Board Member
About the Organisation:
Ishar Multicultural Women's Health Services provides culturally sensitive health and wellbeing services to women including women from refugee and migrant backgrounds using a ‘Social Model of Health’ in which the presenting ‘medical’ condition is not separated from the interconnections of personal, social, economic, cultural, age and gender related problems. Women are provided with information, advice, counselling, training, advocacy and/or support so they are empowered to deal with their own problems.
Because of its focus on the broader issues of ‘health and wellbeing’, the programs offered by Ishar cover a wide range of areas including therapeutic and preventative physical and mental health; carer support; exercise and nutrition; education and training; ante-natal/post-natal care; parenting skills and social inclusion, all of which are developed to accommodate the special needs of women, including refugee women from culturally diverse backgrounds.
Ishar operates an ongoing clinical health service including services provided by a Female GP and midwife addressing women's reproductive health issues; ante-natal/post-natal care and support; psychology and counselling services; health promotion services, and physical activity program.
Ishar delivers a Family Support Service addressing parenting styles and values; preservation of, and expectations between cultures; family relationships; the legal system; domestic and family violence, social welfare and employment information, all of which helps to improve understanding, increase opportunities and develop a good quality lifestyle.
Ishar also delivers a Carer Support Service for the carers of adults with mental health problems, providing individual counselling and support, weekly group activities and information sessions and respite opportunities.
Additionally, dependent upon the availability of government or philanthropic funding, Ishar undertakes a range of projects, often proposed or initiated by clients, addressing social, emotional and health issues relevant to settlement and inclusion into local community and Australian society.
Each year Ishar delivers services to women from over 80 ethnicities and makes over 50,000 service contacts. It is staffed by women, many of who come from refugee or migrant backgrounds.
Our Vision
Inspiring women, families and communities
Our Mission
To provide inclusive, holistic and culturally sensitive services for women and their families, promoting healthy communities.
Our Values
Respect
Integrity
Commitment
Collaboration
Position Description:
Ishar Multicultural Women's Health Centre is governed by a voluntary, all-female Board of Directors dedicated to providing culturally sensitive, proactive and progressive governance to direct the activities of the organisation in accordance with the Constitution, and current Strategic and Business Plans.
The Board meets monthly (currently on the first Wednesday evening of the month), and between meetings communicates as required via email and/or telephone. Board meetings are held in person and via Teams alternating between each mode every month. In a year 10 Board meetings plus the AGM are held. No meetings are held in January.
Skills Sought
Legal expertise, particularly in non-profit governance and compliance
Fundraising experience
Selection Criteria:
There are 2 general Board Member positions currently vacant for which nominations are sought.
Nominees with tertiary qualifications and well-rounded skills, understanding and experience in provision of non-government services in addition to a passionate belief in the empowerment of women, particularly women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, are encouraged to apply.
Of importance is experience in the not-for-profit sector of community services provision.
How to apply:
Please send your Resume and Cover Letter enumerating your interest in the role to the Chairperson- Zainab Zaki on zainab.zaki92@gmail.com or call 0404 969 751, if you want to find out more about the role.
Alternatively, you can email your resume and a Cover Letter to the Vice Chair- Simmone Sharp on Simmone.Sharp@telethonkids.org.au or call Simmone on 0423 241 338.
Closing Date 10th June 2025