Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria, a new Victorian Government body, officially began operations on October 1, with interim Multicultural Coordinator General Louise Perry saying it would strengthen how government listens to and supports multicultural and multifaith communities across the state.
The announcement came in MMV's first fortnightly Community Update. Perry said in the update that MMV "officially commenced yesterday on 1 October, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Victoria's multicultural story."
According to the update, MMV is designed to make sure multiculturalism is not limited to a single government portfolio, with its influence expected to extend into areas including education, health, transport, business, industry and economic development.
Perry said the state's diversity underpinned that approach. "Our diversity is not simply something we celebrate; it is one of Victoria's greatest strengths and a vital part of our future," she said.
The update also marked the departure of two long-serving members of the Victorian Multicultural Commission, Dr Judy Tang OAM and Sylvia Coombe, thanking them for their "dedicated years of service". MMV said their contribution to the commission and to multiculturalism in Victoria "has been invaluable".
Youth organisation The Huddle was congratulated in the same update after reaching the milestone of supporting 200,000 young people. The update said the organisation's work had helped young Victorians feel engaged, supported and empowered, contributing to more connected and inclusive communities.
Perry said in the update: "We also congratulate The Huddle on reaching the remarkable milestone of supporting 200,000 young people."
The update also noted Perry had recently attended the launch of "Three Shocks", a book by journalist, economist and demographer George Megalogenis. The book examines major social and economic changes that have shaped Australia's modern identity, including the country's standing as an English-speaking nation where migrants and their children now make up the majority of the population.
MMV said it would continue to issue fortnightly community updates as it begins its work across government departments.