Brimbank Council Meeting No. 642 - 18 February 2025
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12.7
50 Year Anniversary Of Vietnamese Community's Settlement In Australia
12.7
50 Year Anniversary of Vietnamese Community's
Settlement in Australia
Directorate
Community Wellbeing
Director
Lynley Dumble
Manager
Elyse Rider
Attachment(s)
1. Proposed Community Led Festivities to Celebrate 50 Year
Vietnam Events 2025 [
12.7.1
- 3 pages]
Purpose
For Council to receive a report on opportunities for the Vietnamese community to
commemorate the 50-year settlement anniversary.
Officer Recommendation
That Council:
a. Notes the opportunities for the Vietnamese community to commemorate
the 50-year settlement anniversary.
b. Notes the support and contribution Council is making through
Community Grants Program
Background
At a Council meeting held on the 20 August 2024, Council resolved to:
a. Recognises that 2025 will be the 50-year anniversary of Vietnamese community’s
settlement in Australia.
b. Acknowledge the significant contribution of the Vietnamese community to
Brimbank municipality.
c. Writes to the Minister for Multicultural Affairs seeking practical support from the
Victorian Government for timely commemorative activities in Brimbank as home
to one of Victoria’s largest Vietnamese communities.
d. Requests Council officers to present a report to the February 2025 Ordinary
Council meeting on opportunities for the Vietnamese community to
commemorate the 50-year settlement anniversary.
Council officers have been engaging with members of the Vietnamese community, to
better understand their priorities and expectations for commemorating the 50-year
anniversary of Vietnamese settlement in Australia and how Council can support these
efforts. A diverse range of community-led celebrations are being proposed that will align
with this significant milestone
(refer Attachment 1)
.
While not directly delivering events or activities, Council is keen to amplify and support
the efforts of Vietnamese organisations who are leading the festivities. This also offers a
unique opportunity for the broader community to reflect on our shared values of
diversity, inclusivity and unity. By doing so, Council can honour the collective
leadership, determination and vision of the community in marking this significant
occasion.
Matters for Consideration
Brimbank Council Meeting No. 642 - 18 February 2025
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The Brimbank municipality prides itself as home to one of the largest Vietnamese
communities in Australia. A significant portion of this vibrant community arrived during
the first wave of migration in the mid-1970s, fleeing conflict and seeking new
opportunities. This wave marked the beginning of an enduring contribution to Australia’s
cultural and social fabric, with 2025 representing the 50th year of Vietnamese settlement
in Australia.
Now constituting 17% of Brimbank’s population, the Vietnamese community are actively
participating in the workforce and pursuing entrepreneurship and education. They have
made substantial economic contributions, creating support networks, language schools,
and cultural organisations that play crucial roles in preserving Vietnamese heritage and
sharing it with their fellow Australians. Their stories exemplify the power of resilience,
adaptation and cultural exchange.
Vietnamese culture has become an integral part of Australia’s multicultural identity,
contributing to the arts, cuisine, festivals, and traditions of bustling markets,
restaurants, and cultural events.
Council recognises and deeply values the Vietnamese community’s contributions to
Australia, particularly in Brimbank. This milestone provides an opportunity to reflect on
the resilience, cultural heritage and achievements of the community across many
generations. It also provides an opportunity to create dialogue around racial unity,
shared cultural contributions and social cohesion.
Acknowledgement and recognition of 50 years of Vietnamese Community’s
Settlement
Council recognises that Vietnamese organisations are already proactively exploring ways
to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Vietnamese settlement in Australia. The support
provided by Council aims to complement community-led efforts, ensuring the milestone
is celebrated for the community, by the community, in a way that reflects its significance
and is a pivotal moment to foster unity.
The following community-led celebratory events are funded through the 2024/2025
Brimbank Community Grants Program:
Lead Organisation Event
Venue
Date
VCA - Vic Chapter Inc 50 Years Preservation of Culture &
Traditions & Hung Kings
Commemoration Ceremony
Vietnamese Cultural
and Heritage Centre
7/04
Vietnamese Families
with Special Needs Inc
Vietnamese Community Event
2025
Isabella Williams
Memorial Reserve
25 /04
Vietnamese 50 up Club
Inc
Mid-Autumn Festival
Sunshine Plaza
Shopping Centre
4/10
Australian Vietnamese
Arts Inc
“Our Brimbank – Half a Century
Home” documentary project
Bowery Theatre
25/10
(tbc)
Bach Viet Dance NFP
Association Inc
The Vibrant Heart of Southern
Vietnam
Bowery Theatre
12/11
In addition, other community-led events are being proposed however they will be
subject to external funding outcomes from the state and federal governments.
The following are other meaningful ways Council is providing support:
Advocacy
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Council has actively advocated for state-level support to assist the local Vietnamese
community in commemorating and celebrating the 50th anniversary of their settlement
in Australia. A meeting was held on 23 August 2024 with Council representatives and
Minister Stitt, Victorian Minister of the Victorian Multicultural Commission, where
discussions focused on securing funding and practical supports. Additionally, a follow-up
letter was sent on 18 September 2024 to reinforce the need for state-level assistance
and the importance of celebrating the milestone.
Grant Support
Council has offered to provide letters of support for grant applications through state and
federal government funding programs on request and raise awareness of grant
opportunities. In addition, staff have also connected organisation representatives with
funding advisors to assist with grant applications. This guidance assists organisations to
navigate the complexities of the funding processes, it improves their understanding of
available opportunities and strengthens their capacity to apply for and manage future
grant opportunities.
Collaboration and Promotion
Council’s role is to facilitate connections with Vietnamese community organisations and
other local networks, businesses and organisations. The opportunity to foster
collaborations encourages resource sharing, promotes visibility to a broader audience
and expands opportunities for engagement. Given the extensive reach these community
organisations already have, this support aims to promote their initiatives through
Council’s existing communication channels.
Council is committed to ensuring that all initiatives support the principles of inclusivity
and respect for cultural diversity. It is important that the support provided reflects the
true spirit of this milestone, focusing on shared values and empowering the community
to lead and celebrate in their own way.
Community Engagement
The approaches outlined in this report have been developed following consultations with
Council departments, local Vietnamese community organisations and funding agencies.
Resource And Risk Implications
There are no community, environment, financial, regulatory or safety implications
identified at this point as the report highlights ways in which Council provides support to
the Vietnamese community rather than hosting a specific event.
Legislation/Council Plan/Policy Context
This report supports the Council Plan 2021-2025 strategic direction and objective of:
People and Community
- A welcoming, safe and supported community – an inclusive
place for all
This report complies with Brimbank City Council's Social Justice Charter and the
Brimbank Settlement Action Plan by advancing inclusive practices that ensure all
community members, including newly arrived residents, have equitable access to
opportunities and support. It reflects Council's commitment to fostering a fair and
diverse community, promoting active participation and positive settlement outcomes.
Council officers contributing to the preparation and approval of this report, have no
conflicts of interests to declare.
50
th
Anniversary of Vietnamese Settlement in Australia 2025 Celebrations
Events Funded Through the Brimbank Community Grants Program
Lead Organisation
Proposed Activity or Event
Venue
Dates
Vietnamese Community in
Australia – Victoria Chapter
Inc
50 Years of Refugee Settlement, Preservation of Culture & Traditions
The King Hung's Commemoration event celebrates the resilience, ingenuity, the
preservation of cultures and traditions, and the invaluable contributions of the
Vietnamese community in shaping of Australia's vibrant multicultural fabric over the
past five decades. For 2025, the commemoration is further highlighted with the 50th
anniversary of refugee settlement in Australia. The event showcases contemporary
music, exhibitions, traditional dance, free food, the presentation of recognition to
senior community members, cultural & arts groups and the high-achieving 2024 VCE
students in the Vietnamese language.
Vietnamese Cultural and
Heritage Centre
26 Jan – 2
Feb
Vietnamese Families with
Special Needs Inc
Vietnamese Community Event 2025
This event will bring the families of those who have disability together from diverse
backgrounds, strengthening community bonds and promoting social cohesion. Face
painting, local artists displaying their work, offering handmade crafts and paintings will be
provided. The event will have sensory activities, butterfly house, Easter eggs hunting,
interactive games, magic show, music and dancing. This will allow opportunities for
attendees to play with their kids and their friends, have fun together and improve their social
interacting and physical skills.
Isabella Williams Memorial
Reserve
25/04/2025
Vietnamese 50 up Club Inc Mid-Autumn Festival
The festival aims to create significant cultural outcomes for the Brimbank community by
fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse cultural traditions. By
showcasing Vietnamese, Chinese, Filipino, and other cultural elements through activities
such as lantern making, cultural performances, and the lion dance, the festival promotes
multiculturalism and inclusivity.
Sunshine Plaza Shopping
Centre
4/10/2025
Australian Vietnamese Arts
Inc
“Our Brimbank – Half a Century Home” documentary project
The documentary will explore the initial struggles of establishing a life in a foreign land, the
challenges of language barriers and cultural differences. But this story is far more than just
hardship, it is a testament to the human spirit's ability to adapt, overcome, and thrive. The
project will document the Vietnamese community building a strong foundation in Brimbank,
establishing businesses, places of worship, cultural centres and their contributions to the
social fabric of the district, their hard work, and their dedication to family and community.
Bowery Theatre
25/10/2025
(tentative)
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Attachment 12.7.1
Bach Viet Dance NFP
Association Inc
The Vibrant Heart of Southern Vietnam
Bach Viet Dance is committed to bringing the dance performances that have never been
seen before in Australia including, the Southern Vietnamese traditional dance, including the
festive tray dance, the Khmer, Hakka dances and a traditional Vietnamese wedding with
comedic role-playing, to the audience. This cultural concert will demonstrate the livelihoods
of people living along the Mekong River through our dance and will showcase the stylish old
Saigon through both singing and dancing.
Bowery Theatre
15/11/2025
Proposed Events Subject to External Funding Outcomes
Lead Organisation
Proposed Activity or Event
Venue
Dates
The
Trưng
Sisters (Vietnamese: Hai Bà
Trưng)
Commemoration Ceremony
The
Trưng
Sisters (Hai Bà
Trưng)
Commemoration Ceremony honours the two
military leaders who, in 40 AD, led a rebellion against the first Chinese domination of
Vietnam. The sisters, who commanded the Luoyue tribes and other groups, ruled for
three years and are revered as national heroines of Vietnam. The ceremony serves
to celebrate their courage, leadership, and enduring legacy in Vietnamese history.
Vietnamese Cultural
and Heritage Centre
10 Mar
Vietnamese Cultural Week
A week-long exhibition showcasing Vietnam's rich heritage. Schools will be invited
to visit and learn about Vietnam's history, traditions, and cultural contributions.
Vietnamese Cultural
and Heritage Centre
TBC
The 30 April Commemoration Ceremony
The commemoration ceremony aims to mark the anniversary of Vietnam’s
reunification and provide an opportunity for attendees to engage with Vietnam’s
history and heritage in a meaningful and inclusive way.
Vietnamese Cultural
and Heritage Centre
30 April
Vietnamese Community in
Australia – Victoria Chapter
Inc
Commemoration of Ancestors of Vietnamese Modern Folk Opera
(Cải Lương)
The commemoration of the ancestors of Vietnamese modern folk opera
(Cải Lương)
is a cultural event that honours the origins and pioneers of this unique art form. This
event aims to celebrate the contributions of past artists, preserving their legacy and
inspiring future generations. It serves as a tribute to the creative spirit and cultural
heritage of Vietnam, fostering appreciation for the artistry and history of
Cải Lương.
Bowery Theatre
Mid-September
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Attachment 12.7.1
Commemoration of the Grand Prince Tran Hung Dao
Paying tribute to a legendary figure in Vietnamese history. A brilliant military
strategist who defeated two Mongol invasions and became a cultural hero among
modern Vietnamese.
Vietnamese Cultural
and Heritage Centre
September
50 Years Resettlement and 75 Years Anniversary of Vietnam Republic
The 50th Anniversary of Vietnamese Resettlement and the 75th Anniversary of the
Vietnam looks to honour Vietnam veterans and reflect on the journey of Vietnamese
refugees. This event will coincide with Refugee Week, celebrating the resilience and
contributions of Vietnamese communities.
Vietnamese Cultural
and Heritage Centre
June
Vietnamese Museum of
Australia
Vietnamese Commemoration Event
The Vietnamese Museum Australia has received planning permission for a proposed
Vietnamese Museum in Sunshine. The museum will be a space for the community
to connect, learn and celebrate cultural diversity. An event is in planning to be held
on site in March.
Vietnamese Museum
of Australia
TBC
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Attachment 12.7.1
