Victorian Multicultural Commission

The Barwon South West Regional Advisory Council (RAC) held its final meeting in Geelong this week.

RAC members have contributed community knowledge, lived experience and perspectives that have helped government better understand the needs and aspirations of multicultural Victorians in the region. Thank you to every Barwon South West RAC member. We are grateful for your service. 🌏✨

Community engagement will continue under Multicultural Victoria.

Meet Zehra, one of our 2026 Multicultural Youth Network (MYN) members!

As an MYN member, she is motivated to “Connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about empowering young people as well as build leadership skills, contribute to impactful initiatives, and collaborate on projects that strengthen our community.”

For more details of our MYN members, please visit https://www.multiculturalcommission.vic.gov.au/multicultural-youth-network

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Secure tickets to the 2026 Multicultural Film Festival (MFF) Premiere and Awards Ceremony at ACMI Cinemas!

The MFF is an annual short film festival that celebrates diversity and advocates for inclusion through films that inspire dialogue and understanding.

Launching during Refugee Week, the festival will honour the journeys of those who have sought safety and a new beginning in Australia. This year’s theme, ‘A Million Stories’, celebrates the richness refugees bring to our cultural tapestry through their lived experiences, creativity and contributions.

Join us on Thursday 18 June for a night of inspiring films, community and conversation. Tickets include canapés at our networking function prior to the screening, drinks and popcorn in the cinema!

Book here: https://events.humanitix.com/multicultural-film-festival-premiere-2026

Delivered by the Victorian Multicultural Commission in partnership with Swinburne University of Technology and SBS Australia.

Meet Vishrut, one of our 2026 Multicultural Youth Network (MYN) members!

As an MYN member, he aims to “Build strong professional connections, contribute meaningfully to youth initiatives, and further develop leadership and networking skills. By strengthening metropolitan-regional collaboration and representing young professionals with enthusiasm and integrity, young people from diverse backgrounds will be truly heard, seen and represented.”

For more details of our MYN members, please visit https://www.multiculturalcommission.vic.gov.au/multicultural-youth-network

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Join us at the 20th anniversary of the Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service on Sunday 31 May at 11:00 am at the Shrine of Remembrance.

For more than a century, First Peoples have served in times of conflict, war and national service.

This service honours and recognises their sacrifice, service and enduring contribution.

You can attend in person or stream the service online at https://www.shrine.org.au

This week marked the final meeting of the North West Metro Regional Advisory Council (RAC).

RAC members joined VMC Chairperson Vivienne Nguyen to reflect on their time on the council and discuss the future of community engagement across Victoria.

Over the years, RAC members contributed deep community knowledge, lived experience and perspectives that have helped shape government understanding of the needs, challenges and aspirations of multicultural Victorians.

We thank members for their service and commitment to multicultural communities. 🌏✨

National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June) is a time to reflect on our shared history and recognise the enduring cultures, contributions and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This year’s theme, “All In,” calls on all of us to take meaningful action towards reconciliation, as a shared responsibility.

Together, we can listen, learn and work towards a more just and inclusive future for all.

Learn more:
https://www.reconciliation.org.au/our-work/national-reconciliation-week/

Meet Tharini, one of our 2026 Multicultural Youth Network (MYN) members!

As an MYN member, she wants to “Promote cultural, linguistic, and religious diversity among young multicultural Victorians to encourage young people to express their cultural identities confidently and to explore non-traditional career pathways while strengthening leadership and advocacy skills.”

For more details of our MYN members, please visit https://www.multiculturalcommission.vic.gov.au/multicultural-youth-network

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Eid al-Adha, one of the most significant occasions in the Islamic calendar, is a time of prayer, reflection and celebration.

Across Victoria and around the world, meals are shared, communities give to those in need, and the values of sacrifice, gratitude and care for one another are honoured.

The Victorian Multicultural Commission extends its warmest wishes to all those celebrating Eid al-Adha, and recognises the important role faith, community and generosity play in strengthening our vibrant multicultural society.