Wesa Chau

While still at University, Wesa saw the struggle international students were facing when studying in Australia, and as a result she founded the Australian Federation of International Students (AFIS) in 2002. Her vision was, and is, to bridge the gap between international students and the wider community and to establish a one-stop shop to support international students.

Although Wesa’s main profile is with international students, her interest and skills extend far beyond that. Wesa also helps shape Victoria’s multicultural community.

She is currently employed full time by ADEC – Advocacy, Disability, Ethnicity, Community – as Direct Services Team Manager. ADEC’s objective is to help people with a disability from ethnic communities. Her senior management role exemplifies her capability of managing on a broad scale. She currently leads a diverse team of 23 from different ethnic backgrounds and employs migrants and refugees, some with disabilities; and services thousands of vulnerable clients annually.

Wesa also shares her knowledge and experience with other young people (local and international students), and helps them realise their potential through mentorship. Her enthusiasm often inspires others to get actively involved in her projects and to engage themselves in issues concerning our diverse community. Such participation often results in enhancing the lives of others in our society.
Wesa is also a councillor at 3ZZZ, Melbourne’s ethnic community radio (the largest ethnic radio station in Australia). She is the youngest councillor in the history of the station. She is currently qualified to be a trainer in community radio and provides training to volunteers at 3ZZZ and other radio stations.

She is Deputy President of the Chinese Community Council of Australia, Victoria Chapter, the peak body that represents the Australian Chinese community.

Wesa’s broad skills, knowledge, interests, and friendly personality have enabled her to be a link for diverse communities to share between one another and respect one another’s differences. Wesa not only represents the Chinese Community but is a role model for all young Victorians.