCI); founding and current director of the Australia Oman Business Council (AOBC).

He served as former vice president and board member of the Council for Australian Arab Relations (CAAR) under the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (a federal government appointment); appointed Justice of the Peace for the State of Victoria; admitted to the Royal Victorian Association of Honorary Justices; a Founding Chairman of the Darebin Ethnic Communities Council. He also served as a member of the Victorian Police Community Multicultural Advisory Council (PACMAC), the La Trobe University Centre for Dialogue, and the Deakin University Languages Advisory Board.

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Roland has been a recipient of many awards from Australian and overseas governments in recognition of his service to the Australian community. These include the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) and the Medal for the Centenary of Federation of Australia, awarded by the Governor General & the Commonwealth of Australia for service to the Australian Community and a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of voluntary service to the community awarded by the Premier of the State of Victoria, honoured with the prestigious award of “Ambassador For Peace” in recognition for his distinguished leadership and longstanding service in peacebuilding, public service and international trade relations. He has also been Finalist for the Australian Ethnic Business Awards (2009) and nominated for the Australian of the Year award (2004).