Roz Blades (Chairperson)

Currently Springvale Neighbourhood House Co-ordinator involved with more than 50 community groups, in addition to a close association with the literacy centre and the Sumnation World Cultural Festival. She is also involved with a number of agencies and projects, such as:

Elena has been the Manager of Springvale Learning and Activities Centre since early 2005. Her role includes managing and coordinating a complex range of programs and activities for an average of 1,600 people per week.

Since joining the centre, Elena has been instrumental in organising innovative programs aimed at developing pathways to education and employment and building capacity for the Sudanese young people. Her professional interest is focused on developing generic employability skills for disadvantaged youth and working in partnership with relevant stakeholders in the area. Before joining the Centre, Elena worked in community services for over five years holding the project management positions, mainly in state government funded employment programs for culturally and linguistically diverse groups.

Elena holds a five year Bachelor Degree in Education and Linguistics (Russian Federation) and has completed a range of professional qualifications over the recent years. She is a NAATI accredited interpreter, workplace assessor and trainer and has received comprehensive training in business management for non-profit organisations.

Mr Chris James

Joined the committee of management in 1971 and has held position of Treasurer, Vic-Chairperson, Chairperson at various times. Background is in banking and finance with ANZ group and retired in 1997 after 41 years. During that time held various management posts in Marketing, Sales, Audit and Training.

Is a life member of the Bureau and member of Committee of Management of Blind Bight Community Centre, and SVN Inc., an organisation which manages a community project.

Former President of Cambodian Association of Victoria. Elected as Councillor in the City of Greater Dandenong since 1997 and former Mayor in 2001-2002. Worked as Welfare Co-ordinator of the Cambodian Association from 1987 until 2001 and Director of the same organisation from 2002. Graduated from Monash University in 1991 Diploma of Arts (Human Services Administration).

Helen Yandell

Is the Director of Springvale Monash Legal Service. She has previously worked as a solicitor at the Western Suburbs Legal Service. Before becoming a solicitor, Helen worked for many years in community organisations working with people from culturally & linguistically diverse backgrounds in the adult education sector and prior to that in the disability sector.

Has worked in Human Resources for the past eight years with large commercial law firms. After completing a Bachelor of Arts (with majors in Politics and Human Resources) and a Professional Diploma in Human Resources through the Australian Human Resources Institute, Rebecca has now commenced an MBA with Monash University. Rebecca also spent three years volunteering with Springvale Monash Legal Service, both on reception and as a case worker and now looks forward to working with and contributing to SCAAB.

Community involvement in the South Eastern region since 1983, particularly in community health and community childcare. Graduated from Monash Gippsland - Associate Diploma of Welfare Studies. Access and Equity of Officer at the City of Casey since 1993. Member of the Southern Health Community Advisory Committee.