Ethnolink, Australia’s largest multicultural communications agency led by second-generation Australian Costa Vasili, has been awarded a 2-year contract with the Office of the eSafety Commissioner (eSafety) for the provision of translation services, following a competitive tender process.
This move underscores Ethnolink’s dedication to ensuring that online safety resources are accessible to Australians of all cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Costa Vasili, the son of a Cypriot immigrant, grew up deeply influenced by the stories of his father, George Vasili. George migrated to Australia at 13, facing the typical challenge of speaking very little English, a common experience for many Cypriot migrants in the 1970s.
It was this personal narrative of resilience and determination that inspired Costa to launch Ethnolink at age 20. Now 32, Costa’s mission remains unchanged: to help people overcome language barriers and improve social cohesion for migrants. This mission echoes his father’s journey in overcoming significant hurdles to build a highly successful plumbing business in Melbourne.
“Growing up, my father’s journey and his ability to create a prosperous life for us were a huge inspiration,” shares Costa Vasili, CEO of Ethnolink.
“His tenacity and work ethic have always inspired me, and they were a big part of why I decided to start Ethnolink. Today, Ethnolink has grown to nearly 50 full-time employees, all passionately working towards the same mission – to help people overcome language barriers and improve social cohesion for migrants.” Raised in Keysborough and educated in Dandenong, one of Australia’s most culturally diverse areas, Costa was naturally drawn to the field of multicultural communication.
He grew up with friends from diverse backgrounds, including Greece, Cyprus, Vietnam, India, Sri Lanka, Poland, Italy, South Sudan, Malta, Chile, Afghanistan, and Serbia, which shaped his appreciation for different cultures and languages.
Costa’s mother, Chrissie, an Australian of Cypriot descent, has been a pillar of support since Ethnolink’s inception.
“My mum has always been my biggest fan,” Costa continues, “She helped with administrative duties during the early days of Ethnolink, and her advice and encouragement have been invaluable, which I will be forever grateful for.”
Since 2011, Ethnolink has been a leading provider of language solutions in over 150 languages to various levels of Government, helping engage and communicate with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Australians. Now, with this contract with eSafety, Ethnolink is proud to be expanding its services into the crucial area of online safety.
Costa shares, “This contract is a testament to our team’s unwavering commitment to quality and to enhancing multicultural communications. It’s an exciting opportunity to harness Ethnolink’s industry-leading ISO-Certified translation services to facilitate the delivery of essential online safety information to all Australians.”
