I hope this message finds you well. Yesterday, we commemorated Human Rights Day, a moment to reflect on the universal values of dignity, equality and freedom.
At the Victorian Multicultural Commission, we remain dedicated to fostering inclusion, fairness and justice across all communities in Victoria. Let us continue celebrating diversity and standing up for human rights today and every day.
Friday 6 December 2024 early morning’s attack on the synagogue in Melbourne deeply shook our multicultural communities. With nearly 70% of Victorians identifying with a faith, such incidents undermine the shared sense of safety and belonging. Our hearts go out to the Jewish community. However, it was heartening to see the overwhelming condemnation of this terrible act and the outpouring support for the Jewish community. Multifaith leaders and communities united in solidarity, reinforcing the strength of our collective commitment to harmony and inclusion.
We also recently celebrated the Multicultural Awards for Excellence at the iconic Government House. The evening honoured 67 exceptional Victorians and inducted 25 inspiring individuals into the Multicultural Honour Roll, recognising their unwavering commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in our state. These awards highlight the profound contributions of individuals and organisations in supporting multiculturalism and cross-cultural understanding in Victoria. They remind us of the collective strength within our communities to build a more cohesive and harmonious society. Congratulations to all nominees, highly commended individuals and winners for your remarkable achievements. Your efforts continue to inspire us all.
Submissions are now open for the 2025 Multicultural Film Festival (MFF), celebrating multiculturalism through short films that tell stories of cultural diversity and life in Australia. The festival highlights our nation’s unique identity, home to the world’s oldest continuous culture and over 300 ancestries.
- Filmmakers are encouraged to submit their stories by 10 March 2025.
Thank you for your continued support as we work together to build a stronger, more inclusive Victoria.
Warm regards,
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson
News and Events
Multicultural Film Festival 2025 | entries now open, closing Monday 10 March 2025
The premiere event will screen in Melbourne during Refugee Week | 15-21 June 2025. Anyone is welcome to submit a short film from 5-12 minutes.
The following awards will be distributed on the night:
Victorian Entrants:
- Best Victorian Short Fiction Film
- Best Victorian Short Non-Fiction Film
- People’s Choice Award for Best Victorian Short Film (audience-voted at the premiere screening)
National Entrants:
- Best National Short Film (all genres)
International Entrants:
- Best International Short Film (all genres)
Special Award:
- Chairperson's Refugee Stories Award (highlighting refugee or asylum seeker experiences, open to national and international entrants)
Submit your short film to win prizes and screen at multiple venues in partnership with the Victorian Multicultural Commission!
AUST | POLARON | WEBINAR | Refugee experience in Australia study 2024 | Wednesday 18 December 2024 | Two Sessions
Join Social Research Centre, Scanlon Foundation Research Institute and Polaron for an online briefing on the Refugee Experience in Australia Study 2024, focusing on refugees who arrived in the past 10 years.
Learn how you can get involved as a community connector (paid role). For questions, contact marketing@polaron.com.au or 1300 88 55 61.
- Where: Online (Registration required)
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: Register for 10.30-11am AEDT or 2-2.30pm AEDT
VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Sporting Club Grants Program
The Victorian Government is supporting local sports clubs with over $1.2 million in grants through the Sporting Club Grants Program. These grants will help clubs purchase equipment, train volunteers and improve accessibility.
Successful recipients include Surfing Victoria, which received $5,000 to enhance their rescue and first aid training, and the Victorian International Optimist Dinghy Association, which received $4,500 to support athletes in the Australian Optimist Championships.
VIC | MSV | OFFERING | Financial help for Victorians with mortgage stress
Victorians struggling with mortgage repayments can now access Mortgage Stress Victoria (MSV), Australia’s only free service dedicated to helping homeowners manage their finances. The service, supported by the Victorian Government, offers expert legal, financial and social work support both in-person and remotely.
MSV assists homeowners by negotiating affordable repayments, protecting legal rights and offering emotional support. Since 2022, MSV has helped prevent home repossession in over 190 cases, with a focus on victim-survivors of family violence.
Victorians who live in their mortgaged primary residence, earn $75,000 or less, or are affected by family violence can access support.
- For more information and learn more, visit website or call 1800 572 292.
VIC | VHBA | GRANTING | Upgrades to mental health facilities | submissions close 5pm Friday 28 February 2025
The Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA) is upgrading mental health facilities with applications now open for the latest round of the Mental Health Capital Renewal Fund. A total of $10 million is available, with individual grants of up to $1 million.
This funding supports projects that improve safety, quality and efficiency in mental health services, addressing recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.
Recent projects funded include the refurbishment of Monash Health’s Doveton Community Care Unit and upgrades to Austin Hospital’s Acute Psychiatric Unit.
VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Scholarships for interpreting services in Victoria
The 2025 Interpreter Scholarship Program is now open, with scholarships of up to $8,000 for students undertaking interpreting courses at RMIT University.
The Victorian Government is offering scholarships to support students from linguistically diverse backgrounds to improve access to essential services for non-English speaking Victorians, focusing on key languages in high demand, including emerging and underrepresented community languages.
These scholarships are available to Victorians who meet specific criteria, including residency, citizenship and acceptance into the RMIT program. The scholarships offer an opportunity to develop professional interpreting skills and help bridge language barriers across the state.
VIC | TAFE | OFFERING | Free training for Victorians
The Victorian Government is making it easier for Victorians to train for in-demand jobs through Free TAFE. The subsidised training will focus on critical workforce needs, including housing and renewable energy.
In 2025, a larger proportion of the Victorian Training Guarantee will be allocated to TAFEs, particularly in regional areas. Prioritised training will include residential housing construction and foundational courses in literacy and numeracy, aimed at helping unemployed Victorians gain skills and secure jobs.
The government is funding more than 530 courses to meet industry needs now and in the future, with a focus on regional training and community organisations. Women make up 60% of Free TAFE applicants, highlighting the program’s accessibility.
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The VMC acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout Victoria and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.