- Published:
- Monday 24 August 2026 at 3:00 pm
Victorians from across the state have gathered to connect, unite and celebrate at the Premier’s Multicultural Gala Dinner.
Proudly hosted by the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC), the Gala – held on Saturday 22 August at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre – attracted more than 1,200 guests to a vibrant celebration promoting belonging, respect and understanding.
Focused on Stories of Us, the evening profiled the unique journeys, ancestry and migration stories that shape Victoria’s shared identity.
The entertainment program featured music, dance and dynamic performances spanning the globe: from the Middle East, Africa, Europe and South-East Asia; to the Pacific Islands and South America.
The foyer entry was transformed into a bustling bazaar that included stalls by Ukrainian, Chinese, Bengali, Persian, Latin American and Fijian community groups, each showcasing cultural practice such as tapestry, weaving, floral arrangements and lantern-making.
Guests included the Hon. Ben Carroll MP, Premier of Victoria; the Hon. Paul Edbrooke MP, Minister for Multicultural Affairs; Ms Jess Wilson MP, Leader of the Opposition; Federal Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs, Hon. Julian Hill MP; Victorian Multicultural Commission Interim Chairperson, Ms Louise Perry; and Victorian multicultural and multifaith leaders.
The highly anticipated annual Gala encourages Victorians from across the state to come together and celebrate the diverse cultures, faith and traditions that define Victoria.
The event forms part of a calendar of VMC celebrations aimed at promoting and strengthening cross-cultural understanding and interfaith dialogue.
Quotes attributable to Victorian Multicultural Commission Interim Chairperson Louise Perry
“The Premier’s Multicultural Gala Dinner is a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from our diversity and the connections that unite us.”
“It is inspiring to see community leaders, volunteers and representatives from Victoria’s many cultures come together to celebrate our shared future and the invaluable contributions multicultural communities make to our state every day.”
Updated