About us
Australian Chamber for Immigrant and Foreign Entrepreneurs
ACIFE is a Not-For-Profit (NFP) organisation helping immigrant business owners establish themselves here. Our founders and many of our advisory committee are first-generation immigrants, having gone on to establish their businesses in Australia. Many NFP and charity organisations dedicate time, effort and resources to helping people in need such as those experiencing poverty, homelessness, Family & Domestic Violence (FDV), human rights and also for other vulnerable and at-risk individuals/communities experiencing adversities. These are admirable, tremendous and invaluable organisations. The reason why ACIFE’s aim of helping immigrant business owners is such a worthy cause is that for many immigrants, there is a lot involved in relocating to Australia, particularly in setting up a new business. From registrations, relevant credentials and legal/regulatory compliance to understanding the cultural landscape and societal practices, all the way to networking and relationship-building.
It is quite a feat, and to many, rather daunting, which is why it is a process that ACIFE is dedicated to helping immigrant business owners throughout, for their future. At ACIFE, we provide immigrant and foreign business owners with the tools and support they need to succeed in Australia. Our members benefit from a network of experienced entrepreneurs who have already established themselves here and are eager to share their knowledge and experiences.
Valuable Knowledge and Resources
Experience Sharing and Mentorship
Continuous Support and Follow-Up
Here's where we're heading
Our Goals with ACIFE
Vision
Empowering immigrant entrepreneurs to achieve their goals within a supportive Australian community.
Mission
Our mission is to guide and support immigrant and foreign business owners in Australia, helping them navigate challenges and build strong foundations for lasting success.
Our Mission
Empowering immigrant entrepreneurs to achieve their goals within a supportive Australian community.
Our Services
Envato is proudly based in Melbourne, Australia, but our people and community live and work from all over the world.
Our Mission
Envato is proudly based in Melbourne, Australia, but our people and community live and work from all over the world.
Our Mission
Envato is proudly based in Melbourne, Australia, but our people and community live and work from all over the world.
Our Mission
Envato is proudly based in Melbourne, Australia, but our people and community live and work from all over the world.
Our Mission
Envato is proudly based in Melbourne, Australia, but our people and community live and work from all over the world.
Vajira Jayasooriya
CEO & Founder
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Barbara G. Reese
Web Developer
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Roberto L. Burleson
Graphics Designer
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Dewayne E. Morton
Senior Manager
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Non- Executive Advisor
CEO & Founder
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Barbara G. Reese
Non- Executive Advisor
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Roberto L. Burleson
Non- Executive Advisor
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Dewayne E. Morton
Non- Executive Advisor
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President
Vajira Jayasooriya
Vajira Jayasooriya is a distinguished Senior Accountant and one of the founding partners of Austral Accountants. With over 12 years of comprehensive experience in the accounting field, Vajira brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the firm, guiding its strategic vision and ensuring the highest standards of financial management. Together with Austral Accountants, Vajira’s professional background involves co-founding Muve and Audici.
Being honoured with the prestigious Accountant of the Year award by the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) in 2022, Vajira was also nominated as a finalist for the Public Accountant of the Year award at the Australia Accounting Awards 2023 and 2023. Under Vajira’s leadership, Austral Accountants was also honoured with the Public Accountants 2023 Practice of the Year Award for Queensland. These outstanding achievements demonstrate Vajira’s exceptional dedication, expertise, and contributions to the field of accounting.
Vajira is a recognized leader in the field, holding prestigious qualifications including a Master of Commerce, together with memberships in respected professional associations such as the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) Australia, Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA) – UK, and also a member of the National Tax and Accountants Association (NTAA) Australia and the Tax Institute (FTI) Australia. Vajira is also a registered tax agent in the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) Australia and a Registered Agent of the Australia Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). These affiliations not only emphasize Vajira’s commitment to comply with industry developments, but also reflect his dedication to upholding the highest ethical standards. An experienced professional, Vajira’s innovative approach to accounting and finance has been instrumental in shaping the firm’s success and growth.
Pedram Firooztash
Pedram is a senior financial adviser at Financial Grace Investment Service Pty Ltd, bringing nearly two decades of experience to clients across urban and rural Australia. Since 2004, he has specialized in portfolio construction and management, helping individuals achieve their financial goals. Pedram holds several qualifications, including a Diploma of Financial Planning, a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investments, and various certificates in finance, mortgage broking, and real estate. His expertise encompasses wealth creation, personal and corporate superannuation, self-managed superannuation funds, cashflow management, and estate planning. Additionally, as a licensed mortgage broker and real estate agent, Pedram offers a comprehensive approach to financial advising, ensuring personalized strategies for long-term financial security and growth.
Udeshika Jayawardena
Principal Solicitor - Asher Freeman Lawyers
Udeshika Jayawardena is an experienced litigation lawyer who initially trained and worked at a top tier lex mundi member firm in its litigation division. She assisted multinational companies in disputes with various authorities and other parties. She then expanded her skillset by working for a boutique firm in assisting small businesses
Kieran Jefferies
With 18 years of experience as a Mortgage Broker, Kieran is a recognized leader in the industry, consistently ranking among the Top 10 Mortgage Brokers in Queensland and Australia. His commitment to providing tailored financial solutions has earned him numerous awards and accolades.
Kieran’s finance journey began in 2006, and his extensive knowledge equips him to tackle any financial challenge. He is passionate about mentoring the next generation of mortgage professionals, sharing his expertise to ensure exceptional service for all clients.
For expert mortgage advice and innovative solutions, Kieran is the go-to professional!
Dan Geekiyanage
Dan Geekiyanage is a distinguished Senior Accountant and oversees the Accounting and Tax division at Austral Accountants, providing comprehensive financial solutions and strategic tax expertise. With over 12 years of experience in the field, Dan is a reputed tax expert, serving a diverse range of industries with unparalleled dedication and proficiency. Dan’s expertise acquaints him with a deep understanding of complex tax regulations and financial management strategies, making him a trusted advisor to businesses and individuals alike. Dan’s expertise spans various sectors including manufacturing, retail, construction and professional services, reflecting his versatile approach and commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by each industry.
A Chartered Accountant, Dan is an active member of several professional associations as well. His involvement in these organizations emphasizes the commitment to staying at the forefront of industry developments and regulatory changes. Dan’s approach combines attention to detail with a strategic vision, ensuring that all clients not only comply with current regulations but also capitalize on opportunities for growth and efficiency. His dedication to delivering high-quality service is matched by his passion for mentoring the next generation of accounting professionals.
A Chartered Accountant, Dan is an active member of several professional associations as well. His involvement in these organizations emphasizes the commitment to staying at the forefront of industry developments and regulatory changes. Dan’s approach combines attention to detail with a strategic vision, ensuring that all clients not only comply with current regulations but also capitalize on opportunities for growth and efficiency. His dedication to delivering high-quality service is matched by his passion for mentoring the next generation of accounting professionals.
Karan Joshi (Josh)
Josh is a highly pragmatic and results-oriented professional with a robust background in the commercial, consumer, insurance, and banking industries. He possesses sharp written and verbal communication skills, a keen eye for detail, and strong interpersonal abilities. With extensive experience in risk and compliance management for large multinational and ASX-listed companies, Josh has primarily worked in Australian markets. His diverse academic achievements and varied work experiences have equipped him with a wide range of transferable skills. Josh is dedicated to building genuine client relationships and is an avid researcher of organizational and human psychology, focusing on driving organizational change and enhancing performance models. He is an ASIC Registered SMSF Auditor, a Provisional Member of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, and holds a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) from James Cook University and a Diploma of Commerce from Griffith University.