Bringing diverse experience and new ideas to the Board

Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation Board Chair, Tass Mousaferiadis, today announced the appointment of two new members to the Foundation’s board: Zana Bytheway and Tina Hosseini.

A legal professional with decades of experience advocating on behalf of vulnerable people, Ms Bytheway is the Executive Director of JobWatch, Victoria’s only specialist not-for-profit employment rights community legal centre.

In her more than 20 years in the role, Ms Bytheway has supported the implementation of recommendations from the National Inquiry into Sexual Harassment in Australian Workplaces Report (2020), successfully advocated for laws protecting Victorians from discrimination resulting from historical offences and introduced a range of programs to support young workers.

‘Zana’s leadership and organisational experience, and track record of strong governance and risk approaches will make her an asset to the Foundation,’ Mr Mousaferiadis said.

‘Disadvantaged and marginalised Victorians experience higher levels of gambling harm, and Zana’s insights from decades of supporting groups from across the community will be valuable for the Foundation.’

Ms Hosseini is a passionate campaigner for multiculturalism, human rights, social justice and adolescent health and wellbeing, and an experienced advocate for culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

A Senior Research Fellow at Swinburne University of Technology focusing on family violence law reforms, Ms Hosseini has past research experience developing prevention, harm reduction and health promotion activities targeting gaming and gambling, crime, and drug and alcohol use.

Ms Hosseini is also a recent commissioner at the Victorian Multicultural Commission, where she collaborated closely with culturally, linguistically and religiously diverse communities to develop inclusive policy and government directions.

‘Tina is an outstanding young leader and researcher who we are privileged to welcome to the Foundation,’ Mr Mousaferiadis said.

‘Our culturally diverse community has equally diverse experiences of gambling harm. Tina’s experience in building community-based partnerships across CALD communities, and evidence-based approach to behaviour change, will strengthen our knowledge and understanding.

‘Both Zana and Tina bring a wide range of professional and life experiences to the Foundation. We are excited to have them as part of our team, and their insights will be invaluable as we continue our work to prevent and reduce gambling harm for the wellbeing of all Victorians.’

The Foundation also announced the appointment of Board member Alison Roberts to the role of Deputy Board Chair. Dr Roberts joined the board in 2020.