Culture Connects Us All

For Immediate Release
23 March 2026

Prime Minister commemorates 50 Years of Vietnamese Australian Contributions at "Culture Connects Us All"

MELBOURNE, VICTORIA – 23 March 2026 – On Sunday, 22 March 2026, federal and state leaders joined the community at the Immigration Museum to celebrate the success of 'Culture Connects Us All', an event marking the official 50-year commemoration of Vietnamese Australian contributions.

Presented in partnership with the Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association (AVWA) as part of Cultural Diversity Week, the event drew strong crowds across its two stages. The attendance and an official address from the Prime Minister highlighted the national significance of the 50-year commemoration and the strength of multicultural Australia.

"For half a century, Vietnamese Australians have made an immeasurable contribution to our nation," the Prime Minister said. "From those early days of settlement to the vibrant community we see today, your story is one of resilience, hard work, and profound success. It is an honour to join the Australian Vietnamese Women's Association in marking this 50-year milestone and celebrating the rich culture that makes our multicultural nation so strong."

The weekend was highlighted by a vibrant showcase of traditional performances, including a lion dance, as well as family-friendly activities such as nón lá hat decorating and the creation of a community-driven Hoa Mai Flower Wall.
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"Seeing our community and the broader public come together to honour 50 years of Vietnamese Australian history was a profoundly moving experience," said Nicky Chung, CEO of AVWA. "This milestone is a testament to the resilience of our pioneers and a beautiful celebration of the diverse, multicultural future we continue to build together."

"It has been an absolute privilege for the Immigration Museum to host this 50-year commemoration alongside the Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association," said Mary Stuart, President of Museums Victoria. "Seeing such a vibrant turnout to share stories, celebrate cultural heritage, and reflect on half a century of contributions is a powerful reminder of the strength and unity within our diverse communities."

The event successfully highlighted the rich, continuing legacy of the Vietnamese community in Victoria and across the country.

Media Note:

Please use AVWA-supplied images and b-roll. Avoid generic Vietnam stock footage or flag graphics. Neutral event/location visuals are preferred.

Media Contact

Nicky Chung

CEO

Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Phone number 0475 871 589

For more information about AVWA please visit https://www.avwa.org.au/en/

AVWA

The Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association (AVWA) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting the health, wellbeing, and empowerment of Vietnamese community members. AVWA has 435 employees, 4 offices in Victoria, and five program areas – Family and Children Services, Training and Vocational Services, Aged and Disability Services, Health and Community Wellbeing and Cultural and Language Services. AVWA strives to address the unique needs and challenges faced by Vietnamese Australians and foster a supportive community environment.