New appointments for multicultural commission

Victoria’s diverse communities will soon be supported and advocated for by four new inspiring community leaders who will join the Victorian Multicultural Commission.

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Colin Brooks today announced the appointment of four Commissioners who will join the Victorian Multicultural Commission after participating in a competitive recruitment process.

The successful applicants were selected based on their skills, lived experiences and existing involvement in the promotion of equality for multicultural and multifaith communities across the state.

The appointees are:

• Sylvia Coombe, Commissioner, the VMC’s first member of Pacifika heritage

• Dr Judy Tang, Commissioner (reappointed)

• Gabrielle Marchetti, Community Representative Commissioner

• Krushnadevsinh Ravalji, Youth Commissioner

The VMC is made up of 12 commissioners from diverse backgrounds who are appointed by the Governor-in-Council to serve terms of up to four years.

Commissioners work alongside Chairperson Vivienne Nguyen and the Victorian Government to provide critical advice and insights that will ensure positive outcomes for Victoria’s multicultural and multifaith communities.

The new appointments became available after the terms of four sitting Commissioners concluded. The Labor Government thanks outgoing commissioners Shankar Kasynathan, Abiola Akinbiyi and Lunarphare (Luna) Folly for their contribution, in particular, for supporting multicultural communities during the COVID -19 pandemic.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Colin Brooks

“We’re delighted to welcome new and inspiring community leaders to join the Victorian Multicultural Commission, we know their expertise and insights are critical to the supports and services government provides.”

“The Victorian Multicultural Commission is an invaluable link between multicultural and multifaith communities and the Labor Government, and I look forward to hearing more about the ways we can create positive outcomes for all Victorians.”

Quotes attributable to Chairperson of Victorian Multicultural Commission Vivien Nguyen

“I welcome the diversity and representation of Commissioners.”

“It is indeed through the lens of lived experience that the Commission strives to advocate for access, equality and inclusion of services and ensure the voices of communities are heard and represented.”