The Colours of Victoria's (Multi)Cultural Diversity Week

Cultural Diversity Week is Victoria’s largest multicultural celebration, featuring an exciting program of festivals and events across metropolitan and regional areas. The Week is held annually in March to coincide with the United Nations Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and Harmony Day on 21 March. Proudly presented by the Victorian Multicultural Commission, with support from the Victorian Government, Cultural Diversity Week 2018 will be held from 17 - 25 March. Victoria Multicultural Commission's Deputy Chairperson Ross (Spiros) Alatsas talks to SBS Greek's Panos Apostolou.

Mitch Firth opens the Premier’s Gala Dinner in March 2017 with a moving performance reflecting on Australia’s Indigenous journey Source: Supplied

Victoria’s diversity

Since the traditional owners first inhabited the land, Victoria’s cultural diversity has continued to evolve and shape our identity. While the many cultures of Victoria’s First Peoples remain in continuous connection to this land, successive waves of migration have seen people from all over the world arrive in our state.

Cultural Diversity Week is Victoria’s largest multicultural celebration Source: Supplied

Today, almost half of Victorians were either born overseas or have at least one parent who was born overseas. Victorians come from 200 countries, speak over 260 languages and follow more than 130 different faiths

'Proud to belong'

Cultural Diversity Week is all about sharing stories, and this year, we celebrate the everyday diversity of Victorians. What is it that makes you love the diversity of Victoria? What is it that makes you feel proud to be a Victorian in this multicultural state? And how often do we stop and think about what gives us a sense of belonging? 

‘Proud to belong’ also asks Victorians to think about the formula for a strong sense of belonging, as well as the role we all play to ensure our communities are welcoming and inclusive. 

Find out more about the Cultural Diversity Week here: https://culturaldiversityweek.vic.gov.au