About Us
ADEC’s Mission and Vision
We advocate for and support one fair and inclusive community in which all people can achieve their optimum potential regardless of culture, ability, or age.
To be the leader in innovative advocacy, disability and aged care services to multicultural Victoria.
ADEC Values
ADEC believes that all people today have a right to quality services that meet their needs, that are inclusive and humane, and that respect the diversity of the community. Our cornerstone values are
We take responsibility for our actions and the results of our actions
We consider that every individual has inherent value and dignity, provides a unique perspective, and therefore provides a valuable contribution to the work and life of ADEC and the broader society
We respect the feelings of others and consider them before acting
We believe that there is strength in being part of a community, and that working together we can achieve our purposes
Our Story
ADEC (Action on Disability within Ethnic Communities Inc.) started as a small group of passionate people advocating for the rights of people with disabilities from within Victoria’s ethnic communities.
Today, ADEC has over 200 staff who speak 33 different languages and support over 1700 happy clients. ADEC continues to advocate with unwavering dedication to empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds, championing the cause of equality, and nurturing community cohesion.
Effie Meehan: A Legacy of Empowerment, ADEC’s Ongoing Mission
Effie Meehan, ADEC’s founder and Ambassador, transformed her experience as a young migrant with cerebral palsy into a lifelong mission to champion inclusion and equity. Her journey inspired ADEC’s founding vision—to ensure people with disability from culturally diverse backgrounds are understood, supported, and empowered.
Today, her legacy lives on through the stories of clients whose lives ADEC supports, where our advocacy and culturally responsive services help families navigate complex systems, access essential supports, and build independence with dignity. Effie’s impact lives in every life ADEC touches.
ADEC has been admitted as an Organisation Member of the Australian Institute of For-Purpose Leaders (AIFPL). This milestone reflects our continued commitment to leadership excellence within the for-purpose sector.
ADEC’s Board of Directors
Chair, Independent Director
B. Arts, Dip. Ed., M. Bus
Phillip has extensive experience in Community Services and Health sectors including as CEO and in non-executive directorships. He brings significant skills in governance, strategy and leadership. He has been on the ADEC Board for over five years and was elected Chair in 2024. He also chairs ADEC’s Governance Sub-Committee of the Board.
Deputy Chair, Independent Director
B. Bus (IT), MBA, GAICD
Sal is currently Chief Information Officer of a large Health organisation and brings invaluable skills and insights in cyber risk management, ICT and commercial strategy, and governance. A member of the Board since 2023 and elected to Deputy Chair in 2024, he is also a member of the Finance, Audit and Risk Sub-Committee.
Secretary, Independent Director
B. Ed., TPTC, TTCTD
Joan has been on the ADEC Board for over 10 years. A staunch advocate for people living with a disability and having many years’ experience working with disadvantaged people in the Community, Joan brings incredible insight and community perspective to the Board. Joan is a member of the Quality, Safety and Customer Care Advisory Sub-Committee.
Independent Director
B. Med (Beijing), PhD. PTSD, B. Sc. Chinese Medicine
Dr. Hua has been an ADEC Board member since 2012. With a passion for ethnic communities, including as President of the North-Eastern Melbourne Chinese Association, and a wealth of clinical knowledge, her insights and contribution to the work of ADEC have been invaluable. She is currently Chair of the Quality, Safety and Customer Care Advisory Sub-Committee.
Independent Director
B. Sc. Audiology
Jan is the longest serving member of the ADEC Board, having joined over 20 years ago and serving for several years as Chair. Her dedication has been critical to the success of the organisation. With a sustained commitment to people with a disability, and older people from ethnic backgrounds in all areas of her life, she is integral to maintaining focus on our mission.
Why Choose ADEC?
At ADEC we celebrate diversity. We have bilingual staff that can speak over 33 different languages. We provide free translation services, so you know exactly what is happening when we assist you.
Our team is highly qualified and regularly trained. We are a compassionate group, committed to equality, and driven by making a positive impact. We understand the importance of cultural nuances and personal preferences for care.
ADEC has served the community for over 42 years as a not-for-profit. Today we service a very large number of ethnic communities with the widest range of support services.
We believe that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, and we work tirelessly to advocate for and create positive change in the disability and aged care sectors.
Our Locations
Postal Address
PO Box 40, South Morang, VIC 3752
Volunteering
ADEC provides support to people with disabilities, their carers and families from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Volunteering can be a truly rewarding experience
- You will make a difference in someone else’s life as well as your own.
- Volunteering will give you the opportunity to make new friends and to develop new skills.
- Working as a volunteer can improve your chances of entering further training or paid work.
- You may be able to strengthen your own cultural identity by sharing it with others.
It is easy to get started as an ADEC volunteer. Complete this form below to express your interest in volunteering and our recruitment team will contact you shortly.
For information about our current volunteer positions and opportunities please contact us on email: recruitment@adec.org.au
Donate for a good cause
Donations, no matter the financial value, are always appreciated as they enable us to provide services for our community.
All donations over $2.00 are tax deductible.