The Hon. Ben Carroll MP, Premier of Victoria announced the appointment of Hon. Paul Edbrooke MP as the new Minister for Multicultural Affairs, taking over from Ingrid Stitt MP last week.
On behalf of the VMC, I would like to welcome Minister Edbrooke to this critically important portfolio. With experience as a firefighter and teacher, Minister Edbrooke previously held the portfolios for Consumer Affairs, Cost of Living, Renters and Men and Boys and before that was parliamentary secretary to the Treasurer and Minister for Mental Health.
I thank Ingrid Stitt MP for her tireless work as Minister for Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria since October 2023 and for all she has achieved for multicultural communities. I wish her all the best as Minister under her revised portfolios.
- For further information on the new cabinet, read the Premier’s media release.
Recently, I spoke at an information session delivered by the VMC in partnership with Mortgage Stress Victoria. One of the most significant concerns we hear from communities across Victoria is about cost-of-living pressures and affordable housing. For many migrants and refugees, owning a home represents security, stability and hope for the future. But for many, the dream of owning a home turns into heavy mortgage stress. Last week’s information session emphasised that help is available for those in need and that issues can be tackled before problems become crises.
If you've been following passage of the Multicultural Victoria Amendment Bill 2026, you can read the second reading speech and stay updated on its passage through Parliament here. The Bill seeks to establish a new entity, Multicultural Victoria, to bring together what we hear in communities with the development of policies and programs across government. I hope to provide further updates on the Bill in a subsequent newsletter.
Lastly, we’re pleased to announce that a very limited number of tickets have become available for the upcoming Premier's Multicultural Gala Dinner. These last minute tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a maximum of two tickets per person. If you were hoping to attend, this is a final opportunity to secure your place. Book your tickets online via Humanitix.
Warm regards,
Louise Perry, Chairperson
News and events
VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Local Anti-Racism Initiatives (LARI) grant program | apply now, closes 27 August 2026
Forming a part of Victoria’s Anti-Racism Strategy, the program offers community organisations grants of up to $40,000 to deliver anti-racism programs.
The Victorian Government has launched the next round of the LARI grant program.
The funding will support First Peoples, multicultural and multifaith organisations to deliver tailored programs and activities that meet the needs of their local communities. While eliminating racism in Victoria is everyone’s responsibility, First Peoples, multicultural and multifaith communities have the expertise, lived experience and specialised knowledge to effectively deliver community-driven responses to racism.
VIC | GOV | GRANTING | 2026-27 Multicultural Festivals and Events grant programs | apply now, closes 31 August 2026
Applications are open for Round 2 of the 2026-27 Multicultural Festivals and Events (MFE) and Regional Multicultural Festivals and Events Fund (RMFEF) grant programs.
Organisations can apply for up to $50,000 to host festivals and events that celebrate Victoria’s cultural diversity. Funding is available in small, medium or large streams.
This program aims to connect communities by making it easier for Victorians from multicultural and multifaith backgrounds to come together and celebrate their heritage and traditions.
VIC | GOV | OFFERING | 20% off your vehicle registration | closes 31 August 2026
The Victorian Government’s 20% off vehicle registration rebate has been extended until 31 August 2026.
If you live in Victoria and own a vehicle, you can get 20% back on your vehicle registration for the 2025-26 financial year. You could receive up to $186 per vehicle.
To apply for the rebate, you must have a Service Victoria account and apply online through Service Victoria. If you do not have a Service Victoria account, you can create one now through the Service Victoria app or website: service.vic.gov.au/account
If needed, help is available applying for the rebate, including translated resources, an easy read English guide, and posters or fact sheets.
VIC | GOV | 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.
Transport Victoria has also rolled out contactless payment across trams and train stations where myki is accepted, 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.
AUST | MYA | CALLING | Nominees for 2026 Multicultural Youth Awards | nominations close 31 August 2026
Nominations are open for the 2026 Multicultural Youth Awards (MYA), a national celebration of the leadership, creativity and resilience of multicultural youth aged 16–25 across Australia.
With 13 exciting award categories, MYA recognises young people driving change in education, community leadership, arts, entrepreneurship, advocacy, and more.
AUST | SCFO | GRANTING | 2026 Community Grant Round | applications close Friday 28 August 2026
These Scanlon Foundation (SCFO) community grans will provide up to $50,000 per year, for two years, for projects that foster connections and strengthen communities by engaging local businesses with potential employees living in their area.