The early families in Hakel El Azimeh ventured there for sanctuary, having fled their home towns for reasons of persecution. To them the village was a perfect refuge given their occupations as herdsmen. The context of the village provided shield against the cold wind in winter - for themselves and for their animals. Hakel El Azimeh is located approximately 25kms east of Tripoli, in the North Governorate of Lebanon. The village occupies 73Ha on a steep cliff face and has lands between 650m and 750m above sea level.
Originally, the people of Hakel el Azimeh relied on goat herding to survive and then on the land for wheat, grain and silk production. From there they ventured into charcoal (heating) and ice distribution (for cooling meats and beverages before refrigeration). Today the village relies on fruit and vegetable harvests in addition to an array of government employment for the youth including the army, police force and other services.
The people of Hakel el Azimeh are known for their hard work, rich spirituality and harmonious co-existence with people of different faiths in Lebanon and abroad.
Chris is an electrical engineer with 5 years experience in customer relationship management aiming to build partnerships with key stakeholders. He is also an independent health researcher who is highly knowledgeable in the area of nutritional science with a focus on increasing longevity, metabolism and quality of life.
Chris is honoured to be able to use his skills and experience to help the association meet it’s objectives.
Michael Mikhael is a registered optometrist and the director of Kingsgrove Optometrists, also holding the position of Operations Manager at GM Cabs Australia.
Michael enjoys being a part of both the health and transportation industry within Australia. He has held a position within the NSW Taxi Association for the past 5 years. He continues to work with the government in playing a pivotal role in maintaining a sustainable Taxi industry by leading and directing innovative change.
Michael is honoured to be able contribute to the Australian Hakel El Azime Association which holds high sentimental value to both him and his family.
Charles Daoud is the Director of a national construction and property development company with major projects on the eastern seaboard of Australia.
The company has built and continues to manage a portfolio across multiple verticals including luxury residential, hospitality, retail, commercial and social and affordable housing. The company is a significant partner of State and Local Governments around the country.
Charles is passionate about improving the communities in which he works and is also involved in projects of benevolence, assisting local aboriginal land councils, church dioceses, disability support providers and other not-for-profit organisations to provide housing for those most in need.
Charles has extensive experience in engineering, design, construction and master planning and a special interest in affordable housing policy initiatives from around the world. Charles is delighted to be a board member of the Association and looks forward to working towards the common goals of acknowledgment, appreciation and unity.
Dr Chami, registered Medical Practitioner and Chief Executive Officer of Vitex Pharmaceuticals is widely regarded as an industry authority with unrivalled experience and qualifications. Under Dr Chami’s leadership, Vitex has been cemented as Australia’s largest contract manufacturer of solid dose listed medicines. He has created an international reputation for innovative quality systems, which has seen him in an advisory capacity to the world’s leading brands and regulatory bodies.
Dr Chami is honoured to share his skills and knowledge for the betterment of his Hakl El-Azime family.
