Our Executive Committee
The primary responsibilities of the Executive Committee are:
- Describing the vision and values
- Setting direction and strategy
- Ensuring the necessary resources
- Providing oversight
- Board operations and the
- Appointment of the Executive Officer.
The Interfaith Committee is a highly skilled, experienced Committee motivated and committed to ensuring exceptional governance whilst ensuring that the vision and values of the organization is at the ‘heart’ of all we do and promote.
For further information about the Committee, please contact the Executive Officer, Livia Carusi, via executive@interfaithnetwork.org.au
Our Executive Committee Members
Mehtap Williams
IFN President
Mehtap Williams is a dynamic professional with a diverse background spanning community services, banking, and information technology. Committed to lifelong learning and societal betterment.
Driven by her personal experiences, Mehtap’s commitment to fostering interfaith understanding is deeply rooted. Her marriage to a Christian husband while being a devout Muslim herself has ignited her passion for promoting dialogue and cooperation among different faith communities. This personal journey inspired her to join the Interfaith Network, where she actively participates in initiatives aimed at bridging religious divides and promoting mutual respect and understanding.
Beyond her professional endeavours, Mehtap actively engages in discussions on global politics, volunteers at community events, and enjoys exploring different cultures through travel. Her career journey includes roles such as ASRC Centre Coordinator, Freelance NAATI Accredited Professional Translator & Interpreter, and positions in organizations like AMES and Brotherhood of St Laurence and Berry Street. Mehtap’s unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on society drives her to continually seek opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Jasbir Singh Suropada
IFN Vice President
Jasbir Singh is chairman of the Sikh Interfaith Council of Victoria (SICV), Founder and Director of Sikh Australian Support for Family Violence (SASFV). Prior to coming to Australia, Jasbir worked for 14 years in Singapore as a case manager and counselor for families in crisis, marital conflicts, family violence, bereavement, prisons and drug rehabilitation centre. He has a degree in Bachelor of Arts in Counselling Psychology.Jasbir Singh represents SICV on a number of peak bodies, few to name are – Multicultural Advisory Group (MAG), the Faith Community Council of Victoria (FCCV), Spiritual Health Victoria (SHV), Casey, Cardinia and Dandenong Interfaith Networks, Victorian Council of Churches Emergencies Ministry (VCC EM), Victoria Police Multifaith Council and Victorian Sikh Gurduaras Council (VSGC)
Vivek Shah
IFN Treasurer
Vivek Shah is a seasoned Chartered Accountant, CPA, and Certified Information Systems Auditor (Pending certification) with over seven years of diverse experience in external and internal auditing across public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. Currently serving as a Senior Auditor In Top 50 AFR firms in Melbourne, Vivek has a strong track record of delivering comprehensive audit services, identifying risk, and driving process improvements. His career has included roles at top firms such as Deloitte India and Moore Australia, where he has led audits for a wide range of industries including finance, construction, healthcare, and education.
Vivek brings deep expertise in US GAAP, AFSLs, SMSFs, and auditing frameworks, complemented by hands-on proficiency with tools like CaseWare, DataSnipper, and SAP Basics. Recognized for his analytical thinking, communication skills, and a solution-oriented mindset, he has also played pivotal roles in training program development and client engagement strategies. With a Master of Accounting and International Finance from Deakin University and global credentials, Vivek offers a unique combination of technical skill and strategic insight to every audit engagement.
Anita Davine
Anita comes from a 45-year education background. Since retiring from teaching, she has become involved with the Interfaith Network of Greater City of Dandenong, Stillness Meditation Therapy and involvement on local and international levels with Ignatian Spirituality. She is happily married with a married daughter. Anita comes from a Christian/Catholic background.
Anita has previously served as IFN President (August 2023-September 2024) and IFN Vice President (September 2024-September 2025)
Imran Furkan
Imran Furkan FCPA (Aus), FCMA (U.K), CGMA (GLOBAL), MBA (AUS), BA (Hons) (U.K) CEO- Tresync, Australia.
Imran advises Boards and CEOs on Personal Leadership, Strategy as well as Geo Political and Technology Risk Management. Imran is passionate about one thing – fostering collaboration. Connecting people,communities and businesses together, fostering industry partnerships, and advising on macro socio-economic technological strategy. This is evidenced by his achievements in Senior management and Board Directorship roles in industries such as Regulatory and Industry Bodies, IT/GBS, Finance, Commodities, Media, NGOs and Professional Services in the Asia-Pacific region.
Venerable Bodhicitta
Venerable Bhikkhuni Bodhicitta is based in Melbourne and is the Spiritual Director of the International Centre for Inner Peace and Happiness in Victoria, also the founder of “Nisala Arana” meditation retreat center in Sri Lanka and the Buddhist Chaplain at RMIT University Melbourne. Venerable also an executive committee member of the City of Greater Dandenong Interfaith Network.
Venerable started her career as a Medical Scientists in Australia following her degree in Bio Medicine from Monash University. However, the Dhamma set her view of life in a different paradigm.
In 2007, Venerable was ordained in Buddhagaya in India as a Samaneri by the General Secretary of Mahabodhi Society in India, Ven. P. Seewali Maha Thero and In 2010 Venerable received her higher ordination under the tutelage of Ven. Dr. M. Punnaji Maha Thera. Venerable Bhikkhuni Bodhicitta is a world renowned Dhamma, Stress management speaker and a meditation teacher with over 35 years of experience. Venerable works tirelessly to teach how one can experience Inner Peace and Happiness by practising selflessness. Venerable is a firm believer in practising selflessness is the way to achieve true happiness.
Interfaith Network Staffing Team
Together, the IFN Staffing Team supports the Executive Committee, Faith Leaders, the City of Greater Dandenong, IFN friends, supporters and other stakeholders committed to our shared vision of ‘Many Faiths, One People’.
The Interfaith Network office hours are Monday – Wednesday, from 8.00am – 5.00pm.
Our office is located at Level 1, 39 Clow Street, Dandenong VIC 3175.
The email contact details of our Staffing Team are:
Livia Carusi, Executive Officer, executive@interfaithnetwork.org.au
Paris Sard, Community Education Officer, education@interfaithnetwork.org.au
Lilian Poke, Administration Officer, administration@interfaithnetwork.org.au
Interfaith Network, City of Greater Dandenong – Our IFN Team!
Liv Carusi
Liv has been part of the community services sector, primarily in homelessness, for almost three decades. She has undertaken positions including directly assisting people experiencing homelessness, human rights and advocacy, social and public policy reform as well as senior management positions.
She holds formal qualifications in political science, sociology, urban research, and a master’s in public policy. She has also completed a Graduate Diploma in Theology with a focus on Social Justice.
She has a deep interest and passion in social justice and believes firmly that through connections, understanding and collaboration, we can all make a positive difference in the lives of others and community and by doing so enrich our own lives.
Lilian Poke
Administration Officer
Lilian’s work history for many years was in supportive roles in law. Together with the skills Lilian has gained from her working life and her Christian faith, she is delighted to serve within the Interfaith Network, getting to know and value people from other faiths and working with staff and Executive Committee members to bring people together within the City of Greater Dandenong – “Many Faiths, One People”.
Paris Sard
Paris Sard has been actively working in the community for the past eight years, supporting and educating New Muslims. Currently completing a Bachelor of Islamic Studies, she brings a professional background in risk and compliance to her role as Community Education Officer. Her commitment to fostering understanding across different faiths highlights the importance of interfaith dialogue in building inclusive communities.