Our Team

  • Emeritus Professor Joseph Camilleri OAM

    Emeritus Professor Joseph Camilleri OAM

    CONVENOR

    Joseph is Emeritus Professor, La Trobe University and Managing Director of Alexandria Agenda. He was founding Director of the Centre for Dialogue, La Trobe University (2006-2012), and has authored or edited some thirty books and more than 100 book chapters and journal articles. He has lectured and worked with many organisations in Australia and internationally around issues of governance, cultural diversity, education, dialogue, peace and security, and human rights. In recent years he has convened some twenty national and international dialogues and conferences. He is the recipient of the Order of Australia Medal, and a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Social Sciences.

  • Emma-leigh Theobald

    DEPUTY CONVENOR

    Emma-leigh is currently undertaking a Master of International Relations at Deakin University, building on her Honours research, which explored the historical and ongoing implications of British-led nuclear testing in the Pacific. Her work aims to shed light on the lasting repercussions of these events and advocate for political accountability and justice.

    She previously completed a Bachelor of Arts with a triple major in History, Literature, and Anthropology, and now works at Deakin University as a Student Advisor, supporting students on their educational journeys.

    Emma-leigh draws on her background in marketing and student engagement to foster meaningful dialogue and equip individuals with the necessary tools for change.

  • Rana Ebrahimi

    TREASURER

    Rana Ebrahimi is the National Manager of the Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network. Previously, Rana was Community Engagement Manager at Cancer Council Victoria and the Co-founder/Director of Human Equity Consulting. She is a board member and leader of the Australian Iranian Society of Victoria (AISOV). Rana is the first Iranian woman to be Head of Office for the United Nation High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Iran. In 2018, Rana led the Reducing Racism project with the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC). She holds a Master of International Law with a thesis focusing on Afghan Refugee’s predicament in Iran.

  • K.C. Boey

    COMMITTEE MEMBER

  • Eshan Arya

    COMMITTEE MEMBER

  • Sobur Dhieu

    COMMITTEE MEMBER

  • Eddie Kowalski

    COMMITTEE MEMBER

  • Ahmad Nasir

    COMMITTEE MEMBER

  • Laurance Splitter

    COMMITTEE MEMBER

  • Shobha Varkey

    COMMITTEE MEMBER

  • Bartley McGown

    COMMITTEE MEMBER

  • Robiel Abraham

    COMMITTEE MEMBER

  • Claire Woods

    COMMITTEE MEMBER

Previous Committee Members

Elaine Young

Vuong bich Tram Huynh

Nail Aykan

Alex Barilaro

COMMITTEE MEMBER

Alessandro (Alex) Barilaro is a dedicated PhD student at Deakin University, delving into the intricate tapestry of history. He recently graduated with an Honours degree, complemented by his previous studies in Journalism. Alex's intellectual curiosity is fervently fuelled by a desire to understand how pivotal moments have reshaped our world.

His professional experience in the media has moulded his value of genuine and authentic discourse. With a keen interest in the 20th century and a desire to write and share stories, he has a particular interest in class disparity and social justice, as well as a determination to instigate and encourage conversations about climate change and the lessons of history.

Jelena Kovacevic

Kristian Camilleri

COMMITTEE MEMBER

Kristian Camilleri is a Senior Lecturer in the History and Philosophy of Science program in the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies at the University of Melbourne. Kristian has published in the history and philosophy of modern physics, and has collaborated with other scholars from around the world on the History and Foundations of Quantum Physics project. In 2009 he published a book entitled 'Heisenberg and the Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics: The Physicist as Philosopher' with Cambridge University Press. His research interests include the interpretations of quantum mechanics, the interplay between culture, philosophy and physics in the first half of the twentieth century, the structure of thought experiments in science and and the changing role of 'popular science' in the scientific culture of the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

Rashad Seedeen

John Ball

Susan Lengyel

SECRETARY

Susan is a Liaison Officer (Creative Industries) at the Victorian Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions. Susan has worked for many years in environmental sustainability and urban policy. She has been involved in many grass roots movements, including community-sustained agriculture, food cooperatives and those enhancing urban ecology. Susan values opportunities to learn different perspectives and experiences of human connection to nature. She wants to see communities engage in open dialogue about health, wellbeing and environment, and play a greater participatory role in politics.