I honour the life and legacy of former Liverpool City Labor councillor Ali Karnib, who sadly passed away last week. He was a mentor, a colleague and a man deeply committed to serving his community. Liverpool—and the broader region—is mourning the loss of a man whose generosity, integrity and leadership spanned more than a quarter of a century. Ali was first elected to council last century, in 1999, and served until 2024. He was one of the longest serving councillors in Liverpool's history. That included three terms as deputy mayor. Whether in the council chambers or out in the community, Ali carried a calm presence and a deep sense of duty to his community. In addition to his many years on the council, Ali was also president of the Lebanese Community Council of NSW and a board member of the then Liverpool now Western Sydney Migrant Resource Centre.

Ali arrived in Australia with his young family in the mid-1980s, fleeing the violence and division of the Lebanese Civil War. Settling in Green Valley, and later in Busby, he never forgot the reason he left: to find peace, opportunity and unity. As president of the Lebanese Community Council of NSW, Ali worked tirelessly to leave that division behind and bring people together. Regardless of faith—whether Sunni, Shia, Christian or Druze—and regardless of political faction—Labor, Liberal or one of the ever‑changing myriad of political parties, factions and coalitions that mark Lebanese politics—he made sure that everyone was included and invited to the many events held by the community council. Those events included iftars during Ramadan, gatherings to mark Lebanese Independence Day and multiple celebrations throughout the year.

During my entire tenure on Liverpool council, Ali and I were the only two Labor councillors on the north ward. We sat side by side that whole time. From the beginning, Ali was a great mentor to me. He was patient, insightful and firm. One story stays with me from my first campaign for council in 2016. I was at a booth at Green Valley Public School on election day when an older gentleman came through the gates. After a long, friendly conversation in Arabic with a Liberal councillor—one of Ali's long‑time opponents—I assumed that vote was a goner. I thought, "We probably won't pick that one up." But, being the persistent fellow I was, I still handed the man a how‑to‑vote card. He stopped, looked at the photo of the Liverpool Labor team, kissed it, and said, "Ali Karnib." He then proceeded into the booth, and no doubt voted for the Labor team. That was the level of respect Ali had built over decades. It is still a benchmark for me in terms of the respect and political reputation that one seeks to build in one's community.

Another story that has stuck with me comes from our time together on the board of what was then the Liverpool Migrant Resource Centre. It was early in my time there, and I was eager. I had read the papers. We were discussing an important issue. Another colleague of ours was talking, and I was about to jump in. Ali looked at me, put out his hand and let out a small grunt. That said a lot. As the debate progressed, it was clear that Ali and the person in question had a lot more context and knowledge than I had. It showed the style of leadership he had. He could say a lot more with a hand signal than with words. In short, he was saying, "Slow down, rookie. Take notice."

Outside of politics, Ali always found a way to stay connected. People always got Happy Eid, Happy Christmas, Happy Father's Day and Happy New Year messages from him. As Ali's health got away from him in his later years, that was his way of staying in touch. He was a devoted family man. Family was kept closest to his heart. He spoke often and proudly of his children and grandchildren. His daughter Alfat works for the member for The Entrance, and his son Sam was elected to Liverpool City Council last year. Sam calls me every few days to touch base and get my advice on leadership, council and family. In some ways, it is like the circle repeating itself as I am now mentoring Ali's son. I thank the Karnib family for sharing Ali with us, and I thank Ali for everything he has done for his family and the community.