Former Canning councillor Yaso Ponnuthurai has moved into a new role, elected as the president of the Ethnic Communities Council of WA at their AGM last week.
The Willetton resident was voted into the position following the departure of long-time president Suresh Rajan.
She said the decision to put her hand up for the position was an easy one to make.
“This is the peak body which lobbies and advocates for the entire Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) community in Western Australia,” she said.
“I want to strengthen the members rights and needs, and I thought it was a good opportunity to give my best to them.”
Ms Ponnuthurai said one of her first priorities would be to raise the profile of ECCWA in political circles and the mainstream community service sector.
“I’m also looking to source more funding from political and private sectors,” she said.
“I want to work with the business sector and our politicians to further the needs of the migrant community.”
She also had nothing but praise for Mr Rajan.
“He’s done a fantastic job and I respect all the work he’s done.
“I hope I’m able to follow in his footsteps, my leadership style will be different certainly but I’m excited to continue his great work.
“My leadership style is an inclusive one and my team approach will focus on board members, as well as our staff who are ably led by our CEO, Vivienne Pillay.”
