Multicultural Victoria is shaped by the many voices, experiences and perspectives that contribute to the life of our state.
At the heart of that work is listening.
Over the past two months, the Victorian Multicultural Commission has held the final meetings of its Regional Advisory Councils (RACs) across the state. For almost 15 years, RAC members have been a vital link between communities and government, bringing local knowledge, lived experience and emerging issues into conversations that have informed policy, services and decision-making.
As this chapter closes, we thank RAC members for their time, insight and service.
Under the Victorian Government’s response to the Multicultural Review, community engagement will continue through Multicultural Victoria, ensuring communities remain central to the work ahead.
That spirit of listening is especially important as communities across Victoria mark Refugee Week and World Refugee Day. This year’s theme, A Million Stories, reminds us that there is no singular refugee narrative but rather a constellation of individual lives, each shaped by its own journey, history and meaning.
I was pleased to attend Refugee Week events hosted by the Migrant Information Centre Eastern Melbourne and the Rotary Clubs of Fitzroy, Collingwood and Richmond, where the conversations reinforced the importance of listening to lived experience and acknowledging the ongoing contributions refugee communities make across Victoria. Later this week, I look forward to attending a gathering honouring Vietnamese refugee community and their enduring contribution to Victoria.
Storytelling is also at the heart of the Multicultural Film Festival. Tomorrow, I look forward to attending the premiere screening and delivering an address at one of the VMC’s flagship annual events. The festival celebrates storytelling, creativity and community voice, providing emerging filmmakers with a platform to share their work and perspectives with audiences across Victoria. I warmly encourage you to attend and join us in celebrating the power of film to help us better understand one another.
Today, we acknowledge Muslim communities marking the Islamic New Year, a time of reflection and remembrance. Later this week, Korean communities will celebrate Dano Festival, bringing people together through cultural heritage and community connection.
As we look ahead, we do so with gratitude for all those who contribute their time, insight and care to our communities. Together, they help shape a stronger and more connected Victoria.
Warm regards,
Vivienne Nguyen AM, Chairperson
News and events
LAUNCHING | Official Selection for MFF 2026 | Thursday 18 June 2026 | 6.30-9.30pm
Following an extraordinary response of 767 submissions from filmmakers across six continents, we're proud to present this year's 10 short films at the premiere and awards ceremony tomorrow.
Join us at ACMI Cinemas, Melbourne the Multicultural Film Festival to be among the first to experience these remarkable films on the big screen.
Launching during Refugee Week, the 2026 theme, A Million Stories, shines a spotlight on the experiences, creativity and contributions of refugees to Australia's multicultural life.
Bookings: online via Humanitix
Presented by the Victorian Multicultural Commission in partnership with Swinburne University of Technology and SBS.
VIC | GOV | CALLING | Nominees for 2026 Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence | nominations now open
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence (MAEs). Now in its 25th year, the Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence are Australia’s longest‑standing multicultural awards. The MAEs recognise individuals and organisations making outstanding contributions to Victoria’s multicultural communities and intercultural and interfaith understanding.
The 2026 MAEs include 13 categories: Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll, Premier’s Award for Intercultural Connection, Arts and Culture, Business and Employment, Media, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Prevention of Family Violence, Public Sector Diversity and Inclusion, Police, Refugee Leadership, Refugee Youth Leadership, Sport and Recreation, and Youth Leadership.
You may nominate any individual or organisation you believe deserves recognition. Prior to nominating, please read the nomination guide. Submit Nominations through the nominations portal.
- For questions about the nomination process, contact the Awards team: awards@vmc.vic.gov.au
- Learn More
VIC | POL | HEARING | Your say: on Community Sentiment | survey closes Tuesday 30 June 2026
All Victorians are invited to share their views on community safety through the fifth annual Victoria Police (VICPOL) Community Sentiment Survey.
The survey gives community members an opportunity to tell Victoria Police about their local safety concerns, how they would like to interact with police and Protective Services Officers, and where police can focus efforts to prevent and deter crime. Feedback helps Victoria Police track community sentiment over time and strengthen local decision-making.
Community members are encouraged to complete the survey and share it through their networks.
AUST | CITC | WEBINAR | Joining 100 Days of Peace
100 Days of Peace is a national daily collective online meditation initiative by Calm In The City (CITC) running from 13 June until the UN International Day of Peace on 21 September 2026.
Each evening at 9pm AEST, community leaders from Australia and around the world will share a three-minute reflection on peace, followed by 10 minutes of collective silent meditation. The initiative is simple, free and open to all, with no registration required.
Community members are welcome to join online daily or whenever they can, contributing to a shared atmosphere of peace, reflection and care.
VIC | GOV | OFFERING | Half-price public transport travel across Victoria
Public transport is now half price across Victoria, helping make travel more affordable for people getting to work, study, appointments, services and community events.
The discount applies to trains, trams and buses across the state, including regional services. It applies to both full fare and concession passengers, with the daily fare cap reduced during the discount period. Passengers do not need to apply. Simply touch on as usual and the half-price fare will be calculated automatically.
VIC | VEC | HIRING | Democracy Ambassadors | applications close 11.59pm Wednesday 24 June 2026.
The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) is recruiting Democracy Ambassadors ahead of the 2026 Victorian State Election.
Democracy Ambassadors help communities understand enrolment, voting and electoral information, and support people to have their voices heard at elections. The opportunity may suit people who are active in their communities and passionate about supporting democratic participation, particularly among communities that may face barriers to electoral engagement.
AUST | GOV | TRANSLATING | Practical ways to reduce household energy costs
The Australian Government has updated a suite of free translated energy guides to help households better manage their energy use, save money and access support when needed.
Available in 40 languages, the guides cover bright ideas for saving energy and money in your home, a renter’s guide to saving energy and water and guidelines on what to do if you are having trouble paying your electricity and water bills.
- Languages include:
- Arabic
- Chinese (Simplified and Traditional)
- Filipino
- Greek
- Hindi
- Punjabi
- Spanish
- Ukrainian
- Vietnamese
- and many more.
- Learn more