My name is Lyn and I live in Thornbury. I have three adult children and three delightful grand-children.

I have known of the CAN community programs for many years having volunteered as a young person living in Carlton, working in the Rathdowne St Towers.

My name is Akram Heida. I emigrated to Australia from Iran 2 years ago. I am a Certified Practising Accountant in Australia.

I emigrated from Iran to Australia two years ago and am now a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA).

Throughout my career I have worked in the education and disability sectors, with experience in schools, government and community organisations. I was a board member of the Victorian Institute of Teachers (2015-2019) and a member of the Board of Deaf Children Australia (2000-2004).

I have always been curious about social justice, but the covid era has really cemented in my head the necessity for vulnerable people to have access to information, services and opportunities, where the individual is placed at the center, and facilitated to be the author of their own story and journey through life.

I have been a Uniting Church minister for 35 years, mostly in the inner city suburbs of Melbourne.

This has given me a keen interest and involvement in urban mission and how the church engages with the bewildering but wonderful cosmopolitan mix of cultures living in the often gritty environment of inner Melbourne.

I come to the CAN Community Support Board with degrees in Law, Global Studies and a Certificate in Christian Ministry and Theology.

I work in local government, and have experience volunteering as a paralegal in Melbourne and overseas. Outside of work I enjoy bush walking, drinking chai, and riding my bike.

I am a member of CAN congregation and its Church Council and passionately supportive of the work of CAN Community Support as a mission of the congregation. I am also a tutor in the homework club and has been so for many years.