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VMC | UPDATING | Getting your Multicultural Awards for Excellence nominations in, Watch MFF winning films | Wednesday 1 September 2021

[Edited extract from public address]

It's not long now until nominations close for the Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence. This is our showpiece awards program for the year and a brilliant opportunity to say thanks to some of our state's greatest champions of diversity. 

Message from the Chairperson

We will be giving out awards across 15 categories, including Health, Arts, Refugee Advocacy and Business. We're looking for Victorians whose work helps breaks down barriers for diverse communities or celebrates and promotes multiculturalism.

If anyone comes to mind, or you believe you are doing this work yourself, please submit a nomination as soon as possible. Nominations close next Sunday, 12 September.

Thank you to those who joined us for last night's Curious Conversation. You can watch the session on Workplace Diversity. We invite you to register for the next lecture, taking place on Sunday 12 September. It will focus on how the media represents multiculturalism. This important discussion is shaping up to be our highest attended Curious Conversation yet – don't miss out.

Last week, we were joined by the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, the Hon Ros Spence to present our Multicultural Film Festival. We announced the category winners in an online presentation. I enjoyed this year's films so much and feel they set a new standard for next year's awards.

Elsewhere in this week's update, we share a vital survey for social housing residents, an invitation to join the Community Voices program, and an announcement about food relief funding.

Finally, while it’s important that we remain connected and celebrate our diversity, it is also vital we keep up to date with the latest public health directions on Covid-19 in order to stay safe. I am very saddened by the latest Covid figures and I know it is very difficult for everyone. Please take care.

Take care and stay safe.
Viv Nguyen AM, Chairperson

Get your nominations in for the Multicultural Awards for Excellence 2021 | nominations close Sunday 12 September 2021

The Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence recognise the outstanding achievements of people and organisations who strengthen multiculturalism across 15 categories.

The awards are proudly coordinated by the Victorian Multicultural Commission, and are now open for nomination.

Individuals and organisations can self-nominate.

Curious Conversations – Media

The VMC's Curious Conversations series returns next Sunday for our biggest event yet. The panel will discuss depictions of multiculturalism in the media and look to the future of multiculturalism in 2030.

Please see our panel guests below:
  • Michelle Cheng - Content Industry Diversity Manager, SBS
  • Dr Nasya Bahfen - Radio Journalist, ABC, Lecturer Media Studies, LaTrobe
  • Ahmed Yussuf - Digital Producer ABC
  • Facilitator: Donna Lu – Science Writer, The Guardian

Watch the Multicultural Film Festival winning films​

Film has a unique capacity to connect audiences to other points of view. Though we may have different backgrounds, when we immerse ourselves in stories of cultural heritage and identity, it’s easy to see that there is more that unites us than divides us.

The Multicultural Film Festival showcases short films that explore stories of diversity and inclusion, and this year it went online.

We had some brilliant entries, both in the Schools category and the main festival, and some very worthy winners and honourable mentions.

Thank you to every filmmaker who entered, along with our partners SBS, the Department of Education and Training, Swinburne University and Mushroom Creative House.

Have your say on Victoria’s social housing | submissions close 10 September 2021

If you or someone you know is a current or former tenant, the Victorian Public Tenants Association is running a survey for current or past tenants of social housing.

It takes about 10 minutes to complete and participants go into the draw to win one of eight $100 gift vouchers. Survey participants can also register their interest in attending a focus group. People who participate in a focus group will receive a $50 gift voucher. There are opportunities to attend focus groups in language.

Apply for the Community Voices program | applications close on 15 September 2021 

Do you want a greater role in the public discussion of issues critical to Australian communities? And can you contribute your professional expertise to the media’s coverage of national and international topics?

The Judith Neilson Institute and Media Diversity Australia invite outstanding individuals from Melbourne to apply for Community Voices in 2022.

The program aims to strengthen the ability of people from diverse backgrounds to participate in the national conversation.

Over 12 months, the Community Voices program will provide you with sustained, intensive training, support and experience to help you engage effectively with the media and participate in public life.

Supporting Multicultural Victorians through the Pandemic

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence today announced more than $1.4 million in funding for 99 organisations to continue delivering immediate food relief services to Victoria’s multicultural communities.

This will allow organisations to continue providing food hampers, freshly cooked meals, groceries and essential items to community members in need.

Funded through the Priority Response to Multicultural Communities During Coronavirus program, organisations including the Fijian Community Association Victoria and the Ballarat African Association will be supported to provide communities with culturally appropriate food relief.

The Khalsa Foundation is also being funded to continue its food delivery service providing groceries and essential items to Shepparton residents.

Coronavirus hotline


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Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)
Address: Level 3, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9651 5901
Email: contact@vmc.vic.gov.au
Website: www.multiculturalcommission.vic.gov.au