It was wonderful to see so many of you at the Premier’s Multicultural Gala Dinner over the weekend.
This year’s theme, Stories of Us, was a fitting celebration of the people, cultures and experiences that together tell the story of multicultural Victoria. I particularly valued the many conversations I had throughout the evening and look forward to continuing those conversations as I get out and about across our communities.
Those conversations are particularly important as we look to the future of multicultural Victoria. The Multicultural Victoria Amendment Bill is currently progressing through Parliament and, subject to its passage, will establish Multicultural Victoria. This represents an important opportunity to strengthen how government listens to and works alongside multicultural and multifaith communities, and I look forward to keeping you updated as this work progresses.
Having our voices heard also means making sure our communities are counted. There is still time to complete the 2026 Census, and I encourage anyone who has not yet done so to take part. Every response helps build a clearer picture of who we are and the communities that make up Australia. You can complete the Census online, on paper or with assistance.
Finally, there are two current funding opportunities I encourage community organisations to explore. The Local Anti Racism Initiatives Grants Program provides grants of up to $40,000 for community led responses to racism, with applications closing at midday on 27 August. The Multicultural Festivals and Events Program is also open, supporting multicultural communities to celebrate and share culture through festivals and events, with applications closing on 31 August.
I look forward to continuing to meet many more of you, hearing your stories and learning about the work happening across communities throughout Victoria.
Warm regards,
Louise Perry, Chairperson
News and events
VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Local Anti-Racism Initiatives (LARI) grant program | applications close midday Thursday 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 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 (MFE) and Regional Multicultural Festivals and Events Fund (RMFEF) grant programs – Round 2 | applications close 31 August 2026
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 | GRANTING | 20% off vehicle registration | until 31 August 2026
The Victorian Government’s 20% off vehicle registration rebate has been extended.
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.
VIC | TRVI | OFFERING | Half price for everyone until 1 January 2027 and contactless travel
Public transport in Victoria is half price. Half price fares apply automatically to all public transport services statewide and to all passengers, including concession holders.
Transport Victoria (TRVI) 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 | Community Grant Round 2026 | 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.