The Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) is led by commissioners appointed by the Minister for Multicultural and Multifaith 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.
Louise Perry, Chairperson
Current term: July 2026 to October 2026 (interim)
First appointed: 16 July 2026
Louise Perry is a highly accomplished executive and board director with more than 20 years’ leadership experience driving public policy and community engagement across the non-profit, international development, human rights and government sectors.
A graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors with a background in journalism at The Australian newspaper and a master’s in international development, she has successfully led large-scale organisations through complex structural mergers, notably as Deputy CEO of VicRoads and Executive Director at the Department of Transport.
A woman of Burmese heritage, Louise is driven by a personal and professional commitment to diversity and equity, which stems from lived experience growing up in a migrant family. Her recent career highlights include serving as Deputy Secretary for Fairer Victoria within the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, where she led landmark anti-racism, youth and gender equality strategies.
She has also held senior roles such as CEO of the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation and worked for nearly a decade in the international development human rights sector at Oxfam. Louise has four beautiful children.
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 OAM
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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