Settlement Services International CEO Violet Roumeliotis AM has been appointed to the NSW Ageing and Disability Advisory Board.

Roumeliotis’ appointment to the board of the NSW Ageing and Disability Commission will bring a wealth of experience working with older Australians and those with disability who come from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. New members appointed to the NSW Ageing and Disability Advisory Board will bolster the representation of people with disability and older people with diverse needs.

SSI’s work in the disability sector includes delivering services under the National Disability Insurance Scheme in Sydney and South West Sydney; providing Disability Employment Services in NSW and Queensland, and running a business start-up program for people with disability.

In addition, SSI was recently selected to deliver a Federal Government program to help upskill and grow the nation’s home care workforce.

Roumeliotis is a social entrepreneur, diversity champion and long-time advocate for vulnerable people and communities.

“I’m delighted to be appointed to this important role and have the opportunity to contribute to the critical work of the NSW Ageing and Disability Commission,” Roumeliotis said.

“I look forward to working with Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald AM, Advisory Board Chair Professor Eileen Baldry, and the other esteemed board members to advise the commission in its work protecting older adults and people with disability from abuse, neglect and exploitation and to promote their fundamental human rights.”

Roumeliotis is one of four new board members, with another 10 reappointed.

Roumeliotis has also recently been appointed as Deputy Chair of the SBS Community Advisory Committee and Deputy President of the Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS).

Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald AM said the Board has been instrumental in providing advice on how to best respond to issues related to the abuse of older people and adults with disability in their family, home and community.

“Over the past two years, the Board has set a strong foundation that has informed our work raising awareness about abuse and neglect of older people and adults with disability” he said.

“We have now strengthened the diversity of the Board to ensure we’re representing the needs and interests of the community. Members include older persons, people with disability, carers, advocates and people who represent multicultural, First Nations and regional communities.

I look forward to continuing this work and promoting the rights of older people and adults with disability in NSW to live free from abuse.”