Ipswich City Council has appointed six community members to be external advisors to its Multicultural Advisory Committee.
The Multicultural Advisory Committee was formed in May 2025 as a platform to engage Ipswich’s multicultural communities and help shape the many initiatives, projects and support services that council provides.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said council received 34 applications during an expression of interest period for the new external advisor roles.
“We were incredibly impressed by the calibre of applicants. Ms Gail Ker is one of Australia’s most respected leaders in migrant settlement, and her experience supporting newly arrived communities will be a tremendous asset to this committee,” Mayor Harding said.
“Mr Thiew Atem combines engineering expertise with deep community service, particularly through his work mentoring young people and supporting African communities.
“Dr Aparna Hebbani brings global academic experience and a strong record of working with marginalised communities, ensuring our decisions are grounded in real community insight.
“Mr Ponga Whakatihi Pompey’s Māori values of connection and care, and his commitment to youth voice and cultural identity, will strengthen our engagement across diverse communities.
“Dr Mahan Mohammadi’s public health expertise, especially in CALD community wellbeing, will help guide council’s efforts to support residents who are often underserved.
“Mr Bakari Mustafa brings strong digital innovation skills and a deep commitment to cultural preservation and community empowerment, particularly through his work supporting refugee communities and mentoring young people.
“Together, these advisors bring cultural depth, professional expertise and lived experience that will meaningfully shape our work with multicultural communities.”
The six external advisors appointed are:
- Ms Gail Ker
- Mr Thiew Atem
- Dr Aparna Hebbani
- Mr Ponga Whakatihi Pompey
- Dr Mahan Mohammadi
- Mr Bakari Mustafa.
Division 1 Councillor Pye Augustine, who chairs the Multicultural Advisory Committee, said the appointment of external advisors marked an important milestone for the committee.
“After a thorough and diligent process, we have appointed some exceptional external members who will bring invaluable insight, experience and cultural wisdom to our work,” Cr Augustine said.
“Each one was deserving, each one reflecting the strengths and diversity of our community.
“Their lived experiences, professional expertise and cultural knowledge will enrich advisory committee discussion and strengthen the advice provided to council.”
The roles of external members include providing informed advice and perspectives on Ipswich’s multicultural communities and to also provide strategic advice on planning, policy development, service design and resource allocation affecting multicultural communities.
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