The board of migrant and refugee settlement agency AMES Australia is pleased to announce the appointment of a new CEO.
Melinda Collinson will start as CEO on August 18, replacing AMES’ retiring incumbent chief executive Cath Scarth.
Ms Collinson brings considerable senior leadership experience within government and the broader public sector to the role.
Most recently, she served as Deputy Secretary at the Department of Transport and Planning and has held a series of executive roles across public agencies.
Ms Collinson has demonstrated experience in leading complex organisations, deliver strategic reform, and operate effectively in stakeholder-rich environments.
AMES Australia Chair Dr Vanda Fortunato welcomed Ms Collinson’s appointment.
“Melinda possesses the experience, leadership qualities, and values necessary to guide AMES Australia in delivering on its strategic priorities and continuing its vital work with migrant and refugee communities,” Dr Fortunato said.
“She will bring the skills and experience to lead AMES into the future, maintaining our vision and mission while seizing the opportunities ahead of us,” she said.
Ms Collinson said she was honoured and excited to be joining the AMES team.
"I am honoured to be joining AMES Australia as its next Chief Executive Officer and advancing our commitment to full participation for all. I acknowledge the significant legacy of Cath Scarth and her contribution to delivering AMES Australia's mission. I look forward to meeting our dedicated team and engaging with our valued Board, stakeholders and clients as we continue fostering an inclusive and diverse society,” she said.
AMES Australia is a leading provider of humanitarian settlement, education, training and employment services to refugees, asylum seekers and newly arrived migrants settling in Australia.
A statutory authority of the Victorian Government, the organisation manages a range of federal and state government contracts including the Humanitarian Settlement Program (HSP), the Skills for Education and Employment Program (SEE), the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) and Workforce Australia.
Each year AMES Australia directly assists more than 40,000 migrants and refugees to find their places in Australian society and touches the lives of more than 150,000 people.
The organisation’s programs are aimed at fostering a sense of belonging among its clients, recognising that social participation is a key ingredient in maintaining social cohesion.
AMES Australia uses a unique strengths-based approach to successful settlement, which recognises and harnesses the resilience of refugees and migrants and builds on their strengths.
Under its vision of ‘full participation for all in a cohesive and diverse society’, the organisation supports migrants and refugees to achieve their social and economic goals.
AMES Australia also works to create community links between its clients, diverse communities and the broader Australian society.