Victoria is home to one of the most culturally diverse societies in the world, and is also among the fastest-growing and most diverse states in Australia.
The 2016 Census showed that almost one third of Victoria's population (28.4%) were born overseas. And almost half of Victoria's population (49.1%) were either born overseas or have a parent who was born overseas.
Victorians come from more than 200 countries, speak 260 languages and follow 135 different faiths.
This diversity enriches us all. It brings new ideas, extends our skills, attracts businesses and makes Victoria a great place to live and work.
Most of the overseas-born Victorians came to Australia as migrants hoping to find a better life for themselves and their children.
CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) people come from many different countries. We welcome new arrivals in Victoria.
A large number of overseas-born Victorians came to Australia as refugees from conflicts:
- the Second World War in Europe
- in Indo-China
- in the republics of the former Yugoslavia
- the Horn of Africa
- the Middle East
- Afghanistan
Visit the Victorian Multicultural Commission website for more information on our diverse population.
Each of Victoria's 79 local councils have information and services for their unique community.
Stories from the Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria
The Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria spoke with inspiring seniors from our diverse communities and asked them to share their COVID-19 vaccination story.
Watch the videos on the Multicultural COVID-19 resources page.
Here are some other organisations that support the diverse needs of older Australians:
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