Community advocate and business leader Vivienne Nguyen has been appointed as Chair of the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC).

Ms Nguyen has more than 25-years’ experience in corporate, community and public sector roles, as well as a strong background in promoting the social, cultural and economic benefits of multiculturalism, and in advocating for the needs of Victoria’s diverse communities.

Ms Nguyen was a Victorian Multicultural Commissioner between 2005 and 2008 and has been an active member of Victoria’s diverse communities throughout her life.

As president of the Vietnamese Community of Australia’s Victorian Chapter, Ms Nguyen helped build support for Australia’s first Vietnamese cultural museum.

She has worked with a range of culturally and religiously diverse communities, supporting local African communities to engage with state and local governments to strengthen social cohesion.

More recently, Ms Nguyen has supported organisations and community members to transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Ms Nguyen said that as Chair, she will steer the Commission to identify and address issues faced by diverse groups, encourage communities to express and preserve their heritage and traditions and advise the Minister on community issues.

“As a proud Vietnamese-Australian woman and an advocate for diversity in all its forms, I am proud to be returning to the Commission in a leadership capacity,” Ms Nguyen said.

“I’m excited to be able to offer my experience and passion to Victoria’s multicultural communities. I am committed to working with communities and government to continue the work of creating a Victoria where everyone can fully participate, no matter a person’s background, religion or identity,” she said.

In appointing Ms Nguyen, Minister for Multicultural Affairs Mr Richard Wynne said: “Viv Nguyen’s dedication, experience and leadership will ensure the Victorian Multicultural Commission continues to advocate strongly for Victoria’s diverse communities and provide expert advice to government.”

 “Our state’s cultural and religious diversity is one of our greatest strengths. I am looking forward to working with Ms Nguyen to continue our proud tradition of embracing and celebrating Victoria’s vibrant diversity,” Mr Wynne said.

Ms Nguyen will begin her four-year term on Monday, 26 August 2019. The appointment of an additional eight Commissioners will be announced in the coming weeks.

Prior to her work in the public and community sectors, Ms Nguyen held various business and financial roles, including at ANZ Banking Group where she led the organisation’s global diversity strategy.

The Victorian Multicultural Commission also promotes the social, cultural and economic benefits of our cultural diversity, oversees a network of Regional Advisory Councils, and delivers Victoria’s largest multicultural celebration, Cultural Diversity Week.