Who We Are

Bio to come.

Bio to come.

I was born and raised in Robinvale on a fruit block. I attended the local schools in Robinvale where I completed my VCE. After completing my VCE, I spent some time travelling and working on the family vineyard. I became a manager and partner at Freshbest Vineyards (the family business) where I completed my first degree, a Bachelor of Business Agriculture.

I started my career with Ambulance Victoria in Robinvale as an Ambulance Community Officer (Volunteer/Paid position) in 2011 whilst working on the farm. This piqued my interest in a career change to paramedicine. I completed my Bachelor of Paramedic Science through Flinders University Adelaide at the age of 35. I have been based in the region, working as a paramedic for the last 8 years.

In my time working for Ambulance Victoria, I have performed a number of different roles, one of which brought me in contact with SMECC in the form of a community engagement liaison. Many of the patients that I attend do come from many different cultures and have English as a second language which I find a rewarding challenge.

Outside of my work, I have a passion for community engagement and inclusion. I thrive on and actively seek out different ways be involved in the local community. I have a wide range of experience, working with boards and committees. In the past I have held senior committee positions with The Robinvale/Euston Suicide Prevention Network, Mildura Base Hospital Community Consultation Committee, Robinvale Lawn Tennis Club, and Robinvale Ambulance Auxiliary.

Born in Melbourne, I moved to Mildura as a young teenager and finished school at Mildura Senior College.  At 17 years old, I started an administration traineeship with the Mildura Rural City Council, where I was employed for 22 years.  I recently commenced a senior management position with Mallee Accommodation and Support Program (MASP).

I have a strong understanding of organisational governance and successful board management and I look forward to bringing these skills to the SMECC Board. 

My husband was born in Turkey and migrated to Mildura as a young child with his mother.  Through my mother-in-law, I have an appreciation of the challenges faced by the CALD community such as language barriers, access to services, employment and social networks.

Being part of the SMECC Board and community provides me with the opportunity to support and advocate for the CALD community, and apply my governance experience and knowledge to ensure a high functioning board and organisation into the future.

Bio to come.

My name is Jo and I am the Programs Manager. My cultural heritage in English and Irish. My ancestors came to Australia in the late 1800’s and settled into Victorian and South Australian colonies. My role here at SMECC is extremely varied and provides me with a great feeling of pride.

My name is Ratna and I started work at SMECC in January 2019 as Executive Assistant. I am an Indonesian. I am able to speak Indonesian and English.

My name is Juvelina, I have been working at SMECC since 2010 and my role is Community Programs Coordinator. These programs include, Playgroup, Driving Program, Client employment services, and Youth support (Supervisor). I am originally from East Timor and I am fluent in 4 Languages these include, Tetum, Indonesian, Malay, and English. I also speak some Portuguese.

Bio to come.

My name is Dani and I started work at SMECC in November 2016. I am an Australian but my father and grandparents were refugees from Poland and arrived in the 1950s. I have been a Japanese teacher and I try to speak a little Dari and Swahili. I coordinate the English EAL education programs and the Cultural competency and awareness programs at SMECC.

Bio to come.

My name is Kunnika and I started work at SMECC September 2020. I am from Thailand. I also speak Cambodian and Lao too. I am a full time Pastoral Care Worker at SMECC. I love to talk with people and help the community to be strong with a happy life in Australia.

My name is Emmie and I started work at SMECC in September 2020. I am an Australian and I speak French and English. My position at SMECC is Outreach Worker.

Bio to come.

My name is Evelyn, I am the ACFE teacher and I returned to SMECC in February 2021 (I previously worked as the ACFE teacher from 2015 to 2017). I am an Australian, but my father and grandmother were migrants from England who arrived during the 1940s. I only speak English! I am a qualified ESL teacher (TESOL qualification and Cert IV TAE) who loves to teach and help students from all over the world to achieve their learning goals! Currently I am teaching SMECC ACFE courses. I love my job!

Bio to come.

Bio to come.

Bio to come.

Bio to come.

Bio to come.