Our Committee

The AAS-AU committee is made up of 3 office bearers, being the president, secretary, and treasurer, and core committee members. Their powers and responsibilities are explained in the constitution. The committee has members residing in Sydney and in Melbourne.

The day-to-day operation of the committee is similar to a modern organisation where members are required to perform competently according to the position they have undertaken with full reporting procedures with every activity they undertake. The committee works as a team and are all dedicated to the long-term success of this worthy cause.

Nora Michael

President

I was born in Kuwait and in 2000, I commenced my Arts degree at the UNSW. I went on to complete my honours in Politics and International Relations in 2005. I was admitted as a lawyer in December 2008. I am passionate about preserving the rights, livelihood and culture of Assyrians all over the world.

Ninus Kanna

Secretary

I was born in Sydney and graduated with an MBA and Bachelor of Economics from Macquarie University. Professionally, I have 20 years of financial services experience, including investment management and stockbroking with CLSA Asia-Pacific Markets, ING Investment Management, Merrill Lynch and Morningstar. I joined AAS in 2023, after serving more than two years as Treasurer of the Assyrian Australian Association.

Nenos Shemoon

Treasurer

I was born in Mosul, Nineveh and arrived in Australia in 1992. I completed a Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical) degree at University of Sydney, Masters in Accounting from Macquarie University and now a full member of the Australian Institute of Chartered Accountant. I am married and have two children. I am currently working as a Taxation Manager for an international company.

June Jako

Community Manager

I was born in Baghdad, Bet-Nahrain and completed a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from University of Technology, Baghdad. In 2018, awarded a Master of research from Macquarie University- Sydney. Currently, I’m self-employed operating as a director for a manufacturing enterprise.

Lilyan Youkhanis

Head of Fundraising

I was born in Baghdad, Iraq. My family and I left Iraq when I was just over two years old, arriving in Australia by the age of ten. I completed a double bachelor’s degree in commerce and law. I specialise in industrial/employment relations. I currently work as in-house legal counsel for an ASX-listed company. After tackling my professional goals and becoming a new mum, I felt that it was timely and vital to give back to the Assyrian people and lead by example for the younger generation.

Nicolas Esho

Marketing Manager

I am an Australian born Assyrian currently studying Certificate 3 in Carpentry and Certificate 4 in Building and Construction while working for a construction company. I am very passionate about my Assyrian background, hence why I joined Assyrian Aid Society.

Janet Shamoon

Operation & Events Manager

I was born in Bet-Khtmeh in Bet-Nahren and arrived in Australia in 2019. I studied social services and now working with people with a disability. I am also a member of the Nineveh Welfare Association and I hope to provide further assistance to the Assyrian people in Iraq.