For the last 11 years Elizabeth has worked in a paid and voluntary capacity, on access and equity for the Polish community in Victoria. Five years ago, she returned to work at the Australian-Polish Community Services after working for five years in local government. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Multicultural Studies and a Master of Arts in Social Sciences. She has authored and co-authored a number of reports, including a research study of Polish residents in aged-care facilities in Victoria and a comprehensive study on the settlement outcomes of the 1980s wave of Polish immigrants.

Prof Cahill is a lecturer at RMIT University, and the author of numerous research studies on settlement aspects of people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Prof Cahill has been a friend of the Polish community for almost ten years and currently holds the position of Vice-President. He was a speaker at a Polish community conference in 1992. His expertise is frequently sought by various government departments. Prof Cahill regularly conducts research into the areas of settlement, religious harmony, ethnic education and multicultural affairs. He has authored 22 books and monographs, 18 articles and book reviews in refereed journals and 17 articles in professional publications.