Charbel Baini was born in Mejdalaya, Lebanon and began writing at the age of seventeen. He has had plays performed in English, has worked as a teacher of Arabic and has written teaching material in Arabic. He served as Secretary of the Arabic Heritage League in Australia from 1988-1993 and was appointed President of the Mejdalaya Association in Sydney in 1976. From 1987 to 1990 he read at Granville Town Hall, NSW, also from 1987 to 1989 at Wiley Park Girl's High School, NSW and at the Masonic Hall, Preston Vic. in 1988 and 1989. He has been invited often to recite poems, or to act as master of ceremonies at community functions.
Baini has received a number of literary and other awards in recognition of his services to literature: the 1985 Cedars Award for Services to Literature from the Lebanese Consul, the 1986 Honour of Word Award, the 1987 Gibran International Award from the Arabic Heritage League in Australia, the 1990 Vocal Composer Award from the Arab-Australian Arts and Heritage Society, Canberra ACT, the 1992 Shield of Mejdalaya, Lebanon, the 1992 George Jerdack Award, Lebanon, the 1993 Bint Jubail Award, from the president of Bint Jubail Association in Sydney, a 1994 Honorary Award from the Combined Australian Middle East Welfare Council Inc., Sydney and in 2000 The Prince of Lebanese Literature Award, from The World Lebanese Cultural Union, U.S.A. Charbel Baini's Award,created by Dr Issam Haddad, was named after him.
