Leadership Announcement
Helena Derwash appointed Chief Executive Officer
Mosaic Multicultural Connections is pleased to announce the appointment of Helena Derwash as Chief Executive Officer, bringing more than two decades of humanitarian and multicultural leadership to our work across NSW.
Helena Derwash, Chief Executive Officer
Highlights
Global Perspective
20+ years of humanitarian leadership across international borders
Lived Experience
Deep understanding of displacement and multicultural integration
After 45 years of walking alongside multicultural communities across NSW, Mosaic is proud to welcome Helena Derwash as Chief Executive Officer.
Tuesday, 28 April 2026 — Mosaic Multicultural Connections is delighted to announce Helena Derwash has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, following a global career leading humanitarian and community programs across the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe.
“Mosaic has built something rare. I’m honoured to come home and help it grow — working alongside communities to create belonging, safety and opportunity.”
Helena Derwash
Chief Executive Officer
A leader shaped by lived experience
With a history spanning 45 years of supporting communities, Mosaic’s mission is strengthened by leaders who understand the realities of settling and finding belonging.
Helena’s lived experience navigating cultures, paired with more than 20 years of humanitarian leadership, has shaped her commitment to equity and culturally responsive services.
She has led programs across some of the world’s most complex environments, working with partners, governments and local communities to deliver practical support and long-term outcomes.
Now back in Australia, Helena is focused on growing Mosaic’s impact across NSW while staying grounded in community voice, safety and dignity.
Priorities for the next chapter
Helena joins us with a clear purpose: to strengthen the services that matter most to the people we serve. That means continuing to grow our settlement programmes as we welcome newly arrived families and individuals calling Australia home. It means deepening our aged care support so that older community members can access care that respects their language, their culture and their dignity. And it means building on the trust that communities have placed in Mosaic across 45 years.
Our values — trust, transparency, respect, collaboration and creation — do not change. Our commitment to walking alongside communities, rather than ahead of them, does not change. What changes is the energy and experience Helena brings to that work.
“Helena brings exceptional values-led leadership, deep cultural understanding and a strong track record of delivering impact in complex environments. We’re excited for what her appointment means for Mosaic’s next chapter.”
Sandra Feltham
Board Chair
Our thanks to Rob Watkins and Sharon Daishe
Helena steps into an organisation that has been well led through an important transition. Sharon Daishe spent six years building Mosaic's foundations: strengthening governance, expanding reach and deepening the organisation's connection to community. Rob Watkins has served as Interim CEO since February 2026, leading with steadiness and care through the change. We are grateful to both of them.
Rob will work alongside Helena through a planned handover to ensure a smooth transition for our staff and the communities we serve.
Continuity and momentum
Mosaic will continue delivering settlement support, family services, culturally responsive home care and community engagement — with an ongoing focus on inclusion and measurable outcomes.
Helena’s appointment signals renewed momentum to expand collaboration, elevate community voices and innovate in how we support people at key moments in their journey.
Be part of Mosaic’s mission
We invite community members, partners and supporters to join us as we welcome Helena and continue building a more inclusive NSW.
Follow Mosaic updates, explore services, volunteer opportunities and ways to support our work across the state.