At AMMC, we reckon diversity isn’t just a value – it’s the heart of our strength and creativity.We’re all about celebrating the different cultures that make up our Aussie community, giving a voice to every culture and every group. Through diversity, we’re building a future that’s more inclusive and understanding, one that values our differences and uses them to fuel progress.Sunny Duggal, founder of ACE Business Solutions and community advocate, shines a light on the role Australia has played in changing lives, showing how this great land has become a place of opportunity and growth for people from all walks of life. His journey highlights the importance of resilience, innovation, and collaboration in overcoming challenges. He also emphasizes the transformational role of technology and community support in creating a more inclusive society.With this in mind, we invite you to join us in celebrating Cultural Diversity Week, as we reflect on how our unique journeys have shaped the lives we live today. Let’s draw inspiration from the stories of success and the challenges we’ve faced, and celebrate how Australia’s spirit of cooperation and diversity makes us stronger together.Viv Nguyen - Victorian Multicultural Commission ChairpersonSunny DuggalFederation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia - FECCAZahra Haydarbig Local Advocate Greater DandenongGreek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and VictoriaIngrid Stitt MPCity of Greater DandenongMaat for Peace Development and Human RightsCity of Melbourne@top fans
Interview with Gabrielle Williams, Member of Parliament for Dandenong, with Mariam Koslay from AMMCThis is an older interview, but we’re re-sharing it for its value.In this interview, Gabrielle Williams discusses the importance of diverse representation in political leadership. She highlights that leadership isn’t just about formal positions, but is also shown in everyday actions like standing up for oneself or challenging injustice. She stressed the need to encourage young people from multicultural backgrounds to engage in democracy and community work, by raising awareness and motivating them to get involved.Gabrielle also mentioned the importance of Parliament reflecting the diversity of the community. While there has been significant progress in gender representation, she pointed out that cultural diversity still needs to be more strongly represented in government.Watch the full video for more insights. @top fans Viv Nguyen - Victorian Multicultural Commission ChairpersonSouthern Migrant & Refugee CentreFederation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia - FECCACentre for Multicultural Youth (CMY)Zahra Haydarbig Local Advocate Greater DandenongIngrid Stitt MPGabrielle Williams MPGreek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria@
A Call for Global Action to End Female Genital MutilationThe international community must come together to help developing countries build the resources they need to provide healthcare and support to survivors of female genital mutilation (FGM), while also working closely with communities to stop this harmful practice. It’s estimated that over 200 million women and girls have undergone FGM, and more than 4 million girls are at risk every year. This practice not only harms women’s health and well-being, but it’s also a violation of human rights, robbing them of their future potential.In this fight, healthcare workers, community leaders, and religious figures play a crucial role in raising awareness and educating communities. They also work with women and families during regular care to prevent FGM. Many of these workers are survivors themselves, who fully understand the pain and trauma involved. They’ve turned their own suffering into powerful advocacy, speaking out against FGM today.Here in Australia, specifically in Victoria, in the suburb of Dandenong, we held a workshop five years ago with women who had experienced this horrific practice through the “Awaj” organisation. Their stories were heartbreaking, but each of them promised that their daughters would never go through what they did. We also produced a documentary to highlight the devastating consequences and dangers of FGM.On International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, we stand in solidarity with survivors, listen to their voices, and work tirelessly to make sure they get the care they need. We support their efforts to bring an end to FGM once and for all.Viv Nguyen - Victorian Multicultural Commission ChairpersonSouthern Migrant & Refugee CentreFederation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia - FECCACentre for Multicultural Youth (CMY)City of Greater DandenongZahra Haydarbig Local Advocate Greater Dandenong@
Update from Minister Vicki Ward - 3rd February 2025Minister Vicki Ward’s given a heads-up that it’s gonna be scorchin’ over the next few days, so make sure you’re drinkin’ plenty of water, stayin’ cool indoors, and checkin’ in on your neighbours, mates, and family to make sure everyone’s safe.She also gave a huge shout-out to the volunteers, CFA crews, and all the emergency workers who’ve been flat out, doin’ an amazing job protectin’ the community despite how knackered they must be.She urged everyone to download the VicEmergency app if they haven’t already, even if you’re in the city, ‘cause the weather’s all over the shop and things can turn quicklyViv Nguyen - Victorian Multicultural Commission ChairpersonSouthern Migrant & Refugee CentreAfrican Music and Cultural FestivalFederation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia - FECCAZahra Haydarbig Local Advocate Greater DandenongCity of Greater DandenongCentre for Multicultural Youth (CMY)Victoria's Emergency Services VolunteersVicEmergency - CentralVictoria State Emergency ServiceKidsafe VictoriaScouts Victoria - Fire and Emergency Management TeamCFA South WestSes Media QrupMayor Jim MemetiVicki Ward MP for Eltham
Update on extreme heat, elevated fire risk over coming days and details of the current fires burning in the west of the state Kevin Parkyn, a Senior Meteorologist from the Bureau of Meteorology, explains that the current heatwave is being caused by a big ol’ high-pressure system sitting over the Tasman Sea, just east of Victoria. This, combined with a tropical depression up in the Coral Sea near Queensland, is pushing heaps of hot air down from the interior of Australia, where it’s been absolutely scorching—temps up around 40-45°C and even hitting nearly 50° in some places.For the next few days, it’s gonna be bloody hot in Melbourne: 38°C on Sunday, 39°C on Monday, and 37°C on Tuesday. Haven’t seen temps like that in the city since Jan 2014, so it’s a pretty big deal.Also, keep an eye out for thunderstorms, especially Sunday arvo. Some might be dry with lightning and not much rain, but by late Sunday, we could see a few heavy, short-lived showers. Monday looks like more of the same, and Tuesday could bring a wind change that’ll cool things down by about 10°C—fingers crossed!So, it’s gonna be hot, with a chance of storms, and then a cooler change coming through Tuesday. Stay cool, stay safe, and keep an eye on the weather.Viv Nguyen - Victorian Multicultural Commission ChairpersonSouthern Migrant & Refugee CentreFederation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia - FECCACity of Greater DandenongCentre for Multicultural Youth (CMY)Zahra Haydarbig Local Advocate Greater DandenongVictoria's Emergency Services VolunteersMayor Jim MemetiVictoria State Emergency ServiceVicEmergency - CentralKidsafe VictoriaScouts Victoria - Fire and Emergency Management TeamSes Media QrupCFA South WestMedia
Heatwave Update - 2 February 2025State Control Centre ReportDate: 2 February 2025Time: 10:30 AMGood morning, this is the State Control Centre with the latest update. A heatwave has arrived in Victoria, and it will remain with us until Tuesday evening, with hot conditions continuing in the northeast until Wednesday. We’re expecting three days of extreme temperatures during the day, as well as overnight.Key advice and actions: • Reassess your plans: Limit outdoor activities, especially during the hottest parts of the day. • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and wear light, comfortable clothing. • Check on others: Make sure family, friends, and neighbours, especially those more vulnerable to heat, are okay. • Be safe at the waterways: If heading to cool off, always follow safety signs and swim between the flags.Fires in the Grampians:Fire crews are continuing to battle fires in the Grampians National Park under challenging conditions due to the intense heat. Their focus remains on protecting cultural, environmental, and physical assets. There is also a significant lightning storm risk, with over 10,000 lightning strikes last Monday that ignited multiple fires.Stay informed:It’s critical to keep updated through local emergency broadcasts, including ABC Radio, commercial stations, community radio, and Sky News TV.For further information, access audio grabs from Luke Heagerty, State Control Centre spokesperson, here:Media Release / Audio Grabs - 2 February 2025Stay safe and look after yourselves!#HeatwaveAlert #FireSafety #VictoriaEmergencyViv Nguyen - Victorian Multicultural Commission ChairpersonSouthern Migrant & Refugee CentreFederation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia - FECCACity of Greater DandenongZahra Haydarbig Local Advocate Greater DandenongCentre for Multicultural Youth (CMY)VicEmergency - CentralVictoria State Emergency ServiceVictoria's Emergency Services VolunteersKoorie Academy BasketballKidsafe Victoria
Media Conference from the State Control Center ( Victoria )
At the Australian Multicultural Media Centre (AMMC), we are committed to delivering accurate and timely information to the diverse communities across Australia. On Saturday, 1 February 2025, we had the privilege of covering a critical media conference that provided an essential update on the extreme heat and elevated fire risks affecting the state of Victoria. The conference also addressed the ongoing fire emergencies in the western parts of the state, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and community response.
The event brought together a distinguished group of experts, showcasing the collaborative efforts between various agencies in managing the crisis. Present were Rick Nugent, Emergency Management Commissioner, Jason Heffernan, Chief Officer of the Country Fire Authority, David Nugent, State Agency Commander for Forest Fire Management Victoria, Kevin Parkyn, Senior Meteorologist at the Bureau of Meteorology, and Dr. Evelyn Wong, Deputy Chief Health Officer. Their collective expertise highlighted the critical need for a coordinated and informed approach to disaster management.
This conference underscored the significance of a multifaceted response, with different professionals from meteorology, health, emergency management, and firefighting agencies working together to safeguard lives and property. The AMMC is proud to support the dissemination of such valuable information to ensure all communities stay informed, prepared, and resilient in the face of natural disasters.
Viv Nguyen - Victorian Multicultural Commission ChairpersonAfrican Music and Cultural FestivalFederation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia - FECCAKidsafe VictoriaMayor Jim MemetiZahra Haydarbig Local Advocate Greater DandenongCentre for Multicultural Youth (CMY)Springvale Districts FNCCity of Greater DandenongSouthern Migrant & Refugee CentreVictoria's Emergency Services VolunteersVictoria State Emergency ServiceVicEmergency - CentralScouts Victoria - Fire and Emergency Manage
A Big Thank You to Vivian for Joining Our Discussion on Multiculturalism in Victoria In an insightful conversation with Vivian, we explored the crucial role of the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) in supporting diverse communities across the state. The discussion highlighted key questions raised by Tashlyn, Nemal, and Alfa on how the VMC fosters inclusivity, empowers youth, and strengthens intercultural understanding in Victoria.Questions asked by our hosts: • Tashlyn: How does the VMC engage with diverse communities and ensure the voices of marginalised groups are heard? • Nemal: How does the VMC integrate multiculturalism into everyday life and ensure youth are represented? • Alfa: How can the VMC help young people from diverse backgrounds become ambassadors for diversity?Special thanks to our contributors: • Vivian • Tashlyn • Nemal • AlfaThank you all for your valuable insights and contributions to this important discussion! 🌐#Multiculturalism #Victoria #YouthLeadership #InclusiveCommunity #VMCViv Nguyen - Victorian Multicultural Commission ChairpersonSouthern Migrant & Refugee CentreFederation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia - FECCA
At the vibrant African Music & Cultural Festival (AMCF), enjoy stunning performances by young artists from diverse ethnic backgrounds, showcasing creative works that reflect the beauty and richness of cultural diversity.About AMCF:The African Music & Cultural Festival (AMCF) is a free, family-friendly event, now in its 8th year, involving over 35 African communities in organizing and delivering the festival to over 40,000 attendees. The festival is open to all Victorians and visitors to experience vibrant African music, arts, and cultural performances, promoting cross-cultural awareness and fostering intercultural relationships, mutual respect, understanding, and community unity in Victoria.AMCF aims to contribute to community cohesiveness, breaking down social and cultural barriers between the emerging African-Australian community and the wider Australian community. It also creates opportunities for the African-Australian community to connect and engage with each other and the broader community.#AMCF #AfricanMusicAndCulture #CulturalDiversity #CommunityUnityViv Nguyen - Victorian Multicultural Commission ChairpersonSouthern Migrant & Refugee CentreFederation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia - FECCAAfrican Music and Cultural Festival
Supporting Kidsafe Victoria: A Night to RememberAt AMMC, we were honored to cover and participate in a remarkable event organized to support Kidsafe Victoria, an independent non-profit organization dedicated to preventing unintentional injuries and deaths among children through education, advocacy, and research.The evening featured a vibrant musical performance, attended by a large number of community members and officials from across Melbourne. It was a wonderful celebration of unity and responsibility, highlighting the importance of supporting initiatives that protect and empower children.Here are some highlights from this memorable event.
Viv Nguyen - Victorian Multicultural Commission ChairpersonBruce WongKidsafe VictoriaRichard Lim OAM JP
AMMC Nuer Folklore in AustraliaThe Nuer folklore, rooted in South Sudan, is a rich cultural heritage that reflects their history and traditions. Members of the Nuer community in Australia proudly carry this legacy, showcasing vibrant traditional dances performed to the rhythms of drums and songs that tell stories of courage, unity, and peace. Their traditional attire and ornaments highlight their deep connection to their identity, while their celebrations serve as a link to their ancestral roots. Nuer folklore plays a vital role in preserving their heritage and passing it on to future generations, enriching Australia’s multicultural fabric.
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