Twenty young Victorians from multicultural and multifaith backgrounds have been appointed to the Victorian Multicultural Commission’s Multicultural Youth Network for 2026 following a statewide recruitment process.
The group will advise the commission and the Victorian government on issues affecting young people from diverse communities across metropolitan and regional Victoria. Areas of focus include mental health, education, employment, racism, discrimination and community representation.
The network began its new term on Wednesday, 4 March, when members met for the first time to set priorities for the year.
Chaired by VMC Commissioner Dr Judy Tang OAM, the network will take part in several programs organised by the commission during the year. Members will assist with Cultural Diversity Week, scheduled from 21 to 29 March 2026, helping to amplify youth voices through campaign activities, community engagement and events across the state.
They will also support the Multicultural Film Festival in June. Participants are expected to promote the festival within their communities and encourage emerging storytellers from multicultural backgrounds to take part.
The commission said the network provides a space for young leaders to connect with each other while contributing ideas that support social inclusion and community cohesion. The program also aims to strengthen links between Victoria’s multicultural communities and the state government.
Victorian Multicultural Commission Chairperson Vivienne Nguyen AM welcomed the new members and highlighted the importance of youth perspectives in policy discussions.
“I am proud to welcome 20 new and exceptional young leaders to the Multicultural Youth Network for 2026. The lived experience of these members will help the VMC to better understand the challenges and opportunities facing young people from multicultural and multifaith communities.”
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt MP said the appointments would help ensure diverse voices are reflected in government discussions.
“I warmly welcome and congratulate the newly appointed members of the Multicultural Youth Network. Their insights and perspectives will play a vital role in ensuring multicultural young people are heard and represented in the conversations that shape future of Victoria.”
The commission said profiles of each member will be published on its website and social media channels in the coming weeks as the group begins its work for the year.
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