The Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) Board of Directors have elected Mr Eddie Micallef as the new Chairperson putting an end to outgoing Kris Pavlidis’ 2-year tenure.

“With my background and experience, I’m well-placed to support ECCV deliver on its strategic priorities going forward – including policy and advocacy positions on racism, employment pathways and access to the service system for culturally and linguistically diverse Victorians,” said Mr Micallef.

“I’m also looking forward to leading the development of a new Strategic Plan for ECCV in conjunction with our key stakeholders.

“I’m honoured to take on the role of Chair and to have the opportunity to work with a talented and experienced Executive to deliver on the aspirations of our members and the 1.5 million Victorians of CALD background.”

“I look forward to working with our valued members, the State Government and ECCV’s partners and funders to deliver the necessary impact for multicultural communities in Victoria.”

READ MORE: Kris Pavlidis re-elected to the ECCV board

On her part, outgoing ECCV Chair Ms Pavlidis told Neos Kosmos that she is “proud to have served” as Chair and wished Mr Micallef the best of luck in dealing with the 47-year-old group’s challenges.

“I wish the new executive the very best in delivering on the ECCV’s mission and confronting the ongoing challenges,” she said pointing to the need for the group to “remain relevant to contemporary Victoria”.

Pinpointing highlights of her tenure at the helm of the ECCV, Ms Pavlidis pointed to her ability to secure a $200,000 grant from Victoria’s Multicultural Ministry that was earmarked to deliver the anti-racism campaign, ‘All One Together’.

She also reflected with pride on forums held that gave the opportunity for members to come together in workshops and the creation of the intercultural young advocacy leaders forum consisting of around 10 young people with leadership skills that lead to the inaugural young leaders forum. She is still a member of the ECCV board, is involved in the Multicultural Engagement Passport that was launched two weeks ago and serves as Senior Deputy Chair of FECCA that she calls the “ECCV’s mother body”.