Welcome to 2024!
I hope you all had a break and an opportunity to have some quality time with family and loved ones. I'm certainly looking forward to working alongside you to strengthen the bonds that make our state so special.
It is Australia Day week and it’s a time when many Australians are recognised for their contributions and service to the local community, state and nation. It’s also a day celebrated with friends and family or a day where we are recognised as citizens of this country. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, it can be a challenging day of trauma, pain, mourning and ongoing injustice. So be mindful and respectful of what the day and week mean and commit to ongoing education to ensure greater understanding, recognition and respect for the First Peoples’ 60,000-plus years of rich history and their rights for justice and better outcomes.
As is often correctly cited at the beginning, the new year promises both opportunities and challenges, and I know that together in unity and collaboration we will overcome the challenges and protect, nurture, respect and enhance our multicultural diversity.
One opportunity is Cultural Diversity Week. Victoria's multicultural celebration which will run between 18th and 24th March 2024, under the theme "Our Shared Stories – Celebrating Together”, and will also mark the UN International Day of the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on 21st March. I encourage you all to join the tapestry of experiences and celebrate the beauty of our diverse state share your stories and celebrate together where possible. Get involved in the exciting events and contribute your unique voice to the symphony of shared stories.
I'm also thrilled to welcome new members to our Regional Advisory Councils (RACs) for 2024. The RACs play a crucial role in connecting the VMC with communities across Victoria, providing invaluable insights and advice on issues that matter most. The first round of RAC meetings will kick off soon, and your active participation will ensure that our diverse voices and lived experiences shape policies, programs and services.
As we step into 2024, I want to acknowledge the challenges our multicultural society faces. Now, more than ever, respect, unity and understanding are essential. Let's focus on the issues that unite us, create conversation, build bridges and not walls between cultures and beliefs, and be clear that there is no tolerance for any form of discrimination, racism or vilification. While differences on issues will always exist, our overarching commitment to social cohesion must remain steadfast, and we must actively demonstrate leadership, collaboration and harmony through education, understanding, and celebrating diversity.
As we embark on this year together, I know it will be bumpy but our collective commitment to a successful multicultural society, particularly in Victoria will guide us through these challenging times not just for us today, but for future generations.
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson
News and Events
VIC | VMC | SHARING | Your Cultural Diversity Week event with us | Monday 18–Sunday 24 March 2024
As part of Cultural Diversity Week, we are excited to highlight the diverse and vibrant events hosted by councils across Victoria.
If you're planning an event we would love to promote it on our website and social media! Please share your plans with us at communications@vmc.vic.gov.au
VIC | GOV | ANNOUNCING | More homes and mental healthcare for regional Victorians
More Victorians living with mental health challenges in north-eastern Victoria will have the security and stability of a home and support services thanks to the Victorion Govenment.
MELB | BOITE | CALLING | Emerging Naarm Musicians to apply for the Portfolio Project 2024 | applications close 5pm AEDT Sunday 25 February 2024
Are you an emerging culturally and linguistically diverse or First Nations musician living in Naarm/Melbourne?
Consider applying for The Boite music professional development program where you can get support, and performance opportunities, gain new skills and build confidence in a close-knit community.
VIC | GOV | ADVISING | Housing for workers in south west Victoria
The Victorian Government has announced that regional workers in Victoria can access more affordable housing and accommodation.
VIC | GOV | COMMEMORATING | Victorian women to be honoured in public art
The Victorian Government has announced significant investment for inspiring women to be honoured in public art across the state.