Samowitz brings a long and successful career of communal invovlement to the position. He served as CEO of Stand Up for 10 years, after which he worked with the Hakoah Club, managing its community engagement and fundraising activities, as well as consulting to the Jewish Arts Quarter.

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He previously served as Head Madrich (Youth Leader) of March of the Living Australia Year 11 program in 2006, as an educator on the program to Poland and Israel in 2009 and was a member of the board for a couple of years. He holds degrees in Holocaust studies, has undertaken the Yad Vashem educators course and has a proven track record in non-profit and community leadership. He has led over 15 trips to Israel as a guide/educator. 

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Gary has chaired several community organisations, including AUJS and FOJAM, and was selected in the first cohort of the Schusterman Fellowship.