Canberra’s getting a new president
WHILE Canberra's incoming Jewish community president has only lived in the nation's capital for 18 months, he feels he has enough experience to lead.
WHILE Canberra’s incoming Jewish community president has only lived in the nation’s capital for 18 months, he feels he has enough experience to lead.
Manny Waks, who formerly held a number of communal positions in Melbourne, will stand uncontested on October 6 for the position of ACT Jewish Community president. He is due to replace Dr Anita Shroot.
The presidency is a unique job and involves leading a community that has an Orthodox and Progressive congregation under the one roof, no Jewish school and, until recently, no rabbi. But Waks believes he is up to the task.
“I’m well placed to continue facilitating the unique Canberra model,” he said.
The 34-year-old moved with his family to Canberra at the beginning of 2009 to take up a position in public service.
He followed a well-trodden path: a professional from Melbourne or Sydney moving to Canberra for work, but finding it hard socially.
Waks, though, is innovative and soon established the Capital Jewish Forum — a casual organisation for professionals who live in Canberra and happen to be Jewish.
He brings them together on a semi-regular basis by organising some of Australia’s most enticing speakers. “It really has carried out part of its mission of Jewish continuity,” he said, commenting that many of the people who attend functions are not otherwise involved in communal activities.
The vice-president for the past few months expects there to be a number of fresh faces on the board after next month’s annual general meeting.
“From my perspective, all of those who put their hand up to join the board will be expected to contribute quite significantly,” Waks said.
NAOMI LEVIN
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