Cláudia is a dedicated volunteer with MCCSA’s Aged Care Volunteer Visitor Scheme (ACVVS). Inspired by her Japanese-Brazilian family’s selfless tradition of community service, she has found deep meaning through volunteering. She values the many opportunities provided by MCCSA including educational workshops and support, which enhance both her volunteering and professional development. By utilising her Portuguese mother tongue, she creates meaningful connections with older community members, helping them maintain vital cultural and social bonds.

Nadil, a 22-year-old IT Masters student from Sri Lanka, struggled to find work in Australia as a wheelchair user. Many roles were physically inaccessible, and without local experience, securing a desk job seemed impossible given his visa restrictions. Through our Building Employer Confidence and Inclusion in Disability (BEC) program’s inclusive employment initiatives, Nadil found an internship at Plenti Finance. With balanced mentorship and support, he excelled in his role and was hired as a Credit Support Specialist, launching his career in his new home.

Andriana was awarded ‘Volunteer of the Year’ in 2024, due to her dedication, commitment and outstanding contribution to the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS). As a Greek-speaking volunteer, she brings joy to older people experiencing isolation, helping them maintain connections to their cultural heritage, first language and local community. Through meaningful conversations and shared memories, Andriana creates valuable bonds that bridge language barriers and combat loneliness.

Fayrouz, a Lebanese-Australian community leader, has been instrumental in promoting Arabic language and culture in South Australia since her migration in 1994. As Chair and Co-Founder of the Arabic Language Association of SA (ALCASA), she has fostered intercultural communication and diversity. Fayrouz’s collaboration with Multicultural Communities Council of SA (MCCSA) has been crucial in ALCASA’s growth and impact, demonstrating the power of community partnerships in creating a more inclusive society.

Armenian artist Artour Avetisian shares his cultural heritage through MCCSA’s Social Support Groups, where he helped to establish weekly Armenian art workshops. His expertise in traditional Armenian miniature painting and contemporary art has shaped unique learning experiences for participants of all backgrounds. Through exhibitions like his recent SALA showcase “Bold and Strong Aesthetic” at MCCSA’s Community Hub, Artour inspires others to use art to connect with community and preserve ancient traditions.

Tuan, an Australia Awards Scholar from Sri Lanka, brings a unique perspective to MCCSA’s Building Employer Confidence (BEC) project. After becoming blind early in his career, Tuan redirected his HR expertise towards advocating for disability rights and inclusion. Through MCCSA, he secured an internship at Maxima, where he developed practical tools to enhance workplace inclusivity for people with visual impairments. Tuan’s experience with MCCSA has reinforced his commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities and fostering cultural understanding in diverse workplaces.

Since immigrating from France in 2017, Julie has become a champion for cultural exchange in South Australia’s tourism sector. Through MCCSA’s culturalQ training, she gained valuable insights into cultural intelligence and cultural competency, which she has applied in her role at Events South Australia by founding the Intercultural Awareness Group. With MCCSA’s support and connections built through our Leadership & Networking Nights, Julie continues to promote multiculturalism in both her personal and professional life.

Ukash brings a wealth of lived experience to his role at MCCSA. Born in Somalia, he spent his youth in Kenyan refugee camps before finding a new home in Australia. Now, Ukash effectively uses his unique background to foster understanding by coordinating MCCSA Men’s Council. He also facilitates culturalQ training, promoting individual cultural intelligence and organisational cultural competency. His passion for advocacy work is changing lives in South Australia, blending personal experience with professional expertise.