Community advocate and experienced business leader Vivienne Nguyen has been appointed as Chair of the Victorian Multicultural Commission.
A proud Vietnamese-Victorian, Ms Nguyen has a strong track record in promoting multiculturalism and advocating for the needs of Victoria’s diverse communities. She brings to her role more than 25 years experience in the corporate, public and community sectors.
Ms Nguyen was a Victorian Multicultural Commissioner from 2005 to 2008 and is excited to be returning with a new perspective.
“I’m excited to be able to offer my experience and passion to Victoria’s multicultural communities. I am committed to working with communities and government to continue the work of creating a Victoria where everyone can fully participate, no matter a person’s background, religion or identity,” Ms Nguyen said.
“As a proud Vietnamese-Australian woman and an advocate for diversity in all its forms, I am proud to be returning to the Commission in a leadership capacity,” she added.
“Viv already has an incredible list of achievements in promoting diversity and I wish her all the best in leading the VMC’s vitally important work,” VMC Acting Chairperson Ross Alatsas said.
Most recently, she was President of the Vietnamese Community of Australia (Victorian Chapter) where she played a key role in building support for Australia’s first Vietnamese cultural museum.
She has worked with a range of culturally and religiously diverse communities, supporting local African communities to engage with state and local governments to strengthen social cohesion.
“Viv Nguyen’s dedication, experience and leadership will ensure the Victorian Multicultural Commission continues to advocate strongly for Victoria’s diverse communities and provide expert advice to government,” Minister for Multicultural Affairs Richard Wynne said.
“Our state’s cultural and religious diversity is one of our greatest strengths. I am looking forward to working with Ms Nguyen to continue our proud tradition of embracing and celebrating Victoria’s vibrant diversity,” Wynne said.
More recently, Ms Nguyen has supported organisations and community members to transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Prior to her work in the public and community sectors, Ms Nguyen held various business and financial roles, including at ANZ Banking Group where she led the organisation’s global diversity strategy.
As Chair, Ms Nguyen will steer the Commission to identify and address issues faced by diverse groups, encourage communities to express and preserve their heritage and traditions and advise the Minister on community issues
The Victorian Multicultural Commission also promotes the social, cultural and economic benefits of our cultural diversity, oversees a network of Regional Advisory Councils, and delivers Victoria’s largest multicultural celebration, Cultural Diversity Week
Ms Nguyen will commence her four-year term as VMC chair on 26 August 2019.
