“An Organisation Built for the Community”
An Exclusive Interview with Leila Alloush, CEO of VASS
With over 40 years of dedication to social work, Leila Alloush has become a leading figure in multicultural community services in Victoria. As the founder and CEO of Victorian Arabic Social Services (VASS), she has played a vital role in supporting Arabic, Turkish, Persian, and other communities across Melbourne. In this special interview, Ms. Alloush shares the story behind VASS, the wide range of services they provide, and the importance of their newly opened NDIS case centre.
Mustafa Yılmaz: We really appreciate your time and for accepting to be interviewed today
Leila: It is my pleasure to be interviewed by the Turkish newspaper. The Turkish community is very special to me and to VASS. I am honoured to be working closely with you
MY: Can you please introduce yourself and tell us about your role at VASS?
Leila: My name is Leila, and I am the CEO of Victorian Arabic Social Services. As the executive manager, I run the daily operations of all our programs and take responsibility for the agency as CEO role.
TURKISH - Röportajın Türkçesini okumak için buraya TIKLAYIN
MY: Could you share a bit about your background? When did you come to Australia and where were you before?
Leila: I’m originally from Lebanon and have been living in Australia for over 40 years. I completed two university degrees here in Melbourne, earning a Master’s in Social Work and Management. I established this organization from the ground up, starting with direct services and growing it into what you see today. It was a community initiative, primarily supported by the communities we serve, including Arabic, Turkish, and Persian communities.
MY: When was your organization established, and what inspired its creation?
Leila: We were established as a network in 1985, initially called the Victorian Arabic Network. Following the Gulf War, there was a rise in discrimination against individuals of Muslim and Middle Eastern backgrounds, prompting us to organize as an educated community to combat that racism. In 2000, we launched our first Arabic service, which became known as Victorian Arabic Social Services in 2002. Our current success is a result of hard work and community support.
MY: What kind of services do you offer, especially in relation to aged care?
Leila: Our services encompass every aspect of human life, from birth certificates for newborns to support with marital and divorce issues, and aged care. We assist individuals at all life stages, providing community groups, counselling services, health promotion activities, and more. Our centre supports people in Arabic, Turkish, and other languages.
MY: How do you ensure everyone feels welcome and that your services are culturally sensitive?
Leila: We train our staff to be respectful of all cultures, races, and religions. We provide humanitarian services that do not discriminate against anyone. We ensure that individuals receive services in the language they are most comfortable with and guide them in improving their lives without judgment.
MY: If someone is in need of government services or facing difficult situations, how can your organization assist them?
Leila: We start with an intake assessment to understand their needs. Sometimes, we identify areas they may not have considered, presenting them with options to choose from. Once they select an option that suits their situation, we support them in achieving their goals.
MY: Today is a special day as you open the NDIS case centre. Can you tell us about its purpose and how it will benefit the community?
Leila: People with special needs and disabilities often feel isolated. From a human rights perspective, we felt it was important to establish the NDIS centre to provide opportunities for individuals to learn new skills, feel connected, supported, and respected, regardless of their abilities or needs. This centre will cater specifically to the Arabic and Turkish-speaking communities, and we are proud of what we have achieved with the community's support.
My: Can you tell us about this room we are in? It seems quite special.
Leila: This room functions as a drop-in clinic where individuals can come without an appointment during times of need. They can request assistance in Turkish, Arabic, Greek, or other languages. Our social workers provide private consultations, develop care plans, and assist with various needs, including academic support and personal issues. This is essentially the hub of our agency where individuals can identify their needs and plan their path forward.
MY: I’ve lived in Australia for almost 20 years and have not seen a space like this, even in government organizations. It truly feels unique.
Leila: This room is indeed special. It serves as a second home for many, where they can simply walk in, share their experiences, and receive support. Some come just to chat and leave feeling uplifted. For refugees, it’s a place to connect, network, and share experiences, making it a vital resource for the community.
MY: Do you feel you receive enough support from the government or other sources?
Leila: We didn’t establish our services to rely solely on government support. We collaborate with universities that provide students to work with us on a volunteer basis. Many of our services are self-generated or supported by the communities we serve. Unfortunately, we do not receive adequate government support.
MY: Thank you so much for sharing your insights. Is there any message you would like to convey to the community?
Leila: I value my connections within the Turkish community, and I respect and support them wholeheartedly. They are a vital part of our community, and I’ll continue to advocate for them. Thank you for your time today!