Victorian Multicultural Commission

Submissions are now open for the Multicultural Film Festival 2025: https://lnkd.in/egDwqcP4 Entries close on 10 March 2025. The premiere event will screen in Melbourne during Refugee Week from 15 - 21 June 2025. Anyone is welcome to submit a short film from 5 – 12 minutes. Films in the Official Selection will screen at multiple venues in partnership with the Victorian Multicultural Commission. For more information visit: https://lnkd.in/gdK259V #MFF2025 #VMC #MulticulturalFilmFestival

On Monday, the Loddon Mallee Regional Advisory Council (RAC) held its final meeting for 2024, with a focus on mental health. VMC Chairperson Viv Nguyen led the discussions, joined by the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Councillors of Greater Bendigo. Monica Kelly, Victoria’s first Wellbeing Promotion Adviser, shared insights on mental wellbeing, sparking a dynamic discussion about regional priorities for 2024-2025. These RAC meetings are essential for addressing key issues and shaping strategies, enabling a localised and tailored approach to enhancing mental health and wellbeing in our communities. #CommunityHealth #MentalWellbeing #LoddonMallee #RegionalLeadership Bwe Thay Vivienne Nguyen

Yesterday, Intersect Global Partners delivered a youth leaders workshop for our Multicultural Youth Network. The session was led by Dr. Teresa De Fazio OAM (MAICD), who brought her expertise and insights to the program. The workshop focused on developing leadership awareness and equipping participants with skills needed to tackle real-world challenges that often aren't covered in textbooks. Participants were fully engaged, learning not only as individuals but also as a supportive peer group. Joining us were young people from the Commission for Children and Young People Victoria, Centre for Multicultural Youth, FW (Future Women) and YMCA Victoria. We're excited to see the growth of these emerging leaders and the positive impact they'll continue to make in their communities! Bwe Thay Vivienne Nguyen #YouthLeadership #MulticulturalYouth #CommunityEmpowerment #YouthDevelopment #VMC #LeadershipWorkshop #YoungLeaders

The VMC’s Barwon South Regional Advisory Council (RAC) met in Geelong on Friday to discuss family violence, with expert insights from Dr. Oluremi (Remi) Yusuf, Psychotherapist and Family Violence Specialist. Key discussion points included: - The isolation of migrant women, increasing their vulnerability to domestic violence - Limited job opportunities, leading to financial dependency - Cultural barriers preventing open conversations about family violence - A critical need for education on all forms of family violence to empower communities Solutions discussed included improved education, job opportunities, and initiatives to share information with community leaders. Together, we are committed to creating a safer, more informed future for all. #FamilyViolenceAwareness #BarwonSouth #CommunitySupport #VMC #MakingADifference

Our Hume Regional Advisory Council gathered in Shepparton last week to discuss Family Violence, a key Council priority for this term. Keynote speaker Dr Remi Yusuf, PhD, FICDA, shared valuable insights on the issue, based on her research and experience. Laura Baker, Executive Director of Shared Experience at GOTAFE, also attended, along with community leaders from local support agencies. RAC members spoke about the important work they are doing in the family violence space and identified opportunities to collaborate on future initiatives. The meeting highlighted the critical role of community-driven solutions and the importance of working together to address family violence in the region. A heartfelt thank you to all our regional RAC members! Your unwavering commitment and dedication makes a real difference in the communities you serve. #FamilyViolenceAwareness #CommunityStrength #RAC # VMC #MakingADifference

This afternoon, VMC Chairperson Vivienne Nguyen, VMC Commissioners, members of the Multifaith Advisory Group and the local Jewish community gathered at the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea to show solidarity after the arson attack on 6 December. Members of VMC's Multifaith Advisory Group collectively stated, “The right to feel safe and free to worship in these sacred spaces is fundamental and must be respected and protected.” The VMC will continue working with our communities and partners to fight discrimination and racism and promote social cohesion.

Today, we commemorate Human Rights Day with a special message from our Chairperson, Vivienne Nguyen.This day reminds us of the importance of dignity, equality, and freedom for all. At the Victorian Multicultural Commission, we remain dedicated to fostering inclusion, fairness and justice across all communities in Victoria. Daily actions (to do today) 📢 Watch Viv's message and join us in celebrating diversity and standing up for human rights today and every day. #HumanRightsDay #DiversityMatters #InclusionForAll #StrongerTogether Supplementary tasks (to do this week) Celebrate your culture with us! Share a photo or video of yourself in your cultural clothing or record yourself saying “hi” in your own language. Tag @multiculturevic and use the hashtags #HRWVic2024. By doing so, you’ll help promote a more inclusive and respectful community for everyone. #HRWVic2024 #VMC #CulturalRights #ShareYourStory #HumanRightsDay #InclusiveCommunity Today’s action was brought to you by the Victorian Multicultural Commission.

See highlights from the Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence, held on Wednesday evening at Government House, Victoria, and hosted by Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria. The annual VMC Multicultural Awards for Excellence celebrate outstanding contributions to cross-cultural understanding and support for Victorians with migrant, refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds. Proudly supported by Commonwealth Bank, Foot Solutions, John Stonemart Pty Ltd, LanguageLoop, LouvreElite, My Holistic Care, SBS, and the Victorian Electoral Commission. #MAE2024 #VMC #MulticulturalVictoria

Racism is a difficult topic to talk about. How do we approach it?   All children and young people have the right to feel respected and valued. This Human Rights Week, please take two minutes to watch this video featuring Commissioner Meena Singh and our Youth Council member, Elias. They unpack conversations about racism and why it’s so important to address, even when it might be uncomfortable.   It’s up to all of us to call out racism and create culturally safe environments for all children and young people. To watch the full video, head to: https://lnkd.in/gHsFbZ4u   You can also find more helpful resources and tips about cultural safety on our website: https://lnkd.in/gzJEqhHZ   While these conversations are difficult… “it can make it a little bit easier for children and young people, to know that when they raise these things they’ll be listened to and they’ll be heard” – Meena Singh.

VMC and the Multifaith Advisory Group today issued a statement in the wake of the attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue. Full list of MAG members in the comments.