VMC Chairperson Vivienne Nguyen AM to conclude her term after seven years of leadership

After seven years leading the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC), Chairperson Vivienne Nguyen AM will conclude her term on Wednesday 15 July 2026.

Since her appointment in 2019, Vivienne has led the VMC through some of Victoria's most significant moments, including the COVID-19 pandemic, flood recovery efforts and the impacts of international events on multicultural and multifaith communities. Throughout her tenure, she has championed community-led engagement, strengthened partnerships across government and the community sector, and ensured diverse voices remained at the centre of the VMC's work.

Under Vivienne's leadership, the VMC convened the Multifaith Advisory Group, contributed to Victoria's Anti-Racism Taskforce and delivered flagship initiatives including Cultural Diversity Week. In 2021, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in recognition of her service to multicultural Victoria.

Vivienne's departure comes as the Victorian Government prepares for the proposed establishment of Multicultural Victoria, a new statutory body that will bring together the functions of the VMC and Multicultural Affairs, subject to the passage of legislation.

Applications for leadership positions within Multicultural Victoria, including the Coordinator General, two Deputy Coordinators General and members of the Multicultural Community Advisory Group - will open shortly. Community members are encouraged to keep an eye out for these opportunities and share them widely through their networks.

From Thursday 16 July, Louise Perry will commence as interim Chairperson of the VMC, supporting the organisation through this transition until Multicultural Victoria is established.

The VMC thanks Vivienne for her outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to strengthening Victoria's multicultural and multifaith communities. Her legacy will continue through the relationships she has built, the communities she has championed and the foundation she has helped create for the next chapter of multicultural affairs in Victoria.

Read the full press release here.

Quote attributable to Victorian Multicultural Commission Chairperson Vivienne Nguyen AM

"Being in this role has been an honour and a privilege. As we lived through the impact of overseas events that flowed to our shores, to the celebrations of achievements here in Victoria, we individually and collectively have shown that we can live and thrive, and we can overcome adversity no matter the shape and size. Diversity is indeed our strength and our asset."

Quote attributable to Minister for Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria Ingrid Stitt

"I want to thank Vivienne for her valuable contributions to the Victorian Multicultural Commission and to Victoria's multicultural communities since 2019."

Quote attributable to interim Victorian Multicultural Commission Chairperson Louise Perry

"The establishment of Multicultural Victoria presents a unique opportunity for multicultural and multifaith affairs in our state. I look forward to working with communities, VMC staff and government as we prepare for legislative changes."