Building Belonging and
Inclusion in the Goulburn Region

The Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District Inc. recently marked its 40th
anniversary with a special dinner celebrating the Council’s long-standing
commitment to supporting and empowering multicultural communities across the
region. For over four decades, the Council has been a pillar of connection,
inclusion, and advocacy for diverse communities.
The evening featured a Welcome and Acknowledgement of Country, opening
remarks from Cr Shane Sali, Mayor of Greater Shepparton, reflections on 40 Years
of Service by Maria Brown-Shepherd, President, ECS&D, a keynote address by
Maria Dimopoulos AM, renowned human rights advocate and champion of diversity
and gender equality, reflections from Sam Birrell MP, The Hon Wendy Lovell MP,
and Kim O’Keeffe MP, and insights on the future from Sam Atukorala, CEO, Ethnic
Council. Guests were also treated to a cultural performance by the Nepalese
community, with the evening concluding with Life Membership announcements
and Staff Service Awards.

It was an inspiring night of celebration, gratitude, and community connection,
honouring everyone who has supported the Council’s mission over the past 40
years, while looking forward to many more years of making a difference.
This celebration was funded by the Department of Premier and Cabinet’s Regional
Multicultural Festival and Events Grant Program 2025–26 and proudly supported
by the Greater Shepparton City Council.
#EthnicCouncilShepparton #40YearsStrong #MulticulturalCommunity
#Celebration #DiversityAndInclusion
Celebrating 40 Years – Building Belonging and
Inclusion in the Goulburn Region

Figure 1: Acknowledgment of Country Cecilia and Liegh

Figure 2: Mayor Shane Sali Speech

Figure 3: Maria Brown-Shepaherd EC Reflection

Figure 4: Maria Dimopoulos AM Keynote Speaker

Figure 5: Sam Birrell MP Reflections

Figure 6: The Hon Wendy Lovell MP Reflections

Figure 7: Kim O’Keeffe MP Reflections

Figure 8: CEO Sam Atukorala, insights on the future.

Figure 9: Nepalese community, cultural performance.

Figure 10: 40 th Dinner Attendees

Tony Minutoli – President 2005 – 2006 (Board Member since 2002-2024)

 

Tony Minutoli has been a committed advocate for cultural diversity and
community engagement for more than two decades. He has been an active
member of the Ethnic Council since 2001, including two years as President.
During his tenure, Tony played a pivotal role in planning and overseeing the
Council’s relocation to its current premises in 2008, strategically situated near the
Shepparton Police Station and Scout Hall. His leadership and vision were
instrumental in strengthening the Council’s presence as a key voice for the region’s
multicultural communities.
Tony’s dedication extends well beyond the Ethnic Council. He is a Life Member of
the Tatura Italian Social Club, where he has been involved since 1984, and a proud
member of Rotary since 1987. He also contributes to civic life as a member of the
Australia Day Committee.
In recognition of his outstanding and longstanding contribution to the organisation
and the broader multicultural community, Tony Minutoli was awarded Life
Membership in 2024, the first member ever to receive this distinguished honour.

Attilio Borzillo – President 2008 – 2011 (Board Member 2003 – 2024)

Attilio Borzillo arrived in Australia from Italy in the 1960s and has been a long-time
resident of Shepparton. He has been a passionate advocate for the healthcare
needs of older residents, particularly those from migrant and refugee backgrounds,
highlighting the challenges faced in accessing social and healthcare support.
Attilio served as President of the Ethnic Council from 2008 to 2011 and as a Board
Member from 2003 to 2024. Throughout his tenure, he demonstrated unwavering
dedication, leadership, and commitment to building a more inclusive and
supportive community.
His advocacy and contributions have made a lasting impact on both the Council
and the wider Shepparton community.
In recognition of his years of dedicated service, leadership, and tireless
commitment to multicultural and ageing communities, Attilio Borzillo was awarded
Life Membership at the Ethnic Council’s 40th Anniversary Dinner.

Vicki Mitsos – President 1989 – 2003 & 2007 (Board Member 1993 – 2008)

Vicki Mitsos began her career as a dairy farmer and gradually became deeply
involved in multicultural affairs, serving as an interpreter, Community
Development Officer, counsellor, and leader. She worked tirelessly to ensure
regional Victoria provided English classes, vocational training, and culturally
appropriate services for migrants and refugees
.
Vicki served as President of the Ethnic Council from 1989 to 2003 and in 2007,
and as a Board Member from 1993 to 2008. Her remarkable achievements
include establishing NAATI examinations in the Goulburn Valley, raising over
$900,000 for the Shepparton Multicultural Hostel, and holding roles such as
Commissioner for the Victorian Multicultural Commission and Executive Member
of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria.

Her outstanding contributions have been recognised with numerous awards,
including the Hellenic Distinction for Victoria in 1998, Woman of the Year
Business Professional in 1997, National Rural Woman delegate in 1997, North East
Victorian Woman of the Year in 1997, and induction to the Victorian Women’s
Honour Roll in 2001.
Vicki Mitsos was recognised with Life Membership at the Ethnic Council’s 40th
Anniversary Dinner in appreciation of her dedication, leadership, and lasting
contribution to the organisation.

Linda Casalini – Board Member 2012-2025

Linda Casalini has been an active and valued member for over two decades. She
first joined the Tatura Italian Social Club in the mid-1990s with her late husband
and, after his passing in 2002, continued to volunteer, training students in bocce
and helping coordinate social events that brought the community together.
Around 2012, Linda joined the Ethnic Council. Since then, she has supported the
Council’s growth into a vital hub for multicultural support in the region, helping
migrants and refugees settle, access services, and gain employment. She also
witnessed the Council secure its permanent premises on Welsford Street, a
milestone she recalls with pride.
Born in Sydney to Estonian parents, Linda’s life reflects resilience and dedication.
She later moved to the Goulburn Valley, farming and contributing actively to the
local ethnic community. Now in her late 80s, she continues to attend Council
meetings and events, sharing her warmth, wisdom, and experience.

In honour of her exceptional service and unwavering dedication to the community,
Linda Casalini was awarded Life Membership at the Ethnic Council’s 40th
Anniversary Dinner.

Andrew Murley – Since 2018

Andrew joined the Ethnic Council of Shepparton in 2018 as the Project Officer for
the Strategic Partnership Project, after supporting the Council for a number of years
with his expertise in IT. His technical support and commitment over more than a
decade have been invaluable to the organisation.
In his current role, Andrew coordinates the Citizenship Classes in partnership with
Wilmot Road Community Hubs, helping community members prepare for this
important milestone. He also leads the Friendship Café, a program providing
connection and support for socially isolated women from new and emerging
multicultural communities, while supporting community associations.
Andrew’s dedication, creativity, and care have strengthened the Ethnic Council’s
work and made a positive difference in the lives of many.

Abdullah Naveed – Since 2018

 

Abdullah joined the Ethnic Council in 2018, initially as a Community
Development Officer, and more recently as a Case Manager. For the past seven
years, he has been a valued member of the team, supporting people from
migrant and refugee backgrounds with dedication, professionalism, and care.
He is recognised for his commitment to helping individuals and families navigate
complex challenges, always providing culturally responsive and person-centred
support. Abdullah’s work has strengthened trust between the Council and the
communities it serves, and his efforts have made a lasting difference in people’s
lives.
In addition to his role with the Ethnic Council, Abdullah is a well-respected
community leader within the Afghan community, where his guidance and
support are deeply appreciated.

Khaluf Alsalim – Since 2011

Khaluf has been with the Ethnic Council of Shepparton since March 2011. He began
his journey as a Community Development Officer, supporting Arabic-speaking
communities, particularly families from Iraqi and broader Middle Eastern
backgrounds, as they navigated their settlement journey.
More recently, Khaluf has served as a Case Manager, supporting individuals and
families from migrant and refugee backgrounds who face complex challenges. In
this role, he provides person-centred, culturally responsive support and advocates
with great skill and compassion on behalf of his clients.
Khaluf is also a highly skilled community interpreter, assisting across health,
housing, social services, and education. His ability to bridge language and cultural
gaps has ensured that many in the community feel understood, supported, and
empowered.
For 14 years of dedicated service, Khaluf has been a trusted advocate, a committed
professional, and a valued member of the Ethnic Council team.

Rhonda Ramadan – Since 2002

Rhonda joined the Ethnic Council on 29 July 2002 as a part-time Office
Administrator and quickly became an indispensable part of the team. Her role soon
grew into a full-time position, and for over 22 years, she served as the first point of
contact for many in the community, always welcoming, professional, and kind.
Through periods of great change and growth for the Council, Rhonda provided
stability, dedication, and care. She welcomed people from many different countries
and backgrounds, helping them feel at home with deep understanding and
empathy.
Since last year, Rhonda has continued with the Council on a casual basis, still
sharing her skills and warmth with the organisation. Her commitment has left a
lasting impact on the organisation and the lives she has touched.

The Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District was proud to host the Mosaic Festival 2025 at Victoria Park Lake, marking a special milestone:

40 years of building belonging and inclusion in the Goulburn region.

The festival was a vibrant celebration of our multicultural community. Attendees enjoyed live performances from the Syrian, PNG, Nepalese, and South Sudanese communities, the dynamic Burundian Drummers, and the local Shepparton group The Anointed Band, creating an atmosphere full of energy, music, and cultural pride. In addition to the performances, the festival offered cultural workshops, delicious food, and opportunities for community connection, allowing people of all ages to learn, share, and celebrate together. Large crowds were treated to a variety of food trucks from Shepparton and surrounding areas, adding even more flavour and enjoyment to the day.

The event also featured speeches from the Mayor, local Members of Parliament, the CEO of the Ethnic Council, local community members, and the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) Commissioner, reflecting on the importance of inclusion, diversity, and the Ethnic Council’s 40 years of service.

A special highlight of the event was the role of our youth in bringing the Mosaic Festival to life. Young people from the community contributed their energy, creativity, and ideas in planning and delivering the event, showing leadership and passion for celebrating culture and inclusion.

This special event honoured four decades of service, advocacy, and support for multicultural communities in Greater Shepparton. It was wonderful to see so many people come together to celebrate the rich diversity, resilience, and talent within our region. Your participation helped make this festival a memorable celebration of culture, community, and connection.

This event was funded by the Department of Premier and Cabinet’s Regional Multicultural Festival and Events Grant Program 2025-26 and proudly supported by the Greater Shepparton City Council.

As we reflect on this milestone, we celebrate not just the past 40 years, but also the ongoing journey ahead continuing to connect, empower, and support multicultural communities for many years to come.