Supporting Victorian community, particularly Victoria’s Chinese community, is at the heart of Victoria’s China Strategy. Victoria’s biggest asset is its people - and Victoria’s people are multicultural. Diversity and cultural understanding bring forth new ideas, extends our skills, attracts businesses, and creates new jobs. Recognising the importance of this, the Victorian Government released Victoria’s Multicultural policy statement, Victorian. And Proud Of It., which outlines the Government’s plan to ensure every Victorian has the opportunity to be part of the State’s success and enjoy the social, cultural, and economic benefits of living in Victoria.
Victoria is home to the second-largest Chinese- born community in Australia, with more than 427,000 Victorians having Chinese ancestry and 170,000 Victorians born in China. More than 220,000 Victorians speak Mandarin, and 82,000 speak Cantonese. Chinese migrants first arrived in Victoria in large numbers during the gold rush of the 1850s, and by 1861, comprised almost 7 per cent of the Victorian population. Over the next century, Chinese migration fluctuated, and since the 1990s, the Chinese community has seen steady growth, with many Chinese migrants coming to Victoria for education, to pursue economic opportunities, and join family members already in Victoria.
The Victorian Government has long supported our Chinese community. Like all multicultural communities, Chinese Victorians are not a monolith and have a unique range of needs and aspirations. Recognising this, the Victorian Government has invested in both specific, community-led projects and larger, whole-of- government initiatives. In 2024, we launched the Chinese Community Infrastructure Fund to support organisations to build and upgrade community spaces that enable Chinese Victorians to connect with community, maintain a sense of belonging, and preserve cultural heritage.
Our Multicultural Festivals and Events program has provided more than $7 million to support Chinese community events and infrastructure since 2014. This includes to the two Chinese community museums in Victoria – the Museum of Chinese Australian History in Melbourne, and the Golden Dragon Museum in Bendigo – which work to enrich the understanding of Chinese Australians through the celebration of Chinese history, heritage, and culture.
Despite being an integral part of the community, the Chinese diaspora is underrepresented in leadership roles across Australia. Diversity in leadership benefits all Victorians as it enables better decision making, informed by a wide range of perspectives and experiences. Language and cultural differences remain a barrier for many Chinese Victorians to full participation in Victorian life. It highlights the importance of tailored in-language resources and supports, as well as the vital role that community groups and Chinese community leaders play in engaging with Chinese Victorians and diaspora.
Chinese community organisations play an important role in engaging with the Chinese diaspora on key issues and help to publicise information more effectively in-language across the community, like on matters of public health, safety, and civic engagement. They often also act as important ambassadors for Victoria, broadcasting the cultural and economic strengths of our State to friends, family, colleagues, and alumni in China.
427k Victorians have Chinese ancestry
170k Victorians are born in China
Case studies
Chinese Community Council of Australia, Victoria Chapter
The Chinese Community Council of Australia, Victoria Chapter (CCCAV) is a key advocacy body representing the interests and voices of Chinese Victorians.
Since 2008, CCCAV has collaborated with grassroots organisations, volunteers, and policymakers to address community needs through information sessions, civics education, cultural events, forums, and public consultations. CCCAV share vital updates on public health, safety, government services, community events, and civic participation.
CCCAV champions public campaigns that support reconciliation, celebrate Chinese heritage, and foster intercultural understanding. Committed to a harmonious multicultural society, CCCAV stands against racism and prejudice and actively works towards a cohesive, inclusive Victoria through advocacy, connection, and civic engagement.
Victorian Government Chinese Community Infrastructure Fund
The Victorian Government supports the Chinese community through targeted grant programs, including the Chinese Community Infrastructure Fund (CCIF) program.
CCIF has actively supported Chinese community organisations to upgrade, renovate, extend, and construct community facilities, helping to give Chinese Victorians safe and secure places to celebrate and share their histories and traditions, build connections, and thrive.
Funding under the program has contributed to the construction and upkeep of major projects supporting Victoria’s Chinese community, including the Heavenly Queen Temple Society in Footscray, the Bright Moon Buddhist Temple in Springvale South, the Avalokitesvara Yuan Tong Monastery in Deer Park, and the Chinese Association of Victoria in Wantirna.
Goals and actions
Goal 1 | Goal 2 | Goal 3 |
The Chinese community is represented in leadership roles and actively contributes to community-focused decision-making | The Chinese community has fair and equal access to public services and enjoys everything Victoria has to offer | Victoria’s Chinese community feels valued, safe, respected, and supported |
Action 1 | Action 2 | Action 3 |
Support Chinese Victorians to pursue public leadership positions | Support the Chinese community’s inclusion, safety and belonging in Victoria | Improve Chinese language access and communication |
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