Nick Kaldas to chair multicultural NSW advisory board

NICK KALDAS TO CHAIR MULTICULTURAL NSW ADVISORY BOARD

The NSW Government has named Nick Kaldas APM, one of the state’s most decorated and respected former senior Police officers, as the new chair of the Multicultural NSW Advisory Board.

Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said after a merit-based selection process, Mr Kaldas has been appointed the new head of the advisory board, which supports him in matters relating to multicultural communities across the state.

“Mr Kaldas has a story that many people from our multicultural communities can relate to, having been born overseas in Egypt and migrating to Australia with his family as a teenager,” Mr Coure said.

“From there he started a journey which would lead to him to having a distinguished career spanning some 35 years in the NSW Police Force, ten of which he was Deputy Commissioner.

“In his time as Deputy Commissioner, Mr Kaldas was the spokesperson for multiculturalism and community engagement, a role which saw him improve engagement between the Police and diverse communities.”

“I would also like to thank outgoing Chair and board member Dr G.K. ‘Hari’ Harinath OAM, for his dedicated service to supporting the NSW Government and the state’s multicultural society.”

Mr Kaldas said he was honoured to be taking the reins from Dr ‘Hari’ Harinath.

“I was a champion for multicultural issues and engagement within my career in the Police and I’d like to think that this is an opportunity to continue this important work,” Mr Kaldas said.

“In this leadership role I see myself helping to contribute to social cohesion right across New South Wales.

“Dr Hari certainly left big shoes to fill, but I’m confident I can live up to his legacy.”

Dr Hari thanked Mr Coure for his support and said Mr Kaldas is an excellent choice to take the reins of the advisory board.

“I think Nick is going to be a fantastic chairperson and I cannot wait to see what he achieves in the future,” Dr Hari said.

As the new Chair of the Multicultural NSW Advisory Board, Mr Kaldas will also chair the newly announced Religious Communities Advisory Council. For more information about the advisory board, visit https://multicultural.nsw.gov.au/advisory-board-members/

MEDIA: Scott Hodder | 0455 094 282