An important function of the Victorian Multicultural Commission is to recognise individuals and organisations for their tireless and dedicated service to the communities.
This work is presented via the Multicultural Awards for Excellence which is now in its 23rd year.
We all know people in the communities who do incredible work – quietly leading, creating change, and supporting others.
The MAEs acknowledge individuals and organisations who foster cross-cultural understanding and support people from migrant, refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds to fully participate in all aspects of life. This is a way to say thank you, and an opportunity to celebrate a key pillar that underpins our multicultural state – leading, creating change and supporting others.
- Learn more or nominate. Nominations close at 11.59pm on Sunday 8 September 2024.
Thank you to all who contributed to the Victorian Multicultural Review, led by George Lekakis AO. Your insights, experiences, and feedback have shaped the findings and recommendations, which we understand will be released soon. This collective participation ensures Victoria’s multicultural policies reflect the voices of our communities.
We are also excited to announce that the Multicultural Film Festival (MFF) is going on tour across Victoria! Following a successful launch this past weekend, audiences can experience powerful short films that celebrate multicultural life at screening events throughout the state.
We’d also like to thank everyone who submitted an Expression of Interest to become a VMC Commissioner. The Department is now progressing the recruitment process. We sincerely appreciate your commitment to represent multicultural and multifaith communities.
Thank you, as always, for your continued commitment to building a safer, fairer, and more inclusive Victoria.
Warm regards,
Vivienne Nguyen AM, Chairperson
News and Events
VIC | VMC CALLING | Nominees for Multicultural Awards for Excellence | nominations close Wednesday 27 August 2025
Nominations for the Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence are now OPEN!
There are a total of 14 award categories up for grabs, and you can nominate anyone you think deserves recognition for their outstanding contributions to multiculturalism.
Don't miss this opportunity to honour outstanding individuals and organisations.
NARRE WARREN | VMC | SCREENING | Multicultural Film Festival – Bunjil Place | Friday 26 July 2025 | 4.30-7pm
The Victorian Multicultural Commission is proud to present MFF on Tour — bringing powerful, diverse storytelling to regional and metropolitan communities across Victoria.
Join us at Bunjil Place for a screening of the 2025 Multicultural Film Festival’s Official Selection films, including award-winning shorts that reflect the rich stories of multicultural Australia.
The program will include:
- Live music performance by Elaura
- Opening address by VMC Deputy Chairperson Bwe Thay
- Q&A with participating filmmakers
To celebrate the event, we're giving away 6 double passes. To enter, email bunjilevents@casey.vic.gov.au with your name, postcode and your all-time favourite foreign language film.
- Where: Bunjil Place Studio, Narre Warren
- Cost: Adult $10.00, Pensioner/Senior/Student Full Time $7.00
- Bookings: For more information and to book tickets, please visit: bunjilplace.com.au
VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Community Food Relief Program | applications close 4pm Tuesday 19 August 2025
The Victorian Government has launched Round Two of the Community Food Relief Program to support increased demand for food relief across the state.
Grants of $15,000 to $100,000 are available to neighbourhood houses, community organisations and volunteer-led groups to strengthen and expand local food relief initiatives. Partnership projects are encouraged.
Information sessions
The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing is offering online sessions to support applications:
- Thursday 10 July 2025 | 6pm
- Tuesday 15 July 2025 | 10am
- To register or for more details
AUST | ACCC | COMPARING | Prices with Unit Pricing
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) encourages you to learn more about unit pricing — a simple tool to help you find the best value at the supermarket by comparing cost per 100g, 100ml, or item across different brands and sizes.
GEELONG | VMC | THANKING | Joy Leggo OAM
The Victorian Multicultural Commission thanks Joy Leggo OAM for her outstanding contribution to multicultural communities in Geelong and beyond.
As CEO of Cultura, Joy led the successful merger of Diversitat and MACS, creating a unified organisation supporting over 85 nationalities. Her leadership has strengthened multicultural services and championed inclusive care for more than 30 years.
Joy’s passion and dedication were recognised in 2023 with the Order of Australia Medal. A true community leader, her legacy will continue to inspire and uplift others.
We wish Joy the very best in her next chapter.
WELCOMING | Ethnolink Summit 2025 | Wednesday 27 August 2025
The Ethnolink Summit returns this August – a full-day event for professionals working in communications, engagement, and marketing across government, local councils and the not-for-profit sector.
The program features insights from over 12 speakers, including representatives from Homes Victoria and the Victorian Electoral Commission. Attendees will explore practical case studies, hear from experts in multicultural engagement, and access tools for effective 2025/26 campaign planning.
The Summit will open with an address by Victorian Multicultural Commission Chairperson Bwe Thay.
- For more information
- Where: Zinc Fed Square, Melbourne
- Cost: $249 – $349
- Bookings: online via Eventbrite
CELEBRATING | Culture and Community at AFL Cultural Heritage Round
The Western Bulldogs will face GWS Giants at Marvel Stadium, Thursday 31 July at 7:30pm, as part of the AFL’s Cultural Heritage Round.
The round celebrates the vibrant Southeast Asian and African communities of Melbourne’s west — including Vietnamese, Indian and African cultures — and provides meaningful social connections for newly arrived communities in Australia.
The Western Bulldogs are offering community members two free tickets to the game.
- To find out more and to book, book and access your tickets via the Western Bulldogs app (Ticketmaster login required).
- Need help? Contact: membership@westernbulldogs.com.au or 1300 46 36 47
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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.