Paula is the founder of St. Merkorious Charity. She has a Bachelor of Commerce with a double major in Marketing and Finance. She worked in the corporate world for many years until she decided to dedicate her life to assist the disadvantaged.
Dorian is principal lawyer at Infocus Legal, specialising in property law. Previously, he worked at the NSW Commission for Children & Young People and worked on numerous projects to improve the safety, welfare and well-being of young people.
Patrick Chow is a Chartered Accountant. He spent 18 years with Coopers & Lybrand (now PricewaterhouseCoopers) and since 2003 ran Prolink Business Solutions, providing business, accounting and taxation advice to small and medium enterprises.
CEO of the Canterbury-Bankstown Chamber of Commerce, Wally is dedicated to bringing together the Canterbury-Bankstown community. Hardworking and well-connected, Wally works to ensure all that Western Sydney is premiere place to live, study, work, and do business.
Daniel Nicolas is one of the Directors of Dasco Australia, bringing his passion and care for the community to life through his career in construction and through his philanthropy and charitable work.
Diaa Shaker is the principal and founder of Terra Ferma. With 20 years of experience shaping his business acumen and outstanding business management, Diaa is exceptional at turning vision into reality.
Collette has been a Director and Co-Founder at Montessori Academy and is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the centres. Colette ensures that excellence in early childhood education remains at the core of Montessori Academy.
Professor Fadia held the post of Dean of Dentistry at The Lebanese University and founded a global charity (Auxilia) in 1990, now serving 523 families. In Australia, apart from her extensive charitable works, Prof. Fadia was the former President of the ALF at the University of Sydney for many years.
Lara Nicolas holds a Bachelor of Arts and has recently completed a course in interior design. She has been a dedicated committee member of St. Merkorious Charity since its founding and feels privileged to contribute to such a meaningful cause. In addition to her long-standing involvement in charitable initiatives, Lara is currently engaged in working with children with special needs—an experience she finds deeply rewarding.
Nelly holds a Bachelor of Computer Science. Recently, she completed a Diploma in Graphic Design and is currently working in accounting within the hospitality industry and property development field. Her passion to make a difference in people lives prompts her to help fundraise for different worthy causes, most importantly breast cancer research.
Having first supported the poor through a church in Aleppo, Hala holds a degree in Business Administration and now assists at nursing homes and various charities. Hala is a member of St John’s Social Committee to support the Melkite Church.
Rosa holds a degree in Nursing & has worked in nursing & childcare for years. She has served the homeless via St. Paul’s Mission and now volunteers at Cocos & Jesus Care Charity where she serves the homeless and reaches out to disadvantaged communities.
Amira has been with the charity for over 10 years, supporting office operations, executive coordination, client relations and service delivery. She brings experience from Commonwealth Bank and other organisations across various industries. With a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and further studies in Leadership and Management, she offers practical knowledge, reliability and carries out her role with dedication, professionalism and genuine care for the people the charity serves.
Jackie has a strong background in executive assistance, administration, financial services, and customer service. She has held key roles at Commonwealth Financial Services and a private accountancy firm. Known for her organisational skills, attention to detail, and personable approach, Jackie is a valuable team member whose dedication aligns well with the charity's mission and values.
Joya, a semi-professional tennis player, has competed in national tournaments across Australia and internationally. With a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Diploma in Art Therapy, she brings a unique approach to our team, blending athletic discipline with a deep passion for mental well-being and creative expression.
Christie Nicolas is an accomplished social media manager with experience working in Marketing across different industries. She is currently completing a Bachelor of Business, Majoring in Marketing at the University of Technology Sydney. Christie also volunteers each fortnight to feed and assist the disadvantaged in various points in Sydney.
Mike Dalzell has an extensive knowledge of the construction industry its processes and equipment with over 40 years of experience. He is and has been employed as a WHS Compliance and industrial manager for over 20 years and is involved with up to 30 construction projects per annum.
Jason is currently the Member for Strathfield in the New South Wales State Parliament. Before Parliament, Jason was Chairman of investment firm Vantage Asia and Managing Director of corporate advisory firm YSA. Jason is also a Pro-Chancellor of the University of Sydney, Fellow of the University of Sydney Senate and Chair of the University’s Risk and Audit Committee. He is also a director of student accommodation company Belong Here, Chair of Refugee Talent, a director of Asialink and a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum.
Jason was a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on China, a non-executive director of the George Institute for Global Health, an Eisenhower Fellow and a Governing Member of the Smith Family. He has also been a Director of the Sydney Institute, the National Centre for Volunteering, the Asia Australia Institute and Youth Chair of the NSW Ethnic Communities Council.
