Victoria's largest multicultural celebration
Multiculturalism is a core part of the Victorian identity, our character and way of life. Our state is home to people who speak 290 languages and have 314 different ancestries. It's also a place where anyone can contribute and belong.
Cultural Diversity Week is a time to celebrate the power, influence, and stories of Victoria's rich multicultural communities, and all Victorians are invited to participate through a variety of in-person events and activities.
In 2026, Cultural Diversity Week took place across the state from 21 - 29 March.
Theme
There are countless ways for your organisation, school, workplace, family or community to celebrate Cultural Diversity Week. The 2026 theme, Culture connects us all highlights how sharing intercultural stories and experiences fosters understanding, belonging and connection.
The theme will be used to guide the events, activities and celebrations planned for Cultural Diversity Week.
Competition winners
Student competition
Students were encouraged to interview a classmate (or family member) about their culture, traditions or favourite cultural food, then present what they’ve learned through a creative medium such as a poster, drawing, collage, craft, song or short story.
- Best student competition prize was won by Zara whose artwork showed that people from different cultures, backgrounds and experiences make our community stronger when they support each other.
Digital competition - ‘Step into someone else’s world’ challenge
MMV, formerly the Victorian Multicultural Commission invited all Victorians to post short videos or images (Reels, TikTok, Stories) showcasing themselves engaging with a culture other than their own. Content creators luckily won competition include:
- Best digital campaign by an organisation awarded to CALD2LEAD, for their powerful online conversation(opens in a new window) on leadership, culture and lived experience.
- Best digital campaign by an individual awarded to Gurinder Kaur for her photo collage(opens in a new window) marking the celebrations with the Whittlesea Interfaith Network.
Events or activity competition
Participants registered an event or activity on VMConnect. The following winners produced activities that were inclusive and relevant to the 2026 theme:
- Best event by an organisation awarded to the City of Ballarat for their Harmony in the Bridge community event, with music, dance, and activities for families.
- Best event listed by an individual awarded to Samantha Potter who designed a Cultural Diversity Drama Day for disabled children and youth with Extended Families.
Partners
Cultural Diversity Week 2026 was proudly supported by the following partners.
Gold partners:
Silver partners:
- Department of Transport and Planning
- Foot Solutions
- John Stonemart Pty Ltd
- LanguageLoop
- Think HQ / CultureVerse
- Victorian Electoral Commission
Event partners:
Community partners:
- LEBA Ethnic Media
- Melbourne Victory Football Club
- S & J Media Group
- Smartraveller (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade)
The Victorian Multicultural Festival is presented by Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria, in collaboration with Grazeland.
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