The work of the Victorian Multicultural Commission continues and remains focused on bringing communities together, strengthening connections, and amplifying diverse voices.
In recent weeks, we have witnessed powerful demonstrations of unity, peacebuilding, and community leadership across Victoria.
Last Thursday, the Multifaith Advisory Group came together to break bread, dedicated to renewing connections and reinforcing our shared commitment to peace, harmony and social cohesion. Senior representatives from diverse faith communities joined in open and respectful dialogue, reminding us of the vital role interfaith understanding plays in peacebuilding and in strengthening our harmonious and compassionate Victoria. Read the media release.
Earlier this month, I joined community leaders, researchers, and policymakers at the Scanlon Research Institute’s Australian Social Cohesion Summit 2025, of which the VMC was a proud partner. I had the opportunity to reflect on the question of what anchors us as Australians in times of rapid change. In my mind, we need to find the common ground that includes all, and for me, compassionate leadership, ethical leadership, and collaborative leadership win the day. View the segment.
The Scanlon Research Institute also published its 2025 Mapping Social Cohesion Report. The report’s findings showed that while overall social cohesion has declined slightly over the past year, support for multiculturalism remains relatively strong amid global uncertainties. This is all the more reason why the work we do really matters. It is foundational to an equitable, inclusive, and prosperous Victoria, and is one of the most effective defence mechanisms against extremism and racism in all its forms. I encourage you to read the report.
Earlier this week, I visited Homes Victoria’s new North Richmond development, part of the Big Housing Build. It sets a new benchmark in social housing with a focus on sustainability, accessibility, and community. The visit also offered insight into the relocation process for residents from nearby high rises. Local collaboration was key, with partners like Belgium Avenue Neighbourhood House and Richmond Youth Hub contributing through cultural storytelling and creative workshops. These hubs play a vital role in supporting multicultural communities, offering connection and care during times of change. Learn more.
Thank you for your continued commitment to strengthening connection, peacebuilding, and inclusion in Victoria.
Vivienne Nguyen AM, Chairperson
News and events
MFF tour screening - Fed Square | Thursday 30 October 2025 | 6-9.30pm
The Victorian Multicultural Commission is excited to invite you to attend the last public screening of the Multicultural Film Festival (MFF) 2025 on the outdoor screen at Federation Square!
The program will feature all 15 official selection films from this year’s festival split over two sessions with the first at 6pm and the other at 8pm.
- More information
- Where: Fed Square, Melbourne
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: public event, no bookings required.
VIC | GOV | CALLING | Applicants for Victorian African Communities Committee | applications close Sunday 9 November 2025
The Victorian Government is seeking passionate and community-minded individuals to join the Victorian African Communities Committee (VACC).
The VACC provides vital advice to government on the lived experiences, priorities and aspirations of Victoria’s diverse African communities. Through appointments of up to two years, members ensure the voices of African Victorians help shape government policy and programs.
MELB | VMC | From dumplings to dialogue – let’s talk mental wellbeing | Saturday 8 November 2025 | 11.15am-3pm
Presented by the Victorian Multicultural Commission in partnership with Solis and funded by the Victorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Dumplings Against Depression is a community gathering where we’ll share delicious dishes and have open, inclusive conversations about 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: Register online via Humanitix
VIC | GOV | CALLING | Participants to Forum for truth and recognition | Participate now
The Forum is a safe and respectful space where people can share their experiences of child sexual abuse in Victorian government schools and certain non-government schools prior to the year 2000.
The experiences shared will contribute to an important public record and help Victoria build a stronger shared understanding of the lifelong impacts of child sexual abuse in schools so we can better prevent and respond to it now and into the future.
People can participate in the Forum until March 2026.
- To participate, contact 1800 967 933 or contact@truthandrecognition.vic.gov.au
- To find out more
NORTH MELB | BOITE | PERFORMING | Kankles and Sheng: A rare musical collaboration | Tuesday 29 October 2025 | 7pm
Experience the unique sounds of Lithuanian zither (kankles) and Chinese mouth organ (sheng) in two special concerts featuring Regina Maroziene and Dr Wang Zheng-Ting.
A celebration of cultural harmony through music.
- Where: Lithuanian Club, North Melbourne
- Cost: $40 / $35 concession
- Bookings: Book now, online via Boîte
CARLTON | BOITE | PERFORMING | Kankles and Sheng: A rare musical collaboration | Thursday 6 November 2025 | 7pm
Experience the unique sounds of Lithuanian zither (kankles) and Chinese mouth organ (sheng) in two special concerts featuring Regina Maroziene and Dr Wang Zheng-Ting.
A celebration of cultural harmony through music.
- Where: Church of All Nations, Carlton (with Melbourne Kankles Ensemble)
- Cost: $40 / $35 concession
- Bookings: Book now, online via Boîte
VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Get Active Kids: $200 vouchers now available
The Victorian Government’s Get Active Kids program is offering $200 vouchers to help families cover the cost of sports and recreation activities - including memberships, uniforms and equipment.
Eligible children must be 18 or under, listed on a Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card, and on a Medicare card. Special consideration is available for children in care, migrants and international students.
Apply now and redeem your voucher with over 2,300 providers across the state.
VIC | GOV | SUPPORTING | Safer and stronger multicultural spaces | applications close Monday 5 January 2026
The Victorian Government is supporting multicultural and multifaith communities to create safer, more inclusive spaces to gather, celebrate and practise their faith.
Grants of up to $400,000 are available through Round 1 of the $5 million Multicultural Infrastructure and Security Program to support renovations, maintenance and security upgrades for community facilities.
The program recognises the essential role of multicultural organisations in strengthening Victoria’s social fabric and fostering cross-community connection.
For more information and to apply, visit: www.vic.gov.au/2025-26-multicultural-infrastructure-and-security-program
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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.