annual report 2010 –2011 - Multicultural Development Association

Our Board
Claire Schneider | secretary
Claire is an admitted solicitor practising primarily in general corporate and commercial advisory
work. In 2008, Claire served as the Associate to his Honour Justice Keane on the Queensland
Court of Appeal.
She holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons IIA) and Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) from the
University of Queensland. Prior to joining the MDA team, Claire served as the Chair of the
Volunteer Refugee Tutoring and Community Support program for 3 years, and continues to
act as a lead volunteer trainer for this program.
Warren McMillan | Chair
From 1991 to 2006, Warren McMillan contributed to the development of multicultural policy
and program development in Queensland, holding a number of senior positions in the
then Bureau of Ethnic Affairs and subsequently in Multicultural Affairs Queensland. He was
instrumental in the development of both the Local Area Multicultural Partnership (LAMP) and
Community Action for a Multicultural Society (CAMS) programs. These are widely recognised
as National Best Practice in Multiculturalism.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts from University of Queensland and a Masters in Cultural Policy
from Griffith University, Brisbane.
Sally Saeri | vice chair
A human resources professional, Sally Saeri spent several years overseas and has had a strong
interest in multiculturalism for many years. Sally currently works with a community services
organisation that provides a number of services to the multicultural community.
Frederika Steen | Committee Member
Frederika Steen was a federal public servant for the Education and Immigration departments
(1972 – 2001) and held the position of Director, Settlement Branch Immigration Brisbane from
1993 to 1996, followed by a three year posting as Chief Migration Officer to the Australian
Embassy in Germany.
Frederika was an energetic volunteer for the Romero Centre from 2001 – 2009 and an
independent friend and advocate for a number of emerging communities with refugee
background. She is well known for her community education, public speaking and media
role both locally and nationally.
Freddie (as she is affectionately called) has been awarded: Canberran of the Year (1984),
Centenary Medal (2001), Austcare Paul Cullen Humanitarian Award (2003) and the Pride of
Australia Fair Go Medal (2007).
Sim Symons | Committee Member
Angela Moody | treasurer
Angela Moody holds a Bachelor of Economics, Bachelor of Arts, a Masters of Professional
Economics from the University of Queensland and a Graduate Diploma of Applied Finance
from the Security Institute of Australia.
Angela has considerable experience in regulatory strategy and reform; market structure and
design; economic policy and development; competition and microeconomic policy advice
and regulatory compliance. She is currently an Associate Director at Synergies Economic
Consulting, an economic and public policy advisory business with offices in Brisbane, Sydney
and Melbourne. Prior to joining Synergies, Angela was the head of regulation for Powerdirect
Australia (formerly Ergon Energy Retail) the fourth largest electricity retailer by load in the
National Electricity Market.
Sim Symons began his career in radio and television in production and technical areas. He spent
six years working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on cultural maintenance
and performance projects, and produced two books on Aboriginal environmental history.
Sim has worked for 25 years in event management and community cultural development
with ethnic and Indigenous communities. He was the founding director of the Queensland
Multicultural festival at Roma St Parklands. He is currently the Community Cultural Development
Manager of the Woodford Folk Festival.
Sim was Director of the Interfaith Cultural Festival and related interfaith events for five years.
For the last three years he has been directing on site arrangements for the World Refugee
Day Festival and assisting with The Candlelight Walk.
Sim holds the Award from Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation for commitment to reconciliation
process, and Centenary Medal for promotion of Multiculturalism (2001).
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