The NSW Government has welcomed the appointment of four new members to the Multicultural NSW Advisory Board.
George Vardas, Malaemie Fruean OAM, David Giang, and the Board’s newest Youth Member, Polina Mycak, will each serve three-year terms on the Advisory Board until 2026.
Ömer Incekara, was reappointed after serving a three-year term and Esther Adeyinka was appointed to a general Board Member from the Youth position to an additional three-year term.
The merit-based selection process attracted more than 150 applications.
The newly-appointed Mr Vardas has a legal background, is an accredited mediator, and cultural heritage consultant. He has extensive experience advising on multicultural policy and working with multicultural groups to effectively campaign to bring about positive change.
In a statement to The Greek Herald, Mr Vardas said he is honoured to have been appointed to the Multicultural NSW Advisory Board.
“As an active member of the local Greek Australian community for many years, I am committed to strengthening our rich and vibrant multicultural society and I look forward to working with the Board and with the NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, Steve Kamper, to provide a Hellenic voice in this process,” Mr Vardas added.
The NSW Multicultural Minister thanked the outgoing Advisory Board members (Margaret Piper, Ken Hong, Sam Elmir and Grace Ho) for their committed service advising Government on multicultural policy, improving equitable access to services for all people in NSW, and ensuring no one is left behind.
“In partnership with Multicultural NSW CEO Joseph La Posta, I look forward to working with the new members and entire Advisory Board, to ensure future generations of NSW residents can enjoy the benefits of living in one of the world’s greatest multicultural states,” Mr Kamper said.
Chaired by Nick Kaldas APM, the Multicultural NSW Advisory Board provides advice and guidance on a range of matters relating to culturally and linguistically diverse communities.