Victorian Multicultural Commission

Nominations for the Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence are now OPEN🏆 This is your opportunity to honour outstanding individuals in your organisation, or have your organisation recognised for its contribution to multiculturalism in Victoria. There are a total of 14 award categories up for grabs, and nominations are due Sunday 8 September. You can find more info about eligibility requirements for each award category and how to submit here: https://lnkd.in/gWCeGxAp #VMC #ExcellenceAwards #CelebratingDiversity #MulticulturalAchievements #Nominationsopen

Today is the start of NAIDOC Week. Join us and Commissioners Mohammed Mohideen and Sylvia Coombe as we encourage everyone to get involved in celebrating First Nations People and recognising their culture and achievements this NAIDOC Week.

After over 2 decades of incredible service, Hakan is departing the Victorian Multicultural Commission. Victoria is forever grateful for his dedication to building a more inclusive and diverse state. Hakan's passion, expertise, and endless optimism have been an inspiration to us all. We wish him all the very best in his well deserved break and future endeavours! Here's to exciting things to come!

Vale Stefan Romaniw- Former Chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission  Our deepest condolences to his wife Anastasia and family.  We have lost a giant in the multicultural sector. Rest In Peace Stefan  Victorian Multicultural Commission Multicultural Arts Victoria Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria  

It is with a mix of sadness and sincere gratitude that we announce the departure of Hakan from the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) and the Victorian Public Service (VPS). Hakan's dedication to multicultural affairs in Victoria spans over two decades. He has played a vital role not only within the VMC but also across departments like Premier and Cabinet and Victorian Communities. His experience extends to serving under numerous Premiers, Ministers, and VMC Chairs, including during the landmark introduction of the Multicultural Victoria Act in 2004. Throughout his tenure, he has provided invaluable advice to Secretaries, Deputy Secretaries, Executive Directors, and countless senior leaders across the VPS and beyond. In the words of former Minister for Multicultural Affairs the Hon. John Pandazopoulos ”We worked so closely from his time at ECCV to his various roles in Government where with his and other guidance we achieved so much for Multicultural Victoria including the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act, the Multicultural Victoria Act and a single agency delivering on behalf of Government as an integrated much stronger VMC.” Hakan's impact on Victoria's multicultural landscape is undeniable and profound. We are deeply grateful for his contributions and will miss his presence at the VMC. While we are sad to see him go, we understand his desire to take a well-deserved break before embarking on the next chapter of his career. His skills, knowledge, expertise, and unwavering passion for fostering a diverse and inclusive society are highly sought-after, and we have no doubt he will have exciting opportunities ahead. Hakan, we extend our heartfelt thanks for your unwavering support throughout the years. Your "glass half full" approach has inspired countless colleagues, including generations of future leaders, to persevere even in the face of seemingly impossible challenges. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors. While you move on, we hope for continued collaboration in the near future. Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact Kashif Bouns, Director Strategy and Operations at kashif.bouns@vmc.vic.gov.au Victorian Multicultural Commission Hakan Akyol PSM

Today is World Refugee Day! Hear from VMC’s Deputy Chairperson Bwe Thay and Commissioner Lizzy Kuoth as they remind us of the courage and strength that refugees and asylum seekers have, to flee their homes and find safety.

Happy IDAHOBIT Day! 🏳️🌈 VMC Commissioner Dr. Judy Tang explains why this day is so important to the LQBTQIA+ community, and shares some ideas on what you can do to show your solidarity.

Multifaith Gathering for Unity, Cohesion & Peace held at Parliament House on 1 May 2024 Thank you for joining us to display respect and support for each other’s faith tradition’s. As we have found valuable in the past, we came together to offer our prayers and time and to listen respectfully to each other. Thank you for your help in sending a broader message, as a matter of love and human dignity, that we should never experience racism, vilification, and violence of any form.

Today is World Day for Safety and Health at Work! VMC Commissioner Gabrielle Marchetti highlights the importance of this significant day and how we can all play a role in making our workplace safer for everyone.

Today marks the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.    Racism and discrimination can have profound effects on the mental health and wellbeing of those who experience them and their families and communities.       Everybody who accesses a mental health and wellbeing service in Victoria has a right to receive support that is culturally safe and responsive, and free from harm. If you or someone you care for feels their rights have not been upheld while receiving mental health and wellbeing assessment, treatment, or support, we encourage you to get in touch with the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission by visiting https://lnkd.in/gsv_qfbx    This week is also Cultural Diversity Week, with this year’s theme being ‘Our Shared Stories – Celebrating Together.’ You can get involved and honour the strength of Victoria’s multicultural communities at various events held throughout the week. For more information, please visit the Victorian Multicultural Commission's website at: https://lnkd.in/gJSKa_A