The MYN comprises up to 20 members aged between 18 and 25 who live, work or study in Victoria. Members reflect a diverse range of cultural, ethnic, faith and gender backgrounds, ensuring a broad representation of young multicultural voices across the state. Their term will run from 4 March until 30 December 2026.
Abdelrahman (Abood) Bsaiso
Abdelrahman Bsaiso, also known as Abood, is a Palestinian-New Zealander living in Craigieburn and studying a Bachelor of Cybersecurity at Victoria University. He is actively involved in the VU Islamic Community and the Unity Mentorship Foundation (UMF), where he supports and empowers young people through mentorship. He is passionate about using his technical background to help build stronger, more resilient communities through leadership and education.
Alejandro Jose (Alejandro) Mariona
Alejandro Jose Mariona is a Law and International Relations student dedicated to building strong, supportive, and inclusive communities. He values empowerment and advocacy, believing that equipping people with the tools to support themselves and others is key to meaningful grassroots change. Through genuine connection, constructive dialogue, and community-informed action, he aims to contribute to an inclusive and multicultural Victoria where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
Ayen Matoc (Ayen) Mawan
Ayen Matoc Mawan is a Criminology student at Victoria University who aspires to be an active and positive member of her community. She is passionate about creating meaningful change, listening to diverse stories, sharing her experiences, and supporting young people through her work.
Dibya (Dibya) Bhattarai
Dibya Bhattarai is a proud Nepali member of the Multicultural Youth Network. She is passionate about supporting and uplifting young people, encouraging them to stay connected to their cultural roots and faith while strengthening their sense of identity. She values building community connections that celebrate diversity and empower youth to feel proud of who they are.
Ellie (Ellie) Schwarz
Ellie Schwarz is a final-year Bachelor of Business and Design student at Monash University with a strong interest in community engagement. She previously served as President of the Jewish Society at Monash and currently works as a Program Coordinator for Jewish informal education, where she fosters connection and strengthens relationships within and between communities.
Jacob (Jacob) Ioane
Jacob Ioane is currently studying Youth Work at RMIT and is eager to gain more hands-on experience in the field. He is passionate about supporting young people and enjoys learning, growing, and connecting with others in the youth sector. He values meeting new people, exploring different cultures, and embracing opportunities that push him outside his comfort zone. In his spare time, he enjoys travelling, volunteering, and trying new experiences.
Kalukula (Kal) Kitungano
Kalukula Kitungano, known as Kal, has been involved in community, youth, and multicultural spaces for over a decade, beginning as a volunteer soccer coach at the age of 14. He is family-oriented and grounded in strong community values. Outside of work, he enjoys fishing as a way to reset. He is motivated by bringing people together and turning ideas into practical action.
Katerina Theodora (Katerina) Tsaousi
Katerina Theodora Tsaousi is a Greek Australian educator and youth advocate dedicated to supporting multicultural communities. She has previously served as a Student Ambassador at Kangan Institute and currently holds leadership roles at Panhellenic College as an educator, Child Safety Officer, and Area Head. She is passionate about cultural identity, inclusion, and youth empowerment, working closely with young people to build self-advocacy skills and strengthen wellbeing.
Lhasay (Lhasay) Youtso
Lhasay Youtso, also known as Lase, is Tibetan, born and raised in India, and currently completing a Master of Economics at Monash University. She speaks three languages and has a strong interest in youth empowerment and creating inclusive spaces for dialogue. She also enjoys exploring Melbourne’s parks through long walks.
Mariam (Mariam) Hussein
Mariam Hussein is a youth advocate and university student passionate about empowering multicultural young people. She has experience in youth advisory and leadership roles, contributing to initiatives focused on wellbeing, employment, and youth engagement. She enjoys volunteering and helping young people build skills, confidence, and meaningful connections.
Neerja (Neeraj) Singh
Neerja Singh is in her final year of university and is from Melbourne’s western suburbs. She is passionate about youth engagement and community impact and runs Youth 4 Youth, a grassroots non-profit. Through her work, she creates supportive spaces where young people can connect, share perspectives, and access opportunities that build confidence and leadership.
Par Tha Dim (Dim) Siakhal
Par Tha Dim Siakhal, known as Dim, is a 19-year-old second-year Law student at Victoria University. Originally from Chin State, Myanmar, he moved to Australia in 2013. Since then, he has had the opportunity to connect with people from diverse cultural, religious, and value-based backgrounds. Through his studies, he aims to use his skills to support minorities and communities facing barriers in accessing the legal system.
Paris Junnoel Marcelo (Paris) Mina
Paris Junnoel Mina is a youth leader and community advocate based in Geelong. He serves as Vice President and Co-Founder of Filipino Young Professionals Geelong, works as a KFC Manager and Electorate Officer for the State Electorate of Lara, and volunteers with several Filipino community organisations. He is passionate about multicultural engagement, leadership, and strengthening community connections.
Sami (Sami) Ullah
Sami Ullah is originally from Pakistan and is currently studying Computer Science at Swinburne. He enjoys mentoring, volunteering, and bringing people together. He thrives on meeting new people and staying active through sports and hiking. He is passionate about personal growth and often seeks out new experiences that challenge him while helping others feel confident and connected.
Shamsullah (Shams) Sadey
Shamsullah Sadey, known as Shams, is a young community leader from Melbourne’s Southern Metropolitan region with lived experience as a humanitarian-visa entrant. He is passionate about human rights, youth advocacy, and multicultural engagement. He is actively involved in initiatives supporting vulnerable people and is dedicated to amplifying the voices of multicultural youth across Victoria.
Shiao Lu (Shiao Lu) Ooi
Shiao Lu Ooi is a young leader from Malaysia who moved to Melbourne as an international student. She is the National Office Manager of the Australia China Business Council and the Founder of the youth-led nonprofit Wombat Collective. She was recognised as the 2025 Young Woman of the Year at the Multicultural Youth Awards. She is passionate about youth empowerment, education access, mental health, and gender equity.
Tharini (Tharini) Sivakumaran
Tharini Sivakumaran is a proud young Tamil Australian living in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. She works in a clinical quality registry that monitors and improves patient care and has recently completed a Master of Public Health at La Trobe University. She is passionate about improving health outcomes for culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Vishrut (Vish) Goswami
Vishrut Goswami is a final-year Master of Construction Management (Professional) student at Deakin University and a recipient of the Vice-Chancellor’s 100% International Scholarship. He was also named International Student of the Year 2025 (Regional). With a background in the built environment and strong leadership experience, he actively engages in multicultural associations in Geelong. He is passionate about collaboration, innovation, and creating meaningful impact across professional and cultural networks.
Zehra (Zehra) Glamocic
Zehra Glamocic is passionate about community involvement and supporting initiatives that create meaningful impact. She enjoys contributing to opportunities that help young people grow both personally and professionally. Outside of work, she values volunteering, creativity, and spending time with family and friends. She is committed to continuous growth and making a positive contribution to her community.
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