On Thursday 25 August 2011 the Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship Nicholas Kotsiras announced the appointment of new Commissioners to the VMC

The Multicultural Victoria Act 2011 (MVA) provides that the Commission consists of a Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, a Youth Commissioner, a representative of a community organisation and eight other members.

The 12 dedicated Commissioners advocate the values of the VMC and act as a conduit between the community and the Commission. Our Commissioners have a solid understanding of the issues facing ethnic communities and are actively involved in the community, regularly attending events and playing a vital role in assisting networks and liaison between different faith and community groups.

The Commissioners are in constant contact with the Chairperson and meet on a monthly basis to develop strategies and discuss community issues that require action. Commissioners are selected through a competitive interview process then officially appointed by the Governor of Victoria for terms of up to four years.

• Mr Chin Tan - Chairperson
• Mr Spiro (Ross) Alatsas - Deputy Chairperson
• Ms Yasmin Hassen - Youth Commissioner
• Ms Marion Lau OAM JP - Community Representative Commissioner
• Mr Phillip Bain
• Dr Teresa De Fazio
• Ms Elizabeth Drozd (re-appointed)
• Mr Grahame J Leonard AM
• Mr Huseyin Mustafa
• Mr Yasser Solimon (re-appointed)
• Ms Jenny Matic
• Mr Chidambaram Srinivasan

Mr Chin Tan - Chairperson

Mr Chin Tan has broad experience and involvement in the legal profession, business and community service. Mr Tan is committed to active involvement in the area of multiculturalism having held various community and government board positions. Mr Tan brings to his role at the Commission valuable legal, community and leadership skills, as well as prior experience with the Commission.

Mr Ross Alatsas - Deputy Chairperson

Ross Alatsas comes from a business, hospitality marketing and media background. In his capacity as General Manager of the Greek Media Group since 1997, he has been involved in various committees and Advisory Councils promoting Victoria’s cultural diversity.

He has been instrumental in establishing the first 24 hour Chinese Radio – 3CW and TV programs in 1999.  He has coordinated and raised much needed funds for many community service organisations such as the elderly, people with special needs and victims of natural disasters. Ross is a recipient of the Victorian Police 2000 Award for crime prevention, through community safety announcements and special programs, including Fronditha Care for services to the elderly.

Ms Yasmin Hassen - Youth Commissioner

Ms Yasmin Hassen is actively involved and committed to promoting multiculturalism in the community, particularly with youth. Ms Hassen is a member of the Victorian Multicultural Commission’s Multicultural Multifaith Youth Network and has worked at various multicultural community agencies. Born in Ethiopia and having initially arrived in Victoria as a refugee, Ms Hassen is a member of the Oromo community and brings experience working in the youth and interfaith sectors.

Ms Marion Lau - Community Representative Commissioner

Ms Marion Lau was nominated by the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) to the VMC and has demonstrated strong advocacy skills to support the strengthening of Victoria’s culturally diverse community generally. She has professional experience working for government in the area of health and ageing and is currently the Deputy Chairperson of the ECCV.

Mr Phillip Bain

Mr Phillip Bain is the CEO of the Goulburn Valley Medicare Local and has a long history in management within the health care sector. He is a Director of Melbourne Health and was a longstanding chair of a community health service in nothern Melbourne. Phillip has a background in governance in vocational education and has had an involvement in settlement services and refugee health.

Dr Teresa De Fazio

Dr. Teresa De Fazio is the Assistant Director, Study and Learning at RMIT. She is born of Italian parents. She has extensive experience in the fields of languages, teacher education and intercultural education. She has worked on various initiatives with organisations such as the Australian Human Rights Commission, the Australian Federation of Ethnic Schools Association and the Western Region of General Practitioners Association. She has also lead a number of different programs for international students and migrants over the years. She has studied both overseas and in Australia. Dr. De Fazio’s qualifications include: Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Diploma of Education, Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics and a Doctor of Philosophy in Education.

Ms Elizabeth Drozd (re-appointed)

Ms Elizabeth Drozd has considerable experience in the not-for-profit community services sector and local government, showing dedication to issues affecting multicultural communities, particularly in the area of migrant and refugee settlement as well as access and equity. Ms Drozd is currently the CEO of Australian Multicultural Community Services, Board Director of Care Connect and a Chairperson of a charitable foundation for the Rotary Club of Footscray.

Mr Grahame J Leonard

Grahame J Leonard AM has been actively involved with Victoria’s diverse faith and ethnic communities for more than 15 years and held many executive and board positions within a number of peak bodies, including that of the role of Chairperson of the human rights organisation B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission. He also has experience in the field of interpreting and translating as a board member of the Victorian Interpreting and Translating Service (VITS). He is a lawyer, chartered accountant and professional director.  In 2003 Grahame was awarded a Centenary Medal and in 2008 made a Member of the Order of Australia.

Mr Huseyin Mustafa

Mr Huseyin Mustafa is presently the President of the Australian Turkish Business Council and a Senior Executive in the financial services industry as well as being an active supporter of community based initiatives in Australia. Mr Mustafa is a Fellow of the National Institute of Public Accountants, holds a number of business diplomas including a Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Services Management and Masters of Management.

Mr Yasser Solimon (re-appointed)

As a former President of the Islamic Council of Victoria, Mr Solimon has worked closely with the Islamic community and state and local governments to strengthen partnerships across the community. He has actively worked in partnership with Victorian Police, local councils and Islamic youth to forge understanding and cooperation.

Ms Jenny Matic

Ms Jenny Matic is highly regarded in the multicultural sector and known for her work with culturally and linguistically diverse communities. She has extensive experience working within government as well as serving on boards both in the public health sector and the community.

Mr Chidambaram Srinivasan (Srini)

Mr Chidambaram Srinivasan (known as 'Srini'), has worked in Australia, India, Japan and USA for over 32 years in the IT industry. Srini brings to the Commission a variety of skills, knowledge and experience in the areas of technology, community and business (including small business) as well as volunteering for a charity. Srini has successfully worked in cross cultural business and social contexts, thanks to his proficiency in multiple languages including English, Tamil, Japanese, Hindi, Bengali & Sanskrit. Having been a long standing supporter of cultural activities in the community, Srini is committed to strengthening multiculturalism among the communities in Victoria.