The Allan Labor Government, in partnership with the Victorian Multicultural Commission, has officially opened nominations for the 2025 Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence, now celebrating its 24th year of honouring individuals and organisations that champion diversity, inclusion, and community building across the state.

Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Ingrid Stitt, launched the awards with a call to Victorians to help spotlight those making an enduring difference through leadership, service, and advocacy. “Victoria’s diversity is one of our greatest strengths – and these awards are about recognising the people and organisations who work every day to make our communities stronger, fairer and more connected,” Minister Stitt said.

These prestigious annual awards recognise contributions both in professional and voluntary capacities. Past recipients have included community leaders, cultural advocates, youth mentors, and mental health champions whose efforts continue to inspire across generations and communities.

Honouring Everyday Champions

This year’s program features 14 award categories, including:

• Arts
• Business and Employment
• Emergency Services
• Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Sport
• Youth Leadership
• Multicultural Honour Roll
• The Premier’s Award for Community Harmony

In 2024, honourees included Rasha Abbas for her advocacy in the Refugee Leadership space, Sotiris Hatzimanolis for transforming Greek-Australian media through Neos Kosmos, and Ali Agha Wali Zada, who was celebrated for his work in youth mental health and cultural inclusion.

Victorian Multicultural Commission Chairperson Vivienne Nguyen AM highlighted the profound impact of grassroots changemakers. “These awards highlight the remarkable people who are helping to shape a more inclusive Victoria — their efforts are often quiet, but their impact is profound,” she said.

Nominate a Champion

Victorians are encouraged to nominate individuals or organisations making a difference in their communities. Nominations close at 11:59pm on Tuesday, 27 August 2025.

To learn more or submit a nomination, visit:
👉 multiculturalcommission.vic.gov.au/multicultural-awards-for-excellence