Change Coming at Ethnic Council – Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District

President of the Ethnic Council of Shepparton Maria Brown-Shepherd announces that Manager Chris Hazelman will retire in mid-July after more than fifteen years in charge.

President Maria Brown-Shepherd said “the Board is genuinely sorry that Chris Hazelman is leaving but is very appreciative of what has been achieved during his time in the position. The Ethnic Council has grown to be a significant service provider to the multicultural communities especially those who have arrived as refugees who now represent some 10% of Greater Shepparton’s population.”

Maria added “the Ethnic Council now proudly owns its own building and enjoys strong relationships with all levels of Government and reputationally is highly regarded by the sector and multicultural peak bodies.” “During Covid and the recent flood experiences the Ethnic Council responded to the emergency management response and was at the forefront of ensuring impacted people from its client cohort were able to access appropriate support services “ Maria stated.

The Ethnic Council will now initiate a recruitment process with the intent of making an appointment to enable an effective transition before Mr ‘s departure.

Chris Hazelman responded by saying “he had enjoyed the support of the Board during his time which he reflected had been incredibly rewarding both in terms of what the Council has been able to achieve but also the diverse range of people with whom the Council interacted.”

“From funding bodies, government departments, peak bodies, community and faith leaders, Board and Council members, staff, service providers and the broad multicultural communities we support, all have been a positive influence on me” Chris added, and also stated “the experiences of many of our clients has been confronting and it is a sign of their resilience that they have overcome those challenges to successfully make a new home in Shepparton and contribute to our economic and cultural successes.”

On a personal level Chris said “there was no right time to leave however it seemed appropriate now although there were still some major challenges the Council will need to address including ongoing issues with Covid, flood recovery and the perennial issues of funding uncertainty.

There have been times when funding was tight and cash flow caused many a struggle however Council staff always performed above and beyond expectation which overcame many of the issues and made the Council stronger.

I have many lasting friendships from my time at the Ethnic Council which will continue.”

	The Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District acknowledges the Yorta Yorta People of the land which comprises the Goulburn Valley. We pay respect to tribal Elders, past, present and emerging and we celebrate their continuing culture and acknowledge the memory of their ancestors.
	The Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District is a peak body whose mission is to promote and represent the social, cultural and economic well-being of ethnic communities in the Goulburn Valley Region through the provision of quality and innovative settlement, refugee support, community development, and information and advocacy services.