Uncle Andrew is a proud descendant of the Wurundjeri clans of the Woi-wurrung people and a Muslim since 1995. He identifies as an Aboriginal Muslim Australian.
Uncle Andrew’s working life has been in the service of Aboriginal communities, Aboriginal community controlled health and self-determination.
Uncle Andrew has held numerous positions across a range of organisations including: Aboriginal Hostels Limited (1982- 1989), Dandenong & District Aborigines Co-operative Society Limited (1989-1990), Aboriginal Affairs Victoria (1990-1997), Department of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Policy (Queensland 1998 – 2001), Centrelink (Queensland 2001 – 2005), Dandenong and District Aborigines Co-operative Ltd (DDACL) (2006 – 2009 General Manager, 2009 – February 2021 CEO), and most recently Wurundjeri Woi wurrung Corporation (March 2021 – current), Traditional Owner Treaty Engagement).
Uncle Andrew has held (or currently holds) numerous Board and Committee positions including, but not limited to, Wurundjeri Woi wurrung Corporation (Board member, 2006 – current), Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organization (Board member, 2008 – 2016), Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (Board member, 2018 – 2021), Whittlesea Reconciliation Group (member 2018 – 2021), Community Advisory Committee of Ambulance Victoria (Member 2016 – 2022), Bubup Wilam Child and Family Services (Board member 2021 – current) and more recently Collingwood Yards (Board member CAP June 2022 – current). Uncle Andrew was recently appointed to the Birrarung Council representing WWCHAC.
In December 2019, Uncle Andrew was elected to the First Peoples Assembly Victoria. The Assembly has developed three Treaty structures in dealing with the State of Victoria and has represented the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people in one of the 10 reserved seats allocated for Traditional Owner groups. In May 2021, he was appointed as Co-Chair of the Interim Elders Voice on the Assembly, to engage with Elders across the state to inform and support their involvement in Treaty and help establish a Permanent Elders Voice who will provide cultural oversight to the work of the Assembly.