Sunili Govinnage Email & Phone Number

Perth, Western Australia, Australia

In this role I manage innovative programs that create space and develop capacity for our ensemble and emerging creatives to tell ambitious new stories. I have recently been involved as a mentor on a project with Propel Youth Arts WA for the Youth Week WA KickstART Festival, and established a new performing arts program for young people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds in partnership with Edmund Rice Centre WA, which is supported through the DLGSC and Lotterywest Creative… Show more In this role I manage innovative programs that create space and develop capacity for our ensemble and emerging creatives to tell ambitious new stories. I have recently been involved as a mentor on a project with Propel Youth Arts WA for the Youth Week WA KickstART Festival, and established a new performing arts program for young people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds in partnership with Edmund Rice Centre WA, which is supported through the DLGSC and Lotterywest Creative Communities COVID-19 Recovery Program. Show less

Perth, Western Australia, Australia

Encounter is producing the creative development of major new works by Jay Emmanuel.

Perth, Western Australia, Australia

I create and hold space for the transformative power of storytelling, sharing and personal development through connection and community building. I have facilitated training and workshops, and spoken at panels, including Centre for Stories “Side Walks” (2021); Perth Festival “Literature & Ideas” (2021); Western Australian Bar Association Unconscious Bias Training (2019, 2021); Rabble Books and Games - Book Circle (2020); Ishar Multicultural Women's Health Services International Women’s Day… Show more I create and hold space for the transformative power of storytelling, sharing and personal development through connection and community building. I have facilitated training and workshops, and spoken at panels, including Centre for Stories “Side Walks” (2021); Perth Festival “Literature & Ideas” (2021); Western Australian Bar Association Unconscious Bias Training (2019, 2021); Rabble Books and Games - Book Circle (2020); Ishar Multicultural Women's Health Services International Women’s Day Panel (2020); Community Arts Network WA / Lotterywest Story Street - Pot Luck Book Party (2019). Show less

Perth, Western Australia, Australia

Outside of my legal career, I deliver strategic support to non-profit organisations in governance and policy development, community engagement, fundraising, and grant support (including planning, application strategy, and documentation).My international experience includes high-level research, writing and documentation support for international and Indonesian government and non-governmental organisations, focusing on organisational capacity building and human rights. Clients included… Show more Outside of my legal career, I deliver strategic support to non-profit organisations in governance and policy development, community engagement, fundraising, and grant support (including planning, application strategy, and documentation).My international experience includes high-level research, writing and documentation support for international and Indonesian government and non-governmental organisations, focusing on organisational capacity building and human rights. Clients included DFAT-funded projects and UN agencies. Show less

Perth, Australia

Piddington PLT is a high-quality graduate legal training program that focuses on The Piddington Society’s objects, which are to:a) promote collegiality in the legal profession;b) improve access to justice;c) support entry into the profession by aspiring and junior lawyers; and,d) provide legal education and training to aspiring and existing members of the legal profession.The Piddington PLT course has been approved by the Legal Practice Board of WA as satisfying the… Show more Piddington PLT is a high-quality graduate legal training program that focuses on The Piddington Society’s objects, which are to:a) promote collegiality in the legal profession;b) improve access to justice;c) support entry into the profession by aspiring and junior lawyers; and,d) provide legal education and training to aspiring and existing members of the legal profession.The Piddington PLT course has been approved by the Legal Practice Board of WA as satisfying the practical legal training requirements for direct admission to legal practice in Western Australia. Show less

Perth, Australia

Perth, Australia

Perth, Australia

As a solicitor and migration agent (MARN: 1573113) I assisted asylum seekers in Western Australia in their applications for Temporary Protection Visas (TPVs). Following recent changes to Australian immigration law and policy over the past several years, around 31,000 asylum seekers who arrived by boat no longer have access to independent advice and information in applying for TPVs - a confusing and difficult process. Providing access to legal advice and representation is a key part of ensuring… Show more As a solicitor and migration agent (MARN: 1573113) I assisted asylum seekers in Western Australia in their applications for Temporary Protection Visas (TPVs). Following recent changes to Australian immigration law and policy over the past several years, around 31,000 asylum seekers who arrived by boat no longer have access to independent advice and information in applying for TPVs - a confusing and difficult process. Providing access to legal advice and representation is a key part of ensuring fair legal procedures and fairness in the process. Without this support, it is feared that many asylum seekers will be left without the means or the knowledge to put together their claims for protection. From May 2015 to February 2016, I established and managed the clinic program, providing information and advice to over 500 asylum seekers and supervising volunteers who assisted around 50 asylum seekers lodge visa applications. I continued on as volunteer supporting the project conducting training and assisting with advocacy work.The Humanitarian Group and other community legal centres providing this essential service receive no government funding to do this work. Donations can be made to the "Fair Go For Asylum Seekers"​ project via https://www.givenow.com.au/cause4063 Show less

Perth, Australia

With Peter Quinlan SC and Eric Heenan at Francis Burt Chambers, I conducted the Legal and Governance Review of the Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). This review, requested by the Minister for the Environment examined the EPA's policies and procedures for Environmental Impact Assessment. The Review proposed a new policy framework that would allow the EPA, proponents and the public with confidence that decisions would be made fairly, consistently, and in accordance with… Show more With Peter Quinlan SC and Eric Heenan at Francis Burt Chambers, I conducted the Legal and Governance Review of the Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). This review, requested by the Minister for the Environment examined the EPA's policies and procedures for Environmental Impact Assessment. The Review proposed a new policy framework that would allow the EPA, proponents and the public with confidence that decisions would be made fairly, consistently, and in accordance with the principles of administrative law.A copy of the final report is available at http://www.epa.wa.gov.au/AbouttheEPA/abouttheEPA/Pages/Legal-governance-review.aspx Show less

Media Diversified (mediadiversified.org) is a young and growing non-profit organisation which seeks to cultivate and promote skilled writers of colour, by providing advice and contacts as well as through promotion of content online through its own platform. As an editor, I worked with writers to effectively present their content for publication and commissioned pieces on a wide variety of topics from writers of colour in Australia and the Asia-Pacific.

Online, Australia, Indonesia

As a freelance documentation specialist I was involved in short- to medium-term projects with various international development projects.I was involved in editing academic papers and research publications to transform complicated information into reader-friendly copy for policy advocacy work and media content, including online and print. I have the expertise to develop clear and logical documentation for evidence-based advocacy, program planning and policy material. As a researcher, I… Show more As a freelance documentation specialist I was involved in short- to medium-term projects with various international development projects.I was involved in editing academic papers and research publications to transform complicated information into reader-friendly copy for policy advocacy work and media content, including online and print. I have the expertise to develop clear and logical documentation for evidence-based advocacy, program planning and policy material. As a researcher, I have excellent analytical skills gained as a result of my academic and legal background. Show less

In from 2013 to 2015 I volunteered with group of wonderful Indonesian NGOs that had established a new civil society network called SUAKA (the Indonesian word for 'asylum'), which supports asylum seekers and promotes refugee rights in Indonesia. The network was founded in late 2012, and from March 2013 I have advised the secretariat with strategic planning, governance, organisational development, media and legal research. I also developed the network's website and social media platforms and… Show more In from 2013 to 2015 I volunteered with group of wonderful Indonesian NGOs that had established a new civil society network called SUAKA (the Indonesian word for 'asylum'), which supports asylum seekers and promotes refugee rights in Indonesia. The network was founded in late 2012, and from March 2013 I have advised the secretariat with strategic planning, governance, organisational development, media and legal research. I also developed the network's website and social media platforms and provide coordination and administrative support for the network. In June 2014, I was awarded a scholarship by the University of York and sponsored by the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN) to travel to Geneva for Refugee Rights Leadership Training and participate in the UNHCR's international consultations with NGOs. As a volunteer legal aid lawyer, I assisted asylum seekers from countries including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, and Sri Lanka with their applications for Refugee Status Determination with the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR). Most of my work was with those needing to appeal their first instance rejections due to errors made by the decision-maker or because they were unable to tell their whole story owing to procedural issues, language barriers, or trauma. SUAKA works with volunteer interpreters from asylum seeker communities to provide information and, if necessary, representation for the most vulnerable applicants - such as unaccompanied minors or survivors of torture and/or trauma who need help presenting their cases for international protection. Please see SUAKA's website: http://suaka.or.id for more information about their amazing work. Show less

Jakarta, Indonesia

I prepared remarks delivered by high-level officials with the United Nations and government partners (including Indonesian ministers) at major national and international events. My role also involved supporting national staff with technical writing support for English-language documentation. I was also responsible for preparing project planning and implementation documents, reports, public advocacy material, media releases, and correspondence.

Perth, Australia

As a commercial lawyer I worked on various matters including:- Native Title: Commercial negotiations on behalf of traditional owners in relation to mining tenement applications and representation in the National Native Title Tribunal's Expedited Procedure and Right To Negotiate processes - Aboriginal Heritage: advice to both traditional owners and resource companies regarding heritage obligations and legislative framework - Mining Law: Representation and advice in relation to access… Show more As a commercial lawyer I worked on various matters including:- Native Title: Commercial negotiations on behalf of traditional owners in relation to mining tenement applications and representation in the National Native Title Tribunal's Expedited Procedure and Right To Negotiate processes - Aboriginal Heritage: advice to both traditional owners and resource companies regarding heritage obligations and legislative framework - Mining Law: Representation and advice in relation to access and infrastructure issues and involvement in proceedings before the Mining Warden of Western Australia.This role was with a boutique firm specialising in non-litigated dispute resolution in native title, mining, planning and development. I worked with excellent senior practitioners who were experts in mediation and negotiation. I had responsibility for supervising an articled clerk and research assistants. I also worked on pro bono matters including judicial review of asylum applications before the (former) Federal Magistrates Court of Australia. I left this position to relocate to Indonesia. Show less

Perth, Australia

This was a 12-month fixed term contract with the Civil Law Division at Legal Aid WA. My work in this role included: - Representation of asylum seekers in the (then) Department of Immigration and Citizenship's status determination process for maritime arrivals seeking international protection in Australia; - Representation of applicants in Perth Magistrates Court as Duty Lawyer with the Domestic Violence Legal Unit; and - Legal advice in general civil law matters including motor… Show more This was a 12-month fixed term contract with the Civil Law Division at Legal Aid WA. My work in this role included: - Representation of asylum seekers in the (then) Department of Immigration and Citizenship's status determination process for maritime arrivals seeking international protection in Australia; - Representation of applicants in Perth Magistrates Court as Duty Lawyer with the Domestic Violence Legal Unit; and - Legal advice in general civil law matters including motor vehicle accidents, social services disputes, and debt recovery. Due to Federal Government funding cuts this position could not continue beyond the original 12-month contract. However, I assisted to set up a program to to provide pro-bono legal support to people in immigration detention through my volunteer work with CASE for Refugees. Show less

Perth, Australia

As a commercial Lawyer in the Projects team at Allens' Perth office (2010), I worked on large-scale construction and infrastructure matters, including environment, Native Title and Aboriginal Heritage issues relating to major mining and infrastructure projects in Western Australia. As a Law Graduate in the Commercial Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice group (2009), I was involved in a wide variety of matters including in insurance (professional indemnity and public liability)… Show more As a commercial Lawyer in the Projects team at Allens' Perth office (2010), I worked on large-scale construction and infrastructure matters, including environment, Native Title and Aboriginal Heritage issues relating to major mining and infrastructure projects in Western Australia. As a Law Graduate in the Commercial Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice group (2009), I was involved in a wide variety of matters including in insurance (professional indemnity and public liability), administrative law, resources, and insolvency litigation. In addition to my billable work, I: - was extensively involved in the firm's well-regarded pro-bono practice; - participated in the Social Media Working Group, a small group of Allens employees who advised the firm's Leadership Team on the implementation of a social media policy for the firm, and spoke at the 'Media140' conference in Perth on the topic of legal issues and opportunities arising from the growth of social media; - was a presenter in the 'Resilience@Law' DVD which is part of a national initiative between Allens Arthur Robinson, Freehills, Blake Dawson, Mallesons, Clayton Utz and the College of Law developed to address the issues of mental health in the legal profession through the Tristan Jepson Memorial Foundation; and - was a member of the Charity Committee (which coordinated the firm's charity activities such as 'Jeans 4 Genes Day' and donations, including grant applications) and the Reconciliation Action Plan Committee (which established and launched the firm's first RAP). Show less

Perth, Australia

In my first full-time position following graduation from law school, I provided legal research and drafting assistance to the Honourable Justice Owen and the Honourable Justice Buss at the Supreme Court of Western Australia. I spent a considerable part of the year working with Justice Owen while he was completing the judgment for The Bell Group Ltd (In Liq) v Westpac Banking Corporation [No 9], the 2643-page decision regarding a syndicate of commercial banks' liability for securities… Show more In my first full-time position following graduation from law school, I provided legal research and drafting assistance to the Honourable Justice Owen and the Honourable Justice Buss at the Supreme Court of Western Australia. I spent a considerable part of the year working with Justice Owen while he was completing the judgment for The Bell Group Ltd (In Liq) v Westpac Banking Corporation [No 9], the 2643-page decision regarding a syndicate of commercial banks' liability for securities taken from an insolvent corporate group. In this role I was able to utilise my academic research and writing skills at the highest level of legal practice and developed further skills in editing, fact checking and legal reasoning. Show less

Perth, Australia

I worked as Research Assistant in the Commercial Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice group on a part-time basis in my final year of law school. I provided research support on several matters including in mining and resources and administrative law. After the completion of my studies, I deferred the commencement of my graduate program with Allens for 12 months to take a position as a Research Associate at the Supreme Court of Western Australia.

Perth, Australia

Bachelor'S Degree, Llb (First Class Hons) / Ba (First Class Hons)

Activities and Societies: Vice President - University of Notre Dame Australia Student Association (2005), Editor - Quasimodo (2007).

Graduate Diploma Of Legal Practice, Legal Professions And Studies

Practical Legal Education Course - requirement for admission as a legal practitioner.

Education record

Uts Short Course, Digital Transformation For The Creative Industries

Digital Transformation for the Creative Industries is an online short course designed specifically for artists and arts and creative.