108 Moore Street

Liverpool, NSW 2170

Level 2
178 Queen Street

Campbelltown, NSW 2560

info@wsmrc.org.au

Email us

referrals@wsmrc.org.au

Refer a client

02 8778 1200

Monday: 9-5pm
Tuesday: 9-5pm
Wednesday: 9-5pm
Thursday: 9-1pm
Friday: 9-5pm

Meet our Board of Directors

The board of directors is the most important decision-making body of a not-for-profit charity. It is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organisation and overseeing its activities to ensure that its objectives are met.

Rola Hijwel

Rola is admitted as a solicitor in the Supreme Court of New South Wales and the High Court of Australia, with over 20 years of experience in immigration law. She is recognised as an Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law by the New South Wales Law Society, one of less than 30 in NSW. Rola is currently the Principal Solicitor and Director of Hijwel Migration Lawyers and has previously worked with an international immigration law firm and in community organisations in the Fairfield and Liverpool local areas in different roles prior to getting admitted as a solicitor. She has a passion for working with diverse communities’ in the Western Sydney region and migrants in general. Throughout her work in both the community sector and in her private practice, she always takes great pride in ensuring that people are treated equally and fairly through representation, education and strong advocacy work. She provides extensive pro bono work to migrant communities and also provides ongoing presentations and training in the area of immigration law for legal practitioners and other professionals. “I feel strongly about education and inclusion of newly arrived migrants to be connected and empowered to succeed in our wonderfully multicultural county. Having a personal connection with the local community, I look forward to serving on the board and help to support Western Sydney MRC in continuing to achieve its mission and vision, which I feel passionately about." Rola enjoys playing football with her local club, reading and spending time with family and friends.
Chair of the Board

Myee Gregory

Myee is a relationship-focused problem solver with 15 years experience building relationships to solve complex problems in various industries including film, higher-education, public sector, not-for-profits, and professional services. Myee currently works to improve systems, processes and resources at Chartered Accountants ANZ. Myee has an MBA from the University of Sydney, First Class Honours in Media and Communication and a Graduate Certificate in Writing from the University of New England. Myee has given back to the community through involvement in fundraising, mentoring and governance. This includes fundraising for Children’s Medical Research Institute, National Breast Cancer Foundation, Plan International, Oxfam and World Vision. She has been involved in many community groups: overseeing volunteer at Golden Key International Honours Society, mentoring for the Smith Family and being on the committee of the Armidale Sports Council, Toastmasters, Coast Run Charity and MBA Earth Guardians. “I feel blessed to meet people from different parts of the world and want to help them feel welcome during a potentially challenging time as they settle into life in Australia. Especially because we have amazing opportunities in Australia, so it is great to be able to share this through the important work of the Western Sydney Migrant Resource Centre.” Myee’s hobbies include learning, yoga, reading and spending time with friends and in nature. Described by people who know her as determined, conscious and kind.
Board Director

Dr. Amad Mtashar, OAM

Amad holds a Doctorate from the University College of Swansea, U.K. His years of selfless voluntary work make him a pioneer in the community sector. Throughout his career, he has contributed selflessly to the wider Australian community and has been a member of the Board of the Western Sydney MRC since 2003 and served as chairperson for several years as well. Through his role on the Board, Amad has contributed strongly to the work of the Western Sydney MRC, assisting the settlement process of all migrants and refugees, particularly within the local area. Amad has been particularly active in advancing the settlement of the Mandaean, Iraqi community, and enhancing relations with the wider public, through his work with both the Western Sydney MRC, and his role within the Iraqi and Mandaean community. Many Members of Federal and State governments and local governments, organisations and CEOs have praised Amad’s work and involvement in serving the wider Australian community. As well as this, he has been a part of various committees for both government and non-governmental organisations. Amad has also received many awards for his tireless voluntary work and service, including the OAM on the Queen’s Birthday in 2015.
Board Director

Vijhai Utheyan

Vijhai works at the peak body for community legal centres in NSW. He has worked for a number of years in the not-for-profit sector. He has previously worked for the Refugee Council of Australia and All Together Now, an organisation dedicated to tackling racism in Australia. Vijhai has previously been an ambassador for ChilOut (Children out of Immigration Detention) and Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network. He is also a facilitator for Tirian Innovation Consultancy and runs workshops for Fortune 500 companies across the Asia Pacific region. Vijhai has extensive governance experience as a board member at St George Accommodation for Youth and as the East Sydney Regional Advisory Councillor for Multicultural NSW. Currently completing his last year of a law degree, Vijhai enjoys spending his spare time paddle boarding, travelling and volunteering.
Board Director

Anita Kumar

Experienced CEO & social entrepreneur with a strong track record of leading transformational initiatives at a sector, government & community level to improve educational & social opportunities for children & families.
Board Director

Helen Wortham

Intuitive, results-driven leader with PMP, Prince2, MSP Practitioner and ITIL certifications complemented by more than 15 years’ experience providing strategic advice and operational support in various IT and relationship management roles.
Board Director

Mustafa Agha

Experienced Policy Manager with a passion for driving change.
Board Director

Alumni

Nathan Hagarty MP

Board Director from 2015 - 2019
Chair of the Board 2019 - 2022

Dr Vincent Ogu

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