In Summary

  • Presenter and documentary-maker Helen Kapalos appointed Swinburne’s inaugural Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow for Multicultural Engagement
  • Ms Kapalos has previously worked closely with Swinburne, co-hosting the Victorian Multicultural Film Festival
  • She will consult with Swinburne and provide valuable insights and strategic advice on multicultural engagement programs

Journalist Helen Kapalos has been appointed as Swinburne’s inaugural Vice-Chancellor's Fellow for Multicultural Engagement.

The appointment was announced during Swinburne's ‘Cultural diversity at work’ panel discussion, for which Ms Kapalos was a panellist.

As the former Chair of the Victorian Multicultural Commission, Ms Kapalos has initiated powerful engagement programs with local communities, championed disadvantaged migrant groups and continues to be a tireless advocate for multiculturalism in Victoria.

Ms Kapalos has previously worked closely with Swinburne and has shown a deep commitment to the university’s ongoing multicultural engagement programs, in particular its Charter of Cultural Diversity.

In 2017, Ms Kapalos launched the Victorian Multicultural Commission Film Festival, co-presented with Swinburne as a proud partner and sponsor. The festival provides a powerful platform for Australian filmmakers from  different backgrounds to improve our collective understanding of the many diverse and rich cultures in our society

Ms Kapalos is also an accomplished journalist, presenter and producer with an extensive career in broadcast media.

A Swinburne welcome

Opening the ‘Cultural diversity at work’ panel discussion, Swinburne’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Linda Kristjanson AO, officially welcomed Ms Kapalos to Swinburne.

“The Vice-Chancellor’s Fellowship is a new initiative. Launched this year, it allows us to work more closely with experts in our Swinburne community and seek their input on important issues,” Professor Kristjanson said.

“I commend Helen’s tireless support of marginalised communities and her championing of equity and access principles - principles which are also important to Swinburne.”

Cultural diversity at work panel event at Swinburne
Cultural diversity at work: panel discussion at Swinburne, hosted by Mr Chris Hennessy, featuring Ms Helen Kapalos, Mr William Lye OAM QC and Ms Anoushka Gungadin. 

As Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow, Ms Kapalos will consult with Swinburne and provide valuable insights and strategic advice on multicultural engagement programs and interactions with cultural communities in Victoria.

“I thank the Vice-Chancellor for this incredible opportunity, which comes at a time that we need it most” says Ms Kapalos.

“I feel extraordinarily privileged to be named the inaugural VC’s Fellow for Multicultural Engagement.”

The announcement follows the appointment of the inaugural Vice-Chancellor's Fellow for Indigenous Leadership, Dr Jackie Huggins AM, which was announced as part of Swinburne's Annual Barak-Wonga Oration in August.

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