Association for Culturally Appropriate Services (AfCAS) is a not for profit organisation based in Western Australia with a focus to enhance the quality and viability of CALD specific aged care service providers to better support CALD communities and seniors in the increasingly competitive market. AfCAS actively fosters and supports organisations to provide culturally appropriate services for the CALD population regardless of geographic location or diversity of needs.

In this episode, Fatih chats with Mary Gurgone, Vice Chair of AfCAS about the organisation and their future plans and events.

AfCAS website: https://www.afcas.net/

MARY GURGONE

Mary Gurgone was appointed to the NAATI Board of Directors on 1 November 2014 and is currently on the Board of the Perth Foundation for Women. She is the Director of the Centre for Capability and Culture with extensive executive experience in Government, private sector and community organisations. She was selected Chair and member of various board and Audit and Finance Committees. She is a founding member, Fellow and former National President of the Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators. Mary has a Master of Business, Bachelor of Arts, as well as qualifications in governance, teaching, vocational education, and interpreting/translating. 

In 2016 she led her organisation to win the WA Government's Multicultural Award. She introduced a range of interpreting and translating programs in the vocational education and training sector and presented at International, National and State conferences on policy, evaluation, diversity and inclusion. Mary’s personal experience as a migrant has led to her commitment and deep skill development in the cross-linguistic and cross-cultural sectors.
Mary continues to be involved with international organisations such as Zonta International in leadership roles focusing on governance, inclusion, culture and domestic violence. She has significant experience in working with Aboriginal communities including in the Kimberley in Western Australia.