I hope this message finds you well. As 2024 comes to a close, I take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for the volunteering, the leadership, and the commitment to a multicultural society that is safe, inclusive, and supportive of everyone.
Whilst 2024 was another year full of emotion, activities, contribution, and participation from the multicultural and multifaith communities, the VMC is there to walk alongside you, to collaborate and partner, and to be there for a shoulder to lean on if needed. Our role continues to be primarily about promoting full participation by Victoria’s diverse communities in all aspects of life; promoting access by Victoria’s diverse communities to services; and promoting unity, harmony, understanding, and social cohesion. It has indeed been challenging, and I do hope we can take the positive insights from this year and make 2025 a year of continued collaboration, with kindness, togetherness, and harmony.
I express my deepest appreciation to many communities, organisations, leaders, and individuals who continued throughout 2024 to bring communities together, to sponsor events and functions, and to show that we can, and we did come together, even in uncertain, challenging, and difficult times. Our strength indeed lies in standing together. THANK YOU.
To everyone celebrating Christmas and Hanukkah during this festive season, I extend my heartfelt wishes for joy, peace, and connection. May this special time bring warmth, reflection, and togetherness with your loved ones. Together, we will continue building a more participative and inclusive Victoria.
Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy New Year filled with health, happiness, and success. Let us move forward with hope and determination, creating a brighter future for all.
Stay safe and look out for the Victorian Emergency warnings
Warm regards,
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson
News and Events
EMBRACING | Cultural Diversity Week 2025 | 17-23 March 2025
Victoria’s largest multicultural celebration is back! Our state will come together for Cultural Diversity Week and celebrate the power, influence and stories of Victoria’s rich multicultural communities.
The theme for 2025 is “Embrace The Journey, Shape Our Future.”. The theme highlights the unique and shared cultural journeys that define our diverse communities, encouraging us to honour our own cultural stories and those of others, fostering understanding, belonging, and connection.
Whether it’s as an individual, community group, business, or government agency, we encourage you to host a Cultural Diversity Week event or activity.
You can also join the statewide conversation by using the hashtags #CulturalDiversityWeek, #CDW2025, #EmbraceTheJourney, #ShapeOurFuture.
CALLING | Submissions to Multicultural Film Festival 2025 | entries close 10 March 2025
The premiere event will screen in Melbourne during Refugee Week from 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!
ADVISING | Water Safety Week
As we enter the holiday season and the weather gets warmer, it’s important to remember that safety is everyone’s responsibility – especially around water.
In the 2023-24 season, 21 people from CALD backgrounds tragically fatally drowned—the highest number on record. This heartbreaking statistic is a reminder of the importance of staying vigilant and taking all necessary precautions when enjoying aquatic environments.
If you're new to pools or water settings, please take a moment to speak with a lifesaver or lifeguard before entering the water. Always read and follow the safety signs at your location to ensure you're fully informed.
Let’s work together to make this holiday season safer and full of joyful memories. Stay safe, stay aware, and let’s all do our part to keep one another protected.
If you're unsure about water safety, don’t hesitate to ask for help!
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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.