Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Awards
Affiliations
CURRENT GOVERNANCE, ADVISORY & LEADERSHIP POSITIONS
PREVIOUS GOVERNANCE, ADVISORY & LEADERSHIP POSITIONS
Timeline
Generic

Elijah Buol OAM

Springfield Central,QLD

Summary

Accomplished leader with a proven track record in strategic stakeholder management, teaching, and navigating uncertainty to achieve meaningful business and policy transformation. Demonstrated success in developing high-performing, cohesive teams that confidently deliver on organizational goals and priorities. With 19 years of extensive experience in the community services sector, possess significant leadership skills and expertise in community engagement, advocacy, youth work, organizational governance, mediation, family dispute resolution, financial and contract management, compliance, stakeholder engagement, operations, funding, teamwork, and providing responsive services. Achievements include multiple awards such as the 2019 Queensland Local Hero for the Australian of the Year Awards and the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the community and advocacy.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Chief Executive Officer

Act for Peace Ltd
Sydney, New South Wales
12.2023 - 04.2025
  • Company Overview: Act for Peace is the international humanitarian agency of the National Council of Churches in Australia. It has been working with refugees and displaced people since 1948 and currently has partners in 15 countries around the world.
  • Implement Act for Peace's strategic directions, ensuring that the organisation's operations are consistent with its mission, vision and strategic direction of solidarity with people affected by conflict and disasters.
  • Prepare reports for the Board and the National Council of Churches in Australia
  • Build effective working relationships with supporters, government and non-government organisations, funding bodies, and key humanitarian and International Development stakeholders.
  • Develop fiscal management and compliance with legal and relevant standards
  • To represent Act for Peace in the Media and be a spokesperson
  • Foster strong ecumenical relationships with the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA), State and Territory Churches Councils, including Victoria Council of Churches, Queensland Churches Together, ACT, NSW Ecumenical Council, and affiliated churches.
  • Review and consolidate programs from 39 to 28
  • Develop New Business Operation Model (the Reimagine Project)
  • Deliver financial growth and sustainability
  • Develop a strong and positive engagement with Partners and Supporters and Australian Embassies overseas in countries where Act for Peace partners with Local NGOs
  • Build a strong and positive culture within the organisation
  • Develop effective and strong polices, advocacy and campaigns on displacement and conflict
  • Achievements
  • Increased supporters and individuals giving by $1.5 million in 1 year.
  • Increased government funding growth from $4 million to $6 million (DFAT and Department of Home Affairs).
  • Initiated the first and inaugural Peace Day Appeal and raised $130313 on Act for Peace Day (held on 25 October 2024 using my lived experience and storytelling throughout the day.
  • The organisational deficit of 1.5 million was turned into a surplus of $220,000 within 12 months, delivered in December 2024 Quarter.
  • Establish strong Supporters and partner engagement, which increased individual donations by $900,000 in the financial years 2024 and 2025.
  • Established €1.1 million in funding from the Danish Government partnerships to deliver projects in Ethiopia
  • Enhance advocacy efforts, strengthen the organisational brand, and boost media presence for Act for Peace.
  • - 20 articles published in different newspapers, which can be accessed online.
  • - The social media following increased. For example, Facebook's followers increased from 40,000 to 61,000, and LinkedIn's followers increased from 900 to 2000.
  • - Become a leading voice and facilitator within the International Development and Humanitarian Sector on conflict and displacement issues, including ‘A Safer World For All’ Campaign hosted by ACFID and Micah Australia on Humanitarian Aid, increasing advocacy with the Australian Government
  • - In 2024, I spoke as a Guest speaker in many forums. For example, Keynote Speaker at ACFID Conference, International Day for Peace, Peace Lecture at Armidale Humanitarian Sanctuary and World Humanitarian Day at Federal Parliament.
  • Introduced and implemented a financial management system and efficiencies, including adopting Employment Hero and Salesforce, which transitioned the organisation from traditional paper-based payment and documentation.
  • Resolved the conflict and repaired the deeply broken relationship between the National Council of Churches in Australia, the owner of Act for Peace (NCCA), and Act for Peace by addressing key decisions that caused issues. (There is a letter of acknowledgement of this work from the NCCA board if required)
  • Developed and implemented a new operational business model (Reimagine Project) that resulted in organisational changes, including my position.
  • Fostered and established a strong positive culture within the organisation, enhancing collaboration among the team and staff. Quarterly surveys and team-building activities were implemented.
  • I reviewed the Board report and made changes for clarity.

Visiting Fellow

Kennedy University of Baptist
Miami, Florida
11.2020 - 04.2025
  • Lectures in Leadership, Conflict, Peace and Human Rights Studies

Queensland State Manager for Migration Support and Community programs

Australian Red Cross
11.2021 - 12.2023
  • Provide strategic leadership on integrating services across the Red Cross in the State of Queensland and contribute to the broader leadership team
  • Manage, mentor and develop adaptable and resilient team members and build a high-performing team within the State
  • Lead and contribute to the co-design process and lead the implementation of priorities and interventions within the State
  • Manage risk on behalf of the organisation, including client risk and reputational risk. Manage the implementation and operational delivery of all programs, including budget and financial management, adherence to policies and procedures, reporting requirements and key stakeholder management
  • Work closely in networked and collaborative teams across the Red Cross and contribute to nationwide leadership
  • Lead projects that embed work with migrants in transition to achieve strategic outcomes
  • Lead Queensland-based strategic and operational activation of community, business, and government sectors to achieve the collective impact of meeting humanitarian needs, increasing economic and civic participation and behavioural change for increased experience of acceptance and belonging
  • Generate revenue and develop partnerships – enterprise and private, local, and State entities, including identifying and developing new opportunities.
  • Ensure that effective quality systems are implemented to support the collection of local data and evidence, as well as to analyse it and apply learnings in the local context
  • Embed adaptive, human-centred and agile ways of working, foster a positive culture of collaboration, innovation, and impact
  • Drive an agenda of change and innovation to create impact on strategic outcomes
  • Keep abreast of policy changes and emerging service needs, and contribute to the strategic development of Red Cross migration and humanitarian diplomacy response to influence policy
  • Provide effective day-to-day supervision and support to all members of the Migration and Youth staff and volunteers
  • Embed volunteering as a way of working with migrants and young people.
  • Achievements
  • Increase funding by $3.3 million in 1 year.
  • Program growth from 4 programs to 9 programs.
  • Raised $6 million in 1 month (1-30 June 2023)
  • Develop a multicultural policy framework within the Australian Red Cross
  • Establish CALD Network and become a Co-Chair
  • Established $1 million partnerships with Red Cross Emergency Services for CALD projects.
  • Formed a Consortium worth $8.3 million in funding with 5 organisations to support Asylum seekers

Acting Chief Executive Officer

Ethnic Communities Council OF Queensland Ltd
03.2021 - 11.2021
  • Strategy & Vision: work with the Board to develop and implement strategic settings and effective business planning; provide strategic direction and advice to the Board on innovation and growth opportunities.
  • Management: Lead and manage the strategic and planning, operational processes, assets and staffing resources of the organisation; ensure effective service delivery and operations across five divisions of ECCQ namely Aged Care- (Belasco Court), Community Home Care (Diversicare) Services, Sexual and Chronic Health, Community development and Leadership and Corporate services; inspire, support and lead a high performing, dispersed team that is committed to the provision of high-quality services and programs.
  • Financial Management: Ensure strong and effective management of the organisation's financial performance; ensure ECCQ meets its obligations under relevant legislation, regulations, funding, and contractual requirements and operates within a practical risk management framework.
  • Stakeholder Management: Serve as an effective advocate and influential spokesperson for the organisation; develop and cultivate internal and external relationships with stakeholders, funders, members, community service partners, and potential partners

Executive Director

Refugee Communities Association of Australia Inc
01.2020 - 01.2021
  • Work with the Management Committee to develop and implement strategic settings and effective business planning; provide strategic direction and advice to the Board on growth opportunities.
  • Lead and manage the organisation's strategic and financial planning, operational processes, and staffing resources and ensure effective service delivery and operations across funded sites.
  • Ensure strong and effective management of the financial performance of the organisation; ensure RCAA meets its obligations under relevant legislation, regulations, funding, and contractual requirements and operates within a practical risk management framework
  • Serve as an effective advocate and influential spokesperson on behalf of the organisation; build both internal and external relationships with stakeholders, funders, community service partners and members.
  • Achievements
  • Establishment of the Refugee COVID-19 Taskforce
  • Establishment of a virtual intake model and development of new digital learning modules
  • Delivered a suite of digital events for the 2020 Refugee Week
  • Negotiated funding and submissions to the Department of Home Affairs
  • Received $331,000 in funding in 2020-2021
  • Create employment for RCAA from no workers to 7 paid workers.

Founder and Managing Director

Smart Answers Group Pty Ltd (Own Consultancy)
01.2012 - Current
  • Specialist in Mediation Services:
  • Family Dispute Resolution
  • Family Mediation
  • Parenting Plans
  • Section 60I Certificates
  • Conflict Management
  • Workplace Training (Governance, Risk, Events and Project Management)

Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) and Centre Manager

Relationships Australia Queensland
06.2020 - 10.2021
  • Manage staff and the Centre
  • Facilitate Family Dispute Resolution Intake and Assessment
  • Conduct Family and Property Mediation
  • Parenting Plans
  • Conduct community engagement and training
  • Issuing Section 60i Certificates
  • Conflict Management Workshops
  • Determined client eligibility and assessed the Court and Domestic Family Violence Orders conditions.
  • Provide a supervisor to FDR Practitioners

Advanced Practitioner and State Manager for Youth and Advocacy Support Program

Qld Program of Assistance to Survivors of Torture & Trauma (QPASTT)
05.2015 - 11.2021
  • Company Overview: (Assisting refugees, including those on Temporary Substantive Visas)
  • Stakeholder engagement, Policy, and advocacy
  • To work in partnership with schools and other community support agencies
  • Ensure that the holistic welfare and social support needs of at-risk young people
  • Assist in avoiding the risk of young people being disengaging and ensure that their families are addressed
  • To work proactively with targeted schools to support young people and their families
  • Provision of information, advice, referrals, advocacy, counselling, and support
  • Assist social and personal development, mentoring and group work
  • Community development, community education and capacity building through network meetings
  • Case work and case management
  • Coordinate Youth Workers meeting
  • Developed QPASTT Outreach Program Framework
  • Report and Grants writing for Youth Voice short-term projects
  • Budget Management of Programs
  • Support the organisation and running of school holiday activities
  • Organise and conduct an identification of training needs for the criminal justice system, Schools, and teachers
  • Achievements
  • Formed a partnership with 28 schools across Queensland and is now one of the ongoing youth programs
  • Received $6.3 million in ongoing funding from the Queensland Government for youth programs
  • Established 3 Homework clubs for students from Refugee and migrant backgrounds
  • Established Youth mentoring programs
  • Conducted research and developed the Youth Justice support program, which received ongoing funding of $4.2 million from the Federal government and $ 2.6 million from the State government. African Village Support has now replicated this program, recently receiving $ 5 million from the Federal government.

Sessional lecturer

University of Southern Queensland (USQ)
01.2017 - 01.2020
  • Lecturing on two introductory core courses in the Bachelor of Human Services
  • - Landscape of Social Work Human Services
  • - working in Partnership with Children, Youth and Families

Community Development Manager

Access Community Services Ltd Now Settlement Service International (SSI)
06.2013 - 01.2024
  • Implementation of work plan activities funded under the program
  • Delivery of needs-based settlement services to refugees and humanitarian entrants
  • Conduct needs-based community training and information sessions
  • Close collaboration with internal and external stakeholders on settlement support
  • Coordinating community network meetings
  • Conducting research
  • Coordinate community engagement and partnership

Research Assistant (Casual)

Latrobe University and Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Qld
01.2008 - 01.2014
  • Company Overview: (Settlement Project at Faculty of Health and Social Work- QUT)
  • Collect and disseminate data, research, and report on related issues with the project
  • Conduct interviews, prepare information for participants (questionnaires, forms)
  • Organize vouchers for participants, conduct focus groups and reporting
  • Liaise and collaborate with other research Assistants as required

Manager, Strengthening Ethnic Communities Association and Leadership Program

Ethnic Communities Council of Qld (ECCQ)
01.2011 - 01.2012
  • Manage community development projects
  • Writing report for organisations and funding bodies
  • Applying for funding and grants
  • Supervise Project Workers and Volunteers
  • Manage planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation program
  • Overall general administration and management, including Budgeting/expenditure
  • Assist in strengthening ECCQ’s management and organisational capacities
  • Facilitate, update, and deliver training based on agreed capacity-building priorities
  • Develop organisational capacity-building activities based on relevant
  • Design, implement and evaluate plans, training material and resources
  • Maintain effective communication with partners and community networks
  • Meet all internal and external comprehensive reporting requirements as required
  • Represent ECC Q at forums and participate in Senior Management Team meetings
  • Run training across the state

Coordinator - Multicultural Peer Mentoring Program at Multicultural (part-time)

Harmony Place Inc
01.2010 - 01.2011
  • Company Overview: (Centre for Mental Health and Well-being- Harmony Place)
  • Develops and oversees service delivery programs that build the capabilities of youth employment, education, leadership, social skills, and link to the local community
  • Provide oversight and management of the youth services team
  • Develop, implement, and coordinate appropriate service delivery procedures that comply with funding requirements
  • Develop a cross-organisation youth framework and implement the plan
  • Manage contracts and write reports
  • Establish and maintain positive collaboration with partners and government agencies
  • Lead, supervise and mentor the youth services team
  • Provide training to mentors and the youth team
  • Develop, implement, and evaluate an annual business development plan under budgets
  • Provide expert advice and recommendations to the Executive team and stakeholders

Multicultural Coordinator (Part-time)

Communify Queensland Inc, Brisbane, Qld
01.2010 - 01.2011
  • Company Overview: (Respite for Emerging Communities in Cultural Transition – RESP/ECC T Project)
  • Provide support to communities, individuals, and families
  • Plan, implement, develop, and evaluate activities, and facilitate network meetings
  • Intake, assessment and referrals, advocacy support, comprehensive reporting

Youth Worker

Queensland Assistance to Survivors of Torture and Trauma (QPASTT)
01.2009 - 01.2010

Community Education Liaison Officer

Education Queensland- Southern Region based at Moorooka State Primary School
01.2007 - 01.2009

Education

Honorary Doctorate - Human Rights, Peace and Leadership

Kennedy University of Baptist
01.2025

Juris Doctor (JD) - undefined

The Australian National University
06.2025

Master of Laws - undefined

Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
01.2017

Graduate Diploma - Dispute Resolution

Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
01.2017

Master of Justice - Intelligence

Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
01.2015

Graduate Certificate - Intelligence

Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
01.2012

Bachelor - Human Services

Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
01.2011

Diploma - Community Welfare Work

TAFE
01.2009

Senior Certificate (Yr 12) - undefined

Coorparoo School Secondary College
01.2005

Skills

  • - Leadership, governance, management, and coaching of teams to optimize performance
    - Lead, manage, and implement projects on time and within budget, from conception to completion
    - Design, understand, interpret, and apply legislation, policies, and procedures effectively
    - Strive for continuous improvement by evaluating and enhancing systems and procedures
    - Develop and implement risk-based compliance frameworks and programs
    - Possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills to achieve positive outcomes
    - Demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills, fostering relationships at all levels
    - Provide exceptional client service in high-pressure, challenging, and diverse environments
    - Engage with local and national stakeholders
    - Manage cross-cultural teams in complex and volatile environments
    - Develop high-performance teams
    - Lead efforts for positive cultural change and sustainability
    - Drive revenue growth, advocacy, and policy development- Leadership, governance, management, and coaching of teams to optimize performance
    - Lead, manage, and implement projects on time and within budget, from conception to completion
    - Design, understand, interpret, and apply legislation, policies, and procedures effectively
    - Strive for continuous improvement by evaluating and enhancing systems and procedures
    - Develop and implement risk-based compliance frameworks and programs
    - Possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills to achieve positive outcomes
    - Demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills, fostering relationships at all levels
    - Provide exceptional client service in high-pressure, challenging, and diverse environments
    - Engage with local and national stakeholders
    - Manage cross-cultural teams in complex and volatile environments
    - Develop high-performance teams
    - Lead efforts for positive cultural change and sustainability
    - Drive revenue growth, advocacy, and policy developmentLeadership, governance, management and coaching of teams, optimising performance
  • Lead, manage and implement projects on time and on budget from conception to completion
  • Design, understand, interpret, and apply legislation, policies, and procedures
  • Strive to achieve continuous improvement, evaluating and improving systems and procedures
  • Develop and implement risk-based compliance frameworks and programs
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to achieve positive outcomes
  • Communication and interpersonal skills, nurturing relationships with people at all levels
  • Exceptional client service in high-pressure, challenging and diverse environments
  • Local and National stakeholder engagement
  • Cross-cultural management in complex and volatile environments
  • High-performance team development
  • Leadership for positive cultural change and sustainability
  • Revenue growth, advocacy, and policy development

Certification

  • Nationally Accredited Mediator and Dispute Resolution Practitioner 2017 Australian Mediation Association
  • Certificate IV in Training and Assessment 2013 Rose Training Australia Ltd
  • Art of Being a Facilitator Program 2012 Zimmerman Consulting and Karyn Schluter-White and Associates

Awards

2023 Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Outstanding Community Services Alumnus 2023, 2020 Australian National University Student Volunteer of the Year (Postgraduate) 2020, Medal of Order of Australia (OAM), Australia Day Honour 2019, 2019 Qld Local Hero of the Year for the Australians of the Year Awards 2019, Australia Day Ambassador 2019- current, The Fathering Project Australia Ambassador 2019- Current, Moreton Australia Day Awards Recipient 2017, Griffith Electorate Australia Day Awards Recipient 2016, Multicultural Affairs Minister Community Achievement Award Winner 2015, The Lord Mayor’s Australia Day Achievement Awards Recipients 2015, Greenslopes Electorate Community Service Awards Recipient 2014, Highly Commended - Outstanding Volunteer Greater Brisbane for, Queensland Multicultural Awards 2013, Winner of the United Workers Union- Outstanding Delegates 2007, State champion in Queensland Corporate game 2006, Senior Sports Person of the Year - Coorparoo Secondary College 2005

Affiliations

  • The Resolution Institute
  • The Australian and New Zealand Society of Criminology (ANZSOC)
  • Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD)
  • Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA)
  • Family Law Practitioners Association (FLPA)

CURRENT GOVERNANCE, ADVISORY & LEADERSHIP POSITIONS

  • Current Member of the Australian Resettlement Advisory Council 2023-25, The Department of Home Affairs 2023- Current
  • Current Secretary of Refugee Communities Association of Australia (RCAA)
  • Current Board Member for Refugee and Immigration Legal Service (RAILS) 2024- Current
  • Current Member of Queensland’s Responsible Gambling Advisory Committee (RGAC), Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney-General, 2022-2025
  • Current Chairperson, Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ) 2020- Current
  • Current Board member, Federation of Ethnic Communities Council of Australia (FECCA)
  • Vice President for Youth Affairs Network of Queensland (YANQ) 2009-current www.yanq.org.au
  • Current National Chief Coordinator, Celebration of African Australians Inc http://www.celebrateafricanaustralians.org/
  • Current Australia Day Ambassador, National Australia Day Council
  • Current Ambassador for Fathering Project Australia https://thefatheringproject.org/

PREVIOUS GOVERNANCE, ADVISORY & LEADERSHIP POSITIONS

  • Former Member of the Lord Mayor Multicultural Round Table, Brisbane City Council
  • Former member of the Queensland Multicultural Advisory Council 2014-2018 State Government https://www.communities.qld.gov.au/multicultural/policy-governance/multicultural-queensland-advisory-council
  • Previous member of Queensland Police and African Communities Consultative Committee (QPACC)
  • Previous Board Member of Queensland Program of Assistance to Survivors of Torture and Trauma (QPASTT) 2012-2015
  • Former Executive Board Member - Federation of African Communities Council of Australia (FACCA) 2013-2015
  • Co-Founder of South Sudanese Community Association in Queensland (SSCAQ) Inc http://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/central/new-era-dawns-for-community/story-fn8m0qb4-1226192193635
  • Former President of Queensland African Communities Council (QACC) Inc 2013- 2015 www.qacc.com.au
  • Founder and previous Secretary for the Queensland African Football Association (QAFA) Inc www.qafabne.org.au
  • Previous Multicultural Digital Switchover Ambassador 2012-2013 http://news.digitalready.gov.au/march-2013/welcome-to-the-new-multicultural-switchover-ambassadors/
  • Former Vice-President, Queensland African Communities Council (QACC) 2012-2013.
  • Former Member - Southside Mental Health Collaborative Committee, Mental Health Week 2011
  • Previous President of the Sudanese Youth Association of Queensland Inc. from 2008- 2010
  • Youth and Sport co-coordinator, Sudanese Community Association of Queensland Inc (SUCAQ) from 2006-2007
  • Secretary - Sudanese Australian Lost Boys & Girls Organisation of Australia Inc 2004-2005

Timeline

Chief Executive Officer

Act for Peace Ltd
12.2023 - 04.2025

Queensland State Manager for Migration Support and Community programs

Australian Red Cross
11.2021 - 12.2023

Acting Chief Executive Officer

Ethnic Communities Council OF Queensland Ltd
03.2021 - 11.2021

Visiting Fellow

Kennedy University of Baptist
11.2020 - 04.2025

Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) and Centre Manager

Relationships Australia Queensland
06.2020 - 10.2021

Executive Director

Refugee Communities Association of Australia Inc
01.2020 - 01.2021

Sessional lecturer

University of Southern Queensland (USQ)
01.2017 - 01.2020

Advanced Practitioner and State Manager for Youth and Advocacy Support Program

Qld Program of Assistance to Survivors of Torture & Trauma (QPASTT)
05.2015 - 11.2021

Community Development Manager

Access Community Services Ltd Now Settlement Service International (SSI)
06.2013 - 01.2024

Founder and Managing Director

Smart Answers Group Pty Ltd (Own Consultancy)
01.2012 - Current

Manager, Strengthening Ethnic Communities Association and Leadership Program

Ethnic Communities Council of Qld (ECCQ)
01.2011 - 01.2012

Coordinator - Multicultural Peer Mentoring Program at Multicultural (part-time)

Harmony Place Inc
01.2010 - 01.2011

Multicultural Coordinator (Part-time)

Communify Queensland Inc, Brisbane, Qld
01.2010 - 01.2011

Youth Worker

Queensland Assistance to Survivors of Torture and Trauma (QPASTT)
01.2009 - 01.2010

Research Assistant (Casual)

Latrobe University and Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Qld
01.2008 - 01.2014

Community Education Liaison Officer

Education Queensland- Southern Region based at Moorooka State Primary School
01.2007 - 01.2009

Juris Doctor (JD) - undefined

The Australian National University

Master of Laws - undefined

Queensland University of Technology (QUT)

Graduate Diploma - Dispute Resolution

Queensland University of Technology (QUT)

Master of Justice - Intelligence

Queensland University of Technology (QUT)

Graduate Certificate - Intelligence

Queensland University of Technology (QUT)

Bachelor - Human Services

Queensland University of Technology (QUT)

Diploma - Community Welfare Work

TAFE

Senior Certificate (Yr 12) - undefined

Coorparoo School Secondary College

Honorary Doctorate - Human Rights, Peace and Leadership

Kennedy University of Baptist

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