The Refugee Communities Association of Australia (RCAA) congratulates Elijah Buol OAM on his election as the first youngest Chairperson of the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ) on 24 November 2022 in Brisbane. RCAA and members of refugee communities are proud of Elijah’s election as the Chairperson of ECCQ. Elijah is the General Secretary in the RCAA National Executive Board. Over the years, Elijah demonstrated leadership skills with passion and commitment to bring changes in the lives of people with lived experiences and most unfortunate ones. As a former Executive Director of RCAA, Elijah led the COVID-19 Taskforce and Emergency Food Relief during the COVID-19 pandemic in Victoria.

Chairperson of RCAA, Parsu Sharma-Luital JP said, “Knowing Elijah and his passion for serving the multicultural communities, I am proud of his achievement and the trust bestowed on him by the members of ECCQ. Australia’s multiculturalism has become icon of the world and provided meaningful opportunities for migrants and refugees to contribute and participate in the social and economic development of Australia. Elijah’s election as the Chairperson is another testimony that our multiculturalism is heading in the path of inclusion, belonging and cohesive society.”

“Contribution of Ethnic Communities Councils in Australia has played the backbone role in shaping our multiculturalism in Australia today, and Elijah’s leadership will further amply the voice of our new and emerging communities, refugees, and migrants,” said Sharma Luital JP.

Bwe Thay- RCAA Advisor said, “Elijah’s election as chairperson brings a wealth of experience, grassroot knowledge, and valuable contributions to achieving the vision of ECCQ and looking forward to working with him.”

Elijah Buol OAM said, “I am always humbled to serve our multicultural communities and amplify their voices and strengthen a true reflection of a diverse and multicultural Australia.”

RCAA aims is to empower refugee communities across Australia, enabling them to take active roles in Australia. With the motto led for refugee, with refugee, by refugee and with the vision to provide a voice for refugees with the lived experience, RCAA prides itself in grassroot engagement and empowerment for refugee communities and their members to successfully settle and integration in Australia.

For more information, please kindly contact RCAA Chairperson, Parsu Sharma-Luital JP on 0412265317 or [email protected].