March Reflections

March began with a symposium on the impacts of COVID-19 on the Shepparton community, where we had the chance to reflect on how the region responded to the pandemic, the lessons learnt and next steps as recovery continues. Our discussions included what resources and other supports need to be rearranged, redirected or provided to ensure that the voice of the community is incorporated into preventing or preparing for a pandemic, crisis or natural disaster; rather than just in response.??

The whole week around the 8th?of March was a flurry of activity for International Women’s Day (IWD). It was such a positive atmosphere to join many people at these IWD events. One that got me feeling that I am on the right track advocating for multicultural service providers to play a key role was the event run by AGAPI, who deliver health services for the Greek community. I saw members of all different cultures and backgrounds taking part in IWD, not just sharing experiences but backing each other to overcome challenges and contribute to society. I personally benefitted from the inspiration and energy these events provided, as might be evident in this picture of me at the Professional Migrant Women’s event. I?hope the community also benefited from IWD, a time for us to shine the spotlight on women’s achievements, progress and challenges.

International Women's Day 2022

I was excited to take on something I hadn’t before, when I hosted the very first episode of the VMC’s new podcast series ‘Conversations with Commissioners’. I had a wonderful discussion with Dr. Niki Vincent; Victoria’s first Public Sector Gender Equality Commissioner, which you can listen to anytime?here.?Dr. Vincent and I spoke about how we leverage our lived experience to contribute to policy thinking, strategic direction and empathy in our every day interaction and work with the community.

'Conversations with Commissioners' Podcast Episode - joined by Vivienne Nguyen AM and Dr Niki Vincent

During March, we held meetings of the VMC’s newly appointed Regional Advisory Councils (RACs). It was great to see different communities coming together and hearing how they have worked and collaborated during the pandemic. RAC members are looking to the future where they can add their voice, hard work and advocacy to ensure that no one is left behind, particularly as we head into pandemic recovery and turn our minds to the systemic issues that existed pre-COVID, such as unemployment and racism. A big thanks to our VMC Commissioners who are also RAC Chairs – well done! We have been featuring our RAC Chairs in a series of articles shared on social media during Cultural Diversity Week – check out our social media pages to read their comments and thoughts.?

Speaking of Cultural Diversity Week – this was of course a major part of March, where so many of us lived up to its theme of Connecting Through Culture. I attended so many events brilliantly and in most cases voluntarily run by community and the VMC shared resources with community; including a School Teacher’s Kit, and promoted links to local government activities – I hope many of you participated in an event near you.?

The highlight of the week – and the month! – was the launch of Cultural Diversity Week on 19 March at Victoria’s Multicultural Gala Dinner.?I was delighted to stand?before 1400 community members, stakeholders, government representatives and parliamentarians all supporting and celebrating Victoria’s cultural diversity. Thank you for joining this important event, which is not just an event but a demonstration of the social cohesion, strengths and richness of our state and our people.

Victorian Multicultural Gala Dinner 2022

Amidst the celebrations, I always had on my mind the origin of Cultural Diversity Week; International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. So much progress has been made, yet almost every day I’m reminded that so much is yet to be done. I am confident that Victoria’s new Anti-Racism Strategy will?proactively prevent and address racism in Victoria.?

Victoria’s multicultural communities have been buzzing with activity and I look forward to this energy continuing into April. Please make sure that you are keeping COVID-safe and taking care of yourselves, and others.?

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Thank you,

Viv