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Ross Barnett
Diversity Consultant
Professional Background
Ross Barnett is a highly experienced consultant in the diversity space, specializing in a range of areas including strategic planning, facilitation, stakeholder management, governance, grant writing, and policy development. His extensive career began in 1990 and has seen him become a staunch advocate for cultural diversity, multiculturalism, and the settlement of migrants and refugees in Australia. Ross has held significant roles such as Director of the Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria, CEO of the Russian Welfare Society, and Director of the South Eastern Migrant and Refugee Centre. With a firm belief in the power of a diverse society, Ross has worked tirelessly to promote the positive contributions that migrants and refugees make to Australia, fostering a fairer, more tolerant, and prospering society.
Throughout his career, Ross has championed initiatives that ensure newcomers to Australia are welcomed in a manner that maximizes their ability to integrate successfully into their new environment. He has dedicated his efforts to ensuring that migrants are granted equality of opportunity to pursue their aspirations, all while navigating societal challenges. His experience spans across all three tiers of government in Australia as well as working within the not-for-profit sector in regions including the United Kingdom, New South Wales, South Australia, and Victoria.
Education and Achievements
Ross's strong educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Politics from Monash University and further studies in Social Work at Flinders University. His academic credentials have equipped him with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complex intersection of social issues and community needs. Furthermore, his ongoing commitment to the field of cultural diversity is reflected through his various board memberships and leadership roles.
He has served as a Board member of the Russian Welfare Society, where he played an essential role in guiding the organization towards fulfilling its mission of supporting the Russian-speaking community in Australia. Additionally, as the Chairperson of the Victorian Local Government Multicultural Issues Network, Ross has led discussions and initiatives aimed at addressing multicultural issues at a regional level, impacting policy and service delivery for diverse communities. His role as a member of the Northern Region Victorian Multicultural Commission Regional Advisory Council further demonstrates his dedication to enhancing the wellbeing of multicultural populations in the area. Ross also contributes valuable insights to the VEC Advisory Committee, participating in discussions that shape electoral processes within diverse contexts.
One of the hallmarks of Ross’s career was the recognition he received in 2017 when he was awarded the Meritorious Award for Service to the Community. Presented at Government House by VMC Chairperson Helen Kapalos, this honor underscores his impactful contributions to community service and multicultural advocacy. Ross's reputation as an effective thought leader and change agent in the field of diversity is well deserved and highlights his commitment to social justice.
Notable Contributions
Ross has held numerous notable positions in his career. Some of his previous roles include serving as the Multicultural & Aboriginal Strategic Advisor for the City of Whittlesea, where he provided valuable insights into culturally relevant service delivery in a local government context. At the Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria, as Director, he advocated for the rights and recognition of minority communities across the state.
In his capacity as Manager Client Services at MHA Care Group, Ross played a critical role in developing programs that cater to the needs of marginalized communities, ensuring they receive the appropriate support required to thrive in Australia. His dedication continued as the CEO of the Russian Welfare Society, where he ensured that the organization provided crucial services and resources to Russian-speaking migrants and refugees.
Ross’s leadership was further exemplified during his time as Director at the Southern Migrant & Refugee Centre, where he spearheaded initiatives aimed at rebuilding the lives of refugees and migrants through sustained support and community engagement. Additionally, as the Manager of the Legal Interpreting Service at the Victorian Government, Ethnic Affairs Commission, he was instrumental in facilitating communication and understanding among diverse groups, enhancing access to legal resources for non-English speaking individuals.
Overall, Ross Barnett's career reflects a deep commitment to advocating for cultural diversity and ensuring that migrants and refugees have the support they need to flourish in their new country. His strategic insights and extensive experience across various sectors not only benefit the organizations he has served, but they also contribute to a more inclusive Australian society. Ross continues to inspire and lead in the diversity space, as he assists organizations and communities in navigating the complexities of multicultural engagement and service delivery.
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