What does it mean to truly belong to a place, and to one another? It is a question that has shaped this fortnight in ways I want to share with you.
Wednesday 3 June marks both
Mabo Day and the closing day of
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) 2026. Mabo Day honours Eddie Mabo and those who fought alongside him for the legal recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' connection to their land, a recognition that changed this country. This year's NRW theme, 'All In', carries that same spirit forward: a call to show up not occasionally, but with sustained and genuine commitment. Last Sunday I was honoured to attend the 2026 Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service, a ceremony that held grief and resolve in equal measure. It reminded me of what it means to bear witness with care.
World Environment Day, 5 June, is a global call to protect and take responsibility for stewardship of our shared world. The health of our air, water and ecosystems is inseparable from the health of our communities. For many communities across multicultural Victoria, the relationship with the natural world is ancient and intimate, held in language, story and knowledge of how to read a landscape and live within it.
Belonging, and the safety to belong, is also at the centre of the
Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion. The Royal Commission is actively seeking submissions, and I would encourage you all to provide evidence. The VMC is particularly encouraging submissions from students, Jewish students from non-Jewish schools, young people from all walks of life, senior Australians from all walks of life, and people living in health and aged care facilities. If you require assistance making a submission, for example if English is your second language, please reach out to contact@royalcommission.gov.au for support. Submissions close 14 June 2026.
Another initiative to contribute to is the Jewish Community Council of Victoria's
Educate 10,000 initiative invites all Victorians to engage with Jewish culture, community and learning throughout 2026, through a visit to a synagogue or museum, or a conversation with a Jewish educator. It is a meaningful opportunity to build the kind of understanding that strengthens communities from within, and I encourage you to take part.
We also extend our warm wishes to Bahá'í communities who observed the Ascension of Bahá'u'lláh on 29 May, and to Christian communities who marked the Ascension of Christ on 14 May, sacred occasions whose significance we acknowledge with respect.
Warm regards,
Vivienne Nguyen AM, Chairperson
News and events
MELBOURNE | VMC | PREMIERING | 2026 Multicultural Film Festival | Thursday 18 June 2026 6.30-9.30pm AEST
Tickets are now on sale for the 2026 Multicultural Film Festival Premiere with an exceptional program delivering a compelling collection of diverse stories.
Aligning with Refugee Week, this year's theme, A Million Stories, celebrates the experiences, creativity, and contributions of refugees to Australia's multicultural life.
It's a fitting lens for a truly global response: we received 767 submissions from filmmakers across six continents — Asia (240), Europe (197), Oceania (191), North America (54), Africa (44), and South America (41) — reflecting just how universally stories of identity, belonging, and culture resonate.
The premiere screening and awards ceremony will be held at ACMI Cinemas presented in partnership with Swinburne University of Technology and SBS.
Tickets include canapes at our networking function plus a drink and popcorn in the cinema! We'd love to see you there.
- Where: ACMI, Federation Square, Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
- Cost: Varies
- Bookings: online via Humanitix
VIC | VMC | CALLING | Nominees for Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence | nominations now open
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence (MAEs). Now in its 25th year, the MAEs are Australia’s longest‑standing multicultural awards. The MAEs recognise individuals and organisations making outstanding contributions to Victoria’s multicultural communities and intercultural and interfaith understanding.
The 2026 MAEs include 13 categories: Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll, Premier’s Award for Intercultural Connection, Arts and Culture, Business and Employment, Media, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Prevention of Family Violence, Public Sector Diversity and Inclusion, Police, Refugee Leadership, Refugee Youth Leadership, Sport and Recreation, and Youth Leadership.
For questions about the nomination process, contact the Awards team: awards@vmc.vic.gov.au
VIC | JCCV | INITIATING | Educate 10,000
The Jewish Community Council of Victoria's Educate 10,000 initiative invites Victorians to engage with Jewish culture, community, and learning throughout 2026.
Groups and individuals can book visits to synagogues and museums or arrange conversations with Jewish educators. At a time of rising antisemitism, the initiative creates meaningful opportunities to learn, connect, and strengthen understanding across Victoria.
Educate 10,000 is an invitation to learn, to listen, and to better understand the lived experiences of Jewish Australians. Make a pledge today.
DOCKLANDS | IMCAFV | TRAINING | Family Violence Prevention and Response Training for Community and Faith Leaders | Monday 29 June 2026 | 10am-4pm
A free training session for multicultural sector workers, community leaders and faith-based leaders across Victoria by inTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence (IMCAFV).
The training will build participants' understanding of family violence, help them recognise early warning signs, and strengthen their confidence to respond safely and appropriately to disclosures. The session will also explore healthy relationships, respectful communication and culturally responsive approaches to supporting community members and connecting them with relevant services.
For more information, contact trainingadmin@intouch.org.au.
- Where: Community Hub at The Dock, Multipurpose Room, 912 Collins Street, Docklands VIC 3008
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: online via IMCAFV
CARLTON | PMW | GATHERING | Resilient Futures – Cultural Confidence & Connection for Migrant Women | 13 June 2026 | 10am-3pm
Migrant women are invited to attend Resilient Futures – Cultural Confidence & Connection for Migrant Women, a free one-day program designed to build confidence, strengthen resilience, and foster meaningful connections in a culturally safe and empowering environment.
Delivered by The Resilient Journeys in partnership with Professional Migrant Women and Wellbeing Face, and supported by the City of Yarra, the program will feature practical workshops, group coaching, inspiring panel discussions, and opportunities to connect with other women.
- Where: Mercy Hub, 617 Nicholson St, Carlton North VIC 3054, Australia
- Cost: Free. Places are limited, with priority given to women who live or work in the City of Yarra.
- Bookings: online via Humanitix
VIC | GOV | CAMPAIGNING | STOPIT: Reporting unwanted sexual and anti-social behaviour on public transport
The Victorian Government's Stop It campaign is helping to create a safer and more respectful public transport network by encouraging people to report unwanted sexual behaviour and anti-social behaviour through Victoria Police's STOPIT reporting tool.
Now in its second phase, the campaign aims to increase awareness of what constitutes unwanted sexual behaviour and anti-social behaviour, while highlighting the importance of reporting incidents and the positive outcomes that reporting can support.
Multicultural campaign materials are available in Vietnamese, Arabic, Simplified Chinese and Italian. The campaign runs until 20 June 2026.
NORTH MELBOURNE | RNS | SHOWING | Refugee Week Exhibition – A Million Stories | Thursday 18 June 2026 | 12noon-3pm
During Refugee Week 2026, River Nile School (RNS) opens its doors for A Million Stories of Past, Present and Future – an immersive exhibition celebrating the strength, stories and contributions of refugee communities connected to the school and beyond.
Spanning three levels, this unique experience will take you through the past, present and future of a vibrant community built on resilience, culture and connection.
- Where: River Nile School, Levels 1-3, 117 Capel Street, North Melbourne VIC Australia
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: online via Humanitix
VIC | CDS | OFFERING | Win a Million! Cents Competition | closes Sunday 14 June 2026
The Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) Vic Win a Million! Cents competition has returned, providing an opportunity for Victorians to participate in the CDS while supporting positive community outcomes.
By returning 50 or more eligible containers at a CDS Vic refund point, participants will go into the draw to win one of five $10,000 cash prizes (equivalent to one million cents). In addition, one winner will have the opportunity to direct a $10,000 donation to a registered CDS Vic donation partner, supporting community organisations and local groups across Victoria.
Multilingual resources are available.
