Tuesday, 31 October 2023

Ministers statements: Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association

Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (12:33): Last week I had the honour of joining the federal minister for multicultural affairs Andrew Giles, the federal member for Fraser Daniel Mulino and our colleague in this place Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs Mr Luu at the Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association 40th anniversary annual general meeting.

Since its establishment in 1983, the Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association have been supporting their community to assist in settlement and harmonious transition for Vietnamese refugee and migrant communities. It is impossible to think of Victoria without thinking of the rich contribution to the fabric of our society that Vietnamese communities have made in the short period of time since the 1970s and 80s in Australia. The AVWA has made an enormous contribution to ensuring that newly arrived Vietnamese women understand their rights and gain access to the services and support they need to reach their full potential. Victoria is proudly one of the most culturally diverse societies in the world, with many thousands of Victorians of Vietnamese heritage calling our state home.

I want to thank CEO Nicky Chung for her ongoing leadership, together with members of the committee of management. With its mission to serve and empower Vietnamese women with integrity, respect and compassion, the association continues to provide that unity and cultural preservation for so many Victorians, especially new and emerging community members.