Who We Are

Board of Directors

Iskender Ozan Toprak

Creative Director

Since Ozan started playing Anatolia’s well-known baglama at age 5, his early interest lead to a life-long dedication to music. He is a master of traditional instruments, including the baglama, yayli tambur, mizrapli tambur and kabak kemane. He has hosted multiple concerts across various locations, including The Melbourne Recital Centre, WOMADelaide Music Festival, and Port Fairy Folk Festival. Noteworthy are his charitable concerts, including The Turkiye Earthquake Appeal in 2023.

    • Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University

    • Ege University State Turkish Music Conservatory

    • TRT - Baglama Player

    • Ege University Faculty Of Medicine Choir - Choirmaster

    • City Town Of Salihli Choir - Choirmaster

    • Theater Mummpitz’ Children's Theatre - Composer, Instrumentalist, Actor

    • Quantensprung - Musician

    • 50th Anniversary of a Protestant family education Center Familienbildungsstätte in Nuremberg - Documentary

    • Royal Academy Orchestra at the Thames Festival - Musician

    • Ocean Project - Project Founder

    • Mercan Dede (Australian Tour) - Accompaniment

    • Melbourne Recital Center - Performance

    • 50th Anniversary of Turkish Immigration to Australia Celebration Euphony, partnered by Ahenk, Turkish Airlines, Commonwealth Bank, supported by Mt Hira College - Performance

    • ‘Endless Requiem Canakkale’ 104th Anniversary of the 18 March Canakkale (in the patronage of the Presidency of Turkiye) - Performance

    • Turkiye-Syria Charity Earthquake - Concert

    • 100th-Anniversary Celebrations Of The Republic of Türkiye - Concert

  • “Iskender Ozan Toprak brings a unique blend of music in what can best be described as East meets West, in a beautiful combination of classical music with traditional Eastern music.” - Melbourne Recital Center

Clive Scott AM

Board Member

A successful and dedicated General Manager with over 45 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Clive Scott is recognized for his significant contributions to the hotel industry and the arts. He has demonstrated proven leadership in various key roles, driving operational excellence and promoting tourism and the arts in Australia. Clive Scott has been honoured by Queen Elizabeth II.

    • Hotel Management Diploma

    • Degree in Economics

  • Hilton Chain (21 years)

    • Worked in various locations including Sydney, Cairns, Thailand, Korea, and Japan.

    Accor Hotels Group

    • Served as General Manager of Human Resources for Australia/New Zealand/Japan.

    • Managed Novotel Twin Waters Resort, Novotel and Hotel Ibis, Sydney Olympic Park, Western Sydney Hotels Accor, and Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.

    • Recognized as one of Accor’s most experienced General Managers in the Asia-Pacific region.

    Sofitel Melbourne On Collins

    • Returned to his birthplace, Melbourne, in 2005, and was appointed General Manager of Sofitel Melbourne On Collins.

    • Retired in 2023 as the longest-serving hotel general manager in Melbourne.

    • Member of the Order of Australia (AM), 2021

    • Gold Tourism Medal from the French Minister of Tourism for contributions to tourism development between France and Australia.

    • Silver Bernache Award (Respect/Social Responsibility) from Accor, 2013.

    • Honorary Membership of Les Clefs d’Or Australia, 2015.

    • Member of the Bordeaux Wine Society, 2018.

    • Brolga Award from the Australian Dancing Society for services to Dance Sport in Australia, 2018.

    • Chair, Visitor Economy Taskforce, Committee for Melbourne

    • Board Member, Oceania Australia Foundation

    • Chair, Georges Mora Fellowship

    • Chair, Management and Marketing Advisory Board, University of Melbourne

    • Chair of Judges, Melbourne Awards

    • Board Member, Hope Street Youth and Family Services Corporate Advisory Board

    • Chair, Finucane & Smith Advisory Board

    • Member, Melbourne Awards Foundation Board

  • Actively involved with several key players in Melbourne’s art scene including:

    • Chunky Move Dance Company

    • Australian National Academy of Music

    • Craft Victoria

    • Heide Museum of Modern Art

    • The Australian Ballet

    • National Gallery of Victoria

    • Victorian Opera

    • Monash Art Gallery

    • Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

  • Clive Scott actively serves on the board of the Australian-Turkish Melodies of Peace, contributing his extensive experience and leadership skills.

Esin Toprak

Secretary

With over a decade of experience in psychology, Esin is a highly skilled AHPRA-registered psychologist and CBT therapist. Trained in the UK and now based in Australia, Esin has provided effective mental health interventions across a range of settings, including the NHS in London and Monash Health in Melbourne. Esin’s career encompasses roles in trauma care, couple’s therapy, and youth counselling, reflecting a profound commitment to addressing complex emotional and psychological needs. Currently, Esin serves as a student counsellor at the University of Melbourne, supporting individuals through both personal and academic challenges while also maintaining a private practice. Esin’s therapeutic approach is marked by its person-centred, trauma-aware, and culturally attuned methodology. Beyond their professional achievements, Esin is actively involved with the Turkish Australian Melodies of Peace charity as Secretary. Their engagement with the charity is fuelled by a deep passion for music and the arts, as well as a commitment to promoting world peace. Esin’s diverse background and dedication to cultural understanding are integral to advancing the charity’s mission of fostering harmony and unity through music.

    • M.CLINPSYCH, 2023, Victoria University, Australia

    • BPSYCHSC(HONS), 2020, Institute for Social Neuroscience (ISN), Australia

    • PGDIP CBT, 2013, Royal Holloway University, UK

    • PGCERT Psychodynamics, 2012, Birkbeck University, UK

    • PGCERT Evidence-based Psycholgical Treatment, 2010, University of Reading, UK

    • M.A. in Educational Studies, Psychology & Sociology, 2006, FAU, Erlangen-Nuremberg

    • University of Melbourne
      Clinical Psychology Registrar, Jun 2024 to present
      Delivering psychological assessments, case management, and crisis intervention; engaging in professional development.

    • Monash Health
      Psychologist, May 2023 - May 2024
      Provided psychological assessments and interventions; consulted on mental health wards; participated in professional development.

    • Blue Knot Foundation
      Helpline and Redress Counsellor, Oct 2022 - May 2023
      Offered trauma-informed counselling; conducted risk assessments; collaborated on clinical protocols; provided referrals.

    • Safe Steps
      Specialist Counsellor, Oct 2018 - Jun 2022
      Delivered trauma counselling for family violence survivors; maintained professionalism and cultural sensitivity; participated in supervision.

    • Youth Counsellor, City of Casey Council
      Youth Counsellor, Nov 2020 - Jun 2021
      Provided therapeutic counselling and support; developed programs; collaborated with stakeholders; offered training.

    • Safe Steps
      Senior Practitioner, Oct 2017 - Mar 2018
      Supported and mentored a team of counsellors; provided clinical advice; assisted with strategic planning.

    • Primary Care Psychology Services, NHS
      CBT Psychotherapist, Oct 2012 - Oct 2016
      Managed caseload using CBT; provided assessments and treatment; conducted group therapy; supervised junior staff.

    • Primary Care Psychology Service, NHS
      Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner, Apr 2009 - Oct 2012
      Delivered guided self-help; managed ongoing client caseload; participated in case reviews and training.

Serap Ozdemir

Partnerships & Fundraising

After first starting her career at age 17 as one of the first Turkish women in translation services, Serap’s career lead to significant management roles in the health, community services and private sectors for over 40 years. She has implemented countless innovative pilot programs in partnership with government, universities, corporations, foundations, and donors. Though retired from the Charity sector, Serap now volunteers in various projects, including the Melodies Of Gallipoli, From Frontline To Friendship.

    • Postgraduate Degree: Teaching (TESOL), University of New England

    • Bachelor’s Degree: Economics and Anthropology

    • Diploma: Interpretation and Translation, RMIT University

    • Jesuit Social Services - Project Management and Advocacy

    • Council for Single Mothers and Their Children - Fundraising and Philanthropy Manager

    • Police Veterans Victoria - Fundraising and Business Partnerships Manager

    • Eastern Health - Senior Philanthropy Manager

    • Hope Street Youth and Family Services - Business Development And Partnerships Manager

    • Windermere Child and Family Services - Business Development Manager

    • Council on the Ageing - Program Manager

    • National Association Of Loss And Grief - CEO

    • Telstra - National Health and Wellbeing Initiative Development

    • Director, Northern Migrant Resource Centre

    • Victoria State Development Department - State Director of Multicultural Campaign Victoria

    • TAFE NSW Riverina - Regional Multicultural Director

    • Secured Federal Funding and Applied SBS Television in Riverina and Northeast Victoria (1995)

    • Established Higher Education Migrant Education Unit at Riverina TAFE, receiving high recognition in NSW Marketing Awards (1995)

    • Received various awards and recognition for work in the health and community services sector

    • Volunteer for the Gallipoli Project led by Iskender Ozan Toprak

    • Founder of the SBS Action Group for Riverina NSW

    • Promoted harmonious community relations by bridging the gap between multicultural communities and the broader society

Aylin Aras-Yurdakul

Chief Executive Officer

With a background in Advertising and Public Relations, Aylin’s involvement in amateur music since childhood lead to winning her first prize in the Amateur Voices Competition at age 13 by TRT in her hometown, earning the right to receive Turkish Folk Music training for a year. Aylin now collaborates with Ozan on numerous concert projects in a shared passion for music and event management.

    • Anadolu University, Bachelor in Advertising and Public Relations

    • Anadolu University - Western Music Musician (under the the guidance of American, British, and Singaporean facult teachers)

    • Turkish Newspaper - Columnist

    • SBS Radio’s Turkish Section - Broadcaster

    • “You Are Not Forgotten” charity concert for the February 6, 2023 earthquake and the “Republic of Turkiye Centennial Special Concert” held at the Melbourne Recital Centre in November 4, 2023 as part of the 100th anniversary celebrations of the founding of the Republic of Turkiye - Event Manager

  • Aylin won her first prize in the Amateur Voices Competition organised by the TRT in her hometown, earning the right to receive Turkish Folk Music training for a year.

Pamela Usher

Board Member

Pamela, who has been listed among notable individuals by the Queen, is a community advocate with over 11 years of dedication to supporting others, a mission she declares is far from over. She has been awarded the Order of Australia for her significant contributions to various organizations and initiatives. Pamela is known for her personal commitment, efforts to encourage direct involvement, and maximizing engagement. Pamela’s dedication to community support and her active involvement in various initiatives have made her a respected figure in her community. Her efforts continue to positively impact many lives.

  • Philanthropist and Supporter

    • Utilized proceeds from the sale of her business partnership in Invicta Bus Services to support numerous community organizations and programs.

    • Actively involved in identifying and funding initiatives that align with her personal values and goals.

    • Annually visits Alice Springs to interact with Tangentyere Artists and participates in journeys with students from the Hands on Learning program.

    • Provides support and education to women learning to swim at Whittlesea Community Connection.

    • Develops personal relationships and ensures effective use of resources by directly interacting with areas of aid.

  •  Philanthropy and Fundraising

    • Community Engagement

    • Practical Support and Mentorship

    • Strategic Planning and Resource Allocation

    • Interpersonal Communication and Relationship Building

    • Advocacy and Public Speaking

Filiz Ceylanbas

Board Member

Filiz Ceylanbas is a skilled entrepreneur with a passion for business and the arts. With over 25 years of experience directing various businesses, from natural stone to property, Filiz excels in import/export, sales, and management. She is renowned for her strategic vision and ability to transform ideas into successful ventures.

    • Melda Music - Artist Manager & Production Coordinator since 2012 ( Directing numerous music video productions and managed relationships with venues and suppliers.

    • Attila's Stone - Leadership (fostering employee engagement and improved project efficiency since 2001).

    • Filiz Property Investments - Property Investor and Developer (significant portfolio growth of the company’s property portfolio since 2011).

  • Filiz channels her love for music into organizing captivating events, such as managing musicals and theatres, overseeing music production and music videos, and coordinating live performances internationally. Her involvement in these artistic endeavours not only showcases her creative vision but also her dedication to enriching the cultural landscape. Filiz’s unique ability to blend business acumen with artistic passion has made her a distinguished figure in both fields.

  • Melodies Of Peace - Artistic Director (active contribution through extensive experience and passion for the arts to the forefront, growing and succeeding the organisation).

Nurettin Celik

Treasurer

Nurettin is a detail-oriented and results-driven professional with 15 years of accounting experience. He possesses a wide range of skills, including painting, participating in volunteer projects, engaging in social activities, traveling, camping, reading, and gardening. He enjoys talking to people, having conversations, and spending time with others. He is compassionate and love animals. His humanistic perspective guides both his work and personal life.

    • Webster College. Advanced Diploma of Accounting

    • Total Business Training, Certificate IV in Bookkeeping

    • South East Accounting - Accountant & Senior Bookkeeper

      • Overseeing accounting operations and ensuring accuracy in financial reporting

      • Managing bookkeeping tasks and maintaining comprehensive financial records

    • Lynbrook Accounting & Bookkeeping - Bookkeeping Manager

      • Managed bookkeeping responsibilities and supervised bookkeeping staff

      • Ensured timely and accurate financial record-keeping

      • Australian Pacific Paper

    • Quality Control

      • Conducted quality control checks to ensure product standards were met

      • A&L Window

    • Glazer & Assembler

      • Assembled and installed window components

    • Orhan Celik Gida Insaat Tekstil Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi - Company Partner and Retail Food Manager

      • Managed retail food operations and was involved in company managemen