Annual Report – Year 2024 – Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District

Maria Brown-Shepherd, President of the Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District Inc., Regd. No A6321, delivers the Annual Report for year 2024 on 31October 2024.

Welcome to the Annual General Meeting of the Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District Inc.

The past 12 months have been both rewarding and challenging, particularly due to significant funding cuts that have impacted our operations and service delivery. Despite these challenges, our organisation has continued to demonstrate resilience, commitment, and strong leadership in supporting multicultural communities across the Goulburn Valley.

Since our last AGM, we have had some changes to our Board. I would like to acknowledge the resignation of long-serving Board Members, Attilo Brozillo and Andrea Brozillo. Attilo has been involved with the Ethnic Council for over 30 years, serving in several key roles, including President, Vice President, and as a member of the Finance Committee. I have known Attilo for many years and sincerely appreciate his personal and professional support, dedication, and contribution to the Council.

On behalf of the Board and staff, I extend our heartfelt thanks and best wishes to Attilo and Andrea for their many years of service and commitment to our organisation.

Highlights 2023–2024

A Strategic Planning Day was held to guide the development of the Ethnic Council’s new Strategic Plan.
We are currently in the process of registering with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) to obtain Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status, which will strengthen our future fundraising capacity.

Major building renovations are also underway, enhancing our ability to deliver programs and provide a welcoming and inclusive space for the community.

In closing, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our Board Members, past and present, as well as our CEO and dedicated staff, for their invaluable contributions over the past year. Your commitment, teamwork, and passion continue to drive the success and impact of the Ethnic Council in our community.

Maria Brown-Shepherd

President

Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District Inc., Regd. No A6321

31October 2024

	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.