Building the future, together
Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria (MMV) was a key recommendation of the Victorian Multicultural Review, led by George Lekakis AO and supported by multicultural experts including Hass Dellal AO, Carmel Guerra OAM, Miriam Suss OAM and Mark Duckworth PSM.
The establishment of MMV on 1 October 2026 marked an important moment for Victoria’s multicultural and multifaith communities, and for the broader sector, at a time when thoughtful leadership and strong partnerships matter deeply.
MMV means a lot to me, both personally and professionally; that is why I am pleased to share that I have agreed to remain as Interim Multicultural Coordinator-General during the coming months.
I feel privileged to have the opportunity to help establish MMV as the strong, effective and trusted institution it needs to be, while providing continuity, care and, most importantly, a clear foundation for change.
MMV has so much potential. The issues that matter most to communities extend across every aspect of life – from employment, skills and small business growth to education, housing, settlement support and mental health.
Creating lasting change means working across sectors, building new partnerships and finding common ground with people and organisations that may not traditionally have been part of the conversation.
As a Burmese woman, a migrant and the daughter of a refugee, the opportunity to help build MMV is deeply personal. As someone who has spent more than a decade working in international development and human rights, this opportunity is energising. As a public servant of almost 10 years, I feel strongly about the importance of supporting government to work effectively with diverse communities to improve outcomes for all Victorians.
In the months ahead, I look forward to working with the many brilliant leaders, volunteers and community members across our multicultural and multifaith communities, as well as with businesses, local government and the Victorian Public Sector. By bringing together partners from different sectors and perspectives, we can maximise the opportunity that MMV presents – and strengthen the cohesion that underpins Victoria.
And I look forward to working with you.
Louise Perry. Interim Multicultural Coordinator General
News and events
NARRE WARREN | MVV | SCREENING | MFF tour heads to Bunjil Place | Saturday 31 October 2026
The next screening for the Multicultural Film Festival (MFF) roadshow will be at Bunjil Place.
Two of our amazing film makers, Alex Nesic and Sarah Ghassali, will be on a panel to offer insights into the creative process and the stories behind their films.
The MFF celebrates migrant and refugee stories through a series of short films that share experiences of multiculturalism in Australia.
SUNSHINE | VMA | DISCOVERING | The first Vietnamese Museum Australia
Discover the stories, journeys and contributions of Vietnamese Australians at the Vietnamese Museum Australia.
The curation of these stories aim to inspire people by sharing the incredible stories of the Vietnamese boat people, who persevered through adversity, seized their opportunities and remained resilient in the most challenging times.
MELBOURNE | NGVA | EXHIBITING | Passage: The Art of Atong Atem | Friday 30 October 2026–Monday 14 June 2027
Through portrait photography, Melbourne-based South Sudanese artist Atong Atem uses her body as a canvas adorned with textiles, paint and symbolic objects. Passage is Atem's first major Australian solo exhibition, presenting new and existing works by a leading contemporary photographer of her generation.
- Where: The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Fed Square
- Cost: Free
- Find out more about the exhibition
AUST | SWA | ADVISING | October is National Safe Work Month
Safe Work Australia (SWA)'s National Safe Work Month is a national campaign that raises awareness of work health and safety and encourages all workplaces to make health and safety a priority.
The 2026 theme, 'Safe work is for life', reflects the fundamental purpose of workplace health and safety: protecting people from injury, illness and harm that can affect every aspect of life, both at work and beyond. It recognises that creating safe workplaces is not just about preventing immediate harm, but about supporting people throughout their work lives and into the future.
CAULFIELD | GECC | PERFORMING | La Ofrenda: Day of the Dead Tales | Saturday 14 November 2026 | 4-5pm or 6-7pm AEDT
This Día de Muertos, Son de México brings five ancestral Mexican legends to the stage in La Ofrenda: Day of the Dead Tales – a bilingual celebration of folkloric dance, live theatre, and storytelling exploring the world of the living and the world of the dead. One night only
- Where: Glen Eira City Council Theatrette, Glen Eira City Council, Caulfield VIC, Australia
- Cost: From $30
- Bookings: online via Humanitix
MELBOURNE | AMCF | CELEBRATING | 2026 African Music and Cultural Festival | Friday 20–Sunday 22 November 2026 | from 10am
The annual African Music and Cultural Festival (AMCF) brings together more than 40 African communities to showcase the richness and diversity of African cultures through music, dance, food, fashion and cultural performances.
Born from a vision to celebrate diversity and harmony. What began as a one-day event has grown into a three-day festival at Fed Square, Melbourne, uniting over 40 Victorian African communities in its planning and delivery and drawing over 50,000 people to share music, food, fashion and culture
MELBOURNE | CEIN | CELELBRATING | Victoria's Festival of Diwali 2026 | Saturday 31 October 2026 | 11.30am-10pm
The beloved annual Celebrate India (CEIN) Diwali festivities return to Fed Square, for its 21st year.
To celebrate, come and experience the traditional and contemporary cultural feast of India, with live music, classical, folk and Bollywood dance performances, kirtan, yoga, meditation workshops and craft activities for children.
VIC | AMVI | HELPING | Give every heart a chance – Shocktober 2026
This October, Ambulance Victoria (AMVI)'s Shocktober campaign is encouraging Victorians to learn the lifesaving skills needed to respond to cardiac arrest, including how to perform CPR and use a defibrillator. Ambulance Victoria have a range of resources translated into several languages for your access below.
VIC | VDWC | WEBINAR | Sign up for free Code of Conduct series | Thursday 26 November 2027 | 10am-10.30am AEDT
The first in a new webinar series on Disability Services Safeguards Code of Conduct open to all disability workers in Victoria.
The Victorian Disability Worker Commission (VDWC) first webinar will be on Acting with respect for individual rights to freedom of expression, self-determination, and decision-making in accordance with applicable laws and conventions.
VIC | TRVI | OFFERING | New ways to tap and go for concession cardholders
Transport Victoria (TRVI) has rolled out contactless payments for concession holders, making public transport easier and more accessible in Victoria. If you travel on a concession fare, you can now tap and go with your bank card, phone or smartwatch. Always carry our proof of concession and tap on every time you travel.
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Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria (MMV)
Level 6,121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
The Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging.