My thoughts are with community members who are experiencing anxiety, fear and worries about loved ones as the instability of the conflict in the Middle East continues, and visuals are shown across the media and social media.
Please take care when encountering mis- and dis-information rampant on social media, and seek support to maintain your spirits and wellbeing.
The Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) continues its work with communities, reaching out to our networks and community members with sympathy, care and support. It is the strength of our collective connection and care that I trust helps nurture the multicultural fabrics of Victoria.
During challenging times, it is even more important to continue to create, and strengthen, the platforms we have to maintain dialogue, peaceful conversations and relationships. During significant cultural and religious times such as Lent, Holi, Pesach and Ramadan, we are provided with opportunities to come together, renew our commitment to peace and harmony, learn more about other cultures, and build empathetic and trusted relationships.
This is why it's important to acknowledge the International Day to Combat Islamophobia on 15 March. Islamophobia affects the ability of Australians who are Muslim, or perceived to be Muslim, to feel safe, valued and included. I would encourage you all to show your support for the Muslim community on this day. You can find resources and information on how to show your support and call out anti-Muslim hate when you see it. In particular, we call out the incident in Ballarat last night at an Iftar dinner, which left members of the Muslim community fearful and traumatised. Acts, and words, like this have no place in our community.
I was also fortunate to attend several International Women's Day events recently, which reminded me of the importance of being proactive and considered in our engagement, moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach. This how we can "Balance the Scales", for women are the engine room of so many organisations and communities. Their drive means we all thrive. We can learn much from this.
Warm regards,
Vivienne Nguyen AM, Chairperson
News and events
VIC | VMC | MARKING | International Day to Combat Islamophobia
International Day to Combat Islamophobia is a reminder of the importance of standing against hatred, discrimination and misinformation directed at Muslim communities.
It also marks the anniversary of the Christchurch Mosque attacks in 2019, where 51 Muslim worshippers were tragically killed.
Islamophobia has no place in Victoria. Respect, understanding and dialogue are essential to building a society where people of all faiths feel safe, valued and included.
At the VMC, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting social cohesion, challenging prejudice and supporting communities to live free from fear and discrimination.
Join the call to promote of a culture of tolerance and peace, based on respect for human rights and for the diversity of religions and belief across the globe.
BOROONDARA | BoC | SCREENING | Multicultural Film Festival at Lido Cinemas | Wednesday 25 March 2026 | 7-8pm
City of Boroondara (CoB) is hosting a free screening of films from the Multicultural Film Festival at Lido Cinemas in Hawthorn as part of Cultural Diversity Week.
Immerse yourself in a selection of short films that showcase diverse stories and explore identity and multicultural life in Australia.
VIC | VMC | WEBINAR | Early Learning Information Sessions For Refugee and Asylum Seeker Families | Monday 16 March 2026 | 6-7pm
The VMC, in partnership with the Department of Education, invites you to attend an online information session to help refugee and asylum seeker families to better understand and access free kindergarten for young children aged 3-5 years.
Free Kinder is for everyone, families do not need to have Australian Citizenship or Permanent Residency to be eligible for Free Kinder.
- Register for the English information session
- For information on sessions in Dari or Arabic, contact Masoud.navvabi@vmc.vic.gov.au
SPRINGVALE | GOV | TALKING | In-language train and tram zone activity centre resources | Saturday 21 March 2026 | 12noon-3pm
The Victorian Department of Transport is consulting on train and tram zone activity centres. This involves changing planning rules to make it easier for property owners and developers to build more homes close to public transport, jobs, local services and green open spaces.
You can attend a drop in session in Springvale with translators available on request.
VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Get Active Kids Voucher Program Round | voucher applications close 10am 2 April 2026
The Get Active Kids Voucher Program is open! Victorian families with a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card can apply for up to $200 to support their child’s sport and active recreation activities.
Get in quick or earlier if the budget allocation is fully exhausted.
GRAMPIANS | GMH | GATHERING | Ararat Harmony Day 2026 | Saturday 21 March 2026 | 12noon-4pm
Join Grampians Multicultural Hub (GMH) in celebrating Cultural Diversity Week. Enjoy a vibrant day of delicious home-cooked foods from different countries (free, but please register for catering purposes), as well as cultural dance performances, handicraft market stalls, and more.
- For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/share/1KRW39SCPG
AUST | CIRCA | CALLING | For CALD Researchers with Disabilities to Join the Facilitating Connections Project
Culturally Inclusive Research Centre Australia (CIRCA) is looking for researchers with disabilities from Vietnamese, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Arabic and Spanish-speaking backgrounds to join their Research Consultants Network and Facilitating Connections project.
This Project aims to help people with disability from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, their families, and their carers get better access to quality information about disability, rights, disability supports and services.