By Aristidis Tsoulakos and Mary Sinanidis
The Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) concluded its year with a celebratory event held on Monday, November 25 at Springvale City Hall.
Community leaders, faith groups, and key stakeholders gathered to reflect on the year’s achievements and challenges. Notable Greek Australian attendees included Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs, Nick Staikos MP; Lee Tarlamis MP; and VMC Commissioner and President of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), Bill Papastergiadis.
The evening was a testament to Victoria’s rich cultural diversity and provided a platform to assess ongoing efforts to preserve and promote the state’s multicultural identity.
Representing Victoria’s Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt, Mr Staikos commended the VMC for its pivotal role in driving key initiatives throughout the year. These initiatives ranged from enhancing access to services for multicultural communities to advising the government on public sentiment. Mr Staikos emphasised the significance of cultural events in fostering unity among Victorians.
“The Multicultural Gala Dinner, the Multicultural Film Festival, and other cultural celebrations bring together Victorians from all walks of life to celebrate the diversity that makes our state unique,” Mr Staikos stated.
He also announced the Victorian Government’s forthcoming release of new anti-racism strategies.
“Our diversity is the envy of the world, but we must protect it. The Victorian Government will continue to take every necessary step to safeguard our inclusive society from prejudice and discrimination,” Mr Staikos affirmed.
VMC Chairperson Vivienne Nguyen expressed gratitude to the individuals and organisations that have contributed to strengthening Victoria’s multicultural landscape.
“I want to recognise all of you – community leaders, faith leaders, members of the Regional Advisory Council, the Multi-Faith Advisory Group, and the Youth Network,” Ms Nguyen said.
She highlighted the VMC’s reliance on strong partnerships to achieve its goals.
“We are the bridge between diverse communities and the Victorian government, and we can only succeed through your continued collaboration and support,” Ms Nguyen added.
Anthea Hancocks, CEO of the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute, presented an end-of-year reflection on Victoria’s social cohesion. Drawing on the results of the 2024 Mapping Social Cohesion Survey, she delved into areas experiencing distress, addressing issues such as racism and women’s safety. One of the most surprising facets of the research was that despite global “challenges” over the last year, the social cohesion index hasn’t shifted.
“Surprisingly, social cohesion is exactly the same as it was last year,” Hancock said. “It actually hasn’t shifted at all, which is a real testament to our resilience.”
A panel discussion featured Regional Advisory Council member Afra Sarfaraz, Multicultural Youth Network member Aakriti Malhotra, and Multifaith Advisory Group member Jasbir Singh Suropada. They provided attendees with the opportunity to engage in further dialogue on how to better support multicultural communities and ensure their voices are heard in policy decisions. The conversation centered on VMC programs and initiatives designed to bridge the gap between these communities and government services.
The evening culminated in cultural performances, followed by informal networking where attendees exchanged ideas and discussed strategies to address the challenges highlighted throughout the event.
VMC Commissioners played a pivotal role in the success of the evening. Nyangak (Lizzy) Kuoth served as Master of Ceremonies, and Sylvia Coombe hosted the panel discussion.
Mr Tarlamis shared his sentiments with The Greek Herald, expressing gratitude for Victoria’s thriving and vibrant diversity.
“The Greek community is an integral part of our state’s multicultural fabric. They play a crucial role in assisting and supporting newly arrived communities, leveraging their knowledge and experience in navigating the challenges of migration and settlement. The Hellenic influence is evident in numerous ways across our wonderful state and country, and as an Australian of Greek heritage, I am immensely proud,” he said.
The celebration served as a powerful reminder of the essential role of collaboration in sustaining the success of multiculturalism in Victoria. While acknowledging the challenges ahead, both community leaders and government representatives reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that all Victorians, regardless of their background, feel welcomed, safe, and empowered to thrive in the state’s diverse and inclusive society.
As the year draws to a close, the VMC’s efforts continue to set a benchmark for how multiculturalism can be both celebrated and protected for future generations.
