Nguyen and her family arrived in Australia when she was 12 as refugees fleeing the aftermath of the Vietnam War.
The same year, in 1983, the Ethnic Affairs Commission, now known as the VMC, was established.
Nguyen completed her secondary and tertiary education in Australia.
Like many others from refugee backgrounds, she said she and her family faced immense challenges as they navigated a new country.
As Chairperson of the VMC, Nguyen plays a pivotal role in supporting Victoria’s culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.
The commission shapes government policies and initiatives to promote harmony and unity and tackle racism and discrimination.
Its work includes advocating for policies, raising awareness through campaigns, and delivering programs and services with the government's backing.
Assimilation 'didn't work'
For Nguyen, multiculturalism is both straightforward and complex.
“Multiculturalism is straightforward and complex simultaneously," she said.
This complexity stemmed from the challenge of appreciating and understanding Australia's vast diversity, she added.
"Reaching out and building connections is a complex process because we have many things in common but also historical challenges or differences," she told SBS Amharic.
Australia's previous attempts at assimilation were unsuccessful and a more inclusive, diverse approach was essential for the country's future, she said.
"Australia tried assimilation, and it didn't work. What are we assimilating to? It shouldn’t be about adopting one group's values or attitudes," she said.
"It’s about creating a collective set of values shaped by all of us Australians, you, me, and others."
(Assimilation) shouldn’t be about adopting one group's values or attitudes.Vivienne Nguyen AM, Chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)
Nguyen said Australia's economic prosperity had been fuelled by the collective contributions of its multicultural communities.
Despite this, these communities continued to face significant challenges such as mental ill health, family violence, employment and ongoing concerns about their countries of origin, she said.
Many multicultural communities came from regions ravaged by wars, famine, and natural disasters, and those traumatic experiences often followed them to Australia, she added.
It’s very difficult, almost impossible in my opinion, to separate our connection to our country of origin.Vivienne Nguyen AM, Chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)
Conflicts overseas could trigger pain for those affected, but they also resonated with others who had experienced similar suffering, she said.
She stressed the importance of being mindful of words, particularly for leaders in public positions.
Concerns and hopes
Nguyen said she was acutely aware of the structural inequities that hindered CALD communities from fully participating in various sectors or accessing essential services.
She has also observed a concerning rise in discrimination and racism.
However, she said she remained optimistic.
“If we can help young people understand the importance of culture, where we come from, and the democratic values that shape Australia, we will bring out the best in them," she said.
"We can bring the best of that to Victoria and Australia. That, to me, is important, and I’m very optimistic about that."
