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 2025/26

• Ameen Alaraj

  

  Hello, my name is Ameen. Being fluent in Arabic helps me bridge gaps and foster understanding. I see language as a way to honour our histories and find shared paths forward. I find joy in sharing my thoughts and experiences, helping create a sense of belonging for everyone in our community. I believe that achieving our dreams depends on the connections we build and the teamwork we nurture. Everyone plays a part in that journey. I hope we continue to stay connected, support one another, and grow together — because it’s through those connections that we truly thrive.

• Aaliya Sadaf

  

  Hi, my name is Aaliya. I migrated to Australia 11 years ago with my husband and two daughters, starting a new chapter filled with hope and opportunity. From the beginning, I have been passionate about giving back and being an active part of my community. Through volunteering, I’ve dedicated my time and energy to helping others and building meaningful connections. I see myself as a Connector — someone who brings people together, fosters understanding, and creates belonging. My warm personality and genuine care for others make me a valued member of every group I join. I strongly believe in kindness, inclusion, and community spirit, and I hope to inspire those around me. My journey reflects resilience, compassion, and a deep commitment to making a positive difference in people’s lives.

• Anna Berardina De Amicis

  

  Hi, my name is Anna and I speak Italian. I live in Fawkner but have also lived in Brunswick and Pascoe Vale. Now that I’m semi-retired, I want to learn more about Merri-bek City Council, its strategies, and future plans, and help share information to increase community involvement. By nature, I’m an effective communicator and connector of people in both work and personal settings. I’ve worked across several industries, including leadership in TAFE and university settings, fitness instruction, and human resources in hospitals. These experiences have helped me build strong networks that I continue to nurture for the benefit of my community.

• Diem Le

  

  Hi, my name is Diem. I arrived in Australia from Vietnam in 1984 as a refugee and earned a degree in Telecommunications Engineering from RMIT University. I went on to build a 32-year career with Telstra Ltd before retiring. Since then, I’ve dedicated my time to serving the local community as a Qigong instructor, digital consultant, and senior fitness instructor with Merri-bek City Council. In 2025, I joined the Merri-bek Community Connectors team to support and engage local multicultural communities. I have lived in Coburg for more than 40 years and am proud to call it home. My family — including my two children and three grandchildren — and I deeply value being part of such a diverse and welcoming community.

• Fatima Khan

  

  My name is Fatima Khan, and I am originally from Afghanistan. I am a proud mother of four and fluent in Pashto, Urdu, Farsi, and Dari. I became a Connector because I am passionate about supporting my community and helping people feel welcomed and included. Being part of the Merri-bek Community Connectors program allows me to meet people from different backgrounds and assist them in finding the right services and support. What I enjoy most about the program is building connections and making a positive difference in people’s lives. Through this role, I hope to continue empowering others and strengthening our community.

   

• Ha Nguyen

  

  Hi, my name is Ha. I am a public health professional with over six years of experience in project management, workforce development, and capacity building across government and not-for-profit sectors. I migrated from Vietnam to Melbourne in 2019 and bring a rich tapestry of lived experience that shapes my work and values. My journey as a migrant woman has strengthened my commitment to diversity, inclusion, gender equity, and anti-racism. Beyond my professional life, I volunteer with local councils and community organisations, contributing to projects that build connection and belonging in multicultural communities. As part of the Merri-bek Community Connectors program, I help bridge communication between the Council and diverse communities to ensure meaningful, inclusive engagement.

• Hanife Opoz

  

  Hello, my name is Hanife. I studied Economics in Turkey and worked in public service for 10 years before moving to Australia in 1992. I am a mother of three and a proud grandmother of five. Alongside my busy years of work and motherhood, I also completed studies in Visual Arts, Interpreting, and Training and Assessment. For nearly four years, I have volunteered with the AMEP program, tutoring English for newly arrived migrant women and young people. I joined the Connector program in 2024 because I value its aim of linking community members, especially new students and families, with the Council. My goal is to strengthen the voice of international Turkish students in the north and create a platform where students and families can easily access support and resources.

   

• Hassan Javed

  Hello, I am Hassan. I moved to Australia from Pakistan in 2015 to pursue my studies in Civil Engineering. Since then, I have completed my degree and gained experience working in both the engineering and community sectors. I am passionate about supporting people to settle and feel connected in their new environment. Having experienced the challenges of moving to a new country myself, I enjoy helping new students and families access information and local services. I speak Urdu and Nagori, a regional dialect from Rajasthan, India, which helps me build strong connections with people from diverse backgrounds. I currently work as an NDIS support worker and am proud to be a Merri-bek Community Connector. Through this role, I aim to strengthen community ties and promote inclusion. In my free time, I enjoy exploring new places and spending time with my family.

• Ilias Vogiatzis

  

  Hi, I’m Ilias. I moved to Melbourne in 2017 from Athens, Greece, seeking a new challenge in life. With 29 years of experience as a journalist, I transitioned into community services, combining strong communication skills with a passion for inclusion and human rights. I now work at PRONIA as the Volunteer Coordinator – Workforce and Development, supporting programs that provide companionship and connection for older people. I am fluent in Greek and proudly represent the Greek language and community through my work. My participation in the Merri-bek Community Connectors program reflects my commitment to promoting understanding between cultures. I’m also a psychology student and LGBTQI+ advocate who values empathy, determination, and bringing people together.

• Isabella Ye

  

  My name is Isabella Ye, and I speak both Chinese and Cantonese. I became a Merri-bek Community Connector because I’m passionate about advocating for my community and creating stronger connections across cultures. My experience from the previous term inspired me to continue in this role. It was rewarding to listen to people’s stories and perspectives from different backgrounds. I truly enjoy engaging in these conversations and learning from others. Through my work as a Connector, I hope to foster greater understanding between the Asian community and the wider Merri-bek community, encouraging respect, inclusion, and collaboration among all who call Merri-bek home.

• Jennifer Garavito Alarcon

  Hola everyone, I am Jenn from Colombia, South America, and I speak Spanish at home. I came to Australia in 2013 to learn English. I became a Connector because I enjoy learning from other cultures and want to help create a more inclusive and safer community for everyone. What I enjoy most about the program is the opportunity to apply for grants that empower multicultural communities to participate in civic life. I also value the chance to show that immigrants can make strong contributions to community wellbeing. When we embrace our cultural differences, we become stronger and more united. I hope to keep improving my leadership and communication skills to support the wellbeing of my local and wider community.

• Kathy Boscaglia (Ekaterini)

  Hello, my name is Kathy. I speak English and Greek, and I love connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. I became a Connector because I believe in the power of community and shared experiences. Helping others feel supported and confident is something I’m passionate about. What I enjoy most about the program is the chance to build genuine relationships and see the positive impact of small acts of connection. Every conversation reminds me how important it is to feel seen and heard. Through this role, I hope to foster belonging, encourage others to step outside their comfort zones, and continue growing as a listener and leader.

• Mary Colla

  

  Hello, I am Mary. I am the daughter of Italian migrants and was raised in a diverse area of Carlton alongside Greek and Yugoslavian families. I always enjoyed speaking Italian as a child and attended Saturday classes to keep learning. I completed Year 12 as a mature-age student and believe you’re never too old to study. I became a Connector after a wonderful experience in the Bin Connector and Sustainability programs. I enjoy being part of the community and hope to make a difference by listening to what changes are needed. The program has boosted my confidence and made me feel more connected to people from different cultures. It’s given me great opportunities to keep learning and growing.

• Maryam Sarrafzadeh

  

  Hi, my name is Maryam. I am originally from Iran and have called Merri-bek home for more than ten years. I am fluent in English and Persian/Farsi and have a basic knowledge of Arabic. My professional background is in librarianship and education, and I currently teach Library and Information Services at Swinburne University. I am deeply committed to community engagement, having facilitated mental health workshops for Farsi-speaking women, mentored migrant women on employment pathways, and contributed to sustainability groups. A highlight of my work is being a Merri-bek Community Connector, helping strengthen links between Council services and residents. I am honoured to continue in this role for 2025–2026. Outside of work, I love creative writing — two of my stories have been published, and I continue to write daily.

• Meharun Nesa

  Hello, my name is Meharun. I am originally from Bangladesh and fluent in both Bangla and English. I hold a Master of Public Health (MPH) from Australia and have a strong passion for promoting healthy lifestyles and community wellbeing. As a Merri-bek Connector, I am dedicated to helping individuals and families engage more fully in their community and access resources that enhance their health and quality of life. I particularly enjoy working with children and encouraging healthy habits from an early age. Through this program, I hope to help build a more inclusive, connected, and health-focused community where everyone can thrive.

• Mukta Singh

  Hi, my name is Mukta. I speak English, Nepali and Hindi. I am passionate about supporting people from diverse backgrounds to feel included and empowered in the community. Having personally experienced the challenges of settling in a new country, I became a Merri-bek Community Connector to help newly arrived migrants and refugees access local services and build a sense of belonging. I enjoy connecting with people from different cultures, hearing their stories, and collaborating with council staff and community leaders who share a vision of inclusion and social justice. Through the program, my aim to strengthen ties between multicultural communities and the council while continuing to grow as a leader and advocate for human rights and social inclusion.

• Priya Srikanth

  Hi, my name is Priya. I am a community services professional and mother of two, fluent in Hindi and Tamil. I migrated to Australia in 2007, and my experience of starting anew in a different country has given me a deep understanding of the challenges migrants face. This inspired my passion for helping others overcome barriers to employment and social inclusion. I began my career at Workskil Australia as an Employment Consultant, supporting people to find sustainable work, and now serve as a Regional Manager leading teams that empower those facing disadvantage or disability. My lived experience and professional background make me a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion. I truly believe that meaningful employment fosters independence, dignity, and connection within the community.

• Razaul Hassan

  

  Hi, my name is Razaul. I arrived in Australia from Bangladesh in 2015 and began my journey in Canberra as an early childhood educator before moving to Melbourne in 2017. With over 15 years of experience as a structural engineer, I am passionate about supporting and empowering others. Now in my second year as a Merri-bek Community Connector, I enjoy engaging with diverse communities, particularly the Bangladeshi and Muslim groups. I am fluent in Bengali and English and help residents access essential services and build meaningful connections. Locally, I’m known as the “Ice Cream Man” for mentoring young people through positive engagement. I take pride in fostering inclusion and helping others feel connected across Merri-bek.

• Sadaf Khan

  

  I am a Certified Business and Life Coach who migrated to Australia in 2018. I have worked as an interpreter in Tasmania and am now based in Melbourne, volunteering with Glenroy Neighbourhood House and working as an Assistant Educator with Uniting. My native languages are Urdu and Punjabi.

   

  I have been part of several Council programs, including Wheel Sisters, Fitness Fusion, and Bringing Up Great Kids, which have provided valuable learning and community connections. I’ve naturally taken on the role of a connector, driven by a passion for helping people and creating positive change through knowledge sharing. I believe in promoting holistic growth and empowering individuals to make informed choices. As a growth mindset coach, I see personal development as a ripple effect — improving not only individuals but also our wider community and environment.
• Suad Rejk

  

  'My name is Suad, and I actively participate in the Merri-bek community. I have lived in Australia for nearly two decades and speak both Arabic and English. Becoming a Community Connector has allowed me to give back to the community that has supported my family and me over the years. I have a strong desire to help people feel a sense of belonging, support, and confidence so they can access local resources and initiatives. Through this role, I hope to foster understanding and unity among people from different cultural backgrounds and strengthen ties within the community, especially among newly arrived families.

   

• Sujan Adhikari

  

  I am Sujan Adhikari, a Registered Nurse in residential care with a deep commitment to community wellbeing and inclusion. Fluent in English and Nepali, I value the power of communication in bridging cultural and social gaps. Merri-bek Connectors program helps me to empower communities by linking them with meaningful opportunities, services, and support offered through the council. What I find most rewarding is building genuine connections, fostering understanding, and helping people feel a true sense of belonging. Through this role, I aim to strengthen community networks, promote cultural harmony, and contribute to a more connected and inclusive Merri-bek.

• Tian Sun

  

  My name is Tian. I came to Australia from China as an international student and have since built a fulfilling life here with my husband and young child in Pascoe Vale. Parenthood deepened my appreciation for my cultural heritage and inspired me to rediscover the traditions and values I grew up with. This led me to volunteer as a Community Connector, where I use my language skills and lived experience to support others. I am passionate about fostering connection within the Chinese community and among families with young children in Merri-bek, while encouraging civic participation and a shared sense of belonging.

• Uzay Ceylan

  

  Hello, my name is Uzay. I have a bachelor’s degree in media and communications and worked at Turkish Radio and Television as a production manager while living in Turkey. My husband and I migrated to Australia as skilled migrants in 1997, and despite the challenges of starting a new life, I continued studying in various fields and changed my career path. I now work as a Community Development Worker, EAL teacher, trainer, and parenting education facilitator, focusing on empowering individuals to reach their goals. I have over 25 years of experience in the education sector and volunteer regularly to mentor and support others. I am also a mother of two grown children and enjoy travelling, reading, crafts, and meeting new people. I believe that connecting and creating positive change is vital for a better community.

• Vasiliki Stigka

  

  Hello, my name is Vasiliki. I migrated from Greece to Australia in 2015 and have proudly lived in Merri-bek for the past nine years, calling Brunswick East and Coburg home. I work as the Volunteer Program Manager at Fronditha Care, where I coordinate volunteers to support older members of the community and help reduce social isolation. With a background in Information Technology, I’m currently completing a Master of Cybersecurity at La Trobe University.

  I speak both Greek and English, which helps me connect with people from different cultural backgrounds. I became a Merri-bek Community Connector because I believe strong neighbourhoods are built on inclusion, kindness, and human connection. I’m looking forward to meeting local residents, supporting community events, and encouraging more people to get involved in volunteering. My goal is to help others feel welcomed, valued, and part of the vibrant community I love.

Contact 

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