Sandra Elhelw

Sandra is passionate about building an inclusive society where migrants and refugees belong and thrive. She is an experienced executive having worked across government and not for profit sectors.

Sandra is currently the Director of Community Development at Multicultural NSW. Prior to this, she was the CEO of the Settlement Council of Australia, representing over 130 organisations that work with migrants and refugees to build a new life in Australia.

She has advised a range of agencies on access and equity issues including the departments of Home Affairs, Employment, Social Services, Services Australia, Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Australian Human Rights Commission. She has also supported numerous institutions to build their cultural inclusivity in sectors as diverse as banking, legal services, and health.

Sandra’s academic work has been published in international journals, and she is currently undertaking a PhD on domestic and family violence in Australian Muslim communities.