Victoria’s multicultural communities recently gathered to celebrate their achievements and reflect on the past year at the Victorian Multicultural Commission’s (VMC) End of Year event. The evening brought together community leaders, sponsors, and special guests, fostering a spirit of unity and collaboration.
VMC Chairperson Viv Nguyen opened the event by highlighting key milestones and partnerships that have strengthened multiculturalism in Victoria throughout 2024. She emphasised the importance of these collaborations in promoting inclusivity and understanding across the state’s diverse communities.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier and Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs, Nick Staikos MP, shared the government’s vision for a multicultural Victoria. He reiterated the commitment to supporting initiatives that celebrate cultural diversity and enhance social cohesion.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation by Anthea Hancocks, CEO of the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute, who shared findings from the 2024 Mapping Social Cohesion Report. The report, based on a comprehensive survey of over 8,000 Australians, explores the challenges and strengths shaping the nation’s social fabric. It found that while global and local challenges have put Australia’s social cohesion under strain, it has not cracked. Key areas of concern for Australians in 2024 include the economy, housing, immigration, and safety.
The event also featured a panel discussion with esteemed members of the VMC’s advisory groups. Afra Sarfaraz Khan from the Regional Advisory Council, Aakriti Malhotra from the Multicultural Youth Network, and Jasbir Singh Suropada from the Multifaith Advisory Group shared their perspectives on the year’s achievements and the ongoing efforts to promote multiculturalism in Victoria.
The gathering served as a testament to the dedication and resilience of Victoria’s multicultural communities. As the year draws to a close, the VMC and its partners look forward to building on these successes and continuing to foster a vibrant, inclusive society in the coming year.
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