Last week ECCV said goodbye and good luck to one of our long-standing employees, Business and Executive Support Coordinator Matisse Yee, who will be starting a new career in finance.
We wanted to share Matisse’s story not only because she has been an integral part of ECCV for the past seven years, but because her journey exemplifies what ECCV stands for and our commitment to giving new migrants opportunities to thrive.
After migrating from Malaysia, Matisse got her first job in Australia with ECCV in 2014, as a casual Bilingual Educator. Her performance, dedication and work ethic impressed ECCV management, and she was offered an ongoing role as a General Administration and Project Support Officer. She then moved into a State Project Coordinator role for a national aged care program before becoming the Office Administrator and finally playing a key role supporting business operations.
“I am lucky I got my first job in Australia with ECCV,” she said. “I really feel grateful and thankful that ECCV has given me so many different opportunities to learn, to develop and to strive.”
National launch of the Speak My Language program with former Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Hon. Ken Wyatt AM, 2018
Despite having studied English from primary to tertiary level in Malaysia, where she completed a degree in Chinese literature and Multimedia Communications, Matisse struggled to feel confident with her spoken English when she first arrived in Melbourne with her husband. “Before I migrated, my biggest fears were not finding a professional job in Australia, and speaking English.
“At that time, I didn’t know that a foreign accent is a sign of bravery. I was so afraid to speak in English, even just to order a coffee at a café. I kept thinking my spoken English was bad.“When I look and think back, the issue that I needed to work on was definitely not my English, but more to do with my confidence and low self-esteem,” she said.
Being away from her home country, beloved parents and family for seven years has been hard, but ECCV had been her “second home” in Melbourne.
Matisse says one of the best things about working with ECCV was the opportunity to work with people from diverse backgrounds from around the world, to learn about different cultures and “the sweet and bitter migration stories” they shared.
“We are different in so many ways, but we are alike in so many ways too – the unconditional love for our family, our sense of humour, the way we crave yummy food, and hearts of kindness.
“I learned that moving and living in a new country does not mean you have to give up your own culture, your language or your beliefs.”
Matisse recalls a ‘beautiful’ conversation she had in 2014 with ECCV’s former Executive Officer, Dr. Irene Bouzo. “Multiculturalism is not a melting pot that forces everyone to become the same and sound alike. Be your authentic self and be part of the diversity.”
This conversation helped her find her pride again in being able to speak different languages as a new migrant living in Australia. Matisse said an important lesson she had learned over her time at ECCV was that if you do not speak up for yourself, no one is going to advocate for you.
ECCV staff, 2019
“Before migrating to Australia, I had been taught my whole life not to speak up in order not to cause trouble.
“I know now, that in this country I can have my own voice; I can support myself to stand tall again, and stand firm, if that is the right thing to do. Now I have learnt to explain myself and advocate for myself in my improved English.”
During her time at ECCV, Matisse decided to pursue a career in finance, which ECCV supported through study leave. She successfully obtained a Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping in 2020.
ECCV Chairperson, Eddie Micallef, acknowledged Matisse’s crucial role in supporting ECCV during a period of transition when she first joined the team and her ability to adapt to and meet each new challenge.
“She’s been a delight to work with, just wonderful,” he said.
Matisse thanked the ECCV staff and management team for the kindness, support, laughter and friendship shared along the way. “You are all my great inspiration to be a better person and continue to take on new challenges in life,” she said.
Matisse’s sense of humour, sensitivity and joyful personality will be missed at ECCV. We wish her all the best in this next step in her career.
ECCV staff and Board members at Matisse’s farewell lunch, 2021