Tina Karanastasis

Her work with culturally and linguistically diverse communities during this time became focused on supporting migrant women who were victims of domestic violence, vulnerable young people, the elderly, and those with a disability.

Tina went on to help establish several leading multicultural services in South Australia to provide critical support, linkages and advocacy for migrant communities, including Ethnic Link Services, Multicultural Youth SA, Migrant Women’s Emergency Support Service, Multicultural Respite and Dementia Service and MALSSA Disability Services.

In 1988 she was appointed Regional Coordinator for South Australia for the Commonwealth Office of Multicultural Affairs within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

“The community consultations I conducted across the State informed the development of the National Agenda for a Multicultural Australia,” says Tina. “I was also responsible for the implementation of the Australian Government’s Community Relations and Access and Equity Strategies in South Australia.”

Now as the Strategic Development Advisor, Aged and Community Care at UnitingSA’s Ethnic Link Services, Tina is focussing on addressing the inequalities experienced by older people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. This group comprise one third of Australians aged over 65, yet they continue to experience significant barriers in accessing and navigating aged care services.

Tina Karanastasis was awarded a 2018 Flinders University Distinguished Alumni Award for her significant contribution and dedication to the community, especially those with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in South Australia.