42
Years
Serving the community
33
Different Languages
Our diverse staff can speak
1700+
Happy Clients
Who trust in our services
200
Compassionate Staff
Working for change

ADEC’s Mission and Vision

ADEC’s Mission

We advocate for and support one fair and inclusive community in which all people can achieve their optimum potential regardless of culture, ability, or age.

ADEC’s Vision

To be the leader in innovative advocacy, disability and aged care services to multicultural Victoria.

ADEC Values

ADEC believes that all people today have a right to quality services that meet their needs, that are inclusive and humane, and that respect the diversity of the community. Our cornerstone values are

Accountability

We take responsibility for our actions and the results of our actions

Diversity

We consider that every individual has inherent value and dignity, provides a unique perspective, and therefore provides a valuable contribution to the work and life of ADEC and the broader society

Empathy

We respect the feelings of others and consider them before acting

Connection

We believe that there is strength in being part of a community, and that working together we can achieve our purposes

Our Story

ADEC started as a small group of passionate people advocating for the rights of people with disabilities from within Victoria’s ethnic communities.

Today, ADEC has over 200 staff who speak 33 different languages and support over 1700 happy clients. ADEC continues to advocate with unwavering dedication to empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds, championing the cause of equality, and nurturing community cohesion.

Our Ambassador, Effie Meehan, is one of those passionate people, and one of the founders of ADEC. Effie still works to advocate for people with disabilities from ethnic communities.

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AIFPL Launch | Tasmania Tickets | TryBooking Australia

ADEC has been admitted as an Organisation Member of the Australian Institute of For-Purpose Leaders (AIFPL). This milestone reflects our continued commitment to leadership excellence within the for-purpose sector.

Why Choose ADEC?

We Speak Your Language

At ADEC we celebrate diversity. We have bilingual staff that can speak over 33 different languages. We provide free translation services, so you know exactly what is happening when we assist you.

Compassionate and Qualified Team

Our team is highly qualified and regularly trained. We are a compassionate group, committed to equality, and driven by making a positive impact. We understand the importance of cultural nuances and personal preferences for care.

Decades of Experience

ADEC has served the community for over 42 years as a not-for-profit. Today we service a very large number of ethnic communities with the widest range of support services.

Advocates For Change

We believe that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, and we work tirelessly to advocate for and create positive change in the disability and aged care sectors.

Our Locations

South Morang
Level 1, U22/855 Plenty Road, South Morang, VIC 3752
Postal Address
PO Box 40, South Morang, VIC 3752
Dandenong
1/50 Thomas Street, Dandenong, VIC 3175

History

1981 – 1985
  • October 17, 1981: Bernie Leeman and Effie Meehan meet at the International Year of Disabled People event. ADEC project becomes an independent organisation. They and others of the Committee of Ethnicity and Disability undertake a research project through the Ethnic Communities Council to determine the needs of communities.
  • Funds are received from the Commonwealth Schools Commission Severely Handicapped Children’s Program to commence an ADEC project.
  • October 17, 1983 : ADEC project becomes an independent organisation.
  • November 1984: November, first AGM held at Carringbush Library.
  • ADEC survives on seed funding from the Commonwealth Schools Commission, grants from trusts and Commonwealth Employment Program funding.
1986- 1990
  • 1986 : ADEC in financial crisis. Director Silvana Scibilia secures emergency funding from Federal Government for nine months.
  • 1987: ADEC secures funding from Commonwealth and State Governments for a four-year demonstration project.
  • ADEC relocates with ten staff to 123-125 Sydney Road, Brunswick.
  • 1988 : Director Liz Papanicolaou commences to implement restructure and three-year plan.
  • 1989 : First Home and Community Care (HACC) project commences.
  • ADEC’s mental health program begins as the ethnic access psychiatric project.
1991-95
  • 1991: Gabriel Maligeorges promoted to Director with Maria Cesarello as chairperson.
  • 1992 : ADEC restructures and adopts generalist advocacy model.
  • 1993 : ADEC hosts the first national conference of its kind in Melbourne, ‘The Impact of Disability in Ethnic Communities; Meeting the Challenge’. Education and Training Unit is formed.
  • 1994 : First HACC Social Support group for carers commences.
  • 1995 : Constitution reviewed. ADEC memberships doubles.
1996 – 2000
  • 1996 : ADEC facilitates the establishment of the National Ethnic Disability Alliance (NEDA).
  • ADEC relocates from Brunswick to 13 Munro Street, Coburg.
  • 1997 : A Statewide and a Northern region HACC Equity and Access Projects are now operating.
  • 2000 : Licia Kokocinski commences as Director with Patrick Testa as Chairperson.
2001-05
  • 2002: HACC Social Support Program increases to 11 carers groups across three regions.
  • Multicultural Family Respite service commences. Community Reference Group established.
  • 2004: ADEC relocates to Preston after Coburg building is damaged in storm.
  • 2005: ADEC launches five-year strategic plan 2005-2010.
  • First annual ArtAbility Exhibition held at Gasworks Park.
2006-2010
  • 2006 : ADEC receives funding for Northern Region Network Coordinator.
  • Education and Training Unit program expands in partnership with Mediquest.
  • ADEC now delivers four mental health support groups.
  • 2007 : Statewide conference on ethnicity, ageing and mental health is held.
  • 2008 : ADEC receives federal funding for respite services.
  • 25th anniversary celebration at Coburg Town Hall.
  • North West Partnership launched. “Fighting for equality: The story of ADEC” written by Meyer Eidelson is published.
  • 2009 : Effie Meehan receives an award for her long-term contribution to ADEC.
  • 2010 : ADEC’s legal name remains as Action on Disability within Ethnic Communities but our trading name becomes: ADEC – Advocacy, Disability, Ethnicity, and Community.
  • ADEC becomes a Registered Training Organisation.
2011-2015
  • 2011 : ADEC create a partnership with the Immigrating Museum and presents the “Fighting for Equity” Exhibition.
  • 2012 : ADEC opens the first Digital Respite Program for 6 to 17 years old.
  • Keith Hitchen appointed as the new Executive Director with Sophie Holmes as Chairperson
  • 2013 : Access and Support Unit commences.
  • ADEC opens Dandenong and Werribee Offices.
2016-2020
  • 2016 : ADEC becomes a registered NDIS provider.
  • 2017 : Melissa Elston appointed as the new Executive Director with Sophie Holmes as Chairperson.
  • 2019 : ADEC purchases its first property at Dandenong.
2021-2025

Volunteering

ADEC provides support to people with disabilities, their carers and families from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Volunteering can be a truly rewarding experience

  • You will make a difference in someone else’s life as well as your own.
  • Volunteering will give you the opportunity to make new friends and to develop new skills.
  • Working as a volunteer can improve your chances of entering further training or paid work.
  • You may be able to strengthen your own cultural identity by sharing it with others.

It is easy to get started as an ADEC volunteer. Complete this form below to express your interest in volunteering and our recruitment team will contact you shortly.

For information about our current volunteer positions and opportunities please contact us on email: recruitment@adec.org.au

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