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Celia Finch
Senior Project Officer, Closing the Gap at Aboriginal Affairs NSW
Professional Background
Celia Finch is a distinguished professional in the field of project management and policy development, particularly concerning migration and settlement issues. With a strong commitment to public service, she currently serves in the New South Wales (NSW) public service as a vital team member supporting REFUGEES and migrants under the leadership of Professor Peter Shergold AC, the NSW Coordinator General for Refugee Resettlement. Celia's career reflects significant contributions to humanitarian and policy initiatives, demonstrating her ability to blend practical project management skills with deep policy insights.
Before her current role in Australia, Celia gained valuable international experience while residing in Indonesia. Here, she worked as a consultant for the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), focusing primarily on internal displacement issues. Her work involved crucial aspects of security sector reform — particularly in implementing community policing strategies in various regions, including Papua, West Papua, and Maluku. Additionally, she played a pivotal role in enhancing the capacity of civil society organisations, particularly with disaster risk reduction initiatives in Aceh. Celia's international exposure has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of complex migration issues, stakeholder engagement, and capacity-building methodologies.
Education and Achievements
Celia's academic foundation is equally impressive, having earned a Bachelor of International and Global Studies with a concentration in Political Economy and French from The University of Sydney. She later pursued her Masters in International Security, specializing in International Relations and National Security Studies, graduating with Distinction from the same prestigious institution. Her educational pursuits have significantly contributed to her expertise in global migration dynamics, security policies, and humanitarian efforts.
Throughout her career, Celia has held various positions that reflect her versatility and in-depth knowledge. She has served as a Senior Project Officer for Closing the Gap at Aboriginal Affairs NSW, where she led initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Aboriginal communities in alignment with state policies.
Celia's tenure at Multicultural NSW stands out as she progressed through various roles, including Acting Senior Policy Officer and Policy Officer in the Settlement Unit. In these capacities, she played a crucial role in formulating policies and programs that fostered multiculturalism and supported the settlement of diverse communities across New South Wales. Her former position as Director at Lighthouse Partnerships further demonstrates her leadership capabilities in managing partnerships and collaborations that drive community development initiatives.
In addition to her policy work, Celia also contributed her expertise to the Australian Red Cross as a Project Officer. Her work there focused on humanitarian responses and disaster relief, further highlighting her commitment to aiding vulnerable populations.
Notable Contributions
Celia Finch's career exemplifies her dedication to enhancing the quality of life for migrants, refugees, and vulnerable communities. Her multifaceted experience in migration policy, community engagement, and international relations positions her as a prominent figure in her field. By participating in significant projects and initiatives, Celia has made substantial contributions to fostering societal well-being through effective and empathetic policy-making and program implementation.
As she continues her current role with the NSW public service, there is a keen anticipation for her future contributions, especially in critical areas related to refugee resettlement and community integration. Celia's ability to apply her educational background in International Security, paired with practical experience in conflict-affected regions and collaborative policy frameworks, underscores her prominence as a thought leader in migration and settlement issues.