Australia
Expressions of Interest Open for 2026 Multicultural Youth Network: Victoria has officially opened expressions of interest for the 2026 Multicultural Youth Network (MYN), inviting passionate young people from multicultural backgrounds to serve as key advisers to the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) and government agencies.
In a proactive effort to amplify youth voices, the MYN will bring together up to 20 representatives aged between 18 and 25. Members must live, work, or study in Victoria and will offer advice on major issues affecting multicultural youth, including mental health, racism, education, employment, and discrimination.
Statewide Recruitment Underway
The recruitment process covers all eight regions of Victoria, ensuring that both regional and metropolitan communities are represented. Expressions of interest are now open in the following regions:
- Barwon South-West
- Gippsland
- Grampians
- Hume
- Loddon Mallee
- Eastern Metropolitan
- North and West Metropolitan
- Southern Metropolitan
Regional participation remains a priority, with five to eight members expected to come from rural or regional communities. This approach ensures diverse geographical and cultural representation.
Duties and Influence of MYN Members
Members of the network will provide advice to the VMC across a broad range of areas, particularly those influencing multicultural communities. They will help identify opportunities to improve the wellbeing of young people, strengthen community ties, and enhance pathways for education and employment.
The MYN also supports the VMC’s ongoing commitment to promoting cultural, linguistic, and religious diversity across Victoria. Members will contribute ideas and feedback on policies affecting the state’s multicultural population.
2026 Appointment and New Government Structure
The appointment term runs from January to December 2026. The Victorian Government recently announced that next year will mark the establishment of Multicultural Victoria (MV), a new entity that will combine the VMC’s functions with the Multicultural Affairs portfolio from the Department of Premier and Cabinet.
The recruitment of the 2026 MYN will take place under the VMC, but the network is expected to play a major role within MV, especially as youth engagement is considered a strong priority.
Selection Criteria for Applicants
Applications do not require formal training or relevant work qualifications. Instead, candidates must show:
- A genuine commitment to improving the lives of multicultural youth
- An understanding of issues impacting their communities
- Strong personal or cultural connections to Victoria’s multicultural population
- Residency, education, or employment within Victoria
Eligible applicants include international students, refugees, and people seeking asylum. However, individuals who were part of the MYN between 2022 and 2025 are not eligible for the 2026 term.
How to Apply
Interested young people are encouraged to review the official Information Pack before submitting their expression of interest. The selection process will focus on ensuring diversity across backgrounds, regions, experiences, and cultural communities.
As Victoria moves toward the creation of Multicultural Victoria, the MYN remains an essential platform for youth leadership. Its work continues to shape policy, strengthen representation, and build social cohesion across the state. Visit the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) website
