Open arms

The experience of leaving behind one’s country of origin to build a new life is very rarely pain-free. The challenge of adapting to a new culture, a new language and new neighbors, while all too often having to face appalling xenophobia and racism, leaves many individuals feeling lost and alienated.

For Elfa Moraitakis, CEO of SydWest Multicultural Services, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping communities struggling with belonging and social cohesion, these issues are deeply personal.

“My cultural heritage and family background have profoundly shaped who I am,” she tells The CEO Magazine. “As the daughter of Greek migrants, I grew up watching my parents and grandparents navigate a new country, working hard to build a life, but often doing so without feeling a true sense of belonging.

“They held onto their identity while trying to find their place in a society that didn’t always see or value their experiences.”

This absence of belonging left a lasting impression on Moraitakis. She was convinced that having a sense of belonging should never be considered a luxury, but rather a fundamental element of a meaningful and healthy life.

“I witnessed the strength and resilience it takes to build a life in a new country, especially without the safety nets and support that many take for granted,” she says.

Impressive milestones

Moraitakis’ experience has inspired her to dedicate her professional life to fostering greater cultural integration, helping communities feel a true sense of belonging.

She has been at SydWest Multicultural Services since 2009, and in June 2026 will celebrate 10 years in the role of CEO. But for now, another anniversary is taking priority – the organization’s 40th birthday celebrations.

“SydWest’s 40th anniversary is more than a milestone; it is a moment of deep pride and reflection,” she says. “From humble beginnings as a small community organization to becoming a leading service provider in Greater Western Sydney, our journey tells a story of growth, resilience and an ongoing commitment to community.”

Driven by its motto, ‘Live a better life in Western Sydney’, it includes a diverse range of services.

“At SydWest, we embed belonging and social cohesion across everything we do,” Moraitakis explains. “It is in the way we design programs, from aged care to disability, youth, women and settlement, ensuring they are culturally responsive and community driven. It is in our partnerships, which are built on integrity, mutual trust, respect and shared purpose.

“Whether it is through local initiatives that celebrate cultural identity, programs that empower communities to enhance their own voice or advocacy that shapes inclusive policies, belonging is the thread that connects it all.”

Leading with empathy

Rather than allowing difficult moments in her past to be an albatross around her neck, Moraitakis sees her personal experiences as directly responsible for her greatest strengths as a leader.

“My mother’s experience as a domestic violence survivor left a deep impression on me. I saw firsthand how community connections can be both a lifeline and a source of strength, even in the face of enormous challenges,” she recalls.

“My experiences have shaped my understanding of diversity and inclusion – not as abstract principles, but as lived realities.

“I began my career working directly with my own community and later on with a number of different migrant communities. This taught me that leadership starts with proximity; by feeling and understanding people’s lived experiences you develop trust, credibility and gain great insights.”

Moraitakis has clung tightly to her grassroots foundation throughout her ascent from community worker to sector leader. She has gone from working within the system to shaping it.

“Several pivotal moments have marked my journey,” she reflects. “Leading major partnerships and regional initiatives gave me the confidence to influence beyond the program level and design.

“Then, joining sector boards and advisory bodies, and working closely with government, allowed me to translate community realities into strategic advocacy.

“And leading organizational mergers and structural transformations pushed me to develop new governance, financial and strategic capabilities.”

When asked about the biggest lesson she’s learned, Moraitakis is clear: that leadership in this sector must be relational and strategic.

“You can’t create lasting change without both,” she stresses. “You must remain connected to individual stories while making tough decisions, building strong and visionary teams that you trust, and navigate calmly through complexity and reforms.”

Going forward, Moraitakis sees SydWest Multicultural Services continuing to grow strategically and sustainably, while healthily embracing innovation that will allow it to provide the best possible community services. Not only will this provide a precious lifeline for struggling communities, she believes, but it will help build a more harmonious, prosperous country.

“In today’s Australia – a nation built on migration and cultural diversity – fostering belonging is not just important for individuals; it is essential for building communities that are strong, resilient and genuinely united,” she says.

Through her work, Moraitakis wants to inspire young community leaders to have hope for a better world, and to be bold and take action.

“To the next generation of multicultural leaders, your voice and perspective are not just valuable; they are essential,” she insists. “Lead with authenticity, stay grounded in your communities and don’t be afraid to step into spaces where decisions are made.

“Australia’s future depends on your voice.”