As we approach the end of 2025, we come together to recognise and celebrate the contributions and achievements of people and organisations from all walks of life.
Every day, across our state, individuals and organisations demonstrate the values that shape a vibrant and inclusive Victoria to champion compassion, resilience, leadership and a shared commitment to the rights and responsibilities we hold as a community.
Community service is the heartbeat of civic life, and as we near the end of the year, it’s important we keep that heartbeat strong.
This is what the Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence represents. Each year, these awards honour not only what has been accomplished, but also what is possible. Awards like these are not just about the past achievements, they also help to inspire the future.
The 2025 Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence celebrated 53 winners across 14 categories, including 36 inductees to the Multicultural Honour Roll. Recipients from both metropolitan and regional Victoria, representing 29 diverse cultural backgrounds, were honoured with awards recognising individuals, organisations, and Victoria Police.
We would like to congratulate all winners, nominees and highly commended recipients and extend our appreciation to everyone who submitted an entry. Your stories, contributions and dedication enrich our multicultural community and help shine a light on the many ways Victorians are building a better future together.
I’d also like to express my sincere gratitude to Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria, for hosting this year’s ceremony at such a prestigious venue, I also would like to thank our sponsors for their ongoing support.
You can also revisit the 2024 recipients and the 2023 recipients.
Thank you, as always, for your ongoing commitment to building a stronger, fairer and more connected Victoria.
Warm regards,
Vivienne Nguyen AM. Chairperson
News and events
VIC | VMC | CALLING | Members for Multicultural Youth Network | applications close Sunday 11 January 2026.
The Victorian Multicultural Commission is calling on passionate young leaders to apply for the Multicultural Youth Network 2026.
If you're aged 18 to 25 and ready to represent your region, elevate youth voices and influence real change, this is your moment.
Join a network of changemakers to help shape inclusive policies and champion multicultural communities across Victoria.
VMC | CALLING | Short Films for Multicultural Film Festival 2026 | submissions close Tuesday 10 March 2026
The Victorian Multicultural Commission, in partnership with Swinburne University of Technology and SBS, is calling all filmmakers to share their stories. Whether you're an emerging filmmaker or an experienced creator, we want to hear your story.
Anyone is welcome to submit a short film of 10 minutes or less. The premiere event will screen in Melbourne during Refugee Week on 18 June 2026 at ACMI Cinemas. Films in the Official Selection will screen at multiple venues and on SBS On Demand.
Prizes of $2,500 to be won per category!
VIC | GOV | ADVISING | Better practice guide for inclusive engagement
The Victorian Multicultural Commission is honored to announced that Victorian Government has launched a new Better practice guide for inclusive engagement.
It’s designed to help practitioners, experts and organisations to engage meaningfully with community. We know that inclusive engagement helps us build trust, improve our programs and services and create better outcomes for all Victorians.
The guide can be used before, during and after engagement. It shares practical tools to help your engagement be accessible to everyone. It’s also publicly available, to easily share with your stakeholders and networks.
For more information, please visit: https://www.vic.gov.au/better-practice-guide-inclusive-engagement
VIC | GOV | ADVISING | Know your fire risk - stay safe
Summer is a dangerous season in Victoria and fires can be unpredictable.
The Victorian Multicultural Commission strongly advises you to know your fire risk to keep you and your loved ones safe. You need to leave well before fire impacts your home and community.
Leaving early is always the safest option.
VIC | GOV | ADVISING | Stay Safe During Extreme Heat
Extreme heat days are becoming more frequent and intense across Victoria. Taking simple steps can help you and your loved ones stay safe.
What you can do:
- Stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day
- Keep your home cool with curtains or air conditioning
- Check in on family, friends, and neighbours – especially older people and those with health conditions
- Never leave children, adults or pets in parked vehicles
- Follow health alerts and heat warnings from your local council or the Bureau of Meteorology
- For more information and tips
AUST | GOV | ADVISING | Under 16 social media ban
From 10 December 2025, a new law will require social media users to be 16 or older.
This means young people under 16 will no longer be able to hold accounts on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, YouTube, X, Threads, Reddit and Kick.
The new law is designed to keep young people safer online, by reducing exposure to harmful content and addictive platform features. It’s about helping our young mob stay strong, safe and connected - both online and in real life.
Families, schools and communities all play a role in shaping healthy online habits. Together, we can support our young people to build stronger relationships with family, friends, culture and Community.
THORNBURY | IMA | OFFERING | Free Entry to the Islamic Museum of Australia | every Saturday during school holidays
The Islamic Museum of Australia is offering free entry every Saturday during the school holidays.
Explore Islamic heritage through art, history, and culture – perfect for families, students and community groups.
- Where: Islamic Museum of Australia, 15A Anderson Rd, Thornbury VIC
- Cost: Free entry
Take this opportunity to learn, connect and discover.
AUST | ASCS | PUBLISHING | Australian Social Cohesion Summit 2025 Report
The inaugural Australian Social Cohesion Summit (ASCS) brought together community leaders, researchers, advocates and practitioners to explore what strengthens belonging, trust and participation in Australia.
The Summit Report is now available online, it includes:
- A published keynote in The Conversation
- Findings from Mapping Social Cohesion 2025
- Highlights from Neighbourhood, Women, and Youth sessions
- Workshop presentations and visual summaries
- Photos from the day
Themes of local connection, women’s leadership, and youth-driven change emerged strongly throughout the event. This report captures those insights, offering practical takeaways for everyone working to build a more cohesive Australia.
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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.