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Celebrating Multicultural Victoria An Evening of Community Connection
1 May 2026
A vibrant and memorable evening brought together people from across Victoria's diverse communities to celebrate the strength, unity, and contribution of multicultural Victoria.
Inclusion, Opportunity & Shared Future
An Evening of Community Connection
The gathering created a welcoming space for grassroots organisations, community members, business leaders, and representatives from various sectors to connect, share experiences, and build stronger relationships. It reflected a shared commitment to inclusion, opportunity, and the continued growth of a harmonious and diverse society.
Attendees enjoyed meaningful conversations and insights focused on community wellbeing, education, economic participation, and the importance of ensuring all voices are heard and valued. The event highlighted how collaboration across cultures and communities plays a vital role in shaping a connected and forward-looking Victoria.
With the presence of community leaders, representatives, and guests from a wide range of backgrounds, the evening showcased the richness of Victoria's multicultural identity and the importance of ongoing engagement at all levels.
Event Highlights
- Community wellbeing, education and economic participation discussions
- Engagement with grassroots organisations and business leaders
- Cross-cultural collaboration reinforcing Victoria's multicultural identity
- Recognition of contributions individuals and communities make every day
The Hon. Ben Carroll MP
The Hon. Dr Daniel Mulino MP
Member of the Australian House of Representatives, Australian Labor Party — 2019–present
Member for Fraser, Victoria — 2019–present
Assistant Treasurer of Australia — 2025–present
Minister for Financial Services — 2025–present
Member, House Select Committee on Nuclear Energy — 2024–present
Chair, House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics — 2022–2025
Member, House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics — 2019–2025
Member, House of Representatives Standing Committee of Privileges and Members’ Interests — 2022–2025
Member, Joint Statutory Committee on Public Accounts and Audit — 2022–2025
Member, Joint Statutory Committee on Corporations and Financial Services — 2022–2025
Member, Joint Standing Committee on Treaties — 2022–2025
Member, Joint Standing Committee on Trade and Investment Growth — 2019–2022
Member, Joint Select Committee on Social Media and Australian Society — 2024
Member, House Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services — 2022–2023
Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer of Victoria — 2014–2018
Member of the Victorian Legislative Council for Eastern Victoria Region — 2014–2018
Councillor, City of Casey (Edrington Ward) — 2008–2010
Deputy Mayor, City of Casey — former
Acting Mayor, City of Casey — former
The Hon. Enver Erdogan MP
The Hon. Natalie Suleyman MP
The Hon. Lizzie Blandthorn MP
Member of the Victorian Legislative Council, Australian Labor Party — 2022–present
Member for Western Metropolitan Region — 2022–present
Minister for Children — 2023–present
Minister for Disability — 2023–present
Deputy Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council — 2022–present
Minister for Child Protection and Family Services — 2022–2023
Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers — 2022–2023
Minister for Planning — 2022
Leader of the House, Victorian Legislative Assembly — 2022
Member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly, Australian Labor Party — 2014–2022
Member for Pascoe Vale, Victoria — 2014–2022
Cassandra Fernando MP
Member of the Australian House of Representatives, Australian Labor Party — 2022–present
Member for Holt, Victoria — 2022–present
Member of the Speaker's Panel — 2025–present
Member, House of Representatives Standing Committee on Employment, Workplace Relations, Skills and Training — 2025–present
Member, House of Representatives Standing Committee on Publications — 2025–present
Member, Joint Standing Committee on Migration — 2022–present
Member, Joint Standing Committee on the Parliamentary Library — 2022–present
Member, House of Representatives Standing Committee on Employment, Education and Training — 2022–2025
Member, Australian Labor Party Administration Committee — 2019–2020
Member, Australian Labor Party Rules Revision Committee — 2019–2020
Proxy Member, Australian Labor Party Campaign Committee — 2019–2020
Kathleen Matthews-Ward MP
Member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly, Australian Labor Party — 2022–present
Member for Broadmeadows, Victoria — 2022–present
Councillor, City of Hume — 2004–2012
The Hon. Iwan Walters MP
Basem Abdo MP
Member of the Australian House of Representatives, Australian Labor Party — 2025–present
Member for Calwell, Victoria — 2025–present
Member, House of Representatives Standing Committee on Industry, Innovation and Science — 2025–present
Member, Joint Statutory Committee on Law Enforcement — 2025–present
Anthony Cianflone MP
Member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly, Australian Labor Party — 2022–present
Member for Pascoe Vale, Victoria — 2022–present
Celebrating Diversity & Recognising Community Contributions
Events like this reinforce the value of coming together, celebrating diversity, and recognising the contributions that individuals and communities make every day to strengthen our shared future. The presence of community leaders, government representatives, and guests from a wide range of backgrounds underscored Victoria's multicultural identity and the importance of ongoing engagement at all levels.
Australia Day Celebrations at Government House
26 January 2026
Australia Day celebrations were held at Government House following an invitation from the Governor of Victoria, bringing together community leaders, government representatives and members of Australia Defence Forces.
Service, Respect & Shared Responsibility
The occasion provided an opportunity to reflect on the values that unite Australians, including service, respect and shared responsibility. The celebrations included engagement with Deputy Premier The Hon. Ben Carroll MP and senior leadership from the Australian Army, Air Force and Navy.
The professionalism, dedication and continued service of the men and women of Australia Armed Forces were acknowledged, recognising their vital role in protecting communities and upholding national values both at home and abroad.
The event highlighted Australia strength as a nation, not only through its institutions but through the everyday contributions of those who serve, support and strengthen communities.
Australia Day celebrations concluded with a shared commitment to building a fair, inclusive and resilient nation.
Air Commodore Brett Williams, RAAF
Commander, Air Force Training Group — 2025–present
Commander Air Academy, Royal Australian Air Force — former
Director General, Defence Force Recruiting — former
Commanding Officer, No. 77 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force — former
Allan Hamley
Student, Defence and Strategic Studies Course, Australian Defence College — 2025–present
Project Director, LAND 400 Phase 2, Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group — former
Program Director, Main Battle Tank, Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group — former
Director, Armoured Vehicle Division, Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group — former
The Hon. Ben Carroll MP
Captain Ben Esler, RAN
Commanding Officer, HMAS Cerberus — 2025–present
Defence Attaché, NATO Maritime Security Centre of Excellence — former
Executive Officer, HMAS Arunta — former
Principal Warfare Officer, Royal Australian Navy — former
Australia Day Reception at Government House Victoria
21 January 2026
Held this evening and graciously hosted by Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Elaine Gardner AC FASSA FASSA, Governor of Victoria.
Community & Service
The Australia Day Reception at Government House Victoria brought together the Governor, Deputy Premier of Victoria The Hon. Ben Carroll MP, distinguished members of the Armed Forces, volunteers, and leaders from Victoria diverse multicultural communities.
The evening highlighted the values that unite Australians service, inclusion, and a shared commitment to community.
The event also provided an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions and to recognise the individuals and organisations whose contributions continue to strengthen Victoria and the nation.
Why it matters
Celebrates unity and acknowledges the people and organisations strengthening Victoria multicultural fabric.
Major General Jason Blain, DSC, AM, CSC
Head Land Systems, Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, Department of Defence — 2023–present
Commander, 7th Combat Brigade, Australian Army — 2020–2021
Branch Head and Senior Adviser, National Security and Defence, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet — c. 2018–2020
Director General Force Options and Plans, Department of Defence — 2016–2018
Director of Military Commitments – Army — 2014–2015
Commander, 1st Brigade, Australian Army — former
Deputy Director General Land Warfare — former
Mohamed Semra
Mayor, Maribyrnong City Council — 2025–present
Councillor, Maribyrnong City Council — 2024–present
Ahmed Hassan OAM
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Youth Activating Youth — 2014–present
Member, Australian Multicultural Council — present
Member, Victorian Crime Prevention Taskforce — former
Deputy Chair, Victorian African Action Plan Implementation Committee — former
Member, African Australian Community Taskforce — former
Member, Multicultural Youth Network — former
Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Elaine Gardner AC FASSA
The Hon. Ben Carroll MP
Rajat Vinayak with The Hon. Ben Carroll MP
Australia Day Reception at Government House Victoria
Showcasing AusInd Bridge Foundation next-generation leadership alongside Victoria Deputy Premier.
Diwali State Reception Victoria's Multicultural Celebration
19 October 2025
A vibrant celebration of culture, cuisine, and shared values between Victoria and the Indian-Australian community
A Celebration of Community & Inclusion
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
The Diwali State Reception, hosted by the Victorian Government at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre with Premier The Hon. Jacinta Allan MP, celebrated the vibrant connection between Victoria and the Indian-Australian community.
The evening showcased the richness of Diwali through culture, cuisine and shared values, reflecting the strength of Victoria's multicultural fabric. It was a meaningful celebration of community, inclusion and collaboration.
Event Highlights
- Cultural performances celebrating Indian traditions
- Authentic Indian cuisine and traditional foods
- Engagement with Victorian government and community leaders
- Strengthening people-to-people connections
The Hon. Jacinta Allan MP
Premier of Victoria — 2023–present
Leader of the Victorian Labor Party — 2023–present
Member for Bendigo East, Victorian Legislative Assembly — 1999–present
Member, Victorian Cabinet — 2002–present
Deputy Premier of Victoria — 2022–2023
Deputy Leader of the Labor Party (Victoria) — 2022–2023
Leader of the House, Victorian Legislative Assembly — 2014–2022
Minister for Transport and Infrastructure — 2014–2023
Minister for Public Transport — 2014–2018
Minister for Roads — 2014–2018
Minister for Suburban Rail Loop — 2020–2023
Minister for Commonwealth Games Delivery — 2022–2023
Minister for Employment and Youth Affairs — 2002–2006
Minister for Education Services — former
The Hon. Lily D'Ambrosio MP
The Hon. Ros Spence MP
Member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly, Australian Labor Party — 2014–present
Member for Kalkallo, Victoria — 2022–present
Minister for Agriculture — 2023–present
Minister for Community Sport — 2022–present
Minister for Carers and Volunteers — 2022–present
Minister for Treaty and First Peoples — 2025–present
Minister for Roads and Road Safety — 2025–present
Minister for Multicultural Affairs — former
Minister for Youth — former
Parliamentary Secretary for Public Transport — former
Parliamentary Secretary for Road Infrastructure — former
Government Whip, Victorian Legislative Assembly — former
Councillor, Hume City Council — 2008–2012
Mayor of Hume City Council — 2011–2012
The Hon. Nick Staikos MP
Member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly, Australian Labor Party — 2014–present
Member for Bentleigh, Victoria — 2014–present
Minister for Suburban Rail Loop — 2025–present
Minister for Housing — 2025–present
Minister for Building — 2025–present
Minister for Finance — 2025–present
Minister for Multicultural Affairs — former
Assistant Treasurer — former
Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer — former
Hon. Enver Erdogan
MLC — Member of the Victorian Legislative Council (2018–present)
MLC — Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation (2023–present)
MLC — Minister for Environment (2026–present)
MLC — Minister for Outdoor Recreation (2026–present)
Former Minister for Corrections and Youth Justice
Bronwyn Halfpenny MP
Member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly, Australian Labor Party — 2014–present
Member for Thomastown, Victoria — 2014–present
Minister for Industrial Relations — 2025–present
Minister for Workplace Safety — 2025–present
Parliamentary Secretary for Industrial Relations — former
Parliamentary Secretary for Workplace Safety — former
Member, Law Reform Committee — former
Member, Public Accounts and Estimates Committee — former
Pauline Richards MP
Member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly, Australian Labor Party — 2022–present
Member for Cranbourne, Victoria — 2022–present
Minister for Women — 2025–present
Minister for Prevention of Family Violence — 2025–present
Member, Public Accounts and Estimates Committee — former
Councillor, City of Casey — former
John Mullahy MP
Member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly, Australian Labor Party — 2022–present
Member for Glen Waverley, Victoria — 2022–present
Parliamentary Secretary for Health — 2025–present
Parliamentary Secretary for Mental Health — 2025–present
Parliamentary Secretary for Ambulance Services — 2025–present
Member, Legislative Assembly Economy and Infrastructure Committee — former
Member, Legislative Assembly Environment and Planning Committee — former
Mathew Hilakari MP
Member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly, Australian Labor Party — 2022–present
Member for Point Cook, Victoria — 2022–present
Parliamentary Secretary for Transport — 2025–present
Member, Legislative Assembly Economy and Infrastructure Committee — former
Member, Legislative Assembly Privileges Committee — former
Union official, Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union — former
Vivienne Nguyen AM
Chair, Victorian Multicultural Commission — present
Deputy Chair, Victorian Multicultural Commission — former
Commissioner, Victorian Multicultural Commission — former
Board Member, Northern Health — former
Board Member, Migration Council Australia — former
Community Connection & Government Support
The Diwali State Reception demonstrates Victoria's strong commitment to celebrating cultural diversity and fostering inclusive communities. The presence of multiple government leaders underscores the importance of Australia-India relations and the recognition of the Indian-Australian community's invaluable contributions to Victoria's multicultural society.
NALSAR Professor Felicitated at Parliament of Victoria
9 May 2025
Recognition for advancing India Australia academic ties and Campus Startup Culture across universities.
Parliament Recognition
Melbourne, Parliament of Victoria
Dr. Srinivas Subbarao, Dean and Professor at the Department of Management Studies and Head of the International Office at NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, was formally felicitated at the Parliament of Victoria for strengthening academic and people-to-people ties between India and Australia.
During his Melbourne visit, Subbarao engaged with policymakers, academic leaders, and institutions advancing collaboration under the Victoria India Strategy 2025 2030. His leadership in the Campus Startup Culture initiative now sparking dialogue in Indian universities and gaining traction in Australia was specially acknowledged.
The felicitation was hosted by Iwan Walters MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs, at Parliament of Victoria. The visit was facilitated by AusInd Bridge Foundation, led by Deepak Vinayak OAM JP, with support from Kamala Kanta Dash, Secretary of the Foundation.
Subbarao thanked Walters for the warm reception and acknowledged the pivotal role of AIBF, Deepak Vinayak OAM JP, and Dash in advancing India Australia academic diplomacy. He also expressed gratitude to Srikrishna Deva Rao, Vice-Chancellor of NALSAR, for visionary leadership enabling NALSAR global engagement.
Why it matters
Highlights growing momentum in India Australia higher-ed collaboration and shared commitment to innovation, academic excellence, and people-to-people connections.
The Hon. Iwan Walters MP
- Member of Parliament, Victoria (Greenvale) - Current
- Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria - Current
- Parliamentary Secretary for Disability - Current
- Acting Speaker, Victorian Legislative Assembly - Former
Inspirational Visit by Dr. Kiran Bedi, PPMG, PNBB to Melbourne
30 April 2025
India's first woman IPS officer engages with diaspora on leadership and social reform
Dr. Kiran Bedi, PPMG, PNBB
First woman officer of the Indian Police Service (IPS)
Distinguished Career
Founder, Navjyoti India Foundation — present
Founder, India Vision Foundation — present
Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry — 2016–2021
Director General, Bureau of Police Research and Development, Government of India — 2007
Police Adviser to the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations — 2003–2005
Director General, Home Guards and Civil Defence, Government of India — former
Inspector General of Prisons, Tihar Jail — former
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Delhi Police — former
First Woman Officer of the Indian Police Service (IPS) — 1972
Bharatiya Janata Party Chief Ministerial Candidate for Delhi — 2015
Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service — 1994
Diaspora Engagement
Strengthening India-Australia people-to-people ties
Dr. Kiran Bedi, PPMG, PNBB, India's first woman IPS officer and social activist, brings decades of experience in public service and social development. Her visit to Melbourne and engagement with the Indian diaspora underscores the importance of strengthening people-to-people ties between India and Australia.
Focus Areas of the Visit
Leadership
Social Reform
Governance
Youth Engagement
Visit Impact & Legacy
People-to-People Ties
Strengthening connections between Indian diaspora and homeland
Youth Inspiration
Motivating next generation of leaders in the diaspora community
Community Engagement
Promoting civic responsibility and active participation
Launch of the Parliamentarians Forum for Tech Diplomacy
21 April 2025
Advancing Responsible, Inclusive Tech in Global Diplomacy
Global Initiative Launch
A new era in technology-driven diplomacy, we were thrilled to launch the Parliamentarians Forum for Tech Diplomacy, a global initiative dedicated to fostering collaboration on the responsible and inclusive use of emerging technologies.
It was an honour to host Dylan Wight MP, Mathew Hilakari MP, and distinguished members of the Australian delegation from the Parliament of Victoria. This gathering, organised in partnership with the AusInd Bridge Foundation, brought together policymakers, business leaders, academics, and young changemakers from Australia and India.
Key Takeaway
A key takeaway from the event was the importance of tech-enabled diplomacy and inclusive leadership in shaping a better future. Drawing inspiration from Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi G20 model, we explored how multi-stakeholder engagement across diverse sectors can drive positive change on the global stage.
Forum Launch Ceremony
Official launch of the Parliamentarians Forum.
Event Highlights
Multi-Stakeholder Engagement
Policymakers, business leaders, academics, and young changemakers coming together.
Tech-Enabled Diplomacy
Exploring the responsible use of emerging technologies in global relations.
Global Inspiration
Drawing from Prime Minister Modi's G20 model for inclusive leadership.
Meeting with Shri Sanjay Seth, Minister of State for Defence, Government of India
11 September 2024
Mr. Deepak Vinayak OAM JP, our Founder and Chairperson, had the privilege of meeting Shri Sanjay Seth, Minister of State for Defence, Government of India, at a reception hosted by the Consulate General of India in Melbourne. Their discussions spanned a wide range of topics, including strategies to further strengthen bilateral ties between India and Australia.
Such fruitful meetings play a vital role in fostering business and political relationships between the two nations, reinforcing the commitment to deepening Australia ‘India cooperation across multiple sectors.
Minister of State for Defence, Government of India — 2024–present
Member of the Lok Sabha, Bharatiya Janata Party — 2019–present
Member for Ranchi, Jharkhand — 2019–present
Member, Committee on Subordinate Legislation — 2019–present
Member, Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology — 2019–present
Member, Committee on Welfare of Other Backward Classes — 2019–present
Chairman, Jharkhand State Khadi and Village Industries Board — 2016–2019
Member, Local Board, State Bank of India, Patna Circle — 1999–2005
President, Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries — 1999–2000
Chairman, Jharkhand State Khadi & Village Industries Board (2016–2019)
Member, Local Board, State Bank of India (1999–2005)
Strengthening Victoria India Relations India's Independence Day Celebrations
11 September 2024
Landmark celebrations at MCG highlight growing bilateral partnership ahead of Premier's visit to India
Historic Celebration at MCG
Uniting communities, strengthening ties
The celebration of India's Independence Day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground highlighted the enduring and growing relationship between India and Victoria. The event brought together community leaders and senior representatives of the Victorian Government, including the Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, The Hon. Ben Carroll MP, underscoring the strength of people-to-people and institutional ties.
A significant highlight was the illumination of Melbourne's iconic landmarks in the colours of the Indian tricolour, including Flinders Street Station, symbolising unity, multicultural pride and shared values. These gestures reflected Victoria's commitment to recognising the contributions of the Indian community and strengthening bilateral connections.
Premier's Upcoming Visit to India
The occasion also coincided with engagement ahead of The Hon. Jacinta Allan MP's forthcoming visit to India. A pre-departure briefing and community feedback session held at the Parliament of Victoria demonstrated the Government's inclusive approach and its focus on deepening collaboration across education, innovation, business, technology, transport, and the visitor economy.
About the Celebration
The celebration of India's Independence Day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground highlighted the enduring and growing relationship between India and Victoria. The event brought together community leaders and senior representatives of the Victorian Government, including the Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, The Hon. Ben Carroll MP.
Landmarks Illuminated in Tricolour:
- Flinders Street Station
- Melbourne Town Hall
- Arts Centre Melbourne
- Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
The Hon. Jacinta Allan MP
Premier of Victoria — 2023–present
Leader of the Victorian Labor Party — 2023–present
Member for Bendigo East, Victorian Legislative Assembly — 1999–present
Member, Victorian Cabinet — 2002–present
Deputy Premier of Victoria — 2022–2023
Deputy Leader of the Labor Party (Victoria) — 2022–2023
Leader of the House, Victorian Legislative Assembly — 2014–2022
Minister for Transport and Infrastructure — 2014–2023
Minister for Public Transport — 2014–2018
Minister for Roads — 2014–2018
Minister for Suburban Rail Loop — 2020–2023
Minister for Commonwealth Games Delivery — 2022–2023
Minister for Employment and Youth Affairs — 2002–2006
Minister for Education Services — former
The Hon. Ben Carroll MP
- Member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly, Australian Labor Party — 2010–present
- Member for Niddrie, Victoria — 2010–present
- Deputy Premier of Victoria — 2023–present
- Minister for Education — 2023–present
- Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC — 2024–present
- Minister for Medical Research — 2026–present
- Member, Legislative Assembly Standing Orders Committee — 2017–2018, 2023–present
- Member, Dispute Resolution Committee — 2023–present
- Parliamentary Secretary to the Shadow Minister for Public Transport — 2013–2014
- Parliamentary Secretary to the Shadow Minister for Roads — 2013–2014
- Member, Legislative Assembly Privileges Committee — 2022
- Member, Law Reform, Drugs and Crime Prevention Committee — 2013–2014
- Member, Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee — 2012–2013
Event Highlights
Iconic Landmark Illumination
Flinders Street Station and other Melbourne landmarks lit in Indian tricolour colours
Community Engagement
Pre-departure briefing and feedback session at Parliament of Victoria
Bilateral Partnership
Focus on education, innovation, business, technology and transport collaboration
Victoria-India Relations Enter New Era with Premier's India Strategy Launch
13 January 2018
Deepak Vinayak OAM JP addresses historic moment at Australia India Institute
Historic Address
Deepak Vinayak OAM JP's keynote speech
Key Quote:
"This is a historic day when we witness Victoria's relationship with India entering a new era. Victoria's India Strategy is holistic. I want to congratulate the Hon. Daniel Andrews & his government for taking this forward."
- Deepak Vinayak OAM JP
At the prestigious Australia India Institute (University of Melbourne), Deepak Vinayak delivered a powerful address reflecting on India's diaspora and the strength of Victoria's personal connections with India during the launch of the The Hon. Daniel Michael Andrews AC India Strategy.
The event marked a significant milestone in bilateral relations, with the strategy representing a comprehensive framework to deepen economic, cultural, and educational ties between Victoria and India.
