Earlier this week, Australians reflected on the many meanings of 26 January – meanings that can often be complex, conflicting and deeply personal.
I attended an Australia Day Flag Raising Ceremony, at Government House, and was moved by the reflections shared by the Governor of Victoria. I was moved to continue doing better in finding opportunities for our diverse communities to come together, and to find strength in our collective selves as a people.
I take this opportunity to congratulate the many outstanding Victorians, whose contributions have been recognised through the Australia Day Honours.
Looking ahead, planning is well underway for Cultural Diversity Week (CDW), taking place from 21 to 29 March under the theme Culture Connects Us All. The theme reminds us of the power of intercultural exchange to foster understanding, learning and connection. To support your involvement, we’ve developed a CDW Stakeholder Kit. The kit includes event ideas, promotional tools and guidance on registering your activities.
In the lead-up to Cultural Diversity Week, we’ll be featuring a selection of inspiring initiatives shared by community members through VMConnect. If you’re planning something special to mark the week, I encourage you to register your event on VMConnect. We’d love to highlight your contribution in future EDMs and inspire others to get involved.
I look forward to seeing many of you at community events, particularly at the Lunar New Year celebrations, throughout the first few weeks of February. Meanwhile, stay safe this summer!
Warm regards,
Vivienne Nguyen AM, Chairperson
News and events
VIC | VMC | CALLING | Videographers to join the Digital Competition for Cultural Diversity Week 2026
Bring this year’s theme Culture connects us all to life by creating a short video that showcases how you’re learning, celebrating or connecting with another culture.
Your video could feature cooking a cultural dish, learning a new word or phrase, participating in a tradition, or sharing a personal reflection. Be creative and authentic.
There are prizes to be won.
Videos should be 30 to 90 seconds long, filmed vertically, and shared on your social media from 1 March 2026. Don’t forget to tag @multiculturevic and use #CDW2026.
- Join the diversity conversation visit the VMC website For full details and inspiration
- Register your event on VMConnect
- Learn more about Cultural Diversity Week 2026: 21 - 29 March
VIC | VMC | CALLING | Cultural performers and facilitators
The Victorian Multicultural Commission is seeking expressions of interest from community-based artists and performers to join our entertainment consideration list.
Being on this list does not guarantee selection, but it ensures we can consider a wide range of performers for upcoming events and opportunities throughout the year.
VIC | VMC | CALLING | Filmmakers to share their short stories for MFF 2026! | entries close 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!
- For inspiration, we encourage you to support global cinema at local film festivals.
- For more information on how to submit your short film
VIC | CRG | CALLING | Expressions of Interest to Join a Local Planning Group – Expressions Now Open
Expressions of Interest are now open for Community Reference Groups (CRGs) to support the next phase of planning for activity centres along train and tram lines.
CRGs will bring together a diverse mix of people who live, work, run businesses or spend time in these areas. Members will provide feedback on local needs and help shape draft maps and plans.
Community Reference Groups will meet in early 2026 to share local knowledge and help shape future planning in key train and tram zone activity centres across Melbourne.
VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Strengthening multicultural organisations | Applications close 3pm Thursday 19 February 2026
Community organisations can now apply for funding to build capacity and support operations. Grants of up to $400,000 are available through the 2025-26 Multicultural Capacity Building Program (MCBP).
VIC | VSA | CALLING | Nominees for Victorian Training Awards 2026 | Nominations open
Victorian Skills Authority (VSA) are recognising excellence in Victoria’s vocational education and training sector
The Victorian Training Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of individuals, teachers, and training providers who contribute to Victoria’s high-quality TAFE and training system.
Applications are now open for the 2026 awards. Nominate today and help shine a light on the people and organisations shaping the future of training in our state.
VIC | GOV | CALLING | Participants to Forum for Truth and Recognition | submissions close 18 March 2026
For people to share experiences of child sexual abuse in Victorian government and certain non-government schools.
The independent Forum for Truth and Recognition provides a safe space. Submissions can be written, spoken, or creative (artwork, poem, song), and participants can also request a personalised session with Forum Chair Angela Connors.
Every story matters and will help build a public record to inform better prevention and response into the future.
Support is available throughout the process.
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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.