University of Melbourne hosts multicultural engagement forum to deepen community partnerships
The University of Melbourne co-convened more than 120 community members, students and staff last week for the Connections and Possibilities: Multicultural University Engagement Forum at the Woodward Conference Centre, Melbourne Law School.
The event, designed in collaboration with organisations and communities from Melbourne’s western growth corridor, Carlton, North/West Melbourne, and Flemington, created a platform to share insights, strengthen partnerships, and explore pathways to educational inclusion and success.
Professor Sara Wills, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Engagement) at the University of Melbourne, highlighted the University’s commitment to genuine collaboration:
“At the University of Melbourne, our strength comes from working alongside the communities we serve. This forum is a vital step in listening, learning, and building the trust and collaboration needed to ensure education is more accessible and the University is more responsive to community needs, assets and concerns – including the many migrant, multicultural and diaspora communities who have made Melbourne their home over many generations.”
Professor Wills emphasised that public benefit and service to the community were defining values of the University of Melbourne, with a clear purpose to enrich cultural and community life, widen educational participation, and promote inclusive intellectual exchange.
Community voices
Forum speakers, including George Yengi and Raviana Sailo, prominent advocates for community empowerment, emphasised the value of authentic partnerships, dignity-centred programs and collective support.
Left to right: Panel speakers: George Yengi; Raviana Sailo; Dr Berhan Ahmed; Sudhir Juneja. Image by David Darlington.
George Yengi, known for his work in youth advocacy and community development in Melbourne’s west, said:
“Inclusive institutions make a real difference when they walk alongside communities, listen, and act to remove barriers, especially for young people and their families”.
He added, “institutions like universities thrive when they connect with communities at every level, sharing meals, attending our events, and building trust. That’s how real change happens.”
Community leader and legal professional Raviana Sailo, who has led grassroots advocacy for migrant and refugee families, stressed the need for holistic engagement:
“University isn’t just about the student; it’s about their families too. When we engage parents and guardians, we help create a support system that empowers the whole community.”
University of Melbourne students as active contributors
Students who worked to support the event spoke to the importance of visibility, representation, and being actively involved.
Left to right University of Melbourne undergraduate students working at the event: Melissa Huynh - Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences; Hannah Malinowski - Faculty of Arts; Arissa Shahar - Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences; Han Ton – Faculty of Business and Economics; Harman Sandhu - Faculty of Science. Image by David Darlington.
Han Ton, studying her Bachelor of Commerce, commented, “Bringing together people from different backgrounds and thinking about how we can make the University more accessible is so valuable. It’s about understanding challenges and working together to find solutions.”
Melissa Huynh, Bachelor of Science student, added, “Learning about the role our University plays in creating an inclusive environment where everyone is heard and feels like part of the community inspired me. It’s something I want to actively be a part of.”
Forum outcomes and next steps
The forum outcomes and next steps focus on improving engagement with multicultural communities, developing outreach and cultural enrichment programs, reducing access barriers like scholarships, and expanding leadership and career development opportunities.
It also allowed the University of Melbourne to reaffirm its commitment to strengthening community connections, amplifying underrepresented voices, and providing opportunities for all members of society.