Merri-bek Connectors

About the Merri-bek Connectors Program

Merri-bek City Council represents a highly diverse community.

• 34.5% of people speak a language other than English at home, which comprise of over 97 different languages
• 8,656 Merri-bek residents have low or no English proficiency
• 51.0% of people aged 65 years or more in Merri-bek speak a language other than English at home.

This shows how culturally diverse our community is and the degree to which different ethnic groups and nationalities are retaining their language at different ages. This diversity also means the communication needs within our community are many and varied.

The Connectors Program is designed to address these diverse communication needs by reaching out to our multicultural communities with tailored messages. By using trusted community leaders, the program ensures Council information is shared effectively and remains accessible and relevant to different community groups.

The program specifically targets:

• Multicultural residents
• Older people
• Isolated community members
• People with disabilities

How does the program work?

Merri-bek Connectors sit between Merri-bek City Council and the community. The Merri-bek Connectors program is voluntary.

The Connectors Program is a Council initiative aimed at improving communication and engagement between Merri-bek City Council and its diverse multicultural communities. By establishing a two-way communication channel, the program leverages trusted community leaders, known as Connectors, to share important Council information and updates. Connectors help bridge the gap between Council and community members by communicating through various channels that are familiar and accessible to diverse cultural groups.

Merri-bek Connectors: 

• Ask the community what information they need

• Share information from the Council with their community
• Tell us how we can improve messages and translations from the Council
• Help to facilitate effective communication between Council and our multicultural communities

Messages are on topics such as:

• Council services, programs and events
• Council plan, policies and strategies
• Community engagements, surveys and workshops 
• Important Council updates about living, working and playing in Merri-bek

What do the Merri-bek Connectors do?

The Merri-bek Connectors help us as a Council to communicate with our community in ways that our community needs.

A Connector is our volunteer who lives, works and plays in Merri-bek and help us in 

•   Sharing weekly messages with their communitie
• Giving us advice on the best way to communicate with their community
• Reaching out to the disconnected people in their community
• Answering questions from their community
• Participating and supporting our engagement campaigns and projects
• Attending training (such as mental health first aid, public speaking, community translation reviewing, first aid etc.)
• Attending monthly Merri-bek Connector meetings

Meet our Community Connectors 2024/25

• Abeer Parveen Fatima

  

  Abeer is a distinguished youth advocate, public speaker, podcast host, and workshop facilitator. Fluent in Urdu and Punjabi, and familiar with Arabic, Abeer has consistently championed the rights of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities to share their narratives authentically. This passion sparked her public speaking career, earning her features in media outlets like SBS Urdu. Her advocacy has been recognised with accolades such as the Merri-Bek City Council’s Youth Contribution Award, and she has had the honour of delivering a speech in the Victorian Parliamentary Chambers. Since 2023, Abeer has served as a Youth Community Connector, collaborating with peers to advise the Merri-Bek City Council’s communications team on engaging with young people effectively. Her innovative ideas have also advanced to the voting stage in the council’s Community Budget Ideas initiative. Currently, Abeer works as a Community Awareness Officer at Headspace Craigieburn, where she continues to empower young people and foster community connections.

• Bhusan BC

  

  Hi, I’m Bhusan. I arrived in Australia on a student visa and have since developed a deep passion for connecting people with community services. As a Merri-bek Community Connector, I am grateful for the opportunity to bridge the gap between the City Council and the community, ensuring that essential information reaches those who need it most.

  Although I have a background in civil engineering and have worked on large-scale infrastructure projects, I firmly believe that effective communication is the cornerstone of successful outcomes. Whether in the field of civil engineering or community engagement, I see communication as a vital tool for streamlining tasks and fostering stronger, more connected communities.

  In my spare time, I enjoy volunteering in my local neighborhood, meeting new people, and contributing to a sense of belonging and support. I am truly thankful for the chance to serve as a Merri-bek Community Connector and look forward to continuing to make a positive impact within the community.

• Bushra Imtiaz

  

  Bushra is a dedicated and active member of her community, as well as a proud homemaker and mother of two. Known for her ability to connect with people and solve problems effectively, she brings empathy and resilience to her work. With strong communication skills and a Certificate IV in Community Development, she has played an instrumental role in initiatives led by Merri-bek and Hume councils. Currently, she is leading a project focused on improving the well-being of women in her community, showcasing her commitment to creating positive change. Balancing her family life and community work, Bushra aspires to take on leadership roles that inspire others to step forward and make a difference."

• Durga Upreti Khadka

  

  Durga arrived in Melbourne, Australia, from Nepal in 2009 as an international student to pursue a Master of Social Work. Despite her extensive experience addressing domestic violence and child abuse, she found that social work practice in Australia differed from her expectations. A passionate advocate for women’s and children’s rights, Durga believes an educated woman can uplift entire communities.

  Harboring a childhood dream of nursing, she transitioned careers and completed a Diploma, Bachelor, and Master of Nursing,  specialising in Leadership and Management. She now works as a Registered Nurse in Australia and is dedicated to supporting people during their most vulnerable moments.

  The COVID-19 pandemic deeply challenged Durga, but it also reinforced her commitment to caregiving.

  A devoted mother of two, Durga enjoys volunteering, walking in local parks, and gardening. Grateful for the Merri-bek community, she now shares council resources to empower others, believing that shared knowledge builds stronger communities.

• Fatima Khan

  

  My name is Fatima. I’m from Afghanistan and a mother of four. I arrived in Australia from New Zealand in 2001. I was a pre-medical student, and I am currently an educator working in two different kindergartens. I have extensive experience in community work and have been involved with Fawkner Neighbourhood House for many years. I volunteered in different activities, especially in their food bank program. Helping my community members in different ways makes me very happy and has shaped me into a different person.

• Gulten Sahin

  

  My name is Gulten, I lived in Australia since 1990 and I live here as part of the community. I have experienced many of the problems that the community is experiencing in the past. Therefore, I have a deep understanding of the challenges they face and it is a great source of joy for me to find solutions together.

  I believe that together with the new members of the community from anywhere of the world , we can heal the helplessness I experienced in the past and improve this situation. I see it as my duty to guide them in this regard. I love working with people; this interaction gives me strength, motivation and happiness.

• Ha Nguyen

  

  Ha brings a rich tapestry of lived experience as a skilled professional who migrated from Vietnam and has over five years of expertise in public health project management within government and not-for-profit organisations. Beyond work, Ha actively engages with diverse communities through various volunteering initiatives, while fostering a new sense of belonging in Australia from 2019.

  As a public health professional and a migrant woman, Ha has shaped her deep commitment to diversity and inclusion. This dedication inspires her involvement in the Merri-bek Council Connector Program, where she aims to help bridge communication between the council and its multicultural communities, ensuring clear and meaningful exchange of information among stakeholders.

• Hanife Opoz

  

  Hanife studied economics in Turkey, resigned from 10 years of civil service and came to Australia in 1992 with her 6 -year -old and 2 -month -old daughters. She is now a young grandmother with 4 grandchildren.

  In addition to a very busy years of motherhood, she also studied courses such as Visual Art, Interpreting, Training Assessment.

  For nearly 4 years, she has been teaching English to the newly arrived immigrant women and young people through Ames.

  In 2024, she became a Connector in Merri-bek City Council and appreciates the program, which aims to introduce the Council and its initiatives to community members, including new students and families.

• Ilias Vogiatzis

  

  Ilias arrived in Melbourne from Athens, Greece, in 2017, seeking a transformative change in his life. With 28 years of experience as a journalist across various media platforms, he later combined his expertise with community services, focusing on working with people with disabilities. This journey led him to become a social worker, an advocate for human rights and a staunch opponent of discrimination in all forms.

  Currently, Ilias pursuing a degree in psychology and works at PRONIA, a cornerstone of the Australian Greek community, where he has held various roles. As the Volunteers Coordinator, he oversees efforts to provide companionship and support to older individuals. Motivated by a strong belief in the value of community initiatives, Ilias became a Merri-Bek Community Connector. He champions local council programs, emphasizing the importance of volunteering, fostering human connections, and supporting one another regardless of origin or background.

• Isabella Ye

  

  Isabella Ye, a Chinese community advocate, is passionate about uniting the Merri-bek community and breaking down language barriers to create a more inclusive environment. As a dedicated member of the Merri-bek Connectors group, Isabella uses her fluency in Cantonese and Mandarin to bridge communication between the local council and the area’s diverse multicultural population. She ensures that vital information is accessible by sharing updates on local events, services, and opportunities across online platforms.

  Isabella plays a crucial role in amplifying the voices of multicultural communities, ensuring that all residents, regardless of their language or background, are heard and understood by the council. Outside of her advocacy work, Isabella enjoys creative writing, channelling her passion for storytelling into personal projects. Her commitment to inclusivity and community engagement strengthens the connection between residents and local government, and she aims to make all community events and information accessible.

• Joseph A Caputo

  

  I am Joe Caputo and I have been involved in advocating for ethnic minorities since arriving in Australia. I also have been a founding member of the Ethnic Community Council of Victoria (ECCV) based in Coburg right here in Merri-bek. Currently I am on the ECCV Board and the current Secretary.

  I also served as Chairperson of the ECCV and its National body, the Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils of Australia (FECCA)

  I have served as Councillor and Mayor in the City of Brunswick, pre local government amalgamations, and Councillor and Mayor in the City of Moreland post amalgamations.

  I have always lived in the Merri-bek area and am very involved and committed in the promotion of our diverse communities.

• Lina El Hage

  

  As part of a big family in Lebanon, Lina learned her sense of connectedness. When she came to Australia in 2002 this energetic woman immersed herself in the community, always being involved in activities that help others. She knew that to assist other women in particular, she needed to achieve herself--to study, to work, to nurture her own children.

  She is an entrepreneur and spreads the word between the Council and non-English speaking members of the Arabic community. Her catering business and teaching of cooking enable other women to learn and belong. so she keeps finding new ways to give back now as a Merri-bek  and merri health Community Connector. She believes that a smile and a kind word can be inclusive. Look to those who need help. Study to better yourself, then empower other women to do likewise. This empowerment develops the community. She waves the flag of 'connection' for the community, being grateful for the peacefulness of the suburb.

• Maryam Sarrafzadeh

  

  Originally from Iran, Maryam has embraced Merri-bek as her home for ten years. With a rich background in teaching, she has taught English to international students, migrants, and refugees, and has lectured in librarianship at esteemed universities. Her career in library and information services embodies her commitment to empowering individuals through access to knowledge and lifelong learning.

  Currently, Maryam is leading free mental health workshops for Farsi-speaking women from Iran and Afghanistan, a deeply meaningful initiative supported by a council grant.

  In her free time, Maryam nurtures her love for creative writing, with two of her stories already published. A firm believer in the healing power of books, she reads every day, drawing inspiration for her next project. Maryam is so grateful for the opportunities Allah has blessed her with.

• Nizar Al Asadi

  

  I am Iraqi by birth, New Zealander by education and Melbourian by choice.

  In 2016, after 38 years of experience in the field of Sewerage and Drainage works I decided to retire. Among my experiences was the trenchless techniques. There was a very high social cost imposed by the open trench. At that time a new culture has been created due to these new technologies.

  Currently I’m busy with my community, reading a lot, gardening, and spending valuable time with my grandchildren.

• Qiran Wang

  

  Qiran moved to Melbourne from Macau in 2020 to study Arts and Cultural Management at the University of Melbourne. She has gained extensive experience in arts, community events, and venue management, with a strong focus on making city services more accessible to diverse communities.

  Her career is centered around community engagement, with roles at both the city council and a non-profit organization that supports international students, immigrants, and queer Asian communities. Additionally, Qiran volunteers as a programmer for the Environmental Film Festival Australia, and a creative member of the local art studio Pink Ember. Outside of work, she enjoys biking, gardening, and expressing her creativity through crafting. Either in her professional role or personal interests, Qiran is dedicated to contributing to the vibrancy and diversity of Merri-bek’s communities.

• Razaul Hassan

  

  Razaul arrived in Australia from Bangladesh in 2015, starting his journey in Canberra as an early childhood educator. In 2017, he moved to Melbourne and has since built strong connections within the Merri-bek community. With over 15 years of experience as a structural engineer, Razaul is passionate about supporting and uplifting others.

  As a Community Connector at Merri-bek City Council, Razaul enjoys engaging with diverse groups, particularly the Bangladeshi and Muslim communities. Fluent in Bengali and English, he helps bridge cultural gaps and connect people with vital services.

  Razaul’s volunteering includes "Let’s Work for Bangladesh," the International Mother Language Movement, and working with the deaf and mute community in Bangladesh. He also contributed to disaster relief programs like Eco Villa and UniTank, designing innovative solutions for disaster-prone areas.

  Known as the “Ice Cream Man” to local youth, Razaul mentors and supports them while empowering others, fostering inclusion, and building stronger, more resilient communities.

• Sajid Mohammed Abdul

  

  Sajid is an experienced Software Developer with over 17 years in the tech industry. Having worked at Cyient since 2007, Sajid moved to Australia in 2013 and contributed to the Telstra project, where his passion for connecting people and delivering impactful speeches grew. A firm believer in the teachings of Islam, Sajid follows the principle that "the best among you is the one who benefits others." This belief drives his dedication to not only advancing his professional career but also serving and supporting his community. Sajid is committed to utilizing his skills to benefit mankind and strives to make a positive difference in the lives of those around him, both through his work and community engagement.

• Stephanie Roumanas

  Originally from Greece, Stephanie has been living in Australia for 17 years. She works as a public servant and became a Community Connector because she enjoys bringing people together and contributing to the development of cohesive communities. Aside from being a community connector, Stephanie also volunteers in youth mentoring and in aged care.

  Stephanie is fluent in Greek but is also learning Arabic and Spanish because she believes that language is the best way to connect with culture and community. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her community, being outdoors, and travelling. 

• Suad Rejk

  

  Suad Rejk, a Sudanese immigrant, is an author, television producer, and women's rights activist dedicated to fighting domestic violence. A survivor and single mother, she raises awareness through her book, The Silent Voice of Millions, and her A1 TV program, The Silent Voice, which provides resources and advice for victims. As a certified counselor, she offers advice to many, drawing from her experience as a former electoral officer to address systemic issues. Rejk’s work has gained international recognition, with features in Canadian and South African magazines. Committed to breaking the cycle of abuse, she emphasizes prevention and community awareness, striving for systemic change to protect future generations.

• Uzay Ceylan

  

  Uzay has got a bachelor’s degree in media and communications which allowed her to work at Turkish Radio and Television as a production manager while she still lived in Turkey.

  When she was 28 years old, Uzay and her husband migrated to Australia as skilled migrants in 1997. Regardless of all the challenges of establishing a new life in a new country, Uzay managed to study in numerous different fields and changed her career all together.

  She now works as a passionate Community Development Worker, EAL teacher, Trainer and Assessor and Parenting Education Facilitator with a focus on empowering individuals to achieve their goals and aspirations.

  She is a mother of two grown-up children and loves travelling, reading, craft and to connect with new people. She strongly believes that connecting and making positive changes in people’s life is extremely important for a better community.

• Paraskevi Voula Allimonos

  

  Voula was born in Melbourne and has been a life-long resident of Brunswick. She attended Brunswick Primary and Brunswick East High Schools. She graduated as a teacher and has been teaching in schools for over 35 years. She has a 19 year son and two dogs.

  Voula has been a volunteer for Very Special Kids for 10 years, raising funds for holistic palliative care for children and young people. She has also been a volunteer in the committee of the Pallaconian Brotherhood, in Brunswick, organizing events to preserve the Greek culture and language.

  Voula is energetic and passionate about health, fitness and wellbeing and in making a difference in her community.

 

Contact

If you have any question about the Merri-bek Community Connectors program or would like more information, please email to our Accessible and Inclusive Communication Advisor odemirhan@merri-bek.vic.gov.au