Meet the Team
Our training team members are all MCCSA employees with hands on engagement across the range of our community services and projects. They speak several languages and have wide personal and professional experience of working with communities and clients of numerous cultural backgrounds in Australia and overseas. They are able to draw on these skills and experiences as well as the resources and cultural knowledge of our member communities. They have been trained by intercultural communications specialists and are engaged in continuous team professional development and personal study.
Hanaa’ Grave
Hanaa’ has extensive practical experience engaging and working with multicultural communities, refugees and asylum seekers across Australia, the Middle East and Europe. She holds a double Master of Arts Degree in History, Sociology and Anthropology and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Studies. Hanaa’ first came to Australia as an international student, completing a Bachelor of Arts at Deakin University in Melbourne. Since migrating to Australia in 2017 from Germany, she has worked in Melbourne in the community development and advocacy space. She is also experienced in facilitating and coordinating community events and training programs.
Ukash Ali Ahmed
Ukash has extensive experience working with refugees and asylum seekers and is a passionate refugee rights advocate. Born in Somalia, he spent 18 years in refugee camps in Kenya working for humanitarian organisations. Since arriving in Australia in 2009 he has gained a Bachelor Degree in International Studies from Flinders University. He is a Mental Health Australia Carer and Consumers representative, and an executive member of the Multicultural Men’s Group. He has served as a multicultural representative of the Every Life Matters Suicide Prevention Network and the Adelaide Primary Health Network Refugees and New Arrivals Reference Group. He is also a soccer coach and President of the Somali Weyn Sports Club.
Vicky Arachi
Vicky migrated to Australia from Greece six years ago with her partner and their two young children. She holds a Master of Laws (LL.M) and ran her own firm for seven years as a lawyer and expert judicial graphologist. After coming to Australia, Vicky worked in various positions in law, politics and government and has a strong understanding of strategic positions, public policy and parliamentary procedures. Her studies in International Migrations and Contemporary Migration and Refugees, offered her advanced understanding of the humanitarian impact of migration on migrant and displaced populations and host communities and the need for appropriate support.
George Gouzounis
George has developed a strong track record of engaging and collaborating with multicultural teams in Australia as well as in various countries in Europe and Asia. He has studied international relations, intercultural policies and management and holds a PGCert in Health Science from Western Sydney University. George migrated from Greece to Indonesia a little over a decade ago, before settling in Australia where he works as a consultant in the ageing, disability and community services space. He is an experienced presenter and facilitator and has run events for 10 to 4,000 people.
Perrin Abbas
Originating from the vibrant junction of India and Dubai, Perrin brings a grounded and relatable approach. With an eclectic journey across diverse organisations and corporate spheres in 3 countries, she’s cultivated a keen insight into intercultural dynamics. Complemented by a Masters in Sociology, she has a degree in Political Science and Psychology as well as a coaching certification from the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Beyond the formal realm, her 11-year journey as a Yoga and Meditation teacher adds a holistic dimension to her expertise. Perrin also runs Public Speaking and Emotional Intelligence seminars for the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) across Australia. Through interactive workshops, she empowers individuals and teams to not just tolerate, but embrace cultural differences, fostering growth in multicultural environments.
Somi Lindsay
Somi has been with MCCSA since 2021, spearheading the Community Development program. She offers capacity-building support to CALD communities, focusing on education in grant writing, governance, and fostering professional networking opportunities. Somi’s journey led her from Singapore to Adelaide in 2003 to pursue her studies, culminating in a Bachelor of Science and a Masters of Public Health. As an international student turned resident, she faced numerous challenges, navigating systems and employment hurdles independently. Her perseverance led her to her first role at the SA Department of Health.
Beyond her professional endeavours, Somi is a trained classical Indian dancer and educator, having overseen her dance company for a decade. This led her to MCCSA, where she seamlessly combines her project management expertise with community and culture.
Somi is a vocal advocate for the representation of CALD communities in leadership and decision-making roles, particularly within the arts and cultural spheres of our state. Her dedication to ensuring diverse voices are heard and valued is integral to her work and personal ethos.
