Victoria is preparing to host Cultural Diversity Week 2025, scheduled from 17 to 23 March. This year’s theme, ‘Embrace the Journey, Shape Our Future,’ encourages residents to reflect on their cultural backgrounds and engage with the diverse communities across the state. The week aims to promote understanding and a sense of belonging by inviting participation from individuals, organisations, and workplaces.
The Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) highlights that the state is home to people who speak 290 languages and have 314 different ancestries. This diversity is a fundamental aspect of Victoria’s identity, character, and way of life. Cultural Diversity Week serves as an opportunity to honour the stories that contribute to this multicultural spirit.
Participants are encouraged to host local festivals, share traditions, and engage in community activities that showcase cultural diversity. Suggestions include organising gatherings that celebrate various talents and traditions, setting up displays highlighting different cultures, and collaborating with local cultural groups to co-host events. The VMC also recommends completing the Australian Human Rights Commission Workplace Cultural Diversity Tool with colleagues to foster inclusivity in professional settings.
The week coincides with the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD) on 21 March, underscoring the importance of supporting and advocating for multicultural communities. This alignment serves as a reminder that while celebrating multiculturalism is vital, it is equally important to continue conversations about diversity, inclusion, and belonging beyond the week’s events.
In addition to state-wide activities, local councils and organisations are planning events to mark the occasion. For instance, the Mornington Peninsula Shire has previously celebrated Cultural Diversity Week with various community activities, reflecting the area’s commitment to inclusiveness and respect for all cultures.
Public libraries across Victoria are also expected to participate by hosting events that promote cultural understanding. These institutions often serve as community hubs, providing spaces for people to come together and learn about different cultural backgrounds through workshops, storytelling sessions, and exhibitions.
Educational organisations are encouraged to incorporate Cultural Diversity Week into their calendars, using it as an opportunity to teach students about the importance of multiculturalism and the contributions of various cultural groups to society. This approach not only educates but also fosters an environment of acceptance and appreciation from a young age.
The VMC invites all Victorians to share their Cultural Diversity Week experiences on social media using hashtags such as #CulturalDiversityWeek, #CDW2025, #EmbraceTheJourney, and #ShapeOurFuture. This digital engagement aims to connect communities online, allowing for a broader sharing of experiences and stories that highlight the state’s rich cultural tapestry.
As the week approaches, Victorians are encouraged to reflect on their own cultural journeys and consider how they can contribute to shaping a future that values diversity and fosters a sense of belonging for all. Whether through attending events, hosting gatherings, or simply engaging in conversations about cultural heritage, there are numerous ways to participate in this state-wide celebration.
For more information on events and how to get involved, individuals and organisations can visit the Victorian Multicultural Commission’s official website. The site offers resources and guidance on planning activities, as well as details on events happening across the state during Cultural Diversity Week 2025.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
🌏Victoria’s #CulturalDiversityWeek 2025, themed '#EmbracetheJourney, #ShapeOurFuture,' runs from 17–23 March. 🌟 Celebrate #multiculturalism through events, traditions, & community activities. 👐 Join the journey! 🌈 #TheIndianSun @VivNguyenVMC #CDW2025https://t.co/RXiIHwxvTd
— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) January 9, 2025
Donate To The Indian Sun
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun is an independent organisation committed to community journalism. We have, through the years, been able to reach a wide audience especially with the growth of social media, where we also have a strong presence. With platforms such as YouTube videos, we have been able to engage in different forms of storytelling. However, the past few years, like many media organisations around the world, it has not been an easy path. We have a greater challenge. We believe community journalism is very important for a multicultural country like Australia. We’re not able to do everything, but we aim for some of the most interesting stories and journalism of quality. We call upon readers like you to support us and make any contribution. Do make a DONATION NOW so we can continue with the volume and quality journalism that we are able to practice.
Thank you for your support.
Best wishes,
Team The Indian Sun
