Gandel Philanthropy has been the vehicle for charitable giving by the extended Gandel family since its formation as the Gandel Charitable Trust back in 1987. Over the years Gandel Philanthropy has built a proud history of supporting both Jewish and general charitable causes. It provides grants in a number of key areas of interest including arts and culture, education, health and medical research, Jewish identity and leadership, and indigenous programs. As the CEO of Gandel Philanthropy, Vedran has been developing the new granting strategy and direction for the organisation. Under his stewardship Gandel Philanthropy has continued to expand its community involvement and influence, creating stronger links and developing broader philanthropic and charitable relationships.
Vedran spent more than a decade working in a variety of roles with the Red Cross Movement. His involvement started during the war in his home country, Bosnia and Herzegovina, when he joined the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) firstly as logistics officer and then information officer. He worked with the ICRC throughout most of the war, from 1993 to 1995.
For his dedication and commitment to humanitarian work and causes, Vedran received the Meritorious Service Award medal in 2003 and the Distinguished Staff Medal in 2006 from Red Cross. His citation for the Distinguished Staff medal reads, among other things, “Committed, selfless and virtually always working well above and beyond the call of duty, Mr Drakulic has dedicated his working life to help improve the lives of vulnerable people around the world”, and “Vedran Drakulic embodies the spirit and principles of the Red Cross
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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.
GARANG DUT
First Sudanese refugee to obtain a Medical degree in Victoria
Dr Linny Phuong
State Finalist Young Australian of the Year 2013
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.
VEDRAN DRAKULIC
