The Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) is led by commissioners appointed by the Minister for Multicultural Affairs for terms of up to 4 years.
The VMC Commissioners:
- work at a grassroots level to gain a solid understanding of the issues facing ethnic communities
- attend events
- liaise between different faith and community groups
- meet on a bi-monthly basis
- develop strategies to address community issues.
Vivienne (Viv) Nguyen AM, Chairperson
Current term: August 2023 to 21 August 2026
First appointed: 24 August 2019
Viv Nguyen’s greatest talent is continuing what she started soon after arriving in Australia as a 12-year-old refugee: being a passionate advocate for genuine community engagement and cultural diversity.
For over 25 years Viv has been a leader in corporate, community and government settings, applying her business knowledge and technical expertise to work with community organisations to advance their social objectives. She held executive roles at AustChoice Financial Services, AMP Asset Management and ANZ Banking Group, where she led their global diversity strategy. She was also President of the Vietnamese Community in Australia Victoria Chapter from 2016 to 2019.
In 2002, Viv was inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll for advocating for women’s leadership and supporting young Vietnamese people. In 2003, she was awarded the Australian Centenary Medal and in 2021 was awarded the Australian Order in the AM division for advancing multicultural Victoria.
Sylvia Coombe
Current term: September 2023 to September 2027
First appointed: September 2023
Sylvia Coombe is a Pasifika community leader of Fijian Heritage and the current Honorary Consul of Fiji (Victoria), with more than 28 years of experience in Quality, Rail Safety and Auditing Compliance across Victoria’s telecommunications, automotive, rail and construction sectors.
She contributes to state, federal and local government priorities through her service on peak bodies, advisory groups and consultation committees, including those supporting the PALM Scheme and broader Australia–Pacific engagement. Her work strengthens policy alignment, community insights and bilateral relationships between government and Pacific diaspora communities.
Sylvia also volunteers with her local CFA brigade and serves as a multicultural safety ambassador with the Migrant Workers Centre, advocating for public safety, worker protections and fair treatment of migrant communities.
Her combined professional expertise, diplomatic role and long-standing community leadership reflect a strong commitment to supporting government objectives, enhancing social cohesion and advancing the wellbeing of Pasifika and multicultural communities across Victoria.
Dr Judy Tang
Current term: September 2023 to September 2027
First appointed: September 2019
Judy is a strong advocate for multiculturalism and LGBTIQA+ communities with expertise in psychology, ageing, research and mental health. With extensive relationships across government and community, Judy has volunteered for more than 10 years to promote and advocate for multiculturalism and equality for migrants.
She is a former VMC Multicultural Champion and President of the Australian GLBTIQ Multicultural Council, a national body that advocates for the rights of multicultural and multifaith LGBTQIA+ people and communities. Judy has a doctorate in neuropsychology and is a practicing clinical neuropsychologist.
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