Now, more than ever, it’s time for our communities to meet in the middle, the work the VMC has been undertaking on an ongoing basis in our engagement with communities and stakeholders.
Bringing together diverse perspectives at the same table allows us to problem solve, share ideas and stand in solidarity with one another.
Finding the middle ground with compassion and respect is a way out of polarisation and division.
This is why VMC Commissioners, and I attend community gatherings, events and host tailored and targeted engagement forums. This is about building relationship and trust, about understanding and advocacy, and about recognising and amplifying the work communities do to foster harmony, and instil confidence and pride in the acknowledgment of their role and place in society.
Integral to this work is momentum.
Recently, the VMC hosted a female-led gathering of faith leaders to foster rich multifaith conversations. The role and voice of women in building harmony and this challenging time is ever more important. The event created a space for better understanding, meaningful dialogue and genuine connection.
I also appeared on
Laneways for Channel 31. I reflected on how communities in Victoria come together to strengthen social cohesion, even in the face of challenge. I discussed how the Victorian Multicultural Review offers us an opportune time to review our tools, systems and structures to ensure they meet the evolving needs of multicultural communities.
Together, let’s continue building momentum toward a stronger, kinder and more connected Victoria.
Vivienne Nguyen AM, Chairperson
News and events
VIC | VMC | REPORTING | Chairperson's interview with Channel 31
On 19 September 2025, our Chairperson Vivienne Nguyen shared her thoughts on Channel 31’s Laneway program on how communities in Victoria are coming together to strengthen social cohesion, even in the face of challenging rhetoric and events.
Vivienne also reflected on the findings of the recent Victorian Multicultural Review and what they mean for the future of the VMC.
We encourage you to take the time to view the full episode through the link below.
VIC | VMC | PUBLISHING | Regional Advisory Forum report
The Victorian Multicultural Commission has released its Insights Report from the 2025 Regional Advisory Forum.
The report shares the voices of multicultural communities across Victoria, focusing on six key priority areas: racism, housing, employment, family violence, mental health and youth justice.
With over 100 Regional Advisory Council members, community leaders, and government representatives participating, the forum generated many significant recommendations that were shaped by the lived experience of community members.
The VMC will work with its government and community partners to ensure these insights drive more equitable policy and services for all Victorians.
AUST | GOV | PROMOTING | Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Building a Cyber Culture
October is Cyber Security Awareness Month. It's an annual reminder to take action to protect yourself, the information and systems you have access to at your work and the wider Victorian community.
There are three key ways that you can ensure you remain cyber safe:
- Install all software updates to keep your devices secure
- Use a unique and strong passphrase on every account
- Always set up multi-factor authentication (MFA)
To learn more about how to undertake these steps and how they can help keep you cyber-safe, click the button below!
VMC | GATHERING | 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
AUST | SBS | RELEASING | Australian National Anthem in more than 60 languages
The
Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) has released a groundbreaking new project: the Australian National Anthem translated into more than 60 different languages!
The project provides:
- Videos of the anthem, performed by Dami Im with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, subtitled in English and the chosen language
- Audio and text versions of the anthem in over 60 languages
- Multilingual text versions of the citizenship pledge
The initiative reflects SBS's longstanding commitment to inclusivity and connection, ensuring that every Australian – no matter their language or background – can feel a greater sense of belonging.
MORNINGTON | VMC | SCREENING | Multicultural Film Festival | Saturday 18th October 2025 | 4-6.30pm
The Victorian Multicultural Commission is excited to invite you to attend Mornington's screening of the Multicultural Film Festival (MFF).
This special event brings together a selection of compelling short films that explore the theme of migration, each offering a unique lens on movement, belonging and identity.
The event will include an introduction from VMC Commissioner Sylvia Coombe and all 15 of the official selection of short films will be shown.
VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Round 2 of the 2025-26 Multicultural Festivals and Events grants Program | applications close 3pm Thursday 23 October 2025
Grants are available for multicultural and multifaith community groups across the state to host festivals and events that celebrate Victoria’s vibrant cultural diversity.
The Regional Multicultural Festivals and Events Fund is also open and will support regional and rural multicultural communities.
Funding for this round will support multicultural and multifaith celebrations to be delivered between 1 January 2026 to 30 June 2026.
There will be online information sessions and regional in-person sessions held in Bendigo and Ballarat.
