Empowering Diversity, Enriching Lives
About Us
For three decades, Ishar has been dedicated to supporting vulnerable women and families from refugee and migrant backgrounds. Ishar's impact is profound. We serve over 2500 women from over 80 ethnicities each year, delivering 80,000+ contacts.
Partnerships.
Ishar thrives through dynamic partnerships with service providers, funders, and pro bono contributors. Together, we amplify our impact, empowering women and enriching communities.
Key Personnel.
Meet Ishar's leaders, driving empowerment, diversity, and holistic well-being for women and families through expertise and commitment.
Careers.
Join Ishar's purpose-driven team, impacting refugee and migrant women's lives. Embrace a meaningful career fostering empowerment and holistic well-being.
Philosophy & History
Our Approach - Nurturing Holistic Well-being
At Ishar, we operate with a philosophy rooted in the 'Social Model of Health.' Our services prioritise healing lifestyle-related challenges that impact women's health and well-being across ages and diverse backgrounds. We believe in interconnectedness—physical well-being intertwines with personal, social, cultural, economic, and gender-related factors.
We equip women with information, counselling, training, and support, empowering them to address challenges or connect with specialised assistance. We recognise women as the core of communities; their empowerment radiates positively to families and society. Ishar's journey began on August 10th, 1992, celebrating over 30 years of impactful service.
With a deep commitment, Ishar supports vulnerable women and families from refugee and migrant backgrounds. Our profound impact touches over 2500 women from 80+ ethnicities annually, encompassing 80,000+ meaningful contacts. Our service model, rooted in the 'Social Model of Health,' promotes equality across race, religion, gender, and more—our client-centred, trauma-informed services foster empowerment, resilience, and participation in decision-making.
We uplift women to overcome multifaceted barriers, amplifying their voices and needs. As the exclusive specialised women's health service for CaLD women, Ishar's dedication to holistic well-being is unwavering. Step into a journey of empowerment, diversity, and equality with Ishar—where every woman's voice truly matters.
Our Vision
Inspiring women, families and communities.
Our Mission
To provide inclusive, holistic and culturally sensitive services for women and their families promoting healthy communities.
Our Values
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Upholding dignity, honoring diversity, and fostering empathy to create a safe and inclusive space for every individual.
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Demonstrating honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct, ensuring trust and accountability in all interactions.
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Dedication to our mission, driven by the empowerment and well-being of women and families from diverse backgrounds.
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Embracing teamwork, partnership, and shared expertise to amplify our impact and create positive change within communities.
Driving Change.
It all begins with an exceptional team
Meet Ishar's Board and leadership team steering our mission, empowering women, and fostering transformative change in diverse communities.
Guiding Ishar's Vision.
Our All-Female Board.
Ishar's Board of Directors, an all-female team, plays a pivotal role in shaping our governance and strategy. Their leadership ensures women's voices are at the heart of decision-making processes for services that directly impact women. By championing gender equity through increased female representation, our board creates a stronger foundation for empowerment and inclusivity. With diverse expertise, they guide Ishar's mission to uplift women from all walks of life.
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Simmone Sharp
Chairperson
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Sandy McKiernan
Vice Chairperson
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Carina Hoang
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Jolene Ellat
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Nivedita Kelkar
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Kena Cabral Morales
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Zainab Zaki
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Joanne Ende
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Buena Kortum
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Fran Ferriera
Ishar's Leadership Team
At the helm of Ishar's impactful journey stands our dynamic leadership team. Comprising our dedicated CEO and managers, they collaboratively steer our mission forward. Their collective expertise and vision create a harmonious synergy that drives our commitment to empowerment, diversity, and holistic support for women.
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Andrea Creado
Chief Executive Officer
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Rehab Ahmed
Mental Health and FDV Support Services Manager
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Sally Kingdon-Barbosa
Health Services Manager
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Sally Bower
Family Support Services Manager
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Ishar is the smile on women's faces when they feel that sense of empowerment after being with us.
— FDV Advocate
Women’s Support Services
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![Women's Health]()
Women's Health
Holistic care for women, embracing reproductive health, ante & perinatal support, along with nutrition and exercise guidance. Your well-being, our priority.
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![Family & Domestic Violence]()
Family & Domestic Violence
Comprehensive services including psychology, counselling, youth support, and individual advocacy. We stand with you on your journey to healing.
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![Empowering Youth]()
Empowering Youth
Supporting young women aged 14+ through advocacy, education, and outreach. Our youth service stands with you, fostering growth and resilience on your journey.
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![Mental Health]()
Mental Health
Expertise in perinatal mental health, clinical psychology, counselling, art therapy, and support groups. Nurturing your mental well-being is our commitment.
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![Community Education]()
Community Education
Bilingual health and nutrition education, along with cultural competence training for service providers. Empowering informed and culturally sensitive communities.
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![Social Support & Advocacy]()
Social Support & Advocacy
Join our support groups and access our settlement, engagement & transition services. Together, we create a supportive community, fostering empowerment and holistic well-being.
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![Timetable]()
Timetable
Discover our support groups, exercise classes, and events across Perth. Your pathway to connection and growth, easily accessible in multiple locations.
Our Patron & Ambassadors
With their high-profile support, ambassadors amplify our mission to inspire women, families, and communities. Tailored partnerships, industry links, and community impact drive change.
Get Involved
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Membership
Sign up For a Membership
Ishar’s free membership allows you to be notified about upcoming events and projects, have access to health information, and vote in Annual or Special General Meetings.
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Volunteer
Volunteer Opportunities
Ishar relies on the support of volunteers and offers a range of positions suited to various skill sets. Please sign up or contact us if you are interested in learning more.
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Donate
Make a Donation
As a not for profit organisation, Ishar relies on donations from the Western Australian community. All donations, great or small, are greatly appreciated and are put to good use.