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.
Interview with Fred Alale, Chairperson of the African Music and Cultural Festival 2024The African Music and Cultural Festival (AMCF) is a premier annual event that attracts over 50,000 Victorians and visitors to Melbourne’s iconic Fed Square. This vibrant festival celebrates the rich music, food, and cultural performances of African heritage, offering a unique experience of diversity and unity.In an exclusive interview with Fred Alale, Chairperson of AMCF 2024, we delved into the festival’s vision, its role in fostering cultural appreciation, and what exciting new elements visitors can expect this year.This insightful conversation was conducted by Navdisha Kaur from the Australian Multicultural Media Centre (AMMC). Stay tuned for the full interview, where we explore how AMCF continues to unite communities and create unforgettable experiences for all!#AMCF2024 #AfricanCulture Viv Nguyen - Victorian Multicultural CommissionerAboriginal Tours & ExperiencesAfrican Music and Cultural Festival
AMMC Covers the Multicultural Awards for ExcellenceThe Victorian Government and Multicultural Commission celebrated individuals and organizations making remarkable contributions to unity in Victoria at the 2024 Multicultural Awards for Excellence.Key highlights: • The Wyndham Central College Community Hub won the Premier’s Award for Community Harmony. • Diba Jalal, a STEM leader, received the Refugee Young Leader Award for her cultural and community efforts.Additionally, 25 individuals were inducted into the Multicultural Honour Roll for their vital role in strengthening connections between communities.For more details, visit: multiculturalcommission.vic.gov.au.
Viv Nguyen - Victorian Multicultural CommissionerSouthern Migrant & Refugee CentreIngrid Stitt MPBruce WongAfrican Music and Cultural FestivalColin Brooks MPAhmed Sobh
AMMC Report: Celebrating Multicultural Excellence in VictoriaThe Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence 2024 celebrated individuals and organizations for their remarkable contributions to building a united and inclusive Victoria.Hosted on Wednesday, December 4, the event honored over 220 nominees across 14 categories, including arts, business, mental health, sports, and youth leadership. Key highlights included: • Community Harmony Award: Presented to Wyndham Central College Community Hub for its impactful community programs. • Refugee Young Leader Award: Awarded to Diba Jalal, a STEM advocate revitalizing Afghan cultural events and inspiring young engineers. • Multicultural Honour Roll: 25 individuals were recognized for their significant contributions to community cohesion.Leaders including Premier Jacinta Allan, Minister Ingrid Stitt, and VMC Chairperson Vivienne Nguyen praised the winners for fostering cross-cultural understanding and strengthening community bonds.For the full list of winners, visit:www.multiculturalcommission.vic.gov.au/multicultural-awards-for-excellence.Reported by AMMCViv Nguyen - Victorian Multicultural CommissionerSouthern Migrant & Refugee CentreFix Dandy Buses: 7 day buses for Greater DandenongFederation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia - FECCAIngrid Stitt MPColin Brooks MP
Bruce Volunteer Recognition Awards 2024
Bruce Volunteer Recognition Awards 2024 Held in Dandenong
Reported by AMMC
The Bruce Volunteer Recognition Awards 2024 were held today in Dandenong, organized in collaboration with the Hon. Julian Hill MP, Federal Member for Bruce and Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, and the City Council of Dandenong, led by Mayor Jim Memeti.
This significant event recognized the remarkable contributions of volunteers from diverse multicultural communities, who have made a profound impact on the local community through their selfless service.
In his speech, Hon. Julian Hill expressed heartfelt appreciation for the volunteers, highlighting their pivotal role in fostering unity and strengthening social ties within the community.
Mayor Jim Memeti also commended the volunteers, recognizing their unwavering dedication and emphasizing that volunteerism is a fundamental pillar of community development and well-being.
The Bruce Volunteer Recognition Awards have become an annual tradition, celebrating individuals whose exceptional volunteer efforts create positive change within their communities, underscoring the importance of volunteerism in building a better and more inclusive society.Viv Nguyen - Victorian Multicultural CommissionerSouthern Migrant & Refugee CentreAfrican Music and Cultural FestivalFederation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia - FECCACity of Greater DandenongFix Dandy Buses: 7 day buses for Greater DandenongJulian Hill MPJim MemetiBerhan JaberZahra Haydarbig Advocate & Former Councillor Candidate - Greater Dandenong
In a speech delivered by Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Ingrid Stitt, she highlighted the vital role of multicultural media in Victoria. She emphasized the Allan Labor Government’s pride in its ongoing support for multicultural media, recognizing its importance in keeping diverse communities informed and sharing their inspiring stories with the broader population of the state.The minister spoke about the government’s efforts to strengthen social cohesion, especially in the face of recent challenges such as the pandemic’s disproportionate impact on diverse communities and the distress caused by international conflicts. She underscored the importance of unity within the community and announced the launch of Victoria’s first-ever Anti-Racism Strategy. This strategy, developed through extensive consultations involving hundreds of Victorians, focuses on embedding shared values of safety and respect for all into government priorities and programs.Minister Stitt outlined practical initiatives under the strategy, including educational campaigns to combat racism and hate speech, promoting inclusivity in community sports, and offering grants to multicultural and First Nations communities to address racism at the grassroots level.She stressed that addressing racism is a collective responsibility, not one that falls solely on First Nations people or multicultural Victorians. Highlighting the importance of early education, the minister spoke about bilingual programs in kindergartens that foster inclusivity and tolerance from a young age, as well as broader efforts in schools and community sports.The minister concluded by affirming the government’s commitment to creating a state where diversity is celebrated, discrimination is eradicated, and everyone has the right to live free from hate. This statement underscores the Victorian Government’s dedication to promoting human values and supporting multicultural communities in achieving social justice.Viv Nguyen - Vict
engage.vic.gov.au/anti-vilification-reforms.This reform reflects Victoria’s commitment to fairness, equality, and the protection of its diverse communities.
Report: AMMC - Premier Jacinta Allan Announces New Anti-Vilification Laws to Strengthen Social Cohesion in VictoriaOn Tuesday, 26 November 2024, Premier Jacinta Allan, alongside Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes and community leaders, introduced the Justice Legislation Amendment (Anti-Vilification and Social Cohesion) Bill 2024 within the Victorian Parliament. The announcement was made in the presence of several multicultural media outlets. This landmark reform aims to combat hate speech, protect vulnerable communities, and enhance social cohesion across Victoria.Key Features of the Bill:Expanded Protections Against Vilification: Legal protections now extend beyond race and religion to include disability, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, and personal associations, such as being a family member of a person with a disability.New Criminal Offences: Inciting hatred or threatening harm based on a person’s identity or beliefs will be criminalized, with penalties of up to five years imprisonment. These offences will be enshrined in the Crimes Act, addressing incidents in public, private, or online settings.Strengthened Civil Protections: Public or online actions that harm individuals or communities, such as severe ridicule or hateful comments, will face stronger civil remedies, including material removal, compensation, or apologies.Balanced Free Speech and Religious Freedom: Genuine religious, academic, and artistic activities remain protected, with a new political expression defence introduced to ensure robust and respectful public debate.Significance of the Reforms:Victoria is taking a firm stance against hate speech by criminalizing vilification based on a broad range of attributes. These reforms ensure that all residents feel safe and respected, regardless of their identity, faith, or background. The government will continue working with community groups to refine and effectively implement these laws.Premier Jacinta Allan stated:The Victoria I love is one where
Julian Hill Addresses the Ongoing Challenges in African Refugee Intake, Family Visa Refusals, and Wait Times at Victoria University
Julian Hill Addresses the Ongoing Challenges in African Refugee Intake, Family Visa Refusals, and Wait Times at Victoria University
Community Forum with Hon. Julian Hill MP Addressing Visa and Migration IssuesIn an important step to strengthen dialogue between multicultural communities and policymakers, Victoria University hosted a significant event on Friday, 22 November 2024, organized by Africause. The forum, titled “Addressing the Ongoing Challenges in the African Refugee Intake Process, Family Visa Refusals, and Wait Times”, featured the esteemed presence of the Hon. Julian Hill MP, Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs.Africause, under the leadership of Dr. Berhan Ahmed, played a pivotal role in organizing this impactful event, which brought together representatives of African communities and government officials to discuss pressing migration challenges. Hon. Julian Hill, a prominent advocate for multiculturalism in Australia, actively engaged with attendees during the hour-and-a-half session. He responded to their questions with transparency and clarity and listened attentively to suggestions for improving visa processes and support services for migrants. He was accompanied by Hon. Dr. Daniel Mulino MP, adding depth to the discussions and highlighting the importance of the event.The discussions addressed critical topics such as challenges faced by African refugees in Australia, family visa refusals and their social impact, and prolonged visa processing times. Proposed solutions were explored, aiming to streamline procedures and enhance the effectiveness of support services.This forum provided a vital platform for direct communication between African communities and government representatives, fostering constructive dialogue and practical ideas to improve current systems.AMMC commends the efforts of Africause, Hon. Julian Hill, and all those who contributed to the success of this event. It represents a significant step forward in p
Report by AMMC March for Say No to Family Violence in DandenongAMMC is proud to report on today’s powerful march held in Dandenong under the banner Say No to Family Violence The event was attended by dozens of community members who gathered to raise awareness about the urgent need to end domestic violence.The march commenced at Dandenong Market and proceeded to the Dandenong City Council, where emotional speeches were delivered by survivors of family violence, sharing their personal stories and urging the community to take action.This march is part of ongoing efforts to address the critical issue of family violence, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for all families. AMMC was honored to cover this significant event, highlighting the voices of those affected and showing solidarity with victims.Watch the video summary of the march here:Southern Migrant & Refugee CentreRhonda Garad for CleelandJim MemetiFix Dandy Buses: 7 day buses for Greater DandenongLee Tarlamis MPCouncillor Sean O'ReillyCity of Greater DandenongZahra Haydarbig Advocate & Former Councillor Candidate - Greater DandenongAngie Venuto-ColeCr Phillip Danh - Greater Dandenong CouncilCr. Sophie TanCr. Bob Milkovic- City of Greater DandenongFederation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia - FECCA
The Australian Multicultural Media Centre (AMMC) covered the South East Melbourne Education Forum, where Hon. Jason Clare, the Minister for Education, delivered a keynote speech on the transformative role of education in building a more diverse and equitable Australia. Sharing his personal story as the first in his family to complete high school and university, the minister emphasized how education can be a powerful tool to change lives and break cycles of poverty, especially in underserved regions.The minister highlighted Australia’s significant educational progress since the 1970s, noting the increase in high school completion rates from 19% to 80% and university graduates from 8% to nearly 50%. However, he stressed that access to education remains unequal, particularly in communities such as Dandenong and the western suburbs of Melbourne, where opportunities are often influenced by socioeconomic factors.Minister Clare underscored the need for comprehensive educational reform across all stages—from early childhood through university—to ensure equal opportunities for everyone. He emphasized the importance of adequately funding public schools and investing in early childhood education, citing research that shows early education increases the likelihood of higher education.He concluded with a call to action, highlighting education as the primary tool for achieving social justice and inclusive growth across Australia, where every child can access equal opportunities.AMMC commends Minister Jason Clare’s vision and is proud to have covered this forum, reflecting its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote multiculturalism and sustainable development in its communities. #multiculturalism Viv Nguyen - Victorian Multicultural CommissionerEthnic Communities' Council of VictoriaSouthern Migrant & Refugee CentreMulitcultural Youth GroupFederation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia - FECCAJulian Hill MPReza Andesha
