Did you know our municipality is home to people from 160 cultural backgrounds, who speak 150 languages and practise 80 faiths? This includes our city’s Aboriginal people who represent the oldest continuing living culture in the world.
Fifty-five per cent of Melbourne’s residents are born overseas, making us one of the most multicultural cities in the world – and a welcoming, inclusive and vibrant place to live, study, work and play.
Celebrate Cultural Diversity Week by meeting the world right here in Melbourne.
Meet Seema Misra-Thakur, from India
‘I moved to Melbourne in 2011 and it has embraced us with the variety it has to offer – art, music, excellent food,’ Seema said.
‘Each culture adds colour and vibrancy to the city’s tapestry, and this is showcased at the many cultural festivals and events throughout the year.’
For Seema, Melbourne offers the best of the best.
‘After having lived in and experienced some great cities – Singapore, Hong Kong, New York, Chicago and many more – I often tell friends and family that Melbourne gives me a little bit of all the world’s best cities. I love living here.’
Meet Rozilah Kamarudin, from Malaysia
Melbourne was voted the friendliest city in the world in 2022, and our residents agree.
‘I have never felt more welcomed, accepted and included,’ Rozilah said.
‘In Melbourne, you’re fully embraced in a way I have not seen anywhere else in the world, and I’ve travelled extensively.
‘I love getting together with people in my neighbourhood to share my culture through Malay food, arts and crafts.’
For Rozilah, Melbourne is a family affair.
‘I first came to Australia to study when I was 16. I loved it so much, I sent my three daughters to study here in Melbourne,’ she said.
‘When my eldest graduated as a doctor and opted to live here, I decided to rekindle the wonderful Australian way of life I had experienced in the 80s.’
Meet Carina Parisella, whose family come from Italy
For Carina, Melbourne is all about culinary connections.
‘I love that we can find any cuisine on any street in Melbourne,’ Carina said.
‘It’s incredibly multicultural and a real feast for the tastebuds and senses.
‘Our family get-togethers embrace and celebrate our Italian heritage – there’s always pasta, it’s loud, colourful and the vino is always on point.
‘We love celebrating our culture in Carlton, along Lygon Street, enjoying a coffee and gelato.
‘I love the Melbourne community who come from many different walks of life, experiences and cultural backgrounds. It gives me different perspectives and reminds me to always be curious, open and kind.’
Connect with our multicultural community
Celebrate the many communities that call Melbourne home and embrace your culture in our city this year:
- Get involved – Find out what’s on near you this Cultural Diversity Week.
- Be an ally – Deepen your understanding of Aboriginal Melbourne.
- Visit our Multicultural Hub – Meet, work, share and learn in a safe and supportive environment.
- Explore Melbourne with What’s On – Find out what cultural festivals are coming up and discover the latest restaurants offering dishes from around the world.
- Volunteer – Make new friends and gain new cultural experiences with a backstage pass to some of our biggest events, programs and festivals.
