Positive Change Ahead for our Communities
It is a privilege to write to you for the first time as Chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission.
I am honoured to have the opportunity to serve our multicultural and multifaith communities. I look forward to meeting many of you over the months ahead, listening to your experiences and learning from the people and organisations who contribute so much to our state every day.
This is an exciting time for multicultural Victoria.
This week, the Bill to amend the Multicultural Victoria Act was introduced into the Victorian Parliament. The Bill seeks to establish Multicultural Victoria, creating opportunities to strengthen the way government listens to, engages with and supports multicultural and multifaith communities. I look forward to helping build an organisation that reflects the aspirations and diversity of the communities we serve, prioritising a recalibrated and coordinated approach that promotes cohesion, equity and inclusion though legislation, policies, programs and partnerships.
As part of this transition, applications are now open for a range of leadership opportunities, including membership of the new Multicultural Community Advisory Group. This is a unique opportunity for community leaders to contribute their experience, insights and perspectives, helping ensure community voices remain central to the future direction of Multicultural Victoria. I encourage anyone with the passion and commitment for shaping Victoria's multicultural future to consider applying.
As we begin this journey, I look forward to getting out into communities across Victoria, meeting many of you in person and learning more about your work, your aspirations and the issues that matter most to you. Together, we can continue building a Victoria where every community feels heard, valued and connected.
Warm regards,
Louise Perry, Chairperson
News and events
AUST | ABS | COUNTING | Australia's next census | Tuesday 11 August
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census is a snapshot of the country and tells the story of how we are changing.
Census data is used to shape services people use every day. It helps us understand what Australia needs now, and in the future. That’s why it’s important that everyone in Australia takes part.
- Please share English and in-language resources to help multicultural communities understand the Census and how to take part.
- Learn More
VIC | WOY | SUPPORTING | What's on Youth
Got an event, job, grant, program or wellbeing service for young people? What's On Youth (WOY) helps organisations, councils and schools get their opportunities in front of young Victorians across the state – for free.
What's On Youth is a Victorian-built platform, developed with support from the Victorian Government, to help young people discover opportunities,
AUST | OSECI | HEARING | Your say: from Australian Muslims
Australia's Office of the Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia (OSECI) has launched the Australian Muslim Poll, a national initiative delivered in partnership with Deakin University that will capture the diverse experiences, perspectives and wellbeing of Muslims across Australia.
The Australian Muslim Poll is Australia’s first nationally representative, annual study of its kind. It will build a robust evidence base to better understand Muslim communities and inform policy, community programs and public discourse with high-quality, data-driven insights.
The Australian Muslim Poll will run across 2026–2027, with the first findings expected in September 2027, to be shared through reports, events and briefings.
VIC | TRVI | OFFERING | Half price and contactless travel
Public transport in Victoria is half price for everyone until 1 January 2027. Half price fares apply automatically to all public transport services statewide and to all passengers, including concession holders.
In addition, Transport Victoria (TRVI) has recently rolled out contactless payment options across the tram network and at train stations where myki is accepted.
Contactless payment is currently available for full fare customers only. Concession card holders should keep using their concession myki to ensure they are charged the correct fare.
If you are a concession card holder and accidentally tap on with a phone or bank card, wait 30 seconds and tap off with the same device so you are not charged. Any customers who make a mistake and are incorrectly charged should contact the Transport Victoria Contact Centre on 1800 800 007 to discuss reimbursement options.
VIC | VCCI | HELPING | Create safer, more respectful workplaces – Lead the Change Program
Lead the Change is a Victorian Government‑funded program designed to help leaders and decision-makers in small to medium enterprises create respectful, inclusive environments across the hospitality, retail, manufacturing and construction industries.
The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) program provides practical tools, training and expert support to prevent gender‑based violence, meet legal obligations and build inclusive, positive workplace cultures. Sessions are free and delivered across metro, suburban and regional Victoria from February 2026 to May 2027.
AUST | SCFO | GRANTING | The Scanlon Foundation's Annual Community Grant Round 2026 | now open, closing Friday 28 August 2026
The Scanlon Foundation (SCFO) Employment Pathways category will provide up to $50,000 per project/per annum for 2 years. Targeted to long-term unemployed/underemployed adults from all migrant and multicultural backgrounds, the grants will continue to support proposals from regional and rural communities or organisations supporting migrant and multicultural communities in regional areas.
AUST | TAFESA | OFFERING | Online Diploma of Interpreting with TAFE South Australia
Applications for TAFE South Australia's Diploma of Interpreting 2027 and the Interpreting and Translating Skill Sets 2027 open soon. Delivered online and open to students across Australia, this 12 months Part Time course will provide you with the opportunity to learn the necessary skills to effectively interpret in a range of settings.
- Attend an online information session | Monday 21 Sept 2026 6-7.30pm (South Australian Time)
- Learn more