There are many important dates to look forward to in June but for many, special time in June is Refugee Week, which offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the flight of the refugees who’ve found home and freedom in Australia.
This June in particular, we acknowledge the ongoing conflicts in Asia, Europe, Africa and the turbulence in the Middle East, and the impact these conflicts have on many communities. Our thoughts are with them. Wars and conflicts cause triggering effects and trauma on many and I hope we can draw on our individual and collective resilience, support and care for each other to help guide us through these difficult times.
I express my deep appreciation to communities around Victoria who celebrated and held commemorative services to remember those who died in search for freedom, to honour those leaders, policy makers and allies who’ve contributed to building a society that welcomes refugees, and to celebrate the incredible achievements of refugees in Victoria.
In the same vein of recognition, I extend my congratulations to many of refugee background who have received the King’s Birthday Australian Honours.
At the VMC, we delivered the
2025 Multicultural Film Festival (MFF) last week, in partnership with Swinbourne University, which showcased powerful short films exploring stories of identity, displacement and community. Many of these films aligned closely with Refugee Week’s themes, reminding us of storytelling’s vital role in fostering empathy understanding and unity. Congratulations to all of this year’s MFF winners!
View the full list of award winners and honourable mentions. A sincere thank you to all our sponsors for making this important celebration possible.
Refugee Week also highlights the vital work being done across Victoria by grassroots organisations and individuals who provide practical support and foster belonging for newly arrived communities. I hope many of you were able to attend events across the state—to learn from one another, share stories, and reflect on the journeys that connect us. These events of community also offered an important opportunity for government representatives to hear directly from those with lived experience and witness the strength and resilience of our refugee communities.
Thank you, as always, for your continued commitment to a more inclusive and connected Victoria.
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson
News and Events
WRAPPING | The MFF premiere!
This year’s Multicultural Film Festival brought together incredible stories that reflect the diversity, creativity and resilience of our communities – from refugee experiences, international perspectives, to local storytelling.
A huge thank you to our delivery partner Swinburne University of Technology and our generous sponsors for making these awards possible, and congratulations to all the talented filmmakers in the Official Selection!
Award Winners:
Best Victorian Short Fiction Film
Sponsored by Swinburne University of Technology
You are My Tomorrow – Lara Köse, William Duan and Molly O’Connor
Best Victorian Short Non-Fiction Film
Sponsored by The Bruce Wong Foundation
Outpicker – Le Luo and Feifei Liao
People's Choice Award for Best Victorian Short Film
Sponsored by The University of Melbourne
Gabriel – Kevin Duran Du and Moly Sizer
Best National Short Film
Sponsored by SBS
Housekeepers – Kaede Miyamura, Anna Warwick and Evangeline Parks
Best International Short Film
Sponsored by Segmento
Mechanical Resonance – Juejun Chen
Chairperson’s Refugee Stories Award
Sponsored by Victorian Multicultural Commission
The Way to Freedom – Hussam Saraf and Darryl McConnell
AUST | GOV | ADDRESSING | Hate in Our Communities
Everyone deserves to live free from hate and discrimination.
If you experience or witness hate, don’t stay silent. There are safe and effective ways to respond:
In an emergency: Call Triple Zero (000).
To report an incident: Contact police (131 444), the Australian Human Rights Commission, your state anti-discrimination body, local council, the eSafety Commissioner, or a community-led register.
Speak up: If it’s safe, show support. Even small actions make a difference.
VIC | LWVV | GATHERING | Cherishing, Challenging Democracy - Rights & Responsibility | Wednesday 16 July 2025 | 8.30am for 9am-12noon
This timely event will explore how we can improve civics understanding and participation in Australia’s democracy.
Hear from key speakers including Hon Judith Maddigan, Vivienne Nguyen AM, Associate Professor Libby Tudball, Elida Brereton, Melbourne Girls College students, and Dr Deborah Towns OAM.
VIC | VICPOL | HEARING | Your say: Finding Freedom – Diversity in Community | submissions close Monday 30 June 2025
Victoria Police (VICPOL) is seeking community feedback to help determine the local safety priorities of residents and businesses.
If you'd like to contribute, complete the Victoria Police Community Sentiment Survey.
It is a great way for the community to provide information about their safety concerns, engagement preferences, and experiences with police in their local area.
VIC | VEOHRC | CREATING | Inclusive Workplaces for LGBTIQA+ Employees
The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission has launched the Guideline: LGBTIQA+ Inclusive Workplaces to support employers in fostering safer, more inclusive environments.
The guideline outlines:
- What workplace discrimination looks like and its impacts
- Employers’ legal responsibilities under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic)
- Five minimum standards with practical actions to meet positive duty requirements
For more information or support, contact: enquiries@veohrc.vic.gov.au or visit
veohrc.vic.gov.au.
AUST | AMES | CALLING | New Members for AMES Australia Board | applications close 11.59pm Thursday 26 June 2025
Want to play a key role in the development of AMES Australia?
Applications are now open for members of the AMES Australia Board.
Candidates with a diverse range of skills and backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
