Silvia Renda has been elected Chairperson of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria, marking a new term of leadership for the state’s peak multicultural advocacy body.
The Victorian Multicultural Commission congratulated Ms Renda on her appointment, describing her as a former Commissioner whose dedication to advancing the rights, representation and wellbeing of multicultural communities has had a lasting impact in Victoria. The Commission said it looked forward to working with her and the Council “as we continue our shared commitment to a harmonious, inclusive and socially cohesive Victoria where every community feels valued and heard.”
The Council’s newly elected Board of Directors has selected office-bearers for the 2025 to 2027 term following its annual general meeting late last year.
The office-bearers are Silvia Renda as Chairperson, Tina Hosseini and Nicolas Ojeda Amador as Deputy Chairpersons, Michael van Vliet as Treasurer and Jennifer Huppert OAM as Secretary. They will work with board members Lawrence Abou Khater, Dr Yasmin Hassen, Huss Mustafa OAM, Suzanne Ryan-Evers and Zeynep Yesilyurt OAM.
ECCV is governed by a volunteer board elected by members every two years in line with its constitution. The board sets the organisation’s strategic direction.
The Council said, “We’re delighted to introduce Silvia Renda, ECCV’s new Chairperson.”
She is the Founder and President of the Portuguese Australian Women’s Association and previously served as Commissioner at the Victorian Multicultural Commission. She also serves as a Councillor with the Portuguese Diaspora Council, supporting ties between Portugal and its diaspora
Ms Renda migrated to Australia from Portugal as a teenager and learned English at secondary school. Her lived experience of settlement and integration has informed her work in multicultural governance, public policy and community advocacy.
She is the Founder and President of the Portuguese Australian Women’s Association and previously served as Commissioner at the Victorian Multicultural Commission. She also serves as a Councillor with the Portuguese Diaspora Council, supporting ties between Portugal and its diaspora.
Professionally, Ms Renda is Chief Adviser and Head of Government Relations at the Australian Financial Complaints Authority, where she contributes to policy development and reform in financial regulation, consumer protection and fairness. She holds tertiary qualifications in law and legal studies and a Master in Conflict Resolution from La Trobe University.
In a statement, Ms Renda said, “At a time when anti-immigration rhetoric and social division are increasingly visible, the work of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria has never been more important. I am honoured to serve as Chairperson and look forward to working with the Board, our members and communities to advance fairness, inclusion and a truly multicultural Victoria.”
As Chairperson, she will work with the board and office-bearers to guide the Council’s direction over the next two years.
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