ADEC - Board of Management
Members
Chairperson: Antoinette Khalil
Deputy Chairperson: Nell White
Treasurer: Patrick Testa
Secretary: Adua Merola
- Sophie Holmes
- Jan Ginis
- Maria Carmusciano
- Helen Bryant
Since 2001, the board has taken on a governance role. This is different to a model of management where committee members take on an active role in the day-to-day activities and business of the organisation.
A governance role acknowledges that the role of the board is to:
- Employ the Executive Director
- Set the future direction of the organisation and decide on matters which may impact on its future viability
- Develop, monitor and review policies for the organisation
- Develop policy positions on public policy matters
- Ensure that all accountability and performance measures are met.
Biographies:
Antoinette Khalil-Chairperson
Antoinette Khalil joined ADEC three years ago and has recently been appointed as ADEC's new chairperson. Since migrating to Australia from Egypt Antoinette has lived in Melbourne. Two degrees were completed at Latrobe University including a Bachelor or Arts majoring in legal studies and sociology and a Post Graduate degree in Social Work. Since completing these degrees her professional career has remained within the Department of Justice. To date, most of her career has been in Correctional Services working as a corrections officer and senior Corrections Officer. Six years was spent in management, managing community correctional locations such as Prahran and Carlton.
Antoinette also spent 12 months with the Supreme Court managing staff in the juries division. She joined the OPA in April 2000 and enjoys her current position as an advocate/guardian. Antoinette also sits on the Executive Committee with the Bonnie Babes Foundation as a volunteer. The BBF is an organisation that provides counselling and raises funds for research into still birth, miscarriage and pre mature birth of babies. When not working Antoinette enjoys movies, cooking, entertaining friends and family at home, travelling, reading and the gym.
Nell White- Deputy Chairperson
Nell is an independent documentary film producer. After working for a number of production companies as well as the ABC she set up her own production company in 2000. Since then she has produced a range of documentaries for television as well as interactive documentaries for the Internet, including “A Year on the Wing”, and the soon to be released “A Stowaways Guide to the Pacific”. Prior to working in the film industry, Nell produced a range of performing arts and environment projects with communities around the world, including the internationally acclaimed "Waderbirds -Odyssey of the Wetlands". With extensive background in research and policy development for government, she maintains an interest in a range of public policy areas.
Patrick Testa (Treasurer) Patrick was born in Thailand and grew up in South East Asia. His family migrated to Australia in 1986. His father came from central Italy and mother from East Africa. Patrick completed undergraduate studies at the University of Melbourne in Political Science and Law and postgraduate studies at Deakin University in Economics and Marketing. His paid work involves the co-ordination of Deakin University’s international marketing and recruitment of international students as Associate Director (International Marketing). He is also able to speak a number of languages. His work on the Board of Management focuses on the development of the governance model using his legal skills. He did not want his legal education to be unused, especially considering the disenfranchisement of so many people. He has been committed to working with people who suffer double disenfranchisement. As someone who is also committed to his local community, he thought ADEC was an appropriate organisation to which he could make a commitment. He has been with the Board since August, 2000.
Adua Merola (Secretary) Adua is vision impaired, but the disability does not hinder her from leading a very busy life. Adua works as a Do Care Volunteer where she visits elderly people, and is also a Lifeline bilingual volunteer counsellor. Adua is employed to work in a Aged Care Facility as a service assistant, which involves organising activities such as bingo, massages for residents, along with preparing meals, being an advocate for residents, and working one on one with people suffering from dementia.
Adua was the “social secretary” for the Blind Workers Union, where she organised functions, and raffles. Adua competed in the Blind Olympics at Seoul in 1984. The events she competed in were the long jump, 100m and 200m. Adua also enjoys tandem bike riding (pedalling behind the front rider), writing poetry and short stories.
Adua has been on the ADEC Board for 12 months, and has been secretary for that period of time. Learning quickly about the Boards operations, Adua is a very positive person and does not let adversity stand in her way.
Other Board members
Jan Ginis
Jan is employed as a Specialist Audiologist and Clinical Adviser with Australian Hearing. As part of her role, she is required to deliver academic and other papers, internationally and around Australia.
She joined the Board of Management at the annual general meeting in 2000.
Maria Carmusciano
Maria became involved with ADEC approximately 18 years ago, as her son had a severe disability. ADEC provided Maria with information and assistance with services and with carer support.
ADEC also provides Maria with an outlet, where Maria is able to meet with other caregivers and professionals to share and exchange experiences, and to also have general communications.
Maria chose to get involved with ADEC as it was and is an avenue to share her views and experience within the disability network. Maria feels that by being actively involved with ADEC, she is able to provide a voice for the people through being a representative for the disabled. It also ensures participation in other various avenues of discussions which are held to benefit others.
Maria has been on the Board since November 2004 and has thoroughly enjoyed her role and the challenges it brings. Maria feels valued by ADEC and appreciates the opportunity to put something back into the system, which she has obtained so much from.