The Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) is led by commissioners appointed by the Minister for Multicultural Affairs for terms of up to 4 years.
As required under the Multicultural Victoria Act 2011, the VMC includes:
- Chairperson
- Deputy Chairperson
- Youth Commissioner
- Community Representative Commissioner.
The VMC Commissioners:
- work at a grassroots level to gain a solid understanding of the issues facing ethnic communities
- attend events
- liaise between different faith and community groups
- meet on a bi-monthly basis
- develop strategies to address community issues.
Vivienne (Viv) Nguyen AM, Chairperson
Current term: August 2023 to 21 August 2026
First appointed: 24 August 2019
Viv Nguyen’s greatest talent is continuing what she started soon after arriving in Australia as a 12-year-old refugee: being a passionate advocate for genuine community engagement and cultural diversity.
For over 25 years Viv has been a leader in corporate, community and government settings, applying her business knowledge and technical expertise to work with community organisations to advance their social objectives. She held executive roles at AustChoice Financial Services, AMP Asset Management and ANZ Banking Group, where she led their global diversity strategy. She was also President of the Vietnamese Community in Australia Victoria Chapter from 2016 to 2019.
In 2002, Viv was inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll for advocating for women’s leadership and supporting young Vietnamese people. In 2003, she was awarded the Australian Centenary Medal and in 2021 was awarded the Australian Order in the AM division for advancing multicultural Victoria.
Bwe Thay, Deputy Chairperson
Current term: September 2021 to September 2025
First appointed: September 2019
Bwe is a spirited advocate for multiculturalism in Australia, devoted to strengthening the capacity and leadership of diverse communities. He focuses on leadership development, education, and employment opportunities, collaborating directly with individuals and communities while influencing policy across service providers, businesses, and all levels of government.
A sound and visionary leader, Bwe has held numerous leadership roles within Victoria's multicultural sector and also sits on several boards, where he provides strategic guidance to advance multicultural inclusion, education, and community empowerment. His work has earned widespread recognition for advancing advocacy, promoting community service, and achieving professional excellence.
Known for his practical, hands-on approach, Bwe is deeply committed to fostering unity and engagement among communities. His tireless efforts to promote harmony and build vibrant, inclusive societies continue to leave a lasting impact across Australia's multicultural landscape.”
Tarang Chawla
Current term: September 2021 to September 2025
First appointed: September 2021
Tarang is an Indian-born Australian writer, lawyer, campaigner and activist. He is the co-founder of Not One More Niki, one of Australia’s largest campaigns to end violence against women and children, named in honour of his younger sister Nikita who was murdered in 2015. A sessional academic at Monash University and on the Board of the Australian Republic Movement, Tarang’s work has appeared across Australian television, print and online media outlets and internationally on the BBC, Times of India and Hindustan Times.
Tarang has received multiple honours for his work, including Young Australian of the Year Finalist, Young Community Achiever of the Year, one of the Top 25 Most Influential People Working for Social Change and one of Australia’s Top 40 Under 40 Most Influential Asian-Australians.
Sylvia Coombe
Current term: September 2023 to September 2027
First appointed: September 2023
Sylvia Coombe is the President of the Fijian Community Association Victoria Inc. (FCAV) in Melbourne and a board member of the United Pasifika Council of Victoria Inc.(UPCOV). With over 16 years of experience in Quality Management and Rail Safety in the Victorian Public Rail Transportation industry, she has made significant contributions in ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety for passengers and employees.
In addition to her professional role, Sylvia actively volunteers and supports various state, federal, and local boards and organizations. She serves on peak bodies, advisory bodies, local councils, research bodies, and consultation committees for the PALM Scheme in Victoria, which strengthens relationships between Australia and Pacific Island countries. Sylvia's commitment to community welfare extends further as she has served as a volunteer CFA firefighter, works as a grant panel assessor, and is currently a multicultural safety ambassador with the Migrant Worker Centre. These roles demonstrate her dedication to public safety, supporting local communities, and protecting the rights and safety of migrant workers.
Overall, Sylvia Coombe's extensive experience in quality management, her leadership roles in community associations, and her active involvement in volunteer work showcase her passion for the welfare of others and her commitment to making a positive impact in various spheres of society.
Jennifer Huppert
Current term: September 2021 to September 2025
First appointed: September 2021
Jennifer is a lawyer with over 30 years’ experience, practising largely in the area of government and commercial property law, and is currently a special counsel at Maddocks Lawyers. She has a history of public service in Victoria. Jennifer was a member of the board of the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission from 2016 until 2021, a member of the Legislative Council of the Parliament of Victoria representing the Southern Metropolitan Region during 2009 and 2010, and prior to that was a director of the Emergency Services State Superannuation Fund.
Jennifer is the immediate past President of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) and served on the boards of a number of not for profit organisations, including the National Council of Jewish Women of Australia Ltd, the B’nei B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission, the Jewish Taskforce Against Family Violence, and Youth Connect. Jennifer is currently a councillor of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry and holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts from Monash University, and a Masters of Urban Planning from the University of Melbourne.
Nyangak (Lizzy) Kuoth
Current term: September 2021 to September 2025
First appointed: September 2021
Whimsical, wise and courageous, Lizzy is a woman to watch and at 30 years of age, has already lived a very full life. As a child, Lizzy fled war-torn South Sudan with her grandmother and three younger brothers, spending four years in Egypt before arriving in Melbourne in 2005.
Fast-forward 16 years, and Lizzy is carving out her own niche at the intersection of economics (which she is currently studying), youth development, diversity and inclusion. As a Commissioner, Lizzy brings an important voice, cross-cultural wisdom and powerful stories to inspire others. When she isn’t at work, Lizzy is either out for a hike or grabbing a coffee with a mate.
Gabrielle Marchetti
Current term: September 2023 to September 2025
First appointed: September 2023
Gabrielle is a dedicated advocate for multiculturalism and the rights of diverse communities in Victoria. She was born in Italy and migrated to Australia with her family. Her passion for social justice, particularly in the area of workers' rights, led her to pursue a career as a community lawyer in a not-for-profit community legal centre whose purpose it is to support and protect the employment rights of vulnerable workers, especially those most disadvantaged, including temporary visa holders and other migrant workers.
Gabrielle currently serves on the board of the Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria (ECCV), and she is also the Vice President of the Committee of Italians Abroad in Victoria and Tasmania (COMITES Vic & Tas). She is also an Honorary Fellow of the Melbourne Law School. In the past, Gabrielle was a board member of the Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health for four years and she was involved in a grassroots campaign to establish Melbourne’s first Italian bilingual primary school.
Gabrielle is honoured to be appointed to the role of Victorian Multicultural Commissioner. She sees this as a special opportunity to champion the rights and needs of multicultural and multi-faith communities across the state. She is committed to promoting full participation of these communities in social, cultural, economic and political life and to advocating for equal access to Victorian services.
Mohamed Mohideen OAM JP
Current term: September 2021 to September 2025
First appointed: September 2021
Mohamed is a microbiologist by profession with over 30 years’ experience in the field. He is a Professional Member of the Australian Society for Microbiology, was an academic in Monash University’s Department of Microbiology for over 20 years, and from March 2021 to June 2022, was Head of Priority Communities and Engagement, COVID-19 Vaccination Response at the Department of Health. Mohamed is interested in multifaith and multicultural communities and working with community to address mental health, refugee rights and interaction between multicultural and Indigenous communities. He is a strong advocate against family violence and was appointed a White Ribbon Ambassador in 2016.
Mohamed is Deputy Chair of the Faith Communities Council of Victoria, former Chairperson of the Monash Interfaith Gathering and is on Monash City Council’s Multicultural Advisory Committee. He is the President of the Islamic Council of Victoria and its immediate Past President, and former President of the United Sri Lankan Muslim Association of Australia. Monash City Council awarded Mohamed the 2015 Sir John Monash Multicultural Champion and the 2018 Sir John Monash Volunteer of the Year. He received the 2016 Victorian Premier’s Volunteer Champion Award for Leadership, and in 2013 was awarded an Order of Australia Medal. Mohamed is also a current Victorian Justice of the Peace.
Bill Papastergiadis OAM
Current term: September 2021 to September 2025
First appointed: September 2021
Bill is a highly accomplished Australian construction lawyer and leads the Melbourne office of preeminent national law firm, Moray and Agnew. He has a long history of involvement in multicultural affairs, gained though his role as Director of the Hellenic Initiative and his elected position as President of the Greek Community of Melbourne and Victoria, which he’s held since 2008. In this role, Bill has devoted much of the last 14 years to the promotion and welfare of Victoria’s Greek community.
Being passionate about community work, Bill is involved in many multicultural programs, even as he fulfills roles such as Chairman of South Melbourne Football Club, former Chair and longstanding board member of Alphington Grammar School, and board member of Melbourne University’s Humanities Foundation. In 2019, Bill was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for service to the Greek Community.
Krushnadevsinh Ravalji
Current term: September 2023 to September 2025
First appointed: September 2023
Krushnadevsinh (Kano) Ravalji, is an award-winning advocate, speaker, and founder of Third Culture Australia. As a migrant, he faced language, cultural and racial challenges, motivating him to volunteer and work within the multicultural and youth sectors. Kano conducted research with Australian National University and UNICEF, into systemic racism affecting young people. At the Victorian Electoral Commission, he produced over 100 educational videos in 30 languages, powering diverse communities in the democratic process. In recognition of his dedication, Kano received the Inaugural VicHealth Future ChangeMaker Award, supported by AHPA, and the RAMA Youth Icon Award in 2022.
Today, he leads Third Culture Australia, supporting young people and partnering with organisations to promote inclusion, equity, and leadership within multicultural communities. He also contributes as a committee member to Young Gujju's of Victoria, Culture Spring, and the Western Metropolitan Partnership. As Youth Commissioner, Kano aims to bring his lived and professional experience to impact the diverse Victorian community!
Silvia Renda
Current term: September 2021 to September 2025
First appointed: September 2021
Silvia is a passionate advocate for multiculturalism and bringing communities together through meaningful engagement. A community leader for over 25 years, she draws on professional skills and lived-experience as a migrant to support Portuguese-speaking communities. Silvia founded, and was President for seven years, the Portuguese Speaking Communities of Victoria. In 2018 she founded, and currently chairs, the Portuguese Australian Women’s Association, who build a network of support for Portuguese-speaking women and advocate for women’s leadership.
Silvia is a Portuguese Community Council member, a global body of elected representatives who advise the Portuguese government on issues facing expatriated communities. She is also a Portuguese Social and Economic Council member, a constitutional body who advises the Portuguese government on relevant policies. As Chief Advisor and Head of Government Relations at the Australian Financial Complaints Authority, Silvia brings her experience in conflict resolution, strategy and policy and record of work with government, international consulates, boards and senior executives. She holds a Bachelor of Legal Studies and a Masters in Conflict Resolution.
Dr Judy Tang
Current term: September 2023 to September 2027
First appointed: September 2019
Judy is a strong advocate for multiculturalism and LGBTIQA+ communities with expertise in psychology, ageing, research and mental health. With extensive relationships across government and community, Judy has volunteered for more than 10 years to promote and advocate for multiculturalism and equality for migrants.
She is a former VMC Multicultural Champion and President of the Australian GLBTIQ Multicultural Council, a national body that advocates for the rights of multicultural and multifaith LGBTQIA+ people and communities. Judy has a doctorate in neuropsychology and is a practicing clinical neuropsychologist.
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