As we move through 2025, I remain committed to injecting energy, optimism and connection into the work we do.
This week, we mark International Women’s Day, a time to recognise the achievements of women, reflect on progress and reaffirm our commitment to gender equality. I am honoured to take part in several IWD events, including the Rowville Rotary International Women’s Day Dinner, a panel discussion at Alfred Health alongside former Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon and ABC journalist Patricia Karvelas, and a panel discussion on belonging with the 2025 Williamson Community Leadership Program.These events highlight the continued need for inclusion, representation and leadership foster a sense of belonging. Challenges however, persist. Gender inequality, discrimination and harmful practices continue to impact women and girls worldwide. One such issue is Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C), a violation of human rights here in Australia that must be eradicated through education, advocacy and community action. As part of the International Day of Action for Zero Tolerance for FGM/C, these types of forums hosted by the East African Women’s Foundation plays a vital role in raising awareness and protecting women and girls from harm.
This year, Ramadan and Holi the Festival of Colours take place at the same time in March. I extend my warmest wishes to Muslim communities across Victoria observing this sacred month of reflection, prayer and giving during this Ramadan, and for the Hindu communities, may the joyous time for renewal will offer unity and triumph of good over evil.
With Cultural Diversity Week (17–23 March) fast approaching, I encourage everyone to take part in this statewide celebration of Victoria’s multicultural identity. With the theme “Embrace the Journey, Shape Our Future,” CDW will highlight the stories, experiences and contributions of our diverse communities.
The Multicultural Film Festival (MFF) is a powerful platform that amplifies multicultural voices through storytelling. Submissions for MFF 2025 are now open and will close on 10 March, providing filmmakers with the opportunity to share their unique stories of cultural diversity and identity. I encourage all storytellers to take part in this celebration of our rich and diverse communities.
Thank you for your ongoing support. I look forward to seeing many of you at upcoming events and continuing these important conversations.
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson
News and Events
LAST CALLING | Multicultural Film Festival 2025 - $2000 Cash prizes | submissions close 10 March 2025
Last call for entries for the Multicultural Film Festival (MFF)! Thanks to our generous sponsors, award-winning films will receive AUD$2000 cash prizes for each category:Victorian Entrants
- Best Victorian Short Fiction Film sponsored by Swinburne University of Technology
- Best Victorian Short Non-Fiction Film sponsored by The Bruce Wong Foundation
- People’s Choice Award for Best Victorian Short Film sponsored by The University of Melbourne
National Entrants
- Best National Short Film sponsored by SBS
International Entrants
- Best International Short Film sponsored by Segmento
Special Award
- Chairperson's Refugee Stories Award sponsored by the Victorian Multicultural Commission
For more information on how to submit your short film
HOSTING | An Event for Cultural Diversity Week 2025
Cultural Diversity Week is the perfect time to celebrate, connect and share cultures with your community. Hosting an event is a great way to be part of this statewide celebration, whether it’s a community gathering, cultural performance, food festival, or educational workshop.Register Your Event on VMC Connect
List your event on VMC Connect to reach a wider audience and connect with diverse communities.
Need Ideas?
Check out our event ideas list for inspiration:
GATHERING | Victorian Multicultural Festival at Grazeland | 21–23 March 2025
Join us for the Victorian Multicultural Festival 2025, the flagship event of Cultural Diversity Week, happening 21–23 March 2025 at Grazeland, Spotswood. Expect delicious food, live entertainment and cultural experiences in a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere.
- Where: Grazeland, Spotswood
- Cost: $4 entry (Kids under 12 FREE)
- Read more: For details
HEARING | Refugee Experiences in Australia - Paid Study | submissions closes 7 March 2025
The Refugee Experiences in Australia Study seeks to collect insights from refugees and humanitarian entrants who have settled in Australia over the past 10 years to help improve future settlement programs.Who Can Participate?
- Aged 18 or over
- Permanent residents
- Arrived in Australia on a refugee or humanitarian visa between 1 June 2011 and 31 December 2023
Survey Details
- Takes approx. 15 minutes to complete
- Available in English, Arabic, Assyrian, Burmese, Chin, Dari, Hazaragi, Karen, Nepali, Swahili and Tigrinya
- Participants receive a $20 e-gift card as a thank-you
- Access the survey here: www.scanloninstitute.org.au/refugeestudy
- If the link doesn’t open, copy and paste it into your browser
- All responses are confidential and protected under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)
STONNINGTON | OFFERING | Free Sports Sessions for Kids & Teens
Come and try offers young people aged 5 to 18 the chance to experience a free introduction to their favourite sport through fun activities.Full Season Funding Available
Through Team Sports 4 All and Play Fair Stonnington, eligible participants may receive full funding to cover:
- Registration fees
- Uniforms and shoes
- Sporting equipment
Who Can Apply?
Children and young people aged 5 to 18 who live in the City of Stonnington and face financial hardship. Applicants or guardians must hold a health care card, live in government housing or be asylum seekers.
How to Get Involved
- Register directly with your preferred club.
- If your sport isn’t listed, funding may still be available for most Stonnington Sports Clubs.
SCREENING | My Melbourne
My Melbourne is a unique anthology film that brings together four visionary directors to explore themes of identity, belonging and cultural connection. Produced by Mitu Bhowmick Lange AM, this collaboration between India and Australia showcases diverse voices and untold stories on the big screen.- Releasing: 6 March in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji
- Watch: Trailer (4mins)
WELCOMING | World Chambers Congress 2025 to Melbourne | 2-4 September 2025
The World Chambers Congress (WCC) is the largest global forum for chamber leaders, business professionals and policymakers to share best practices, exchange insights and build networks. Held every two years, the event fosters dialogue on critical business issues and innovations shaping industries worldwide.With theme Business, Government, Chambers – Partners for Prosperity, the Congress will focus on key global issues, including:
- Skills shortages
- Housing crises
- Energy transition
- Artificial intelligence
- Equality
- Geopolitical relations
- Cyber security
- Where: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), Australia
- For more details: visit website
CALLING | Nominees for Victorian Training Awards 2025 | Nominations close 28 April 2025
The 2025 Victorian Training Awards are now open, celebrating outstanding achievements in vocational education and training across Victoria.Why Nominate? Finalists and winners receive:
- An invitation to the welcome reception and awards gala in September 2025.
- $5,000 in prize money, a trophy, and the opportunity to compete at the national awards (for category winners).
- Networking and professional development opportunities, plus mentorship from Victoria’s top training sector professionals.
This is your chance to be recognised for your contributions, whether you’re an apprentice, trainee, student, teacher, employer, TAFE or training provider.
MORE:
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.