Women chosen on first advisory council in State

The 12 new council members, including Bankstown Women’s Health Centre (BWHC) CEO Mariam Mourad and Settlement Services International (SSI) CEO Violet Roumeliotis, have extensive expertise across a range of critical areas including health, employment, migrant services, and domestic and family violence.
The Women’s Advisory Council is tasked with advancing gender equality by providing key advice to government on the priority areas of the NSW Women’s Strategy 2023–2026.
A former Bankstown Local Women of the Year, Ms Mourad has transformed BWHC into a thriving community institution which has been able to directly assist thousands of local women and children.
A long term advocate, Ms Mourad has made an extraordinary contribution toward empowering local women, particularly within CALD communities, and has been at the forefront of the campaign to tackle the scourge of domestic violence.
She said she hoped her involvement on the council would be great for the local area.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to advocate for justice for all and further support women and children affected by domestic violence,” she said.
“I’m really looking forward to what we can achieve.”
A former Telstra Australian Business Woman of the Year, Ms Roumeliotis leads the SSI, with offices in Bankstown, Ashfield and Parramatta.
“I’m honoured to have the opportunity to advise government on advancing gender equality in our State, and particularly hope to bring to the table my extensive experience working with refugee, migrant and CALD women, who have unique strengths, along with unique challenges,” she said.
“I haven’t just worked with migrant communities – I’m from one and have grown up in western Sydney surrounded by women without the opportunity for full social and economic participation. I hope to use my seat at the table to elevate those voices and experiences, and create real change for women.”