The Council networks widely and works in partnership with government, non-government and other structures. It plays a pivotal role in coordination, advocacy, and leadership, information dissemination and in developing and providing a range of welfare services, activities and events to the community.

On 1 April 2009, the Council had its quality management system certified by the Quality Improvement Council and its Problem Gambling Treatment Service is now recognised as having satisfied all accreditation requirements.

How We Started
The Council was founded in 1979 as the Arabic Welfare Workers Interagency and became a Council in 1988. It was then named Australian Arabic Welfare Council. In August 1998, the Council changed its name to Australian Arabic Communities Council. The latest name "Arab Council Australia" was adopted in November 2004.

Since our establishment, we have been supporting and assisting Australians of Arabic speaking background through a range of essential services.

How We Operate
The Council is an incorporated association managed by a Board of Management which is elected annually from Council's membership and reflects broadly the diversity of the community. The Board sets the strategic direction of the organisation and employs staff to execute its decisions.

The main activities of the Council are conducted through four Units:

Administration and Information

Communication and Events

Strengthening Communities

Strengthening Families

Youth and Leadership

Who Are Our Members
Our membership reflects the diversity of the community. It ranges from individuals to organisations and also includes people of non-Arabic speaking background. We create opportunities for Arab Australians of different age groups, gender, religions and industries to be involved in the organisation. The overarching principle for those involved is that this Council is secular, all inclusive, independent and non political with the specific aim of assisting in the successful settlement of people from Arab backgrounds and promoting their active participation in the wider community.

How Are We Financed
Council's income is derived from membership fees, sponsorship, fundraising, special project work, and donations as well as funding from the Federal and NSW government departments.

What We Do

  • We work towards promoting a well functioning, cohesive, healthy, productive, caring, and safe community.
  • We help the aged with their health, accommodation and social needs to live independently with dignity and respect.
  • We work with families to ensure their children are safe and protected from abuse and neglect.
  • We promote the well being of families and support women and children in making positive changes to their lives to achieve safe and healthy relationships.
  • We provide support to young people who experience difficulties in accessing and participating in formal learning and guide them through educational pathways.
  • We develop activities for young people that provide them with opportunities to exercise leadership, to interact and engage in civic society.
  • We assist refugees, humanitarian and newly arrived migrants with their settlement needs and encourage their active participation in society.
  • We provide crisis relief and counselling support to individuals and families in crisis, problem gamblers and victims of domestic violence and abuse.
  • We create opportunities for volunteers and students to develop new skills, gain more experience and contribute positively to the benefit of the community.
  • We plan, develop and support community building events and initiate and co-ordinate new projects and educational activities that address identified needs in the community.
  • We support research and educational projects, and act as a consultative and advocacy body to government and non-government agencies on issues affecting Arabic-speaking communities.
  • We promote cultural awareness and respect for diversity in Australian communities.