Our community voice is going from strength to strength following the appointment of seven new members to the Community Advisory Committee (CAC).
The new committee members come from a diverse range of backgrounds, professions and lived experience, each representing their communities and providing insights and guidance that will help shape one of Melbourne’s most vital public services – the cemeteries and memorial parks that we manage.
The new CAC members – Fred Ackerman, Essan Dileri, Amad Kazi, Maria Martins, Ameen Soliman, Sean Spencer and Johanna Waibuca – all come to our organisation with incredible expertise and vast networks.
We are grateful that they are willing to share their time and knowledge so that we can continue to improve our services and meet the changing needs of the diverse communities we serve.
The new members join existing committee members, Bianca Crocker, Aunty Eva-Jo Edwards, Tracy Helman, Stephanie Longmuir and Michelle Sheppard, and Trust members Tarang Chawla and Katerina Angelopoulos.
We would also like to thank the departing CAC members: former Chair, Liz Beattie, and CAC members Claire Baxter, Candy Caballero, Pretty Dhiman and Sam Holleran for their invaluable service to GMCT and the communities we serve.
Profiles
Fred Ackerman is a former teacher, principal and senior education leader who is deeply involved in heritage preservation, local cemeteries and multiple community groups such as the Keilor Historical Society and Rotary Club. Fred brings extensive experience in governance, leadership and community advocacy.
Essan Dileri has more than 25 years of experience in community leadership, intercultural engagement and international development. Originally from Afghanistan, Essan has dedicated his life to peace and inclusion. He plays a key role in several advisory bodies at the City of Melton and Victorian Multicultural Commission, bringing deep cultural insights and an extensive network to the CAC.
Amad Kazi has more than 20 years’ experience in volunteer leadership across faith-based communities and corporate governance and currently serves as the Chairman of the United Muslim Migrant Association. Migrating from Pakistan, Amad is fluent in English, Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi. Amad will serve as a bridge to multicultural communities and contribute a fair, collaborative and inclusive approach.
Maria Martins is a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, a Portuguese migrant, senior tech advisor, and breast cancer survivor. Maria’s skillset will provide future-focused perspectives to ensure GMCT continues to serve our diverse communities with dignity.
Ameen Soliman joins us from the Islamic Council of Victoria. Ameen is embedded in Victoria’s Muslim community and committed to helping share more informed and culturally sensitive end-of-life pathways for Muslim families.
Sean Spencer is a former nurse, community advocate and longtime volunteer, dedicated to supporting older Victorians. Sean has more than 40 years of experience in health and community services. Sean’s executive and board-level experience will bring deep industry knowledge and a collaborative approach to problem-solving.
Johanna Waibuca joins the CAC as the Secretary for the Fiji Catholic Association Victoria and a dedicated communicator, listener and relationship-builder through her experience in the not-for-profit sector. Johanna will bring a deep understanding of how identity, culture and faith shape community needs.