From humble beginnings, Ms Semple has overseen huge growth in the centre over the past decade.

"When I started there were eight staff and now we have over 55 office space staff, 150casual personal care workers and we've got about 55 volunteers in the organisation.

"It has grown rapidly in the 10 years I've been here, which has been a real positive for me."

Ms Semple, who holds a degree in social sciences and a post graduate degree in management, said there had been a change in the multicultural groups migrating to Dandenong and surrounding suburbs.

"When I first came we were dealing with mainly Bosnian, Serbian and Croatian refugees.

"We then had a large influx from from Afghanistan and those on temporary protection visas. The current trend is now seeing many refugees from African communities as well as Afghans and some Burmese. It's been challenging - every community has its own needs."

The centre has expanded to the City of Casey, with a premises established in Narre Warren in 2003.

"I had to convince the government there were people settling in Casey and the city was generous enough to find us somewhere to rent."

The Northcote resident commutes to Dandenong every day - a place she had not seen when selected for the top job.

"I've lived in the northern suburbs most of my life and it was a challenge to learn about the demographics, geographics and the community sector in Dandenong."

Despite that, she's carved a niche for the centre, which is respected and renowned for its work with refugees and migrants across Melbourne's south east.

"We get funding from all levels of government and provide settlement services for refugees when they first arrive in the country and provide support for up to five years.

"People know who we are and that's very encouraging, but the challenge is we need to live up to our reputation and we need to always improve."

Ms Semple says she hasn't "run out of steam or energy".

"It's been a rewarding job and I think that's the key. If I didn't find it rewarding and didn't feel like I was doing good and making a difference, I wouldn't have stayed. My staff have been fantastic and the board has supported me throughout my time.

"They are always saying I've always got ideas and when I run out of ideas that's when I probably need to move on."