November Monthly Reflections

In November the VMC commenced the last?Regional Advisory Council?(RAC) meetings for the year. As well as vital, ongoing means of informing the VMC's work, these end-of-year meetings are an opportunity for RAC members to reflect on the year that has passed, celebrate their achievements, and discuss plans for the new year.

On behalf of the VMC, I'd like to thank all of our RAC members and Commissioners for facilitating another productive and insightful year of engagement. Your work ensures that every Victorian has a voice.

And your voices can have an international reach! This month, the VMC presented to a delegation from Japan on our impact and role in fostering cultural diversity and social cohesion in Victoria. We highlighted the benefits of a multicultural society and the vast contributions that multicultural communities have made to our state. This is something that all communities, cities and countries can learn from and we were proud to showcase it.?

There are many inspiring Victorians who are committed to both social cohesion and multifaith dialogue. This month we?met with several of them in Bendigo for the final Multifaith Advisory Group meeting of the year, and were joined by the Bendigo Interfaith Council.?Meeting in Bendigo was an opportunity to learn more about the traditional lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung and the Taungurung Peoples of the Kulin Nation, from Djaara elder Jason Ker and Dja Dja Wurrung CEO Rodney Carter. It was also a chance to connect with other faith leaders and community leaders with a focus on strengthening cultural and religious diversity in regional Victoria.?

Closer to Melbourne, I had the honour of attending events organised by the Islamic Council of Victoria, Zionism Victoria, and AMAFHH Federation. In bringing together faith leaders, community organisations, Government representatives, and community members, these gatherings showcase the power of interfaith and intercultural collaboration.?

In addition to gatherings with multifaith Victoria, I attended several community events that celebrated culture, heritage and history, such as the Hanbok Fashion Show at the Korean Society of Victoria centre, the African Music and Cultural Festival held in Federation Square, and community symposium at the Footscray Community Arts Centre.?

It is always fantastic to see people of all ages take part in these events, and I was honoured to be invited to witness the colour, joy and pride.?

The VMC is looking forward to continuing to celebrate multicultural Victoria during 2023 Cultural Diversity Week. Everyone is invited to get involved, including by hosting your own event or activity with a community group, school, sport club or with friends. If you'd like to host an event, we have some great ideas for gatherings on our website.?

Thank you,

Viv