About Us

It is my honor and great pleasure to introduce the website of the Turkish Association of South Australia (TASA) which was formally established in 1979.

The principal aims of TASA are to preserve and develop Turkish culture and heritage, assist members of our community in orientation and settlement into the wider Australian community and the advancement of the cultural, educational and social well-being of the Turkish Community in South Australia.

Our Association welcome all individuals without any prejudice and discrimination irrespective of their race, culture, ethnicity, religion, gender, economic and educational status. We have a high number of members who are not from Turkish background or Turkish speakers but wish to be part of TASA and its activities for many reasons. Some of these members lived in Turkey or have some connections to Turkey or Turkish culture.

I came to Australia many years ago when there were no Turkish speaking people in Adelaide. I had experienced social isolation in my first years of arrival and for this reason I put so much emphasis on social inclusion and my desire to work in social isolation programs was fulfilled 20 years after I came to Australia. Having worked in the education and community sector for many years in various positions including as an advocate, senior social worker, qualified Interpreter/translator and a lecturer, my personal and professional experience has enabled me to utilize my skills, knowledge and network to assist and support the members of the Turkish Community in different areas and I will continue to do so as long as I am able to.

To date, TASA has conducted a Turkish language school, hosted sports teams such as soccer and volleyball, a Radio program through 5EBI FM, a National dance group, women’s group and more. Many of our past and present members have contributed to the preparation and presentation of the radio program on Sunday nights. They have also assisted in teaching the Turkish language on a voluntary basis for many years.

TASA is working closely with Veteran Affairs and the Return Soldiers Leigh (RSL), especially members of 9RAR. TASA takes parts in Commemoration ceremonies, ANZAC day, Youth Vigil Service, flag ceremony and many more.

TASA has proven success with a few stand out projects in the past. During 2005, under the leadership of Prof. Dr Kemal Turker together with RSL 9RAR, five Turkish veterans were brought to Australia to march during ANZAC day and later on two round stone plugs were placed in the Pennington Gardens, opposite the football stadium, carved with the words of the great leader of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk’s tribute to mothers in far away counties.

Under my leadership TASA had achieved the following projects:

• Worked collaboratively with the University of South Australia during 2012 and as a result 12 University students went to Turkey to do joint research project on WW1 with the Turkish University students from 18 March University in Canakkale.
• During 2014, TASA held a Turkish festival at the Migration Museum where more than 1000 people have entered the gates.
• Taught Turkish language from Primary level to Tertiary level.

Currently the members of the Community meet once a month at the Multicultural Communities Council of South Australia for a social get-together. Every month a guest speaker usually attends to present information about a particular topic. These meetings provide a good opportunity for people to socialize with one another, grow out of isolation, especially for newly-arrived people to meet other members of the community, establish friendships, gain knowledge and have a better understanding of life in Australia and contribute to wider community.

I am proud to admit that my determination and many years of work in Multicultural sector, Turkish and Veteran communities was recognized and I was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) from the General Governor who represents Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II.

In 2005 I also received an award from the Federation of Ethnic Communities Council of Australia (FECCA) for assisting in Multicultural policies and practices.

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and say thank you to each and every one, past and present who contributed to TASA and its activities. TASA has been built on the strong foundation of hard work of past members.

I sincerely hope the website will give you some insight to the Turkish Association of South Australia.

Your sincerely,

Tanya Ayşen Kaplan OAM

President

I was born and raised in Türkiye and moved to Australia as an adult. I completed my early education in Türkiye and later pursued my tertiary studies at The University of Adelaide. My professional background spans business and international development, with experience across a range of sectors including sales, management, research, and advisory roles.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been working in international development. This work provided the opportunity to travel to the Pacific and contribute to skills development programs that support local communities and strengthen workforce capabilities.

Community engagement has always been important to me. I have volunteered with various organisations over the years and remain committed to contributing my time and skills to initiatives that support and strengthen our community.

From 2010 to 2013, I had the honour of serving as Vice President of TASA alongside President Tanya Aysen Kaplan. I look forward to continuing to serve the Turkish community, working collaboratively with the TASA Management Committee and dedicated volunteers to represent our community with integrity and to support its continued growth and connection in Australia.

I was born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey. I have completed my primary and secondary education in Turkey and Bachelor of Business Studies in Switzerland. I speak Turkish, English, German and French. 18 years ago, I migrated with my family to Australia, and worked in several industries as a Finance Officer. I have two sons and two grandchildren.

I always had the desire to help people in need and have been involved in several Fundraisings in Turkey as well as Australia. Currently, I am semi-retired and looking forward to completing my study of Diploma of Counselling. As an active supporter of Community Organisations, I am also a member and treasurer of Rotary Club of Lightsview. I feel privileged to become a member of TASA and hope to continue to support the Turkish Community in South Australia in future.

It is my honor and great pleasure to introduce the website of the Turkish Association of South Australia (TASA) which was formally established in 1979.

The principal aims of TASA are to preserve and develop Turkish culture and heritage, assist members of our community in orientation and settlement into the wider Australian community and the advancement of the cultural, educational and social well-being of the Turkish Community in South Australia.

Our Association welcome all individuals without any prejudice and discrimination irrespective of their race, culture, ethnicity, religion, gender, economic and educational status. We have a high number of members who are not from Turkish background or Turkish speakers but wish to be part of TASA and its activities for many reasons. Some of these members lived in Turkey or have some connections to Turkey or Turkish culture.

I came to Australia many years ago when there were no Turkish speaking people in Adelaide. I had experienced social isolation in my first years of arrival and for this reason I put so much emphasis on social inclusion and my desire to work in social isolation programs was fulfilled 20 years after I came to Australia. Having worked in the education and community sector for many years in various positions including as an advocate, senior social worker, qualified Interpreter/translator and a lecturer, my personal and professional experience has enabled me to utilize my skills, knowledge and network to assist and support the members of the Turkish Community in different areas and I will continue to do so as long as I am able to.

To date, TASA has conducted a Turkish language school, hosted sports teams such as soccer and volleyball, a Radio program through 5EBI FM, a National dance group, women’s group and more. Many of our past and present members have contributed to the preparation and presentation of the radio program on Sunday nights. They have also assisted in teaching the Turkish language on a voluntary basis for many years.

TASA is working closely with Veteran Affairs and the Return Soldiers Leigh (RSL), especially members of 9RAR. TASA takes parts in Commemoration ceremonies, ANZAC day, Youth Vigil Service, flag ceremony and many more.

TASA has proven success with a few stand out projects in the past. During 2005, under the leadership of Prof. Dr Kemal Turker together with RSL 9RAR, five Turkish veterans were brought to Australia to march during ANZAC day and later on two round stone plugs were placed in the Pennington Gardens, opposite the football stadium, carved with the words of the great leader of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk’s tribute to mothers in far away counties.

Under my leadership TASA had achieved the following projects:

• Worked collaboratively with the University of South Australia during 2012 and as a result 12 University students went to Turkey to do joint research project on WW1 with the Turkish University students from 18 March University in Canakkale.
• During 2014, TASA held a Turkish festival at the Migration Museum where more than 1000 people have entered the gates.
• Taught Turkish language from Primary level to Tertiary level.

Currently the members of the Community meet once a month at the Multicultural Communities Council of South Australia for a social get-together. Every month a guest speaker usually attends to present information about a particular topic. These meetings provide a good opportunity for people to socialize with one another, grow out of isolation, especially for newly-arrived people to meet other members of the community, establish friendships, gain knowledge and have a better understanding of life in Australia and contribute to wider community.

I am proud to admit that my determination and many years of work in Multicultural sector, Turkish and Veteran communities was recognized and I was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) from the General Governor who represents Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II.

In 2005 I also received an award from the Federation of Ethnic Communities Council of Australia (FECCA) for assisting in Multicultural policies and practices.

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and say thank you to each and every one, past and present who contributed to TASA and its activities. TASA has been built on the strong foundation of hard work of past members.

I sincerely hope the website will give you some insight to the Turkish Association of South Australia.

Your sincerely,

Tanya Ayşen Kaplan OAM

President

Ersu supports the Turkish Association of South Australia through thoughtful organisation, reliable administration and a strong commitment to community connection. As Secretary, Ersu helps coordinate communication, maintain important records and ensure members remain informed about meetings, activities and cultural events. With a collaborative spirit and a genuine interest in supporting people from all generations, Ersu contributes to the continued growth and welcoming atmosphere of TASA.

I was born in the eastern part of Turkey and grew up in Istanbul. I completed my bachelor’s degree in Business Management. My early career began in the textile industry in Denizli, which set the foundation for the work I continue to do today.

I moved to England for work in 1998 before returning to Denizli in 2003. During that time, I married Bianca, and we spent 4.5 years in Denizli, where our first son, Ozan, was born.

In 2008, we moved to Adelaide, Australia, where I started my own company as a textile agent. Over the years, I’ve built a career that blends my international experience with my passion for the textile industry.

Outside of work, I enjoy staying active. I love cycling, travelling, and volunteering with OzHarvest. I also played soccer until last year.

Bianca and I have two sons: Ozan, now 21 and studying at university, and Ryan, who is 17 and in year 12.