Victorian Multicultural Commission

Congratulations to winners of the Arts Award Walker Street Gallery and @artsgreaterdandy and Albanian Moslem Society Shepparton. Highly commended was awarded to L2R Dance. WSG’s latest contemporary art project, HOME24, is a transformative exhibition that celebrates refugee and asylum seeker artists. By encouraging intercultural dialogue, WSG promotes social cohesion through art, culinary experiences and collaborative events that connect the multicultural community in Dandenong. The Albanian Moslem Society Shepparton celebrates and preserves Albanian culture through annual events, language classes and community support. By fostering social cohesion and establishing the first mosque in Victoria, the society enriches Shepparton’s multicultural fabric and empowers future generations. #MAE2024 #VMC #MulticulturalVictoria

As we enter the holiday season and the weather gets warmer, it’s important to remember that safety is everyone’s responsibility—especially around water. In the 2023-24 season, 21 people from CALD backgrounds tragically fatally drowned—the highest number on record. This heartbreaking statistic is a reminder of the importance of staying vigilant and taking all necessary precautions when enjoying aquatic environments. If you're new to pools or water settings, please take a moment to speak with a lifesaver or lifeguard before entering the water. Always read and follow the safety signs at your location to ensure you're fully informed. Let’s work together to make this holiday season safer and full of joyful memories. Stay safe, stay aware, and let’s all do our part to keep one another protected. If you're unsure about water safety, don’t hesitate to ask for help! @lifesavingvic #WaterSafetyWeekVic #VMC #MulticulturalVictoria

This holiday season, the VMC is encouraging everyone to make safety their top priority on the road. Whether you're heading to see loved ones or enjoying a well-deserved break, remember: getting home safely is the greatest gift you can give. Think about your number one priority being getting home safe this holiday season. Feel the emotional impact of losing someone you love. Do your part by staying vigilant, following the road rules, and driving safely. Let’s work together to make this a safe and joyous holiday for everyone. @tacvictoria #DriveSafe #StaySafe #TAC #HolidayRoadSafety

The Victorian Government has launched the Local Anti-Racism Initiatives grants program 2024-26. The program offers First Peoples, multicultural and multifaith community organisations grants of up to $150,000 to deliver anti-racism programs and activities. While eliminating racism is everyone’s responsibility, these communities have the expertise, lived experience and specialised knowledge to effectively design and deliver local, community-driven responses to racism. To apply, visit: vic.gov.au/local-anti-racism-initiatives-grants-program Applications close at midday on Thursday 6 February 2025. #CommunityMatters #EndRacism #TogetherForChange #VMC

All Victorians should feel safe and supported to practice their cultures, faiths and traditions. The Victorian Government’s anti-racism strategy 2024-29 aims to ensure that every Victorian: • is valued • is respected • has fair access to services and opportunities. The strategy provides a five-year plan for preventing and addressing race and faith-based discrimination in Victoria. Find out more about Victoria’s anti-racism strategy here: vic.gov.au/victorias-anti-racism-strategy #CommunityMatters #EndRacism #TogetherForChange #VMC

Submissions are now open for the Multicultural Film Festival 2025: https://filmfreeway.com/MulticulturalFilmFestival 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://www.multiculturalcommission.vic.gov.au/multicultural-film-festival #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

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, Centre for Multicultural Youth 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! #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.

Daily actions (to do today) Today, we commemorate Human Rights Day with a special message from our Chairperson, Viv 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. 📢 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.