BRMC History

BRMC is a non-profit community based organisation formed as a result of a consultation organised by the City of Ballarat in 1999 which determined the need to provide a range of culturally sensitive services and support to our migrant communities throughout the Central Highlands Region.

In early 1999, a Steering Committee of 10 people was formed.  BRMC and its constitution were formed in December 1999.

Today, BRMC has its headquarters located at Golden Point Learning and Cultural Environment (GPLACE)  at 102 English Street Golden Point and has its Settlement Services office at 504 Mair Street, Ballarat City.

BRMC Original Steering Committee

Dr Sundram Sivamalai
Ms Sulaika Dhanapala
Mr Frank Williams
Mr Ron Males – German-Austrian Assoc. Member
Felicity Stehlik, German-Austrian Assoc. Member
Ms Claudia Tresoldi-McLean
Lakshmi Maksay
John Lawrence
Joe Pavlovic, Commissioner, VMC.
John Pandazopoulos - Commissioner, VMC. 

Chairpersons of BRMC

1999 - 2002 - Dr Sundram Sivamalai

2002 - 2005 - Ms Sulaika Dhanapala

2005 - 2007 - Mr George Fong

2007 - 2009 - Mr Frank Williams

2009 - 2010 - Ms Talia Barrett

2010 - 2011 - Frank Williams

BRMC Developments - Timeline

1999 - Steering Committee appointed

2000 - BRMC Incorporated

2001 - BRMC's first office opens in Norman Street, Wendouree

2001 - Early 2001,  BRMC's first paid worker employed, HACC program

2001 - Late 2001, Mentor Coordinator Litsa Chung appointed, 10 hours per week         

2001 - Late 2001 Talia Barrett appointed as English Language Tutor/Coordinator, 5 hours per week

2002 - Evie Dichiera, Cultural Officer appointed

2002 - Migration Law Outreach Program began

2003 - Award for Excellence in Multicultural Affairs/Service Delivery received from the Victorian Multicultural Commission

2004 - July, BRMC relocated to 504 Mair Street

2004 - Telelink Program began

2004 - BRMC's first Coordinator appointed (8 hours per week)

2006 - Mentor Coordinator Program became funded full time and became the SGP Program.

2006 - IHSS Program Coordinator appointed.

2008 - December.  BRMC's office at GPLACE at 102 English Street, Golden Point opens

          - Appointment of Shigekazu Yamawaki as Chief Executive Officer

2009 - October, Talia Barret elected as BRMC Chairperson

2010 - October, Frank Williams elected as Chairperson