[Edited extract from public address]
Welcoming 2025: A Year of Connection, Community, and Purpose
I hope you are feeling refreshed and ready for the year ahead.
Whether you took a well-deserved break or celebrated Christmas or Hanukkah or any other celebration of significance to you and family and community, I trust it was a time of joy, reflection and connection with loved ones. I am also aware many community groups and individuals have been preparing and hosting significant cultural events and I look forward to connecting with you as the (new) year continues.
For many communities, the months of January and February will include the Lunar New Year, which many will be celebrating soon. January is also a time to reflect on other cultural milestones observed over the past few weeks, such as the Karen community’s 2764 New Year celebration and the Tamu (Gurung) Nepalese community’s Tamu LhoChhar 2025 (Year of the Snake). These moments of tradition and togetherness enrich Victoria’s vibrant multicultural fabric.
As we gear up for 2025, I hope you thrive with a deeper purpose, and an even greater sense of belonging for us all. I recently came across an article that highlighted two key factors for increasing happiness: expressing gratitude and helping others. These ideas resonate deeply when we consider the incredible volunteer efforts within our communities. The countless hours individuals and organisations dedicate to supporting one another in times of need are a true testament to compassion and generosity.
May this year continue to shine a light on these unsung heroes – volunteers, community leaders and everyday champions of kindness who make our world a better place. Let’s embrace these values as we work together to build a stronger, more inclusive Victoria.
Warm regards,
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson
News and Events
PLAYING | Free Sports Program for Young People
The Play Fair initiative, in partnership with the Chadstone Lacrosse Club, is offering young people in the community an opportunity to participate in free lacrosse sessions. This program, funded by the Australian Sports Commission, is designed for disadvantaged youth, including those who:
- Hold a healthcare card
- Live in public housing
- Have asylum seeker or refugee status
Program Details:
The free "Come and Try" sessions will be held on Thursday 16 January 2025 from 5.50-6.30pm and on Saturday 18 January 2025 from 10-11am, at the Stonnington Sports Centre (32B Chadstone Road, Malvern East, 3145). Eligible participants will have all season fees covered, and equipment will be provided for Under-12 and Under-14 players.
This is a great chance to get active, explore lacrosse and make new friends, all at no cost for eligible participants.
- For more info, contact: secretarychadstonelacrosse@gmail.com
DRIVING | Safe, Stay Within the Speed Limit
The VMC is encouraging our communities to drive responsibly.
Speeding is the most prevalent risky behaviour on the roads and is a factor in approximately 30% of casualty crashes. Exceeding the speed limit by just 3 km/h is associated with a 25% increase in crash risk. At 5 km/h over the limit, crash risk increases by close to 50%.
If you drive faster than the speed limit, you’re breaking the law and could face serious legal penalties or lose your licence. Police and speed cameras can be anywhere, at any time – so why take the risk?
For further information and updates, visit the TAC website.
HIRING | Australian Electoral Commission - Job Opportunities
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is recruiting up to 100,000 temporary staff to help deliver the upcoming federal election.
There are paid jobs available before, on, and after voting day in metro, regional and remote areas. No prior election experience is necessary. Training is provided.
Why Apply?
- Paid roles
- No experience required
- Training provided
The AEC is seeking assistance in spreading the word about these job opportunities. Individuals and organisations are encouraged to:
- Share on social media
- Add to newsletters and websites
- Print and display promotional materials
CALLING | For Submissions to Multicultural Film Festival 2025 | entries close 10 March 2025
Submissions are now open for the Multicultural Film Festival 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!
HIRING | Appointments to Victorian Pharmacy Authority Board | applications close midnight 2 February 2025
The Hon. Mary-Anne Thomas MP, Minister for Health, invites applications for the following positions on the Victorian Pharmacy Authority:
- 2 Pharmacist Members (registered pharmacists only)
- 1 Lawyer Member
These are paid, part-time appointments, with terms of up to three years, beginning 1 July 2025.
Key Information:
- Visit website to apply and view position descriptions.
- Recruitment will consider both merit and diversity to ensure the Authority reflects Victoria’s diverse community.
For any questions, please contact Brendan Gorrie at (03) 9500 4116.
CELEBRATING | 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.
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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.