The Victorian Government has confirmed applications will soon open for key positions for a new proposed statutory body, Multicultural Victoria, which is due to be established later this year.
A key recommendation of the landmark Multicultural Review, Multicultural Victoria will raise the voices of multicultural and multifaith communities, said Minister for Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria, Ingrid Stitt.
“We are backing Victoria’s multicultural and multifaith communities – ensuring their voices are represented and heard,” said the Minister.
The Review heard from over 600 Victorians across over 50 sessions, recommending ways the Government can help to strengthen support for multicultural and multifaith communities.
The new entity would bring together the functions of two separate bodies: the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) and Multicultural Affairs. It will also have new responsibilities including developing safety plans for communities affected by serious and distressing events.
Applications will shortly open for the following positions:
- A Coordinator General who will lead Multicultural Victoria;
- Two Deputy Coordinators General, one of whom will be from regional Victoria;
- Multicultural Community Advisory Group Members.
The opening of applications coincides with Vivienne Nguyen AM’s term as VMC Chairperson ending. Ms Nguyen was appointed Member of the Order of Australia in 2021 for advancing multicultural Victoria.
“I want to thank Vivienne for her valuable contributions to the Victorian Multicultural Commission and to Victoria’s multicultural communities since 2019,” said Minister Stitt.
Louise Perry (pictured) has been appointed as Chairperson to support this transitional period, starting Thursday 16 July. Her term is interim until Multicultural Victoria is established, the Minister confirmed.
A Victorian woman of Burmese descent, Ms Perry began her working life as a journalist, has experience in leading community organisations and enjoyed an extensive career in the International Development Human Rights space before joining the Victorian Public Service.
“The establishment of Multicultural Victoria presents a unique opportunity for multicultural and multifaith affairs in our state. I look forward to working with communities, VMC staff and government as we prepare for legislative changes,” said Ms Perry.
The establishment of Multicultural Victoria is subject to the passage of legislation.
