Hayley Southwick takes the reins at UIA Victoria
Nathan Shafir has stepped down as the Victorian president of UIA with Hayley Southwick succeeding him as leader of the organisation.
Carli Dvash, Nathan Shafir and Hayley Southwick
Nathan Shafir has been a volunteer for UIA for 47 years and will continue taking an active role as part of the fundraising team.
Hayley Southwick, who has been the UIA Victoria Women’s Division Chair for the past decade plans to bring to her new role great passion, experience and knowledge.
Hayley said, “I am honoured to have been offered the opportunity to take this wonderful organisation forward. In my role as president, I want to re-introduce UIA to the younger generations. I want to bring new people on board. I want to make UIA a community organisation once again. This process has already begun and there will be further announcements soon. This is the time to get on board.”
Nathan Shafir said: “When I stood at the podium last year to accept the role of President, I made it clear, that I would serve for a maximum of two years. I believe in the need for leadership rotation and in particular, generational change. So, effective tonight, I am stepping down as President, after 12 months only. I will continue to be involved with UIA, but not as leader. UIA and Israel are in my blood, as is the case with everyone here tonight.”
At the UIA Victoria Annual General Meeting took place in Ripponlea’s heritage building where 120 guests gathered to hear from guest speaker Sam Lipski, Chief Executive of the Pratt Foundation.
Sam Lipski spoke about the recent Light Horse Centenary in Be’er Sheva giving an interesting insight into his experience of this special commemorative event. He also highlighted 2017 as a unique year of milestones some of which include 50 years since the reunification of Jerusalem, 120 years of Zionism and the centenary of the Balfour Declaration. He also discussed some other special milestones as well the reasons as to why the Pratt Foundation funded the Park of the Australian Soldier and the significance of this project to the family and this region.
Carli Dvash, Immediate Past YoungUIA Chair MC’d the evening and took the audience through the year that included an inspiring and uplifting video showcasing the incredible events and speakers that UIA have hosted. This was further supported by the UIA Victoria treasurer Julian Black’s financial presentation which highlighted UIA having had the best results financially since 2008.
She explained: “Israel faces many challenges looking after vulnerable Israelis and in winning the PR war internationally. UIA is perfectly positioned to assist in all these areas. Youth Futures and Net@ are just two programs that prepare disadvantaged Israeli youth to take an important roles as Israeli citizens – they are receiving the tools needed to become valuable and contributing members of Israeli society – what a gift we can give them, what a gift that you are all a part of! Kol Hakavod.”
The evening also gave a small preview into the incredible line up of speakers that UIA will be hosting for its 2018 campaign. For more information, contact UIA on 1300 ISRAEL.
