Strengthening partnerships through lived experience

A shared focus on community insight

Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre recently came together with members of South East Water’s Executive Team, Board and Community and Customer Advisory Council for a meaningful discussion on collaboration, community, and cultural inclusion.

During the meeting, SMRC staff shared valuable insights and advocated for clients’ lived experiences during an engaging Q&A session. These conversations helped deepen understanding of the challenges faced by culturally and linguistically diverse communities and highlighted opportunities to work together in delivering more inclusive, community-led services.

“A workplace built on cultural inclusion”

“This meeting was a chance to share what makes SMRC unique.” SMRC CEO Jim Mullan reflected. “We are a workplace built on cultural inclusion, a deep connection to community, and a commitment to walking alongside people as they build new lives in Australia. Partnerships like the one we have with South East Water help both organisations to amplify impact. By working together, we can better understand the challenges people face and create more meaningful, community-led solutions.”

South East Water’s Managing Director, Lara Olsen, emphasised the value of collaboration and learning directly from community organisations. “South East Water operates within one of the most multicultural water service areas in Australia. Partnerships with community organisations like SMRC are important so that the lived experience of our customers continues to inform our services and how we deliver them.” Lara highlighted. “We are thankful to work alongside SMRC and for the insights and programs it runs that help to support both the work of our organisation and our shared customers and community.”

Building inclusive services, together

This meeting represents the strength of SMRC’s partnerships with local service providers and the shared commitment to community-informed solutions. Through open dialogue, lived experience, and mutual respect, SMRC and South East Water continue to build stronger, more inclusive services that meet the needs of our region’s diverse population.