As a Russian immigrant Elena Gosse arrived in Australia over 20 years ago to start a new life. Now Chief Executive Officer of Brisbane based, leading water disinfection company, Australian Innovative Systems (AIS), Elena has been recognised as one of three finalists in the Entrepreneur Category for the Premier’s Cultural Diversity Awards. Winners will be announced on 30 August 2014 at a gala dinner which will mark the start of Queensland Cultural Diversity Week.
Elena’s entrepreneurial vision and leadership skills have seen AIS grow from a three person operation in 1992 to a company which boasts over 60 staff, operates three purpose built manufacturing facilities and attracts a multi-million dollar local and export turnover. The company’s award winning chlorinators produce chlorine onsite and inline via a process known as electrolysis thereby negating the need for chlorine delivery, storage and handling. Whilst AIS prides itself on its innovative technology, innovation also extends to Elena’s management style.
Elena said that she was honoured to be named as a finalist in the Awards and feels her experience as an immigrant has helped to refine her business vision and embrace cultural diversity in the AIS workplace.
“It is a great honour to be recognised along with the other talented finalists in the Premier’s Cultural Diversity Awards,” Elena said.
“I believe that being a successful entrepreneur and business person is about taking calculated risks and I like to think that the biggest risk of my life, leaving my former country and embracing a new personal and professional life in Australia can act as an inspiration to other immigrants.
“As an Australian citizen I am proud to say that AIS is also a celebration of Cultural Diversity. We employ people from 14 different countries including Russia, Ukraine, Lithuania, New Zealand, Australia, Germany, Vietnam, Philippines, Czech Republic, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Mexico. In some cases entire migrant families work with us.
“As our business interests continue to grow globally, I believe that AIS’ multicultural workforce brings a unique advantage to the business by way of enhanced language skills, cross-cultural innovation, specialist skills and the promotion of racial harmony.”
Spokesperson for the Awards, Queensland Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs, Glen Elmes congratulated all of the finalists and acknowledged their positive, inspirational work and volunteering.
“I am proud to recognise the businesses, community organisations, individuals and partnership projects that are contributing to and celebrating cultural diversity in our great state,” Mr Elmes said.
“The Queensland Government has a strong plan to embrace and enhance the state’s diversity and these finalists show what a wonderful state we live in and what a bright future we have.”
“Our culture and lifestyle are made all the richer by the contribution of migrants who’ve chosen to call Queensland home.”
For more information about the Premier’s Cultural Diversity Awards:
For a full list of Premier’s Cultural Diversity Awards Finalists or to purchase tickets for the Gala Awards night visit www.datsima.qld.gov.au\qcdw
For more information about the Premier’s Cultural Diversity Awards please contact: Peter McCarthy (0408) 835 548
