Alhadeff takes community relations helm

NSW Jewish Board of Deputies (JBOD) CEO Vic Alhadeff has been appointed the new chair of the NSW Community Relations Commission (CRC).

The former AJN editor replaces Stepan Kerkyasharian who was chairman and CEO of the commission for 24 years. The role will be split for the first time, with Alhadeff serving as chair and State Library of NSW chief financial officer Hakan Harman being appointed CEO.

Alhadeff, who will be continuing in his role at JBOD, said it was an honour to be appointed to the position.

“I am passionate about the need to advance social harmony and combat racism, and the Community Relations Commission plays a vital role in pursuit of these goals,” he said.

“I acknowledge the excellent work and dedication of Stepan Kerkyasharian and look forward to further strengthening the foundations of our multicultural society.”

NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell said he warmly welcomed both Alhadeff and Harman into their roles.

“Mr Alhadeff has made a big contribution to the promotion of multiculturalism and human rights in NSW over the past 27 years,” he said.

“His career highlights include interviewing the late South African President Nelson Mandela, and receiving numerous awards for promoting human rights in the media.”

NSW Minister for Citizenship and Communities Victor Dominello said he was confident the new leadership would continue to work toward the multicultural vision set for NSW by Kerkyasharian.

“Mr Alhadeff is held in high esteem across our multicultural community and Mr Harman is well respected within the public sector, having held several senior administrative positions,” he said.

“Both have a strong desire to build on our cultural diversity, to celebrate that diversity and harness it as an economic asset.”

JBOD president Yair Miller said Alhadeff’s appointment was “richly deserved and extremely gratifying”.

“Both personally and professionally Vic has always strived to ensure communal harmony and understanding,” he said.

“This role is a natural progression in his efforts through JBOD and is a strong indication of his standing and that of the board.

“We wish him much success in the role and look forward to the further insights it will bring to his position at the board.”

The leading government agency supporting multicultural communities in NSW, the CRC promotes equal rights and responsibilities, community harmony, participation and access to services. It recognises multiculturalism as a deliberate public policy and takes proactive steps to ensure a cohesive and harmonious society.

Alhadeff will commence as CRC chair on January 18, 2014.

GARETH NARUNSKY

NSW Jewish Board of Deputies (JBOD) CEO Vic Alhadeff.

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