Farewell Board members
Published January 2024
Melissa Monteiro and Trevor Robertson have both served on the Anti-Discrimination NSW Board since August 2017. They leave the Board at the end of January 2024 after serving the maximum number of terms permitted.
ADNSW President Helen McKenzie thanks Melissa and Trevor for their support, energy and dedication to the elimination of discrimination in NSW.
“They will be missed, and both personally and on behalf of everyone in the ADNSW team I would like to wish them both all the very best for the future”, Helen said.
Trevor Robertson
Trevor’s role at ADNSW was an extension of his long-standing interest in disability rights, the ageing population, and workplace equality. Having worked and been a respected leader in a range of organisations including the Navy and Federal Attorney General’s Department, Trevor brought valuable experience to our Board.
Trevor says his involvement in a range of business, school, and community sports programs has shown him the benefits of diversity and how it strengthens and enriches communities and organisations.
“These benefits can only be fully realised when championed by individuals, businesses and organisations such as ADNSW”, Trevor said.
“It is essential that people know that discrimination does not have to be accepted, and that they are empowered to call out discrimination because it is against the law.
“I am very proud to have been part of ADNSW, an agency committed to diversity and inclusion. There is still a lot of work to do in this area and I look forward to seeing the progress continue.
“I hope that, along with my other Board colleagues, my efforts have contributed to making NSW a more inclusive and equitable state.”
We wish Trevor all the best as he enjoys spending more time with his family.
Melissa Monteiro
Melissa’s appointment to the ADNSW Board aligned well with her other work, and her passionate commitment to social justice, humanitarian resettlement, and to supporting and advocating for migrant and refugee women.
Melissa is the CEO of the Community Migrant Resource Centre, Chair of the Settlement Council of Australia, and has almost 30 years of experience in the community sector. She has served on the ADNSW Board in addition to being an Executive Board Member of the Police and Multicultural Advisory Council.
Melissa says we need to address discrimination in all areas of public life if people from refugee and migrant backgrounds are to settle successfully.
“Newly arrived communities are, for example, at high risk of homelessness and exploitation in the rental market. Even when housing is available, they can face discrimination based on cultural racism and a lack of understanding”, Melissa said.
“Every day I know that by the work we do we are making a difference and helping people at a time when they are most vulnerable.”
We wish Melissa all the best as she continues her other professional roles.
Last updated:
20 Jun 2024
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