SydWest Celebrates 40 Years of Building Belonging

Posted on 26/11/2025 | by Vikki Hine

Annual General Meeting & Anniversary Event – 27 November 2025

MEDIA RELEASE
25 November 2025

Western Sydney’s leading multicultural service provider, SydWest Multicultural Services, will mark a major milestone on Thursday, 27 November 2025, celebrating 40 years of service to culturally and linguistically diverse communities alongside its Annual General Meeting.

Since its founding in 1985, SydWest has been a cornerstone for migrants and refugees, ensuring that belonging is not a privilege but a right. From settlement support to aged care, disability services, youth programs and women’s initiatives, SydWest has helped thousands of families thrive in their new home.

“Our journey tells a story of resilience and community,” says Elfa Moraitakis, CEO of SydWest. “Belonging is the heartbeat of everything we do. It’s about creating spaces where people feel seen, heard and valued.”

The event will bring together VIPs, past leaders and long-term supporters, including:

Sneha Chatterjee, First Assistant Secretary, Office for Multicultural Affairs
Noel Hiffernan, former Board Member and disability rights advocate
Irene Ross, former Senior Centre Manager at SydWest
Advocates, community champions and many other stakeholders who have shaped SydWest’s legacy.

Photo Opportunity: Media representatives are invited to capture this historic celebration featuring distinguished guests, cultural performances and community stories that reflect four decades of impact.

Event Details:

Venue: Novotel Parramatta, 350 Church Street
Date: Thursday, 27 November 2025
Time: 2.30pm – 5pm

STATEMENT ENDS /

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SydWest welcomes two new board members

Posted on 14/02/2024 | by Vikki Hine

SydWest Multicultural Services has welcomed Sandra Casinader and Kim Heng to its Board of Directors.

Sandra is the Group Head of Enterprise Learning and Capability for the Westpac Group where she is accountable for the organisation’s learning strategy, capability frameworks and learning governance as well as enterprise-wide data and digital programs.

Her background spans strategy, culture change, transformation and customer-facing roles, and she has more than 25 years’ experience in financial services. She is also a former Board Member of Participate Australia, which merged with SydWest last year.

Kim Heng brings to the board expertise in technology and operations with an extensive background in leading business transformations.

Currently the Chief Operating Officer of Wilson Asset management, Kim’s career spans both the private and government sectors where she has helped drive modern practices to organisations to boost efficiency and effectiveness.

SydWest CEO Elfa Moraitakis has welcomed the new appointees while thanking outgoing board members Naveen Jayavarapu and Matt Pancino for their service.

‘We are very grateful for the expertise Matt and Naveen have contributed to our organisation, particularly during our merger last year,” Ms Moraitakis said.

‘I’d like to warmly welcome Sandra and Kim and I look forward to working with them and the rest of the Board as we refresh our strategy and position SydWest for future growth, and work through the government’s reforms to the aged care and NDIS sectors.’

STATEMENT ENDS /

13 February 2024

Media enquiries: Vikki Hine, Media and Events. E: vikki.hine@sydwestms.org.au or T: 0428 109 215.