By Benjamin Millar
Victoria University’s drive to embrace cultural diversity has been recognised with Victoria’s top award for service to multicultural communities.
The Victorian Multicultural Commission presented VU with the Award for Business Excellence in a ceremony at Government House last Wednesday night.
Victoria University is one of the most culturally-diverse universities in Australia, with staff and students drawn from more than 90 different cultures and speaking 200 languages. Judges noted that VU “embeds the ethos and practice of cultural diversity as part of the university experience”.
VU vice chancellor Peter Dawkins said the university celebrates and values cultural diversity as a strength and asset.
“We ensure the experiences we provide for our students are interculturally inclusive, community connected, and transformational,” he said.
Cultural diversity manager Teresa De Fazio said VU’s diverse community, with more than two in five staff and students born overseas, creates a strong sense of social cohesion and belonging.
“Cultural diversity at VU is not just based on statistics – it has long been at the heart of the work we undertake each and every day,” she said.
The award also recognised VU’s formal Cultural Diversity Strategy, launched this year. The strategy includes intercultural awareness programs, professional mentoring, community and industry partnerships and support for refugees and asylum-seekers.
