SSI leaders recognised as Pro Bono Australia’s 2022 ‘Impact 25’ Nominees

Settlement Services International (SSI) Board Member Director and SydWest Multicultural Services CEO, Elfa Moraitakis, has been named one of Pro Bono Australia’s 2022 ‘Impact 25’ Nominees.

Pro Bono’s Impact 25 highlights and honours authentic leaders in the Australian social sector that work for the common good and catalyse change in Australia as voted by the public.

Ms Moraitakis has over 25 years of experience in community services and exemplifies leadership in a dynamic and complex part of the sector developing services for linguistically disadvantaged communities.

While leading SydWest and delivering services to communities, she has strongly advocated for community leaders and multicultural organisations to have a regular seat at the decision-making table.

“I feel honoured to accept this acknowledgement as recognition of all the hard work both SSI and SydWest staff have put in this year,” Ms Moraitakis said.

“Both organisations work side-by-side in advocating and leveraging expert knowledge of multicultural communities and deep community connections to address the needs of Western Sydney.”

SSI Senior Operations Manager, Quality Innovation and Practice, Ghassan Noujaim, has also made Pro Bono Australia’s Impact 25 Nominee list. Mr Noujaim is a senior leader of the SSI foster care program and has extensive experience in community development, training, education, child protection and out-of-home care, having worked with the NSW Department of Communities and Justice and the NGO sector.

Mr Noujaim said that he was humbled and honoured for the recognition.

“This nomination validates and acknowledges our work with supporting vulnerable families,” he said.

“I’d also like to congratulate our SSI Board Director, Elfa, who has also been named and is an inspiring advocate that applies vision to create the changes needed.”

Mr Noujaim has received a 2020 Zest Award for outstanding community sector leader and 2021 CAPS National Child Protection Week Award.

Cast your vote for the Pro Bono Australia’s 2022 Impact 25 here.

Media enquiries: SSI Senior Communications Officer Rebeka Selmeczki; 0468 998 300 rselmeczki@ssi.org.au