MELBOURNE, 12 March, 2026: The official countdown to Cultural Diversity Week 2026 began today, as community leaders and multicultural champions gathered in East Melbourne to launch the state’s largest annual celebration of diversity.
The Cultural Diversity Week comes amid emerging challenges to multicultural communities, along with mainstream Australia from the anti-immigration rallies, the recent Bondi beach killings, and the volatile international situation.
Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs, Iwan Walters, joined Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) Chair Vivienne Nguyen to launch Cultural Diversity Week today at the Simpson Street tram siding.
Iwan Walters said, “This year’s theme, Culture connects us all, highlights how sharing stories and experiences fosters understanding and belonging. I encourage all Victorians to get on board and celebrate Cultural Diversity Week and the many cultures that make up our vibrant state.”
The launch provided a stunning preview of the music, dance and storytelling that will define this year’s celebrations. Running from 21 to 29 March, the statewide festival returns with a vast and varied program designed to affirm that “Culture connects us all.”
Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Ingrid Stitt said, “Cultural Diversity Week is an opportunity for all Victorians to celebrate our collective heritage and the diversity that makes Victoria such a vibrant and dynamic state. It is a time to acknowledge that our diversity is our greatest strength.”
A decorated Cultural Diversity Week E-Class tram was a key feature of the launch, serving as the backdrop for today’s proceedings.
Already a familiar sight on the tram tracks of Melbourne, the specially branded tram – delivered in partnership with Yarra Trams and the Department of Transport and Planning – reflects the richness of Victoria’s multicultural communities and shared journeys of all Victorians.
VMC Chairperson, Vivienne Nguyen AM said,“Culture is a living, breathing source of joy and purpose. We invite every Victorian to enter someone else’s world this week, whether through a conversation on a tram or a meal at the festival at Grazeland.”
Presented by the VMC, Cultural Diversity Week will culminate in the three-day Victorian Multicultural Festival at Grazeland, Spotswood, from 27 to 29 March. Victorians are invited to get involved in Cultural Diversity Week 2026 by hosting or attending an event, sharing their story as part of a user-generated digital campaign, or joining one of the many statewide celebrations.
For more information on Cultural Diversity Week 2026 – including how you, your community or organisation can get involved – visit: vic.gov.au/cdw
