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

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.
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.
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 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 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, 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.

Meet our Community Connectors 2024/25

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.
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 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 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, 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.
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.
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.
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 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.

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