Welcome to the Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV)'s first newsletter of 2026.
As we move through February, many in our communities are marking important cultural and religious events.
Lunar New Year celebrations are beginning, with families and communities gathering to welcome the very special year of the Fire Horse.
At the same time, Muslim communities are preparing for the beginning of Ramadan later this week and Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent for many Christian communities. Both Ramadan and Lent are sacred periods of reflection, prayer, fasting and generosity.
These occasions are a reminder of the richness of our shared life in Victoria. In workplaces, schools and neighbourhoods, we see different traditions observed side by side.
ECCV extends well wishes to all those communities observing important religious and cultural occasions in the coming weeks.
Our CEO Farah Farouque and Chairperson Silvia Renda, bringing in the Lunar New Year at the Premier's Gala
News & Updates
Our latest policy submissions
Skilled Migration
ECCV has warned that public confidence in skilled migration is being undermined by political opportunism and misinformation, calling for stronger leadership on the issue.
ECCV’s submission sets out how skilled migration is essential to Australia’s long-term prosperity, workforce capacity and public services, and highlights evidence from the Australian Multicultural Framework Review showing that skilled migrants contribute an estimated $198,000 per person to the fiscal position of Australian governments over their lifetime.
ECCV is calling for evidence-based discussion and responsible leadership, not fear or misinformation.
Aged care is of enormous concern to migrant communities and is a cornerstone of ECCV's work
For many multicultural seniors, aged care is not just about services – it is about language, trust and cultural understanding. Thousands of seniors living in their homes rely on small, community-based providers who understand their food, faith and family structures.
Our submission to the Senate Inquiry into the move from the Commonwealth Home Support Program to the new Support at Home model raises concerns that rapid changes is placing pressure on these providers, risking service closures and disruption for older migrants.
ECCV has stepped into a new chapter in governance, with our recently elected Board of Directors confirming office bearers for 2025–27.
Chairperson: Silvia Renda Deputy Chairs: Tina Hosseini, Nicolas Ojeda Amador Treasurer: Michael van Vliet Secretary: Jennifer Huppert OAM
They will serve alongside Lawrence Abou Khater, Dr Yasmin Hassen, Huss Mustafa OAM, Suzanne Ryan-Evers and Zeynep Yesilyurt OAM as ECCV continues its important work.
Nicolas Ojeda Amador, Silvia Renda and Tina Hosseini
Victorian Government grants of up to $400,000 are available to support governance, leadership, workforce development, digital capability and day-to-day operations. Applications close 19 February 2026 at 3pm. 🔗 More info here
ECCV in the Media
Our CEO Farah Farouque spoke to ABC News about One Nation's recent video showing footage of Melbourne which they say "doesn't look like a Western nation at all"
“Enter any busy hospital, any aged care setting, and see the global talent pool we rely on. Migration is foundational to Australia’s success.”
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