Having lived in crisis-stricken Ethiopia, Gemechu Dembali has a better understanding than most about what it’s like to have to move to a new country.
This is why Gemechu is perfectly suited to his role as a Multicultural Service Officer (MSO) with the Department of Human Services. He’s been an MSO for more than 20 years, and has a wealth of knowledge, cultural understanding and skills, which he uses to support people every day.
Gemechu Dembali Profile (Word, 13KB)
Gemechu Dembali Profile (PDF, 206KB)
“I love my job,” Gemechu said. “Every day I say I’m doing something which helps to change another person’s life. While I’m doing that, I’m also enriching mine.”
As a Multicultural Service Officer, Gemechu is involved in many community activities around Perth.
“For the last fifteen years I’ve been involved with the Harmony Day committee, bringing schools, community groups and even local business groups together,” he said.
“I was also the founding member of African Community WA Inc. as well as Oromia Community WA Inc.”
Gemechu said digital services play an important role for multicultural Australians.
“Some people were scared in the beginning, however, with the help of staff on hand to guide people through digital services, progress is definitely being made,” he said.
“We encourage people to use self-service options whenever possible. We take the time to explain how using online services makes it easier to do their business, how it works, and then show them how to do it.
“It’s so great to see people leave our offices, knowing they’ve learnt how to help themselves.”
More information
- Read more about the department’s Multicultural Service Officers.
- Read information in your language.
