As we move through this season of reflection and renewal, I extend warm wishes to everyone observing Easter, Passover, Palm Sunday and other cultural or faith-based celebrations.
These occasions remind us of the strength we draw from tradition and the importance of compassion, connection and hope in our lives and communities.
This week is also one of joy and celebration for many across our diverse communities, with several significant New Year and harvest festivals taking place. From Songkran (Thai New Year) to Pi Mai (Lao), Choul Chnam Thmey (Cambodian), Thingyan (Burmese), Puthandu (Tamil), Aluth Awurudda (Sinhalese), Vaisakhi (Sikh and Hindu), Navavarsha (Nepali speaking people) and Pohela Boishakh (Bengali), these celebrations reflect renewal, gratitude and community spirit. To all those celebrating, I wish you and your loved ones a safe, joyful and prosperous year ahead.
Cultivating Inner Peace Through Interfaith Dialogue
Last Friday, our Multifaith Advisory Group hosted a peace forum at Parliament House, in partnership with the Monash Centre for Consciousness and Contemplative Studies, the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, and Calm in the City. The forum brought together leaders from across Victoria to explore how cultivating inner peace can strengthen community harmony, especially in times of uncertainty and division. We were honoured to be joined by the Governor of Victoria, Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, and Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs, Mr Iwan Walters MP, alongside esteemed faith leaders. The gathering was a timely reminder of the role that respectful interfaith dialogue plays in deepening our shared humanity and building bridges across difference.
Inquiry into capturing data on family violence perpetrators in Victoria report
In addition to this work, the VMC recently provided a submission and participated in witness presentations – alongside InTouch and the Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY) – as part of a parliamentary inquiry into family violence perpetrator accountability. The final report, now available, represents the consolidation of that inquiry’s findings and recommendations.
Read the report.
Engaging with Government on Key Community Issues
Yesterday, we hosted a special online forum with the Premier of Victoria, Jacinta Allan MP, and the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Ingrid Stitt MP. This was a valuable opportunity for multicultural community leaders to engage directly with government on key issues, including bail reforms, the Anti-Vilification and Social Cohesion Bill, and the Victorian Multicultural Review led by George Lekakis AO. These conversations are essential to ensuring our communities are heard, and that policy decisions reflect fairness, inclusion and lived experience.
Honouring ANZAC Day
This week also marks a time of national remembrance, as we prepare to honour ANZAC Day. Deputy VMC Chairperson Bwe Thay and I attended the Premier’s Anniversary of ANZAC Day State Luncheon, alongside veterans, service men and women. It was truly an honour.
It is so true, that in times of so much uncertainty and craziness, pain and suffering and when the road ahead seems fuzzy, having a time to reflect with those who served was indeed food for the soul. Some traditions are timeless.
Warm regards,
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson
News and Events
VIC | RDA | SEEKING | Members for Victorian Regional Development vacancies | applications close 5pm Wednesday 30 April 2025
Regional Development Australia (RDA) is seeking motivated and visionary leaders to volunteer as Deputy Chairs and Committee Members across Victoria’s RDA Committees.
Vacancies are available in: Barwon South West, Gippsland, Grampians, Hume, Loddon Mallee and Melbourne.
Deputy Chairs play a key role in driving regional economic development, while Committee Members contribute to outcomes that support economic growth, innovation and community prosperity.
Applications are encouraged from women, First Nations Australians, people with disability and those from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Successful applicants commence from: 1 July 2025
VIC | GOV | GRANTING | 2025-26 Multicultural Festivals and Events grants | applications close 3pm Thursday 17 April 2025
The Victorian Government has announced that applications for Round 1 of the 2025-26 Multicultural Festivals and Events grants Program are now open!
Grants are available for multicultural and multifaith community groups across the state to host festivals and events that celebrate Victoria’s vibrant cultural diversity.
The Regional Multicultural Festivals and Events Fund is also open and will support regional and rural multicultural communities.
Funding for this round will support multicultural and multifaith celebrations to be delivered between 1 July 2025 to 31 December 2025.
VIC | DGS | HIRING | Casual Ministerial Transport Officer roles
The Department of Government Services (DGS) is recruiting for casual Ministerial Transport Officers (MTOs) to drive Victorian Government and Opposition leaders, Ministers and VIPs.
These roles require strong customer service and professional driving skills, with a focus on building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the Victorian community.
Homes Victoria Advisory Board vacancies | applications close at 5pm Sunday 18 May 2025
Recruitment is now open for the Homes Victoria Advisory Board for the 2025–2027 term, with applications being accepted for both Chair and Member positions.
The Advisory Board plays a key role in providing strategic advice to the Minister for Housing and Building and the CEO of Homes Victoria. This includes advice on the long-term strategic direction of Homes Victoria, its financial performance and stability, strategic risks and opportunities, social and affordable housing approaches, and the corporate plan and performance indicators. The Board may also consider other matters referred by the Minister.
To apply, visit:
MELB | VMC | ANNOUNCING | Save the date for the MFF Premiere at ACMI | Thursday 19 June 2025
The 2025 Multicultural Film Festival (MFF) will premiere during the evening, in Refugee Week. Our expert judges are currently reviewing the shortlist to finalise the Official Selection of short films. Those selected films will also screen on SBS On Demand in November, for a 12-month period. Winning films will each receive prize money of AUD$2000, courtesy of our generous sponsors.
