Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs in Victoria, Evan Mulholland, is a politician with a deep appreciation for the state’s diverse cultural communities. Representing the Northern Metropolitan Region, one of Victoria’s most multicultural electorates, he sees his role as more than just policy-making – it’s about integrating multiculturalism into every aspect of governance.
Mulholland’s own heritage shapes his political outlook. His Italian grandparents migrated to Australia in the 1950s with little more than a suitcase, much like the Greek migrants of the same era.
“They started a life themselves in the northern suburbs, at first in Coburg, and then settled in Reservoir,” he said.
“Like many other families, they put everything into their family. My nonno, my grandfather, worked six to seven days a week as a metal worker to provide for his family, to buy a house of his own, to put everything into his children’s education and give them the best life possible.”
He noted that his grandparents’ closest neighbours were Greek, and he sees a deep cultural connection between Italian and Greek migrants.
“There’s obviously so much interlink between the stories of the Italian migrants and Greek migrants in particular,” he said.
Greek community: A pillar of Victoria’s success:
The Greek community, he notes, is one of the most significant migrant groups in Victoria—both in numbers and influence.
“Not only does the Greek diaspora here make up the largest outside of Greece – it’s the biggest outside of Athens,” he said.
“The Greek community has contributed so much to the state of Victoria, that our story as an Australian story and a Victorian story would be hollow without the contribution of Greek migrants. It would be a lesser story.”
From small business owners to religious and community leaders, Greek Australians have shaped Victoria’s economic and social landscape. Mulholland is particularly impressed by the entrepreneurial spirit and strong civic engagement of Greek Victorians, describing them as “cornerstones” of the state’s identity.
“It’s added so much in terms of the small business growth, the entrepreneurial shift, the hard work, physical labour, of so many Greek migrants and Greek success stories here in Victoria…” he said.
Cultural legacy and festivals:
Mulholland also acknowledges the cultural strength of Victoria’s Greek community, highlighting the role of events like the Antipodes Festival, the annual Greek celebration on Lonsdale Street in Melbourne.
For Mulholland, these events don’t just celebrate the past—they help foster social cohesion in a modern, diverse Australia.
“You know, even people that are wandering around the city, see what’s going on, wander up, visit a few stalls. And it’s great for people around the city to know what’s going on,” he said.
“They’ll try some food, they’ll visit some stalls, they’ll get some information, and they’ll taste the culture, taste the food—but really, taste the culture.”
A commitment to multicultural media
Mulholland is also a strong advocate for multicultural media, which he sees as vital for keeping communities informed.
“Multicultural media is so important to reaching our diverse communities, our faith communities, our multicultural communities,” he said.
He believes the Victorian Government should increase advertising in multicultural newspapers and media outlets.
“[The government] makes a big deal every year on committing to advertise in regional newspapers every year, but I think it could step up its advertising in multicultural newspapers as well,” he said.
Faith and Community Service:
For Mulholland, faith is deeply intertwined with multiculturalism.
He has been vocal in defending the role of religion in public life, particularly advocating for the Lord’s Prayer to remain in Parliament.
“When it looked like the government was going to enact their election commitment to workshop or replace the Lord’s Prayer, I stood up on behalf of multi-faith communities,” he said.
Mulholland worked with Christian, Orthodox, Chaldean, Assyrian, Muslim, Hindu, and Jewish communities to oppose the change.
“In itself, [the Lord’s Prayer] is an acknowledgment of responsible service, and it’s also an acknowledgment that there’s a higher power above the parliament,” he said.
“I think without that, we see governments think that they’re at the peak of society, and that’s when they start coming after faith-based institutions and multicultural-based institutions as well.”
Looking ahead:
Mulholland’s approach to multiculturalism is one of integration, not isolation. He wants to see policies that don’t just pay lip service to diversity but embed multiculturalism across every government portfolio, from small business support to infrastructure planning.
“I hope to leave a legacy where multicultural affairs aren’t seen as a separate issue, but something that’s part of every decision we make,” he said.
With strong ties to the Greek community and a vision for a more inclusive Victoria, Mulholland is positioning himself as a champion for multicultural Australians – ensuring that their contributions, challenges, and voices are not just recognised, but actively supported.
