As a proudly independent, non-partisan organisation, ECCV remains steadfast in our commitment to working with all sides of politics to promote our goals of multiculturalism, equity, and inclusion.
This is our first eBulletin since the federal election, and I'd like to warmly congratulate the Albanese government on its re-election.
We also want to express our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr Abdifatah Ahmed, who lost his life in the recent police shooting incident in Footscray. We understand this matter is now with the coroner, and acknowledge the deep pain this has caused in the community.
We commend Africause and African community leaders for stepping forward in unity and advocacy, working collaboratively to find long-term solutions that promote transparency, justice, and accountability. The tragic incident highlights the need to address mental illness in our diverse communities and the importance of providing culturally appropriate and timely mental health services and training in our communities.
We also pause to honour the life and legacy of Gaetano Greco, a former ECCV board member and long-standing champion of multiculturalism, who recently passed away. Gaetano was a tireless advocate and dedicated public servant whose impact will be remembered for generations to come.
Meanwhile, we have welcomed the recent release of the 2025–26 State Budget, which includes measures to support multicultural communities and ease cost-of-living pressures. Read ECCV's response to the Budget.
Our heartfelt congratulations go to our colleagues at ECCNSW on their 50th anniversary. It was an honour to attend the recent celebrations in Sydney, alongside Deputy Chair Jill Morgan AM and board members Eddie Micallef and Richard Ogetii.
Finally, we also join the African-Australian community in marking the 62nd anniversary of Africa Day, celebrating the strength, resilience and contributions of African communities worldwide.
Together, we're weaving a stronger, fairer and more inclusive Victoria for all. Stay safe, stay warm and stay connected.
Abiola Akinbiyi, Chairperson
Our highlights
RESPONDING | 2025-26 State Budget
ECCV welcomes measures outlined in the 2025-26 State Budget to address the changing needs of our multicultural communities. We were pleased to see a focus on cost-of-living relief, including making public transport free for kids under 18. We also commend the $3.2 million investment in organisations like regional ethnic communities' councils that do vital grassroots work supporting newly arrived people in regional Victoria.
ATTENDING | Africa Day Gala Dinner
ECCV was delighted to attend the Africa Day Gala Dinner last week alongside more than 500 guests, including the Premier Jacinta Allan and Opposition Leader Brad Battin. The event was a fantastic tribute to the achievements and contributions of African communities to our multicultural nation. This year's event featured powerful performances and speeches as well as an acknowledgement of Abiola Akinbiyi as the first African-Australian Chair of ECCV.
ADDRESSING | Domestic & Family Violence Awareness and Prevention Initiative Conference 2025
ECCV CEO Farah Farouque joined Chair Abiola Akinbiyi to address the community at the Domestic & Family Violence Awareness and Prevention Initiative Conference 2025 co-delivered by the Centre for Multicultural Youth. Hosted in Braybrook, the conference was co-convened by community leaders Mabor Chadhuol, founder and CEO of the Centre for Migrant and Refugee Health, and Monica Majak, CEO and President of Sudanese Mothers Coalition in Victoria.
PRESENTING | Online Ageing Well Forum
If you want to learn more about how to support seniors from migrant and refugee backgrounds to live well and age with confidence, we invite you to join ECCV's online Ageing Well Forum. This free webinar, held in partnership with LiveUp, is an opportunity to chat with an expert panel, explore ECCV’s work empowering older people, and make connections with multicultural older people.
REPORTING | Melbourne Hub of the National Planning Meeting for Sector Support and Development (SSD) workers
In May, ECCV partnered with Cultura to host the Melbourne Hub of the National Planning Meeting for Sector Support and Development (SSD) workers, who support community aged care providers to navigate reforms of the sector. The meeting was a valuable forum for SSD workers across the state to build connections and coordinate collaborations. Thank you to all who attended, including representatives from PolCare, Gippsland Multicultural Services and more.
Resources & Opportunities
Speak My Language (Disability)
ECCV and Speak My Language (Disability) are back on air! We have partnered with three community radio stations to broadcast in-language interviews with people with disability from migrant and refugee backgrounds. Available in Nepali, Sinhala, Cantonese and Hindi, the episodes feature real life stories and tips on living well to challenge stereotypes and foster meaningful conversations.
- Tune in to 3CR, 3MDR and Casey Radio to listen to the interviews.
RESPONDING | Inquiry into the supply of homes in regional Victoria
ECCV made a submission to the Inquiry into housing supply in regional Victoria. The submission highlighted the complex issues our diverse communities face in finding and keeping a stable, liveable and affordable home, and calls on the government to better fund tenancy support organisations, community legal centres and regional ethnic communities' councils so they can continue providing culturally safe and responsive specialist support.