NAVIGATION

VMC | UPDATING | Community, News and Information | Wednesday 15 November 2023

[Edited extract from public address]

It is a pleasure to share the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) Annual Report 2022-2023. Our annual report is a requirement to publicly disclose our operating and financial activities over the past financial year.

The Commission's acknowledgements of the communities are included in the report. I want to thank you for your ongoing commitment to multiculturalism and a harmonious society where we can cooperate with each other to thrive in all aspects of life.

This week, we also marked the 40th anniversary of the VMC's establishment. Victoria's multicultural composition and diversity is considerably more culturally diverse than when the Commission was first established in 1983, following the passage of the inaugural Ethnic Affairs Commission Act in 1982.

Since its inception, the VMC has played a vital role in promoting and celebrating cultural diversity within Victoria. It provides the missing piece of the policy puzzle, forging connections and giving voice and visibility to communities that might be otherwise marginalised in policy debates and developments.

Through the Social Research Centre's analysis of 40 years of action and advocacy, we have mapped out the impact of the VMC's work on the community.

This report explores the pillars of making a multicultural Victoria and highlights the diverse community impact we have had, especially during challenging times.

Thirdly, there is way too much conflict and grief overseas, and as you all know, overseas events have real impacts on our local communities. We feel and empathise with Victorians who are grieving and suffering from these overseas events.

Victoria is a proudly successful multicultural and multifaith society that has and continues to deliver immense social, cultural, and economic benefits for all Victorians.

Together, we have built a society where people from every corner of the world can live and work side by side in peace, a place where we can all belong.

But these events are testing the fabric of our social cohesion.

In these difficult times, it is essential that we treat one another with respect, even when we disagree. Victoria must always be a safe place for everyone, free from vilification, racism, hate, or discrimination, and we express our sympathy and support for those who experience abuse, harassment, and vilification.

Thank you for your continued support and readership.

Sincerely,
Thank you,
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson

 

 News and Events 

VIC | VMC | LAUNCHING | VMC 40 year anniversary research report

We are celebrating 40 years of Victoria's multicultural journey with the launch of the Victorian Multicultural Commission Impact Report!

This report explores and celebrates the VMC's role in making multiculturalism a reality in Victoria. It draws on extensive interviews, a survey, and research to provide insights into the VMC's impact on communities, government, and the wider Victorian public.
 

VIC | VMC | ANNOUNCING | Annual Report 2022-23 

We are thrilled to share that our Annual Report for the year 2022-2023 has been officially tabled at the government, marking another year of growth, achievement, and impact.

In this comprehensive report, you'll find a detailed account of our collective efforts and operating and financial activities over the past financial year. 

MELB | MUVI | CELEBRATING | Immigration Museum 25th anniversary | Wednesday 1–Thursday 30 November 2023 | 2.30–3.30pm 

Museums Victoria (MUVI) celebrate the Immigration Museum's 25th anniversary with special guided tours in November.

Discover the history and insider tales of this historic former Customs House, which has showcased Victoria's diverse communities for a quarter-century.

Join the museum each afternoon as knowledgeable hosts reveal how the museum has touched countless lives through the years. A must-visit gem for friends, family, and Melbourne visitors.

AUST | BERG | HEARING | Your say: on the future of the Not-for-Profit (NFP) sector | submissions close 20 December 2023.

Australian Government's Blueprint Expert Reference Group (BERG), a group of sector representatives, is developing a Blueprint for the future of the Not-for-Profit (NFP) sector. The BERG has released an issues paper for public consultation and invites your feedback.

Feedback on the issues paper will inform the development of a NFP Blueprint which will provide a strategic vision for the sector for the next 10 years.

Your feedback is important, as it will help the BERG understand what is needed for NFP organisations and charities to continue to support communities and vulnerable people. 

VIC | GOV | WEBINAR | Skilled Visa Nomination Program information session | Friday 17 November 2023 | 11am–12noon AEDT

The Skilled Migration Program plays an important role in addressing skills shortages and attracting individuals with specialised, in demand skill sets.

This online information session is presented by the Victorian Government’s Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR), Skilled and Business Migration Program (SBMP) and the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs (DHA).

Learn about the program, ask questions, and get valuable information to share with your network.

AUST | AWAU | CALLING | Nominees for Young achiever award | nominations open 

Awards Australia (AWAU)'s Young Achiever Awards acknowledge, encourage and most importantly promotes the positive achievements of all young people throughout Australia in every state. Up to and including 30 years of age as of 31st December each year.

No achievement is too small (or big!) and ALL young people should be applauded for their positive impacts on our local and wider communities.
  • Nominations Open: Wednesday 1 November 2023
  • Nominations Close: Tuesday 13 February 2024 

VIC | GOV | WEBINAR | Change our game conversation series |  Thursday 30 November 2023| 12noon–1pm

Join our panel discussion and Q&A with Change Our Game Ambassadors as they share their experiences and perspectives on what's needed to make sport and recreation welcoming and inclusive for all women and girls.  

Facilitated by Sarah Loh, CEO of Softball Australia, our panel includes:  
  • Paralympian and gold medallist, keynote speaker and author, Carol Cooke AM PLY 
  • Paralympian and gold medallist, and motivational speaker, Elle Steele PLY 
  • Head of Deaf Women’s Cricket with Deaf Cricket Australia, Melissa Hale, and  
  • Social impact and sustainability manager at Richmond Football Club, Rita Nehme
An initiative of Victorian Government's Office for Women in Sport and Recreation, the  Change Our Game  movement aims to increase the number of women and girls participating in sport and active recreation, from grassroots through to senior leadership roles.
  • Where: online via Zoom
  • Cost: Free
  • Bookings: learn more and register, online via Zoom

MORE:

Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)
Address: Level 3, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9651 5901