April Monthly Reflections

In the month of April, we observed an array of vibrant events in our collective cultural and religious calendars. Many of these events intersected, such as Ramadan, Passover, and Christian and Orthodox Easter. These events have been important hallmarks that provide us the opportunity to take stock and reflect, spend time with family and friends, and remember what is important to us. I’ve personally enjoyed this time to reflect with many of you at Iftar dinners across the state and to participate in celebrations that include Vaisakhi and Hindu New Year.

Despite and even along frustrations and upset, I hope we can all recognise and appreciate the significance of the celebrations that have taken place and see ourselves as part of the broader picture of cultural diversity in Victoria.?It is no coincidence that this month’s intersecting cultural dates inspired a range of interfaith events across Victoria. Our strength is in our unity, and the way we can come together to celebrate our differences, build understand and connect through all that seeks to divide us.

Earlier in this month I was fortunate to meet with many of you in Mildura and see your resilience firsthand. Thank you for making me feel very welcomed, and for raising the serious challenges being faced. While online meetings provide efficiencies, they cannot replicate the connection and observation that occurs in person.

Chairperson Viv Nguyen with Ro Allen from the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, with community members in Mildura

In Mildura I was joined by Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner Ro Allen, and together we heard about the ongoing impact of the pandemic. We joined a yarning circle alongside Stan Grant, Aboriginal elders, and community leaders to unpack racism in the region. We gained so much from going on this trip together, and I look forward to collaborating with Ro and the Commission to provide continued support and advocacy.

Another group that is looking forward to in-person meetings are our Regional Advisory Councils (RACs). Commencing in May, our RACs will meet face to face for the first time, and we are looking forward to the depth of collaboration that this will offer. Likewise, I know that all of our Commissioners are benefitting from more and more face to face community consultation, which is vital to rebuilding our state following a challenging two years. It is through coming together that we can observe the many ways we benefit from connection through our differences.

At the end of April, we came together again to observe ANZAC Day and honour the sacrifices made by veterans. I attended a service at the Dandenong Cranbourne RSL and reflected on this year being the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War, and 47 years since the Fall of Saigon. I would like to acknowledge all people who served and fought in peacekeeping missions (many of whom continue to feel the impacts today), and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice protecting the freedom and democracy we enjoy today. We are forever indebted.

ANZAC day service at the Dandenong Cranbourne RSL

It’s important for all Victorians to be recognised for their contributions – and this is especially important in multicultural communities, when so often our achievements are underrepresented. We will always seek to elevate opportunities to recognise these achievements, such as in our Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll, and Victorian Refugee Awards. Thank you to those who put forward submissions for both these important programs, as we work towards the goal of greater visibility for all.

We are hoping to further elevate the voices of multicultural women by supporting a new Victorian campaign; Recognition Matters, which aims to see more women nominated for Australian honours such as the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).?This campaign hopes to recognise women of all backgrounds, cultures, and faiths. Please take a moment to nominate those who make contributions to our way of life.

Recognition Matters campaign

The VMC values the leadership of those in our community who bring not only diverse voices to the forefront, but intersectional voices as well. As many of you were nominated in Victoria’s Volunteer Awards, I am excited to encourage multicultural communities to nominate people in the 2022 Victorian Disability Awards,

Finally, I’d like to thank those who participated in VMC initiatives this month, whether that be the Multicultural Communities Leadership in Action Program sessions, putting forward an award nomination or submitting an entry to the Multicultural Film Festival or inaugural photography competition, Capturing Culture. We are looking forward to reviewing these nominations and submissions, and I can’t wait to celebrate with many of you at the upcoming awards ceremonies in May and June.

Attending these gatherings is very important to me. For the VMC, it is a valued way for us to connect with each other so we can continue celebrate, share, uplift and advocate for each other.

Thank you,?

Viv