As the year draws to a close, we enter a season of reflection. Across Victoria and around the world, communities are marking this time through meaningful traditions – from Hanukkah and Christmas to Bodhi Day and other important spiritual and cultural observances.
It is a season that reminds us of the values that connect us: peace, compassion and togetherness.
At our Community Vigil on Sunday, we came together as a multicultural and multifaith community, united in our grief and solidarity with the Jewish community. Alongside the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, we stood side-by-side with the Jewish community at St Peter’s Eastern Hill Hall. We lit 15 candles in commemoration of the 15 lives tragically lost at Bondi. I was moved by all those who spoke, their profound and heartfelt reflections give me hope that we can come together, as friends and as a community, to overcome hate. Thank you to all those who joined us, from fellow Commissioners, Victoria Police and Fire Rescue Victoria, Mayors and Councillors, community organisations and leaders. Your show of solidarity matters.
Separately, I also joined the Premier, Attorney-General, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police and other leaders in signing a Statement of Condolence and Solidarity. This statement affirms our vision for a Victoria that is safe, inclusive and respectful for all. You can add your voice by signing the Statement of Unity and Solidarity.
In the spirit of light over darkness, I want to highlight a moment of extraordinary courage this year. During the tragic attack at Bondi Junction, Ahmed al-Ahmed bravely intervened and helped disarm the attacker, saving lives in an act that has been widely recognised as heroic. My appreciation also goes to the first responders who ran towards danger to help save lives. These acts are a reminder of the best of humanity.
I also encourage you to read the announcement from Premier Jacinta Allan in response to the Bondi terrorist attack.
As the year draws to a close, and in addition to reflection, I encourage everyone to rest, reconnect with loved ones and to seek renewal. Community service is the heartbeat of civic life, and through connection and care, we continue to build a better future together. I look forward to reconnecting with many of you in 2026 as we continue our collective work to strengthen a respectful, safer and more inclusive Victoria.
Warm regards,
Vivienne Nguyen AM, Chairperson
News and events
VIC | VMC | CELEBRATING | Cultural Diversity Week 2026
From 21–29 March, join us in celebrating Cultural Diversity Week – a time to honour the stories, traditions and contributions that make Victoria such a vibrant place to live.
This year’s theme – Culture connects us all – reminds us that sharing intercultural experiences fosters understanding, belonging and connection.
Get involved:
- Host an event
- Attend activities
- Share your experience engaging with other cultures
- To register your event on VMConnect or learn
VIC | VMC | CALLING | Applicants 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.
VIC | VMC | CALLING | Short Film Submissions for MFF 2026 | now open, entries 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 | VMC | REPORTING | Multicultural Awards for Excellence 2025
The 2025 Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence (MAEs) was held at Government House, celebrating outstanding individuals and organisations whose efforts have strengthened inclusion, unity and belonging across Victoria.
Now in its 24th year, the Victorian Multicultural Commission proudly coordinated the MAEs to honour those who champion cross-cultural understanding and support Victorians from migrant, refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds to thrive and fully participate in all areas of life. Watch our highlights video (2 mins) for an overview of the event.
The 2025 MAEs recognised 53 winners across 14 categories, including 36 new inductees to the Multicultural Honour Roll. Recipients came from metropolitan and regional Victoria, representing 29 cultural backgrounds, with awards acknowledging individuals, organisations and police.
VIC | STANDING | Together Against Hate
Lat week, Victorian multicultural and multifaith leaders came together with the Premier of Victoria, the Hon Jacinta Allan to stand united against hate and violence. This powerful moment of solidarity sends a clear message: We stand together as one and our communities will not be divided.
At this meeting. attended by the Premier, the Attorney-General, the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, the Victorian Multicultural Commission and the Chief Commissioner of Police, community leaders signed a Statement of Condolence and Solidarity. This statement reaffirms our shared commitment to a Victoria that is safe, inclusive and respectful for all. View the statement.
Now, we invite you to join us in this commitment. Sign the Statement of Unity and Solidarity today and show your support for a Victoria that celebrates diversity and rejects hate.
Together, we can ensure Victoria remains a place where diversity is celebrated and hate has no home. Let us continue to work together to promote safety and unity.
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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.