Multicultural voices – and voters – matter.
With less than three months until the November poll, our 2026 State Election Platform sets out 14 practical recommendations for the next Victorian Government. In recent weeks, Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) leadership has met with political parties at Parliament House to make our case directly.
Invitations will also soon be issued for ECCV’s State Election Forum on 12 October 2026. Benita Kolovos, State Political Reporter at Guardian Australia, will moderate the forum, bringing political representatives and multicultural communities together to discuss the issues that matter ahead of the election.
News & Updates
LAUNCHING | State Election Platform 2026
For more than 50 years, ECCV has worked across the political divide, advocating for strong multicultural communities and inclusive policies that work for all Victorians.
The platform was shaped by a year of consultations with communities across Victoria and priorities identified by our members. It sets out 14 practical recommendations for the next Victorian Government across four areas:
- Sustaining communities
- Investing in belonging
- Supporting every generation
- Strengthening wellbeing and safety
"ECCV is not aligned with any political party. We work constructively with governments of all persuasions because our focus is, and always will be, the interests of multicultural communities." – Silvia Renda, ECCV Chairperson
In the coming weeks, ECCV will continue to discuss our priorities with the Government, Opposition and other parties, to advocate for action on racism and discrimination, access to services, support for multicultural community organisations and cost-of-living pressures.
STATING | The Case For Action
“The answer to the challenges facing a diverse Victoria is not to retreat from the fact of multiculturalism.” – Farah Farouque, ECCV CEO
In a new article for Croakey Health Media, Farah explores how migration underpins Victoria’s health workforce and why anti-migrant rhetoric affects us all.
The article builds on key priorities in ECCV’s
State Election Platform 2026, including tackling racism and discrimination and ensuring Victoria’s health system works for our diverse communities.
HIGHLIGHTING | In the media
WELCOMING | A new government body for multicultural Victorians
The Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria Bill 2026 passed Parliament on 8 September 2026.
ECCV welcomes the establishment of Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria, following recent reforms passed through State Parliament. The new statutory body will begin operating on 1 October and take over the functions of the Victorian Multicultural Commission.
While Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria will provide leadership within government, ECCV continues its key role as the independent voice for multicultural communities, drawing on more than 50 years of advocacy and grassroots engagement across Victoria.
“Building social cohesion and restoring trust will require ongoing effort, cultural competence within institutions, and a clear dedication to collaborating with Victoria’s multicultural and multifaith communities.”
ATTENDING | Aged Care Reforms: Support at Home Roundtable
Supporting older people from multicultural communities is a core part of ECCV’s advocacy. ECCV recently brought together multicultural aged care providers, community representatives and the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing for our latest Multicultural Support at Home Roundtable.
For the first time, the roundtable was held at a multicultural service provider, Australian Multicultural Community Services (AMCS), giving government and other providers an opportunity to see multicultural aged care services in action. Seniors from Mauritian, Ukrainian and Macedonian communities also shared their experiences of accessing aged care services.
A central theme was the role of multicultural providers as trusted navigators, helping older people understand and access services in language and in culturally appropriate ways.
Many thanks to AMCS and CEO Maryanne Tadic, who also chairs ECCV’s Multicultural Healthy Ageing Advisory Policy Committee, for their warm hospitality and for hosting the roundtable.
Opportunities & Resources
VIC | GOV | PREPARING | For thunderstorm asthma season
Victoria’s grass pollen season begins on 1 October, bringing an increased risk of thunderstorm asthma. People with asthma or hay fever, particularly those who experience wheezing or coughing may be at increased risk.
VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Multicultural venues grants | applications close 3pm 12 October 2026
Applications are open for the Multicultural Venues Program, offering grants of up to $5,000 to help multicultural community organisations cover the cost of hiring venues for meetings, gatherings and activities.
VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Interpreter scholarships
Scholarships of up to $8000 are available for eligible Victorians to study interpreting and translating across a range of priority languages in 2027.
- Applications for Profession Ready courses close 1 November 2026
- Diploma and Advanced Diploma applications close 5 February 2027.
CELEBRATING | Victorian Seniors Festival and Celebration Day
The Victorian Seniors Festival returns this October with thousands of free and low-cost events celebrating positive ageing across Victoria.
Victorian Seniors Card holders can enjoy nine days of free public transport across Victoria from 3–11 October 2026.
ECCV will also be hosting a stall at Celebration Day at Federation Square on Saturday 3 October. Drop by and say hello!
MORE:
Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV)
Address: Suite 101, 398 Sydney Road, Coburg Vic 3058
Tel: (03) 9354 9555
ECCV acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Victoria, and pays respect to their Elders past and present.
