Visionary Western Sydney business leader Elie Chami recognised with honorary doctorate
Western Sydney University has awarded Mr Elie Chami an honorary doctorate as part of the University’s October graduation ceremonies.
A highly-successful entrepreneur and passionate community leader, Elie Chami is co-founder and chair of Vitex Pharmaceuticals – one of Australia’s and Western Sydney’s proudest manufacturing success stories.
He was conferred with the award, Doctorate of Letters (honoris causa), at a graduation ceremony held on Saturday 26 October, to recognise his contributions to Australia’s business community and the Western Sydney region.
Mr Chami arrived in Australia as a migrant from post-war Lebanon and settled in Fairfield in Western Sydney in the 1970s.
In 1989 he established a modest family company supplying complementary medicines in Australia. Since that time Vitex Pharmaceuticals has grown to become a multi-million-dollar business and a world-leader in the complementary medicine and pharmaceuticals industries, aiming to improve the health and wellbeing of people all around the globe.
Successfully supplying complementary medicines to international markets such as the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and North America, the company is an important cornerstone of the Western Sydney economy.
Vitex’s $100 million advanced manufacturing site in Eastern Creek is one of the largest state-of-the-art facilities of its kind in Australia, employing over 400 skilled workers from the region – including graduates from Western Sydney University.
Chancellor, Professor Jennifer Westacott AO, said the University is pleased to recognise Mr Chami for his extraordinary contributions to Australia’s economic and social landscape, as well as his unwavering commitment to community service in Western Sydney.
“Elie Chami embodies the mission and values of Western Sydney University,” said Professor Westacott.
“An aspirational figure for the vibrant, multicultural communities of our region, his journey from a young immigrant to a successful business leader demonstrates that with hard work, determination, an entrepreneurial spirit, and extraordinary grit and vision, anything is possible.”
In addition to his incredible business success, Mr Chami is a generous philanthropist committed to a range of charitable organisations and community initiatives.
“Elie Chami is a pillar of strength and support within his community. He is deeply involved in the causes he supports, often providing guidance and mentorship to community members,” Professor Westacott.
“His company is also deeply committed to providing employment, training and professional development opportunities for the people in Western Sydney, particularly those from migrant communities.
“This significant investment demonstrates Mr Chami’s unwavering belief in the potential of our region and its people.”
Mr Elie Chami said he was both honoured and delighted to receive this award.
“A special thanks to Jennifer Westacott, whose unwavering commitment to identifying and recognising people in our Western Sydney region is truly inspiring. This recognition reinforces my dedication to fostering innovation and creating job opportunities in our expanding region,” said Mr Chami.
ENDS
28 October 2024
Photo credit: Sally Tsoutas
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