Multiculturalism is a core part of the Victorian identity, our character and way of life.
Every year in March, the Victorian Multicultural co-ordinates Cultural Diversity Week. This celebration brings Victorians together to celebrate the power, influence and stories of our multicultural communities.
This year’s theme was, ‘Embrace the journey, shape our future’, inviting all Victorians to:
- honour their cultural heritage
- share stories of resilience and connection; and
- explore how culture shapes our present and future.
In honour, we shine a light on some multicultural seniors organisations.
Multicultural seniors organisations
Did you know the Victorian Government has provided funding to over 1,000 multicultural seniors organisations in 2025 through the Multicultural Seniors Support Program 2021–2025?
Multicultural seniors organisations are a great place to:
- enjoy social and cultural events
- learn something new
- stay active through sports and activities
- access practical support.
Multicultural seniors organisations, like the Palestinian Seniors Club and the Doncaster Seniors Club Incorporated, come together to celebrate culturally significant events throughout the year. For the holy month of Ramadan, they host evening meals for seniors to break their daily dawn-to-dusk fast together. Known as Iftar, these evening meals are an opportunity to connect and enjoy traditional food. Ramadan is observed during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is a time of reflection, devotion, renewal and community.
The festival of Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and month-long dawn-to-dusk fasting. The seniors organisations celebrate Eid al-Fitr with family members to reflect on Eid’s significance and strengthen intergenerational bonds. Together, group members can observe sacred traditions in a communal environment.
Celebrating Cultural Diversity Week
Over the years, many multicultural seniors organisations have hosted events to celebrate Cultural Diversity Week.
In Melbourne’s north-east, the Dutch Social Club Diamond Valley Inc. hosted a special lunch, offering transport to and from the event to those in need. The club also made care packages for people in poor health to ensure everyone could take part in the festivities.
To promote cultural exchange and strengthen the wellbeing of older women, the Ambitious Sisterhood Society Inc. presented Chinese dance performances and community events.
The Greek Australian Cultural League (GACL) hosted poetry readings and an art exhibition that showcased Greek heritage and creativity. The African Communities Elderly Association came together over lunch to warmly welcome new members.
Find a group near you
To find a multicultural seniors organisation near you:
- find and contact your local council on the Know Your website, or
- find and contact your local neighbourhood house on the Neighbourhood Houses website.
More information
For more information on Cultural Diversity Week, visit the Victorian Multicultural Commission’s .
Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) is an independent, member-based peak body representing migrant and refugee communities across Victoria. The ECCV website’s Ageing Well hosts a range of information and resources.
Reviewed 07 April 2025