July Monthly Reflections

In the month of July, the VMC was proud to host the closing ceremony of the 2022?Multicultural Communities Leadership in Action Program.?

I'd like to extend my congratulations to the graduates of the Program, who had the opportunity to build their capabilities as multicultural and multifaith leaders. Your leadership will strengthen engagement between government and multicultural communities, and I was honoured to celebrate this achievement with you.?

The closing ceremony celebrating the 2022 Graduates of the?Multicultural Communities Leadership in Action Program?

Another cohort of Victorian multicultural and multifaith leaders that gathered later in the month, was the Multifaith Advisory Group (MAG).

The Group met at Melbourne Town Hall in recognition of NAIDOC week, and of the need to facilitate greater awareness and understanding between the multifaith community and First Nations people.?We were delighted on this evening to hear from a special keynote speaker, Commissioner and Deputy Chair for Yoorrook Justice Commission Sue-Anne Hunter.

Commissioner Hunter's advice for faith leaders who wish to support the work of Yoorrook is to?“listen, learn about the country you live on and share Australia’s true history.” Her insightful words led to a discussion about respect, human rights, and truth-telling.

Multifaith Advisory Group members?meeting at Melbourne Town Hall in recognition of NAIDOC week

If you are interested in learning more about the topics for discussion at this event, I encourage you to read the?MAG's statement published for NAIDOC week, on our website.?As the first in-person meeting of our MAG members in over two years, it was a very special evening of reflection.?

It's been wonderful to witness the incredible leadership and collaboration from multicultural communities in Victoria this month. The?results of the 2021 National Census?tell us that our state is now home to over 300 different ancestries with 290 languages spoken across the state. This makes us the most diverse state in Australia, a fact to be proud of.?

Our multiculturalism has resulted in a community that is strong, resilient, connected and compassionate. I have seen many examples of this in attending brilliant community events throughout the month.

I had the privilege of attending a community fundraising event to celebrate His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama's birthday. I was reminded that it is small but mighty communities such as the Tibetan community that give Victoria it's unique character and spirit.

We later met with representatives from the Australian Tibet Council and the Tibetan Community of Victoria to discuss some of the systemic challenges they experience, and look forward to continuing these conversations in the future.?

A two-day exhibition from?Australian-Filipino Community Services?showcasing Filipino stories at the Immigration Museum

Later in the month I attended a celebration of the 30 year anniversary of?Australian-Filipino Community Services. This not-for-profit organisation showcased a two-day exhibition at the Immigration museum to recognise the contributions, stories and art of Australian-Filipinos.

Filipino people migrated to Australia, like many of us, carrying aspirations and dreams for themselves and for their children. Their stories have helped enriched the multicultural fabrics of this state and country in many ways, shapes, colors and forms.

The VMC values the preservation of these stories, so that every community in our state may celebrate their unique history for many years and generations to come.

We will continue to advocate for our voices and stories to be heard, as we did when we met with our new Federal Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, the Hon. Andrew Giles.

A meeting between representatives of the VMC, including Chairperson Viv Nguyen, and the Hon. Andrew Giles

Among the topics of discussion for this meeting was the need for improved collection of data on multicultural communities, and a review of current pathways to citizenship. We also stressed the importance of a collaborative Anti-racism campaign and strategy between the Commonwealth, states/territories and local government.?

Ensuring we continue to advocate for multicultural communities is our priority, especially in the wake of dialogue that was facilitated by the pandemic. It is vital that this communication remains strong, and that our voices are recognised.?

If you too are interested in a way you can recognise the work of your community - I warmly invite you to consider putting forward a nomination for the upcoming?2022 Multicultural Awards for Excellence.?The awards recognise the outstanding work in our communities that so often goes unnoticed, and there are over 14 categories for nomination this year!

The last day to submit is this?Sunday 7 August, so if you can think of someone worthy of this honour, we'd love to hear from you today!?

Thank you,

Viv