Board Members 2025-26
Maria Brown-Shepherd – President
Maria Brown Shepherd proudly serves as the President of the Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District Inc., an organisation that holds deep personal significance for her. As a proud Ukrainian descendant, Maria’s commitment to multicultural advocacy is inspired by her father, Aleksy Czerkaskyj, one of the founding members of the Ethnic Council of Shepparton. Formed by pre- and post-war immigrant groups, the Ethnic Council of Shepparton was established as a voice for the many migrants who relocated to the Goulburn Valley—promoting and advocating for their social, cultural, and economic wellbeing.
Maria brings a strong background in leadership, education, and community service. She is a successful recipient of a scholarship to undertake the Company Directors Course, equipping her with valuable governance and leadership expertise. She also holds qualifications in Small Business Management from RMIT and an Educator Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, reflecting her dedication to lifelong learning and capacity-building within communities.
Her passion for community empowerment extends nationally. In 2016, she served as Treasurer for Australian Women in Agriculture, supporting the advancement of women across the agricultural sector.
With deep family roots in multicultural advocacy and a lifelong commitment to inclusive community development, Maria continues to lead the Ethnic Council of Shepparton with integrity, empathy, and a strong vision for the future of a diverse Goulburn Valley.
Kimberley Chau – Secretary
Kimberley (she/her) is a passionate advocate for youth, multicultural communities, and regional development in Victoria. As a young person of colour who relocated to Australia from Hong Kong, she brings a unique perspective to her work. With over four years of experience in the nonprofit employment sector, Kimberley has supported numerous community members facing challenges in securing sustainable employment, deepening her understanding of the importance of advocacy for multicultural communities in the region.
In 2023, Kimberley founded Goulburn Murray Rotaract, a youth-led service club focused on empowering young people in the region to create positive change. She currently serves as a Board Member for Regional Victorians of Colour and sits on the Committee of Management for Culture Spring. Through her various roles, Kimberley is committed to using her skills and experiences to support and advocate for the local community.
Leigh Johnson – Vice President
Leigh Johnson is currently the Multicultural Liaison Officer at the Shepparton Police Station. Leigh is passionate about his role.
Part of the role includes school and place of faith visits and networking and engaging with our communities. Leigh is a long-time member of Victoria Police. Leigh is a proud citizen of Australia, was born in New Zealand of Māori/Scottish heritage. Apart from having the privilege of being on the Ethnic council board, Leigh is a representative on the Victorian Multicultural commission.
Leigh also enjoys being part of the Performing Arts Community, volunteering and enjoys living in the Goulburn Valley.
He Completed the Fairley Leadership program in 2022 and has initiated two youth leadership projects. Leigh enjoys supporting and advocating for our wonderful communities and is well supported by his family.
Dhami Singh – Vice President
Migrating to Australia in 2008 and settling in Shepparton in 2010, Dhami Singh has become a well-recognised community leader and advocate. Widely known as “Mr Sheppy”, he established a local business that not only serves the community but also acts as a platform for outreach and support.
A strong believer in giving back, Dhami has dedicated countless hours to volunteering, from teaching English to new migrants to supporting fire safety crews during the Waghnu fires in 2012 with free ice cream. His generosity has extended to many major community causes, including World Disability Day, Know My Culture Day, the Nepal Earthquake Fundraiser, the Auckland Mosque Attack Appeal, the Mooroopna Floods Relief, and ongoing support for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
Deeply committed to cultural education and harmony, he has organised and led more than 100 cultural tours, raising awareness of Sikh faith and culture. In 2019, he planted 550 trees to mark the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. His civic engagement includes serving on the Australia Day Committee, providing food at community events, and lecturing at La Trobe University, Melbourne University, TAFE and local schools on topics of culture, community, and small business.
His outstanding contributions have been recognised in many ways: carrying the Commonwealth Games Baton in Shepparton, receiving the Greater Shepparton Volunteer of the Year Award, and being featured in local and national media, including an oral history recorded by the National Library of Australia.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Dhami supported GV CARE and Council, worked closely with the Ethnic Council on vaccination campaigns, and actively promoted Shepparton through campaigns with Council and private agencies. He continues to support Foodshare Shepparton, GV Health initiatives, and community events such as the Christmas for All Lunch, providing free meals on Christmas Day.
Despite running several businesses, Dhami remains most proud of being known as “Mr Sheppy” – a husband, father of two, and someone who continues to serve the community with generosity, humility, and passion.
Abs Ali – Treasurer
Abas Ali has served as the Treasurer of the Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District Inc. for over a decade, bringing dedication, financial acumen, and a strong commitment to community service. Since immigrating to Shepparton in 2006, Abas has proudly called the region home and has been deeply involved in supporting its multicultural and sporting communities.
He holds a Bachelor of Business and Commerce from Monash University and applies his professional expertise to ensure the financial sustainability and governance of the Council.
In addition to his role at the Ethnic Council, Abas is an active member of the Afghan community in Shepparton and contributes to local sports development. He currently serves as Secretary of the Cricket Shepparton Umpires Association and has been a respected senior cricket umpire for the past eight years.
Abas is a valued leader known for his reliability, integrity, and ability to bridge diverse communities through both cultural advocacy and sport.
Cecilia Ndala – Board Member
Born in Malawi and raised in London and New Zealand, Cecilia Ndala is a dynamic advocate for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. She holds a Bachelor of Arts with a focus on sociology and politics from Auckland University and a master’s degree in social work from the University of New England.
While at Auckland University, Cecilia co-founded the African Youth Festival, a platform designed to empower African youth to thrive in their talents. She also collaborated with CALD students to create an inclusive, supportive learning environment that felt like a “home away from home.”
From 2020 to 2022, Cecilia served as President of the Victorian Association of Malawians and Friends, where she led initiatives to raise funds for PPE to support hospitals in Malawi during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In Shepparton, Cecilia has made significant contributions in advocacy and addressing family violence as a social worker. Currently, she is focusing on mental health, working to raise awareness and advocate for culturally sensitive mental health services for CALD communities.
Cecilia remains committed to empowering marginalized groups and fostering inclusive support systems tailored to their unique needs.
Kuldeep Randhawa – Board Member
Kuldeep Randhawa is a dedicated Associate Nurse Unit Manager at Tatura Hospital, passionate about serving her community and improving the well-being of others. Migrating from Punjab (India) to Australia with English as her second language, Kuldeep worked tirelessly, starting her career with various jobs before pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse. Her journey reflects resilience, determination, and a commitment to personal growth.
As a community volunteer with Girl Guides and Sikh Alliance Shepparton, Kuldeep supports individuals struggling with settling into new environments, emotional well-being, and navigating life’s challenges. Her compassionate and selfless nature is central to her work, both professionally and in the community. Kuldeep is driven by a deep passion for helping others and inspiring positive change in those around her.
Anjani Rai -Board Member
Anjani Rai, a proud Fijian Indian woman, migrated to Australia in 2001 with her two children. Her journey through life has been marked by a deep-rooted passion for helping others. With a career spanning several decades, Anjani has dedicated her life to social work, impacting countless lives across Australia.
Her professional journey has taken her to various corners of the country, where she has provided invaluable support to families and disadvantaged children. Since settling in Shepparton in 2019, she has continued her legacy of service. Now, in a new chapter of her career, Anjani is focused on nurturing the next generation of social workers as a vocational education and training educator. By sharing her knowledge and experience, she is empowering and aspiring professionals to make a positive difference in their communities and their lives by striving for the best.
Anjani’s commitment to her Pacific heritage remains unwavering. She carries the values and traditions of Fiji with pride, infusing them into her work and personal life.
Camuran Albonoi -Board Member
Camuran Albonoi is an Albanian Australian and a proud global citizen who migrated to Australia in October 1984, first settling in Jabiru, Northern Territory, before moving to Melbourne in 1986 and later to Shepparton in 1995. He is fluent in Albanian, English, Turkish, Macedonian, Croatian, Bosnian, and Serbian.
Over nearly four decades, Camuran has made outstanding contributions to community life through leadership, advocacy, and volunteer service. His community involvement includes roles with the Jabiru Soccer Club, Melbourne Croatia FC, and South Melbourne Helas FC, where he served as both senior and junior coach.
Camuran’s long-standing commitment to civic and multicultural engagement is reflected through his service with organisations such as the Victorian Refugee Week Council, the Albanian Australian Community Association (Treasurer), and the Albanian American Civic League Australian Branch, where he served on the Executive Board alongside former U.S. Congressman Joe DioGuardi.
In Shepparton, Camuran has played an active role across numerous initiatives, including the Australia Day Committee, Uniting Care Cutting Edge, the Neighbourhood Renewal Steering Committee (Chair), the Albanian Muslim Society (Vice President), and the Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District. He is also a Co-Founder and long-serving Coordinator of Voices for Harmony Shepparton; a platform he has helped lead for the past 19 years.
Through his fundraising efforts, Camuran has helped raise $30,000 for Goulburn Valley Community Health Services (Ballroom Blitz Initiative) and $200,000 for the Oncology Appeal for GV Health.
He is currently a member of the United Nations Association of Australia, Amnesty International, the Refugee Council of Australia, the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria, Vision Australia, Australians for Mental Health, and the Health and Community Services Union. He also actively supports organisations such as Doctors Without Borders, the Royal Flying Doctors Service, and the Human Rights Law Centre.
In recognition of his lifelong service and community leadership, Camuran was honoured as Greater Shepparton Citizen of the Year in 2021. A passionate advocate for social justice and human rights, he believes that freedom, respect, equality, and dignity must guide all government decisions to create a fairer society for everyone.
Camuran is deeply committed to inclusive and adaptive leadership, fostering spaces where every voice is valued and dignity and justice are shared by all.
Mariola Nebiu -Board Member
Mariola Nebiu is an experienced and dedicated community development professional with a proven record in leading inclusive programs and initiatives that strengthen participation, equity, and social connection. Passionate about cultural understanding and collaboration, she works closely with people from all backgrounds to create welcoming and resilient communities.
Actively involved in the Albanian community, Mariola has taken on leadership roles that promote cultural identity, inclusion, and engagement. She brings strong skills in strategic thinking, project management, advocacy, leadership, and public engagement, underpinned by her experience in political and governance contexts. With a deep understanding of Shepparton’s diverse communities and their needs, she is recognised for her ability to influence positive change, foster collaboration, and empower youth, community leaders, and organisations.
Her background in community engagement, intercultural communication, partnership-building, and project delivery has strengthened her reputation as a bridge-builder and advocate for diversity, inclusion, and social cohesion.
Originally from Albania, Mariola has called Shepparton home since 2015 and continues to contribute passionately to building a united, inclusive, and forward-thinking community.
Deng Mading Deng-Board Member
Deng Mading Deng is a passionate community advocate and educator based in Shepparton, Victoria, with a strong commitment to empowering migrants, permanent residents, and humanitarian visa holders to achieve stability and success in Australia.
With a background in leadership and social sciences, Deng develops and delivers programs that foster employment readiness, financial literacy, citizenship education, and cultural awareness. He is dedicated to creating opportunities that help individuals build confidence, independence, and a strong sense of belonging within their communities.
Actively involved in the African communities, Deng has taken on leadership roles that promote cultural identity, inclusion, and engagement. He brings strong skills in strategic thinking, project management, advocacy, leadership, and public engagement, supported by his experience in community development and governance contexts.
Recognised for his ability to influence positive change and foster collaboration, Deng works closely with youth, community leaders, and organisations to strengthen social cohesion and intercultural understanding across Shepparton’s diverse communities.
A graduate of the Fairley Leadership Program, Deng combines his expertise in employment consultancy and social inclusion with a personal commitment to building welcoming, resilient, and forward-thinking communities.
Originally from South Sudan, Deng has made Shepparton his home and continues to contribute passionately to creating a united and inclusive community.
