From 18 – 24 March, the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) encourages the community to join them through Cultural Diversity Week and celebrate the power, influence, and stories of Victoria’s rich multicultural communities.
This year’s theme “Our Shared Stories – Celebrating Together” goes beyond individual narratives, encouraging people to recognise and celebrate the beautiful intersections that enrich Victoria’s cultural diversity.
Some of the many stories the VMC has uncovered throughout 2023 came from the Multicultural Awards for Excellence and Honour Roll.
Nandita Chakraborty, an advocate for improved policy and programs to support those with non-visible disabilities, especially across multicultural communities, was honoured as the recipient of the Arts Award in 2023. Through her continued work, installations, and film Nandita highlights the challenges faced by women from multicultural backgrounds with non-visible disabilities.
Helen Stamoulis, an Honour Roll Inductee for 2023, played a vital role in establishing the Greek Media Group, which initiated 3XY Radio Hellas and Ta Nea newspaper. Through 3XY Radio Hellas, people enjoy a range of radio programs, which provide a connection to their culture.
Asvin Phorugngam has worked passionately and tirelessly for over 25 years to support multicultural communities in a range of social justice roles. Recognised as an Honour Roll inductee last year, his work has included designing and implementing progressive programs to support LGBTQIA+ people from multicultural communities.
To plan for Cultural Diversity Week, councils, businesses, organisations, government agencies, service providers and community groups are all encouraged to start conversations in their workplaces and communities, and to host events and activities that align with the theme.
At a time when overseas conflicts have had an impact on the wellbeing of local communities, it is even more important to show support and commitment for Victoria’s multicultural society.
Victorian Multicultural Commission Chairperson Vivienne Nguyen AM said “Multicultural Victoria is vibrant, diverse, intergenerational, and inspiring. Cultural Diversity Week is an opportunity to celebrate these shared experiences and their contribution to our state’s identity.”
“Our multicultural communities remain connected and inspired thanks to these and many other often unheralded champions. Cultural Diversity Week gives us the opportunity to recognise and thank the people and organisations whose contributions create significant impacts on the broader society,” Ms Nguyen added.
Cultural Diversity Week activities will run across regional and metropolitan Victoria, with many led by local councils and promoted in an events calendar on VMConnect; the VMC’s online community platform.
