Not a week goes by that doesn’t present both challenges and opportunities that strengthen our resolve towards promoting a diverse and socially cohesive Victoria.
I’d like to begin by expressing my profound sorrow for the tragic loss of Chol Achiek and Dau Akueng, two young members of the South Sudanese community. I visited the families and extended my deepest condolences to their relatives, friends and community. Please know that you are not alone in your grief. We, and the broader Victorian community, stand beside you. Those wishing to show their support and love can donate to the families of Chol and Dau. I have been part of the support system for the South Sudanese community in the Department of Justice and Community Safety, and am continuing to support the South Sudanese community leadership speak on their matters, work with the community members and government as they navigate through this difficult time.
In response to further protests on Saturday in Melbourne’s CBD, I would like to reiterate the message in my last newsletter: the VMC condemns any attempt to divide communities and remains steadfast in our work to promote cohesion and call out scapegoating in all its forms. Events like this only strengthen our resolve to foster harmony in Victoria.
To that end, the previous fortnight was defined by change – and by new opportunities for Victorians to stand together with compassion, strength and resilience.
Many of you would have seen the release, last week, of the Victorian Multicultural Review, and the Victorian Government’s response. The Review contains 41 recommendations that aim to bolster unity and inclusion, and support a refreshed whole-of-government approach to multicultural affairs. The Victorian Government’s response to the Review was rapid, broad and genuine, which I was also pleased to see.
Last week, the Victorian Government also introduced the Statewide Treaty Bill 2025 into Parliament. Once passed, it will empower First Peoples to lead change on issues that affect their communities. Leading up to the Bill, the VMC co-hosted Treaty Information Sessions with the Victorian Government in Springvale and St Albans. We look forward to continuing engagements like this to build understanding and awareness about Treaty.
And, in coming weeks, the criminal reforms of the Justice Legislation Amendment (Anti-vilification and Social Cohesion) Act 2025 take effect. These amendments increase safeguards to protect more Victorians from vilification.
And finally, don’t forget to join us on our upcoming Multicultural Film Festival screening. We know films are a powerful story telling tool and I want to acknowledge all the artists choosing this medium to contribute to the richness of our people.
Warm regards,
Vivienne Nguyen AM, Chairperson
News and events
HIGHLIGHTING | Premier's Multicultural Gala Dinner
Watch highlights from an unforgettable night of community, culture, and connection at the Premier’s Multicultural Gala Dinner 2025 - where voices united, stories inspired, and diversity was celebrated in every moment. Diana Zhao, born in Shanghai and raised in Melbourne was our wonderful MC for the evening. Thank you to the Premier of Victoria, the Honourable Jacinta Allan, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Ingrid Stitt MP and the VMC Chairperson Vivienne Nguyen for hosting an exceptional night with an impressive entertainment line-up:
- Drumming Events Melbourne
- King Bell and Soukous Ba Congo
- Estudiantina of Melbourne
- Sanggar Lestari
- Pasefika Vitoria Choir
- ALPA
- Kinisi
- La Descarga
Many thanks to Fruitbowl Events Agency for assisting the VMC to deliver the event as well as coordinating the traditional teas and coffee blends by community groups.
MELB | RMIT | SCREENING | MFF tour | Thursday 25 September 2025 | 5.30-7.30pm
The Victorian Multicultural Commission is excited to invite you to attend RMIT University’s screening of the Multicultural Film Festival (MFF).
This special event brings together eight compelling short films that explore the theme of migration, each offering a unique lens on movement, belonging and identity.
The screening will be followed by a panel discussion featuring Le Luo (director of 'Outpicker'), Kaede Miyamura (director of 'Housekeepers') and Pinar Fontini, RMIT filmmaker and researcher who lectures in RMIT's Media program.
- Where: RMIT University, Cinema 80.01.02, RMIT Building 80, 435-457 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: Register online via RMIT
VIC | VMC | GATHERING | From dumplings to dialogue – let’s talk mental wellbeing | Saturday 8 November 2025 | 11.15am-3pm
Dumplings Against Depression is a community gathering where we’ll share delicious dishes and have open, inclusive conversations about mental health and wellbeing.
Presented by the Victorian Multicultural Commission in partnership with Solis and funded by the Victorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing.
Join us to hear from panels of multicultural mental health experts and community voices. Browse stalls and meet local service providers to discover culturally safe and community-based mental health supports.
Dumplings are a cherished dish in many cultures – from Asia to Europe, Africa to the Caribbean – making them the perfect symbol for connection and shared understanding across our diverse communities. Together we can break down mental health stigma and sector silos – one dumpling at a time.
- Where: Long Room, Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders St, Melbourne
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: None required. Public event and all welcome. Add the date to your calendar
VIC | GOV | INTRODUCING | Victoria's Treaty is here!
For the first time in Australia's history, a Treaty has been negotiated with First Peoples. The Statewide Treaty Bill 2025 has been introduced into the Victorian Parliament.
The Bill will establish a new entity Gellung Warl (Gullung-Warl, from Gunaikurnai language) which is evolved from Victoria's successful First Peoples' Assembly. This Bill will give effect to this Treaty.
Here in Victoria, the Government has been on the path to Treaty for nearly a decade. A strong foundation has been laid. For too long, laws and policies have been made about First Peoples - without First Peoples. Treaty is key to closing the gap so that Victorians have the same opportunities. When First Peoples lead the way to design policies and solutions, we get better outcomes.
VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Supporting Regional Multicultural Community Organisations to deliver events across regional Victoria in 2026 | applications opening soon and close October 2025
Funding is available to support regional multicultural community organisations to deliver events across regional Victoria in 2026.
To attend an Information Session in Bendigo or Ballarat, please register via the links below.
Bendigo Information Session | Wednesday 1 October 2025 | 6.30pm
- Where: Galkangu, 189–229 Lyttleton Terrace, Bendigo VIC 3550
- Bookings: Register online via Eventbrite
Ballarat information session | Thursday 2 October 2025 | 6.30pm
- Where: Lucas Community Hub, 17 Coltman Plaza, Lucas VIC 3350
- Bookings: Register online via Eventbrite
VIC | GOV | CALLING | Applicants to be a Board Member with Creative Victoria | expressions of interest close 11.59pm 8 October 2025
Creative Victoria is seeking expressions of interest from people with diverse skills, experience and an interest in joining the boards of Victoria’s leading creative and cultural organisations. People who submit their interest will be included in a talent pool from which Victorian Government board appointments will be selected when vacancies arise.
The EOI process is open to people from across the state with a passion for the creative sector and relevant experience to contribute to the boards of some of the state’s leading creative and cultural agencies and organisations. People do not need to have experience working for an arts organisation or in the creative industries to express their interest.
Desirable skills and experience include financial management, corporate governance, strategic planning, legal, sponsorship, communications and marketing, and more.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people of all ages including young people aged 18-34 years, women, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTIQA+ people and people from rural and regional Victoria are encouraged to apply.
VIC | GOV | COMMITTING | Until every Victorian is safe – Victoria’s third rolling action plan to end family and sexual violence 2025-2027
Family violence remains widespread across Victoria. It is fuelled by gender inequality and harmful gender stereotypes, in a society where women are still treated as unequal to men on many levels. Ending family violence involves everyone. We all have a role to play – at home, at work and in our communities.
The Victorian Government has committed to 106 actions to help prevent and respond to family and sexual violence over the next three years. This plan was informed by extensive stakeholder engagement, reflecting a diverse range of perspectives and priorities.
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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.