26 May 2008

Victoria University's Elleni Bereded-Samuel has been appointed to the Federal Government's new Australian Social Inclusion Board, established to help the country's most economically and socially disadvantaged.

Elleni, VU's Community Engagement Coordinator, has joined leaders from across the country to help dismantle barriers many Australians face in accessing the benefits of work, education, community engagement and basic services.

She said: "The agenda provides an opportunity for the Board to canvass a possible program of work for the immediate, medium and longer term. We have developed the Board's program of work and started on a number of priorities, including children at greatest risk of long term disadvantage, jobless families, and closing the gap for Indigenous Australians."

The newly formed Board, including Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard, held its first meeting at the Hume Global Learning Centre in Broadmeadows on 21 May.

Other high profile Australians named to the Board include medical researcher Professor Fiona Stanley, Adelaide Vicar-General Monsignor David Cappo, and Mr Ahmed Fahour, National Australia Bank's Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Australia.

The Australian Social Inclusion Board will meet at least four or five times in its first year. It will provide advice and input on major aspects of the social inclusion agenda including the use of evidence, innovative solutions and 'whole of government' strategies.

Elleni has focused her life's work on strengthening education, training and employment for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. At VU, she develops and implements strategies to increase the scope of the University's community engagement, and has brokered numerous partnerships with community organisations, government departments, and international groups.

Elleni is co-founder and Committee of Management member of The Horn of African Communities Network. In 2006 she was appointed to the Board of Directors at the Royal Women's Hospital, and is chair of Community Advisory Committee. In 2007 she was appointed as a Chair of SBS Community Advisory Committee.

Last month, Elleni was one of four people from Victoria University who attended the Australia 2020 Summit.

She is a recipient of Victoria's Premier Awards for Excellence in Multicultural Affairs, and her name has been included on the Victorian Honour Roll of Women. She was one of the recipients of the Victoria University Vice-Chancellor's Citations for Outstanding Community Engagement. Elleni is also in the 2006/07 'Who's Who of Australian Women' which documents 6000 remarkable women in Australia.

Elleni Bereded-Samuel is available for interview Ph: 0418 378 251
A photo of Elleni is available on request

Media Contact: Andy Gash, Snr. Media Officer,
Marketing & Communications Department, Victoria University
Ph: (03) 9919 4950; mobile: 0411 255 900