LOL Ambassadors
Daniel Ednie-Lockett
Daniel Ednie-Lockett is the founder of Language Connection, a not for profit which runs language exchanges and conferences for native speakers and learners of English, Chinese, Japanese and Korean. Daniel speaks fluent Japanese and Mandarin and has worked as a TV presenter in Mandarin in China for the last two years.
Helen Kapalos
I began my career as a reporter on ABC Radio in Newcastle in 1994 before moving to SBS after winning a national scholarship. In 2001, I was approached to join the Nine Network as a reporter on National Nine News where I covered breaking news events such as the Waterfall train disaster and the historic Sydney Gang rape trial. I played a key role in the 2004 Athens Olympics coverage, where I reported for several news and current affairs programs from the Greek capital and across Europe. Upon my return I was appointed host of the Late News program Nightline. In addition to that role, I presented a weekly news segment on the Network's flagship current affairs program Sunday, alongside host Jana Wendt.
Fablice Manirakiza
Maintaining language culture is very important not just to me but to all the diversity communities as well as the wider community of Australia, English is my second language, I understand the importance of it, not just in our everyday life but also in connecting with the world politicly, economically and other aspects, but to most of us this wouldn't slow us in maintaining our main language, the world of today is about creating and sharing we should all be proud of who we are and share our cultural across the world, but it all start with your own identity of where you come from, I believe maintaining language is important to achieve all the desire of making this world a better place.
Robert DIPIERDOMENICO
"I was born to play in Grand Finals," says Robert DiPierdomenico, somewhat humbly.
Anne Eckstein
As the child of post-war immigrants, I grew up with two languages - German at home and English at school. As a German teacher and later involved in education policy development, I was always promoting the language learning to parents, teachers, principals and the community. When I was elected to Parliament, I thought I wouldn't use my German anymore but I was wrong. I could only connect with some people and groups in my community because I spoke German. They opened their doors to me and we could communicate in a common language; something no politician had done for them before.
Cheri Ong
Testimonial: I grew up in a culture where most people spoke at least two languages and moved in and out of languages in a sentence! It was just natural. As a result , I speak four languages and reading three. It is wonderful and I love being able to do so as each language allows me entry to whole cultures, people, their history and ultimately sections of humanity that I can communicate with, explore, learn from and be part of.
Kosta Barbarouses
Melbourne Victory Footballer A speedy forward with an eye for goal, New Zealand international Kosta Barbarouses has achieved plenty in the A-League.
Helen Hatzikalis
Helen Hatzikalis has been teaching in schools in the City of Hume for the past 20 years. During this time Helen has held a variety of teaching roles and responsibilities which have ranged from Curriculum Leader to implementing and coordinating the Pizzicato Effect, a partnership with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Her passion and commitment to education is evident as she works to provide unique learning opportunities to enhance student outcomes in some of Hume's most disadvantaged communities. Helen frequently presents at conferences and workshops and is a valued member of the education community.
Phillip Gao
Phillip is now a senior analyst working in business. In his own words learning to speak German has enriched his life.
VEDRAN DRAKULIC
Since December 2011 Vedran Drakulic has been the CEO of Gandel Philanthropy, one of Australia's largest independent family philanthropic funds.
KATRIN ALADJOVA-KUSZNIRCZUK
Katrin Aladjova-Kusznirczuk is the co-founder and Director of All Australia Imports Pty Ltd and StreetStar Cosmetics. She is also currently on the Board of Directors at VITS - Victorian Interpreting & Translating Service.
DANIELE KEMP
CONSULAR COUNCILLOR & DELEGATE to : The Assembly of the French people living abroad- "Assemblće des Français de l'Etranger
GEORGE DONIKIAN
As the inaugural news anchor Channel 0-28 for 8 years before we morphed into SBS, I tried to educate the tv audience as to why language was important and how access to different languages meant you could better connect with people
VICTOR KOVALENKO
The Australian Sailing Team's Head Coach, Victor Kovalenko, is now a Love of Languages Language Ambassador Kovalenko, , has played a significant role in the development of the current group of Australian World and Olympic Champion sailors with his contribution key to the country's continual success at the highest level.
Paul Wheelton OAM
After a successful career in corporate life as CEO and Administration Manager at Budget rent a Car Corporation, Paul purchased his first Budget franchise in 1986. Over the next 25 year Paul expanded this to be the largest group of Budget franchises operating in 2 Australian states.
