The Victorian Government and the Victorian Multicultural Commission have opened nominations for the 2025 Multicultural Awards for Excellence, an annual initiative recognising individuals and organisations that promote inclusion, strengthen communities, and contribute to a more equitable and welcoming Victoria.
Announced by Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt, the awards are now in their 24th year and celebrate contributions across a wide range of sectors, from health and education to arts, youth leadership, and community harmony.
There are 14 categories in 2025, including:
- Arts
- Business and Employment
- Education
- Emergency Services
- Health
- Local Government
- Media
- Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Police
- Refugee Leadership
- Sport
- Youth Leadership
- Premier’s Award for Community Harmony
- Multicultural Honour Roll
Nominees may be recognised for both paid and volunteer work. The awards are open to individuals and groups who have helped promote diversity and build bridges across cultures in Victoria.
Minister Stitt said the awards are an important way to recognise everyday efforts that contribute to community strength.
“Victoria’s diversity is one of our greatest strengths – and these awards are about recognising the people and organisations who work every day to make our communities stronger, fairer and more connected,” she said.
Victorian Multicultural Commission Chairperson Vivienne Nguyen AM also encouraged the public to take part in the nomination process.
“These awards highlight the remarkable people who are helping to shape a more inclusive Victoria — their efforts are often quiet, but their impact is profound,” Ms Nguyen said.
In 2024, awardees included Rasha Abbas (Refugee Leadership Award), Sotiris Hatzimanolis (Media Award), and Ali Agha Wali Zada (Youth Leadership Award), all recognised for their leadership in migrant, multicultural, and youth spaces.
Nominations close at 11.59 pm on Tuesday, 27 August 2025.
For more information and to nominate, visit: www.multiculturalcommission.vic.gov.au/multicultural-awards-for-excellence
