Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) Chairperson Vivienne Nguyen AM will conclude her seven-year tenure on Wednesday, 15 July, marking the end of a leadership period that spanned the COVID-19 pandemic, major natural disasters and significant challenges for Victoria’s multicultural and multifaith communities.
Appointed in 2019, Nguyen oversaw the commission through some of the state’s most demanding periods, advocating for community-led engagement, strengthening partnerships between government and multicultural organisations, and ensuring diverse voices remained central to the VMC’s work.
During her tenure, the commission established the Multifaith Advisory Group, contributed to Victoria’s Anti-Racism Taskforce, and continued delivering flagship initiatives including Cultural Diversity Week.
In 2021, Nguyen was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in recognition of her service to multicultural Victoria.
Her departure comes as the Victorian Government progresses plans to establish Multicultural Victoria, a proposed new statutory body that would combine the functions of the VMC and Multicultural Affairs, subject to the passage of legislation.
Recruitment for leadership roles within the new body—including a Coordinator General, two Deputy Coordinators General and members of the Multicultural Community Advisory Group—is expected to begin shortly.
From 16 July, Louise Perry will serve as interim Chairperson of the VMC while the transition to the new organisation takes place.
Reflecting on her time in the role, Nguyen said it had been “an honour and a privilege” to serve Victoria’s multicultural communities.
“As we lived through the impact of overseas events that flowed to our shores, to the celebrations of achievements here in Victoria, we individually and collectively have shown that we can live and thrive, and we can overcome adversity no matter the shape and size,” she said.
“Diversity is indeed our strength and our asset.”
Minister for Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria Ingrid Stitt thanked Nguyen for her contribution.
“I want to thank Vivienne for her valuable contributions to the Victorian Multicultural Commission and to Victoria’s multicultural communities since 2019,” Stitt said.
Incoming interim chair Louise Perry said the establishment of Multicultural Victoria represented an important opportunity for the state.
“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,” Perry said.
