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About Us

Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council Inc. (BRMC) is the peak multicultural agency in the Central Highlands Grampians Region (CHGR).

Membership currently includes 29 cultural and faith associations; 11 community, government, NGO and business sector leaders; and 48 individuals.

BRMC’s mission is to work in partnership with our members, key government and community stakeholders, and the wider Ballarat community to actively promote multiculturalism, cultural diversity, inclusion and the wellbeing of all migrant communities throughout the region.

Our purpose is to actively promote and develop goodwill, understanding and harmony in our culturally diverse community.

BRMC provides opportunities for all people of all cultural backgrounds to come together to celebrate multiculturalism and cultural diversity, and provides advisory services, support and advocacy for the particular needs of both older established migrant groups, plus new arrivals.

Objectives
  • To provide opportunities for people of all cultural backgrounds to come together.
  • To provide advisory services, support and advocacy for the particular needs of people of various cultural backgrounds.
  • To advocate on relevant government policy and practice at the local, state and federal level to ensure appropriate service provision.
  • To provide government and other bodies or agencies in the Ballarat region with an open channel of communication with cultural groups and organisations.
  • To promote a greater awareness of multicultural values, the contributions and the specific needs of community groups within the region.
  • To advise relevant agencies in the region on the social, legal, cultural, educational, health and welfare needs of residents of culturally diverse backgrounds with an emphasis on equitable access to services.

Our Team

Position Name Email
Chief Executive Officer Suzanne Ryan-Evers ceo@brmc.org.au
Executive Assistant to CEO Shipra Saini s.saini@brmc.org.au
Community Employment Connector Kelly Baghirli k.baghirli@brmc.org.au 
Social Support Program Manager Teresa Azzopardi t.azzopardi@brmc.org.au
Social Support Team, Caroline Parry c.parry@brmc.org.au
Social Support Team, HR / Finance Assistant Helen Bennetts h.bennetts@brmc.org.au
Manager SETS & FV Community Engagement Hee Young Lim hy.lim@brmc.org.au
Settlement Support Coordinator Abrar Dham a.dham@brmc.org.au
Settlement Program Worker Nyibol Deng n.deng@brmc.org.au
Education Programs Manager Sarabjit Kaur s.kaur@brmc.org.au 
Education Team Member Tahsina Tasnim t.tasnim@brmc.org.au
Media & Communications Shipra Saini media@brmc.org.au
Strategic Engagement Coordinator Sangeeran Mithranandarajah sangeeran@brmc.org.au

All staff can be contacted on 03 5383 0613.

Executive Committee 2023-24

Position Name
Chairperson Dr. Sundram Sivamalai
Deputy Chair Syed M Sami
Treasurer Uphar Chhabra
Assistant Treasurer Dolma Tamang
Secretary Betty Mathew
Assistant Secretary Meeta Narsi
Public Relations Officer Nori Anuar
Interfaith Officer Jack Jijun Yang
Women’s Officer Katrina Baraquiel
Youth Advisor Yaqoob Kazan
Community Representative Govinda Dahal
Community Representative Binsu Baby
Immediate Past Chair Joy Sawiche

General and Associate Members

Partnerships

Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council respectfully acknowledges the Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung people, their elders and community leaders, past, present and emerging
– traditional custodians of the land on which we live and work.

BRMC actively promotes intercultural and interfaith harmony. We help build inclusive and diverse communities and economies.
We work with members and partners to strengthen diversity and social cohesion in regional Victoria.

Proudly part of: