Draft:Jamal Hakim

Jamal Hakim (born 1984) is an Australian politician, entrepreneur, and executive currently serving as a Councillor for the City of Melbourne. Elected in 2020, he has made significant contributions to local governance, leading the Creative Melbourne Portfolio and serving as Deputy Lead for City Activation and Deputy Lead for Health, Wellbeing, and Belonging. His work focuses on fostering community engagement and enhancing the livability of Melbourne.

Career

As the managing director of a national health organization, Jamal brings extensive experience from the private, public, and non-profit sectors. A resident of Docklands, he is passionate about inclusion, justice, and human-centered design. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and from an immigrant background, Jamal is running as an independent candidate for Lord Mayor of Melbourne as part of Team Hakim alongside his mother, Safaa Hakim. Both reside in Docklands and believe the district’s shortcomings reflect what occurs when governments abandon their vision.

Community Engagement

Jamal's commitment to community is evident in his statement: “For me, community is so important. I’ve spent my entire life trying to find community and where my space is; it matters so much to me as a value. What I love about Melbourne is that we have so many different cultures. The city is alive 24/7, and that allows that melting pot to happen.”

His decision to run for local council was significantly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. On July 4, during the public housing tower lockdown, he witnessed firsthand the biases faced by multicultural communities, particularly those with language barriers. “No one thought about how that impacted that community nor how we could support them from a health perspective,” he noted.

Professional Background

As the CEO and founder of Hakim Consulting, Jamal provides strategic guidance to organizations. Prior to this, he served as CEO of MSI Australia, where he played a crucial role in driving innovation and organizational growth. He is also one of the founders of the Victorian Pride Centre, which serves as a hub for LGBTQIA+ communities in Victoria. His commitment to social equity is reflected in his role as co-chair of Democracy in Colour, an organization dedicated to promoting racial equity and representation in Australia. Jamal has held positions on the boards of Midsumma Festival, MSI Papua New Guinea, and MS Health Pty Ltd, contributing to various cultural and health initiatives.

Committees and Representation Jamal is actively involved in several committees as a Council representative, including:

Audit and Risk Committee Disability Advisory Committee (Chairperson) Homelessness Advisory Committee (Deputy Chairperson) Melbourne Arts Trust

Education and Memberships

He holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Asian Studies from the Australian National University, as well as a Juris Doctor from RMIT University. Jamal is a member of CPA Australia and the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), underscoring his commitment to ethical leadership and professional development.

Personal Life

Jamal is passionate about fostering a sense of belonging in the community and often shares his journey to inspire others. He believes in the importance of education and mentorship, drawing from his experiences to empower the next generation of leaders. Born in Australia, Jamal has a deep appreciation for Melbourne’s cultural diversity, which informs his vision for an inclusive and vibrant city.

Honours & Awards

Member of CPA Australia Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) Recognized for contributions to local government and community

References

""Melbourne City Council election results 2020." Victorian Electoral Commission. Retrieved September 18, 2024.

"Docklander Jamal Hakim is a councillor!" Docklands News. Retrieved September 18, 2024.

"Councillor Jamal Hakim | City of Melbourne." City of Melbourne. Retrieved September 18, 2024.

"Jamal Hakim to run for Lord Mayor." Southbank Local News. Retrieved September 18, 2024.

Waters, Cara. (August 1, 2024). "Jamal Hakim to run for Melbourne Lord Mayor and push to reveal donors." The Age. Retrieved September 18, 2024.

"Jamal Hakim | City of Melbourne Councillor." JOY 94.9. August 17, 2024.