FECCA Advisory Committees assist in the formulation and development of FECCA policy, projects and events. They are also integral to the creation of partnerships, joint initiatives and the building of productive community networks within the sector.

Membership is drawn from across Australia and includes community leaders, organisation representatives and individuals with specific interests and expertise.

The Committees exchange ideas and discuss issues of importance online, via teleconference or through face to face meetings.

Current Advisory Committees include:

Regional Development Advisory Committee

Committee Chair: Ken Habak OAM

The FECCA Regional Development Committee was formed in November 2003 in response to the distinct circumstances and needs of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities who live in regional, rural and remote locations. These communities often experience specific challenges and barriers, including poor access to services, limited employment options and social, cultural and linguistic isolation. Through this Committee, FECCA aims to promote a greater understanding of these issues to government, business and the general community.

Women’s Advisory Committee

Committee Chair: Helen Sara

The FECCA Women’s Advisory Committee was established in October 2003. The Committee promotes issues of concern to women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds who as a result of a number of intersectional factors, including gender, culture, religion and ethnicity, continue to face disadvantage and marginalisation. The Committee has a strong belief in the elimination of all forms of discrimination, violence and oppressive acts against women. Through this Committee, FECCA seeks to promote understanding in government, non-government and general community and advocate for the right of access to services, information and opportunity that will optimise quality of life for all CALD women.

Youth Advisory Committee

Committee Chair: Tina Hosseini

FECCA believes that positive and continuous engagement with youth is essential for the successful development of policy, projects and events with regards to the future of Australia. The FECCA Youth Committee was formed in May 2004 and provides a platform for CALD youth to discuss and provide input, specifically related to the needs and experiences of CALD youth, to the work of FECCA.

Disabilities Advisory Committee

Committee Chair: Christian Astourian

As part of FECCA’s broader philosophical position of promoting community harmony, social justice and human rights, the Disabilities Advisory Committee aims to develop strategic policy directions around disability issues affecting culturally and linguistically diverse communities. The subcommittee provides timely, topical and expert advice and assistance to the FECCA Executive and Secretariat and partner organisations in the area of culturally and linguistically diverse community disability issues.

New and Emerging Communities

Committee Chair: Abeselom Nega

The FECCA New and Emerging Communities committee is developing into a key national body for consultation and policy advice for new and emerging communities. The New and Emerging Communities committee was formed to contribute to the formulation and development of FECCA policy and provide assistance in the consultation process. The New and Emerging Communities committee endeavours to represent all members of the new and emerging communities, striking a balance in terms of gender, state and regional representation.