Special Commendation - Community
Ikebal Mohammed Adam Patel - Recipient of a Special Commendation in the Community Category
Nominated by the Islamic School of Canberra
Ikebal Patel is currently the Chairman of the ACT Muslim Advisory Council, as appointed by the ACT Chief Minister late last year. As Chairman, his role involves regular meetings with different arms of the ACT Government. He provides advice in regards to issues concerning ACT Muslims and the community.
Throughout the past seven years, he has taken part in many different school associations. In 1999 he was elected as a board member at Narrabundah College, and became president of the P&C association the following year. In 2001, he became the Vice President as well as the Chairman of the fundraising committee of Telopea Park School. Ikebal was also an integral part of developing the first full time Islamic School in Canberra, now currently in its second year with a total of 66 students.
Apart from his contribution to the Canberra community, Ikebal has been involved in many organistions at a national level. In 2002, he was appointed as an Executive Member and the National Treasurer of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC), the national peak body representing Muslims in Australia. Ikebal is on the board of the following schools: Malek Fahd Islamic School in Greenacre, Sydney; Langford Islamic College in Perth; and Victoria University College.
Ikebal has also been involved in tasks that have placed him in personal risk. For example, he assisted with the rescue efforts of Douglas Wood. During this process, he worked with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Mufti of Australia, Sheik Tajuddin Al Hilaly, and the family of Douglas Wood.
Ikebal is a dedicated and passionate volunteer who has a positive impact on the community, within Canberra as well as interstate. Having moved to the Canberra region in 1999, Ikebal brought with him the determination and ability to inspire those around him to be more aware and caring towards one another.