HALABI, Abdel

Associate Professor Abdel Halabi was born in Australia but came from a Lebanese background and moved to Gippsland in 1985.

Abdel is an Associate Professor in Accounting and has worked at Federation University and its predecessor institution, Monash University for nearly 38 Years. Ab as he is affectionately known is held in extremely high regard by his peers, professional staff and students. He consistently represents the Institute of Innovation, Science and Sustainability as a valued ambassador for the University and Higher Education across Gippsland.

Ab has held leadership positions such as Discipline Head of Accounting (Gippsland); Higher Degrees by Research Co-ordinator; MBA Director, MPA Program Manager and is currently the Associate Dean (Research).  He has also made a substantial contribution as the Chair of CPA Australia’s Gippsland Branch Council, and a Fellow of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ).

His CV bears witness to his sustained and significant contributions to education and academia but more importantly he is most widely respected for his contribution to the support and advocacy of the Islamic community.  Abdel works tirelessly with the local Islamic community, including muslim staff and students at Federation University to foster and enable a vibrant Islamic community. He undertakes his role calmly and respectfully, facilitating engagement and cooperation through numerous community cultural events and sporting activities, providing support and advocacy for his colleagues.

In 2003 Ab became the Founding Secretary of the Gippsland Australian Muslim Community Inc (GAMCI) and remains in this position until today.  The community has truly benefited from Abdel’s care and dedication he has brought to many.  In his volunteering roles with GAMCI, his support of the United Muslims – Sisters of Latrobe Valley (UMSLV) and through his partnered community activities including sport and wellbeing, he has made a significant social impact as a champion for inclusivity and opportunities for all.

In 2018, adding to his numerous achievements he became a regional voice to the Board of the Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV). The ICV Board is the State's Peak Body representing about 200,000 Muslims and more than 60 Societies across the state.