As we embrace 2025, my commitment remains steadfast—to bring positivity, hope, and optimism into the work we do.
This year, I look forward to deepening connections with communities and organisations to ensure we continue safeguarding multiculturalism, the essence of an inclusive and diverse Victoria.
With Cultural Diversity Week (17–23 March) approaching, we have a great opportunity to celebrate and strengthen Victoria’s multicultural identity. This year’s theme, “Embrace the Journey, Shape Our Future,” encourages reflection on our cultural stories and how they shape the inclusive society we continue to build. These stories are shaped by the incredible contributions of individuals who work tirelessly to support their communities.
I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to those recognised in the Australian Honours, including:
- Ms Gulghotai Bezhan, President of Afghan Women's Organisation Victoria
- Ms Selba Mtendere Luka, Founder and CEO of Afri-Aus Care
These remarkable leaders exemplify the invaluable contributions multicultural communities make to Victoria, reinforcing the importance of inclusion, advocacy and service.
As we acknowledge these achievements, we also turn to celebration with the arrival of Lunar New Year. I send my warmest wishes to all celebrating—may the Year of the Snake bring happiness, health, and prosperity. We are pleased to share the VMC’s Lunar New Year message, along with Premier Jacinta Allan’s video message for the Chinese and Vietnamese communities, as we mark this special occasion together. This year holds particular significance for the Vietnamese community, as they commemorate 50 years of settlement in Australia and around the world.
Finally, with the current heatwave and extreme temperatures, I urge everyone to take precautions. High temperatures can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke, which can be life-threatening. Please stay hydrated, seek shade, and look out for one another. For more information on staying safe during extreme heat.
Thank you for your continued support in building a stronger, more inclusive Victoria. Let’s move forward with optimism and a shared commitment to a brighter future.
Warm regards,
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson
News and Events
VIC | VMC | CELEBRATING | Cultural Diversity Week | 17-23 March 2025
Victoria’s largest multicultural celebration is back! Our state will come together for Cultural Diversity Week to 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.
VIC | GOV | OFFERING | Victorian Apprentices and Trainees Free Counselling and Support
Free and confidential support through the Apprentice Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – no referral needed.
What the Program Offers:
- Support for workplace challenges
- Counselling for personal issues, finances, and relationships
- Guidance on lifestyle changes
- Career development and planning
Consultants are matched based on expertise to provide tailored support. Some apprentices may already have access to an EAP through their employer, but this program ensures all apprentices and trainees can receive the help they need.
VIC | TAC | CAMPAIGNING | Drive Safe, Protect Lives
Victoria recorded 295 road deaths in 2023, the highest in 15 years. Making safer choices on the road is essential to prevent further tragedies and protect everyone.
Putting lives at risk is risky driving like speeding, drug driving, drink driving, mobile phone use, and not-wearing seatbelts.
Police enforcement is unpredictable, and drivers can be caught anywhere, anytime.
Anywhere. Anytime. Anyone.
AUST | FLUN | CALLING | Participants for Refugee Youth Wellbeing Research Project
Flinders University (FLUN) in collaboration with University of Melbourne is seeking participants for a research project on the wellbeing of young refugee people in Australia.
Who Can Participate?
- Young people from refugee backgrounds (ages 12-25).
- Adult family members of young refugees who have experienced wellbeing challenges.
What’s Involved?
- A confidential interview to help improve understanding of mental health and wellbeing within refugee families and communities.
- Participants will receive a $50 voucher as a thank-you.
- Interpreters available at no cost.
AUST | VMC | CALLING | Entries for Multicultural Film Festival 2025 | submissions close 10 March 2025
The Multicultural Film Festival 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 (VMC)!
AUST | AAS | CAMPAIGNING | For urgent reform of Australia’s skills recognition system
Currently, nearly 620,000 permanent migrants are working below their skill level – nurses, teachers, engineers, and other professionals unable to work in their trained fields despite critical worker shortages.
This skills underutilisation is costing the economy significantly and impacting essential services, leading to longer wait times and rising costs.
Activate Australia’s Skills is a coalition of 90+ business groups, community organisations, and unions.
How to Get Involved:
- Sign the open letter to support reform.
- Share your story if you’ve experienced skills underutilisation.
- Spread the word and encourage others to take action.
Each story strengthens the push for a simpler, faster, and fairer system for recognising overseas experience.
VIC | CFA | ADVISING | Plan. Prepare. Stay Safe during Bush Fire Season
Victoria is one of the most fire-prone areas in the world, and all Victorians need to be prepared for bushfires and grassfires. Fires can start suddenly and spread rapidly, putting lives and properties at risk.
How to Stay Safe This Fire Season:
- Stay Informed: Download the VicEmergency app or visit VicEmergency for real-time updates.
- Create a Fire Plan: If you live near bush, forest, grassland, or coastal scrub, make a plan with the Online Fire Planner.
- Know Your Risk: Understand the fire danger in your area and be ready to act.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you see behavior that could start a bushfire, call Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or visit crimestoppersvic.com.au.
- Call 000 in an Emergency: If you see smoke or fire, act immediately.
VIC | GOV | ADVISING | Protect Yourself and Others from Measles
Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air and can cause severe illness, especially in babies, young children, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms usually appear 7-18 days after exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose, red-watery eyes, and a rash. If you have symptoms, stay home, call your GP or hospital, and wear a mask to prevent the spread.
Measles outbreaks are happening worldwide, and vaccination is the best protection against infection.
The MMR vaccine is free for eligible people. Infants aged 6–11 months can receive it before overseas travel. Children receive their routine vaccinations at 12 months (MMR) and 18 months (MMRV) under the National Immunisation Program. Catch-up vaccinations are available for people under 19 years old and for refugees and humanitarian entrants over 20. Anyone born after 1966 who has not had two doses should also get vaccinated.
- For more information, visit Better Health Channel – Measles, call 1300 651 160, or email infectious.diseases@health.vic.gov.au.
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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.