Jayaraman Guruswami

JP OAM GAICD

Jayraman has years of experience in community engagement and development, with interests in aged care in CALD communities. He holds G.Dip in Health & Aged Care, G.Dip in Health Counselling and G.Dip in Medical Terminology & Counselling. He has presented in various community organisations, including ADSi, SRI OM Foundation, and Hindu Council of Australia. Jayraman is a JP and has received a number of awards, such as Outstanding Services to Older Citizens Award from the Auburn Council (2011), Service to the Indian Community and Seniors by the India Independence & Australia Day Celebration Committee (2010). He was also awarded for his contributions for seniors in Western Sydney by the Minister for Ageing & Disability.

Sellaiah Velupillai

From Sri Lanka, Velu arrived in Australia in 1984 on his way back to the US where he worked for the US Navy as a Medical Technician. He liked Australia so much and decided to move his family from India shortly after. The first hospital Velu worked at was the Western Suburbs Hospital in Croydon, which was closed in 1993. Velu then moved to the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital until retirement. Velu has lived in Auburn since 1986 and has been involved in the Board of ADSi over time. His interest is in bringing communities together and he believes in utilising funds to assist communities and individuals in need during settlement. Velu has four girls and four boys and 16 grandchildren and is one of the founding members of the Auburn Tamil Association.

Sarjoh Bah

GAICD, ASW

Sarjoh was born in Sierra Leone and migrated to Australia in 2001. His commitment to social justice and human rights lead him to work with many refugees and vulnerable communities while in Egypt during his studies at the El Azhar University. Sarjoh is a founding member of the Bantal Pulaar Community Australia Inc, an active member of African communities in Australia and was instrumental in developing the African Workers Network. Sarjoh worked with diverse communities and activly involved in refugee issues. Sarjoh completed Masters of Social Science with UWS and Masters of Social Work with the Charles Sturt University. He is now working with the Department of Human Services and has an Australian Association of Social Workers membership.

Hamed Turay

 ASW

Originally from Sierra Leone, Hamed arrived in Australia in 2005 and worked in various capacities with the Drug & Alcohol Multicultural Education Centre, Multicultural HIV/AIDS & Hepatitis C Service and now STARTTS as Senior Community Development Officer. Hamed holds Master of Social Work (MSW-PQ) from Charles Sturt University, and holds other qualifications from the University of Western Sydney and University of Sierra Leone. His knowledge and skills are in community development, social policy, project management, humanitarian work, training and human rights. Hamed is also an accrediated Australian Social Worker.

Irene Simms

JP

Australian born of Dutch parents, Irene has been a member of the local community since moved to Lidcombe in 1977. Her passion to help others saw her elected to the Auburn Council in 1999. During her time as an elected member on the Council, Irene served a term as deputy Mayor, as well as a term as Mayor. As an ex-officio, Irene also served several years representing the Council and the local community interests on the Board of Auburn Diversity Services Inc. Following the amalgamation on Auburn/Holroyd/part of Parramatta Councils, Irene is no longer a Councillor but still has a keen interest in the welfare of her fellow local residents.

Frank Zheng

MAICD

Frank holds Master of Applied Finance from Macquarie University Applied Finance Centre, along with significant experience in projects, case management, finance, HR, IT and operations at an organisational level. He came to Australia in 1999 as an independent migrant with the family and had been worked in a variety of organisations in the community sector including peaks, community research company and front line service providers in different capacities. He has led organisational changes with proven positive outcomes, based on extensive knowledge and thorough understanding of the sector. Frank also has a Cert IV in Training & Assessment.