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Anti-Racism Taskforce

The Anti-Racism Taskforce provides strategic advice to the Victorian Government on effective approaches to preventing and combatting racism and discrimination in Victoria. The Victorian Government has developed a state-wide anti-racism strategy to proactively prevent and address racism in Victoria. Established in June 2021 and convened by the Minister for Multicultural Affairs and the Minister for Treaty and First Peoples, the Anti-Racism Taskforce provides strategic advice and recommendations to ensure the anti-racism strategy sets out and delivers a clear and targeted roadmap to reduce racism and discrimination in Victoria.

Watch the video below to hear Anti-Racism Taskforce member Chuol Puot talk about the impacts of racism and why the development of an Anti-Racism Strategy is so important.

https://player.vimeo.com/video/654719757?h=a49aa20ab8

Scope of the Taskforce

The Taskforce provides advice on a broad range of topics in the development and implementation of the anti-racism strategy. The Taskforce considers evidence and advises on:

Particular areas of inquiry to inform the development and implementation of the strategy may include:

Anti-Racism Taskforce membership

The Taskforce is led by two co-chairs:

The taskforce includes directly appointed representatives from:

The Taskforce also comprises of community members selected through an open recruitment process:

Members bring a range of professional and lived experiences, reflecting the diversity within our communities.

Find out more about the Taskforce members

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![](/sites/default/files/2021-08/Sheena Watt_cropped.jpg)

Sheena is the State Member of Parliament for Northern Metropolitan region and was appointed as a Member of the Legislative Council for Northern Metropolitan in October 2020. She is a proud Yorta Yorta woman. Sheena is committed to breaking down structural inequality and creating and supporting healthy and connected communities. She is on the Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee and before entering Parliament served on a number of Boards including the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation, Victorian Council of Social Service, Women’s Health Victoria and was the Deputy Chair of Merri Health.  Sheena was previously the Executive Manager of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Policy and Programs at youth employment provider AFL Sports Ready.

Iwan was appointed as the Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs in December 2024. He was elected and appointed to the Victoria Legislative Assembly in 2022 and represents the electorate of Greenvale.

Prior to entering Parliament, Iwan was a secondary school teacher in country Victoria before he undertook research in the UK exploring how to expand training and work opportunities for young people. As a teacher, Iwan experienced how public services and government policies have a practical impact on families and shape communities.

Iwan is passionate about ensuring every person has the opportunities they need to learn, grow and thrive, and that economic chances and prosperity are shared equitably across our state, including in our growing outer suburbs.

![](/sites/default/files/2021-08/Vivienne Nguyen_cropped.jpg)

Vivienne (Viv) Nguyen AM is the Chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC). Viv leads the VMC and its Commissioners by providing a link between Victoria’s multicultural and multifaith communities and government. Viv arrived in Australia as a 12-year-old refugee and for over 25 years she has been a leader in advocating for community engagement and cultural diversity in corporate, community and government settings.

Viv has held executive roles at AustChoice Financial Services, AMP Asset Management and ANZ Banking Group, where she led their global diversity strategy. She was also President of the Vietnamese Community in Australia Victoria Chapter from 2016 to 2019.

In 2002, Viv was inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll for advocating for women’s leadership and supporting young Vietnamese people. In 2003, she was awarded the Australian Centenary Medal and in 2021 was awarded the Australian Order in the AM division for advancing multicultural Victoria.

With 25 years’ experience in community services, governance and social justice, Ro Allen has a deep commitment to equality and a broad experience in strategic advocacy. Ro commenced their role as Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner on 1 June 2021.

Prior to joining the Commission, Ro served as the inaugural Victorian Commissioner for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Gender Diverse, Intersex and Queer (LGBTIQ+) Communities.

Ro has held a wide range of leadership roles, including chairing the Victorian Adult, Community and Further Education Board and the Youth Affairs Council Victoria, and serving as a Commissioner on the Victorian Skills Commission.

Ro was inducted into the Victorian Government Honour Roll for Women in 2009, has a Centenary Medal for services for young people and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Farah became CEO of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria in October 2024. She has extensive expertise in social policy, strategic communications, advocacy and community engagement. She has previously held executive positions at Tenants Victoria and the Brotherhood of St Laurence.

Farah worked as a journalist at The Age for 20 years, across social affairs, law, justice and political reporting and editing.

Farah is also the long-standing Board Chair of The Social Studio, a social enterprise showcasing the design talents of multicultural young people. Additionally, she sits on the advisory board of the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation.

![](/sites/default/files/2021-08/Wesa Chau_cropped.jpg)

Wesa has worked in the multicultural affairs sector for over 20 years. She has significant experience working directly with diverse communities to empower individuals to take a stand against racism and embrace multiculturalism. She is the co-founder of Resilience Against Racism, an initiative providing support to people who have experienced racism, and the CEO of Cultural Intelligence, a consulting firm specialised in raising the understanding of the power of cultural diversity. Wesa was a board member of the Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria and InTouch - Multicultural Center Against Family Violence. Wesa worked in senior management in the community sector.

Farhat is a Councillor to the Baw Baw Shire Council’s Central Ward. Farhat has previously worked as a Regional Taskforce Manager for Gippsland for the Victorian Skills Authority, and as a Multicultural Strategic Engagement Coordinator in Gippsland. Farhat is a passionate advocate for regional planning which reflect the diversity of the regional community.

During the pandemic, Farhat led the establishment of a regional forum called Together Gippsland, a network of local service providers and interested stakeholders who build welcoming communities and inclusive service environments in the region. Farhat also sits on a number of governance bodies including the Gippsland Regional Partnership. She has previously participated on the Victorian Multicultural Commission’s Regional Advisory Committee and the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Australia’s Rural & Regional Advisory Committee.

![](/sites/default/files/2021-08/Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann_cropped.jpg)

ARK Centre’s Rabbi Gabi is a Jewish community leader who serves as an Executive Member of the Jewish Community Council Victoria. He has broad experience providing advice to government on issues affecting minority communities in Victoria. Rabbi Gabi is particularly passionate about promoting intercultural and interfaith cohesion. In 2020, he founded the Pillars of Light Multicultural Festival.

![](/sites/default/files/2021-08/Elvis Martin_cropped.jpg)

Elvis is a youth ambassador and leader with a presence on various boards and committees. He has experience in community engagement, having campaigned on mental health, homelessness and LGBTIQ+ issues. Elvis is currently a member of the LGBTIQ+ Taskforce, advising the Victorian Government and supporting delivery of new reforms, policies and programs.

Elvis is currently employed as the Principal Youth Ambassador for Youth Development Australia, where his portfolio includes stakeholder management, community engagement, and the National Youth Commission into Youth Employment and Transitions. He is an Ambassador for One Young World and is on the Committee of Management at VMIAC. Elvis also works for the City of Melbourne as their youth adviser on homelessness.

![](/sites/default/files/2021-08/Chuol headshot_cropped.jpg)

Chuol Puot is a Community Engagement Officer for Youth Justice at the Department of Justice and Community Safety (DJCS) with extensive experience in policy development and working with young people in the criminal justice system. He has served as a Senior Practice Advisor in Youth Justice, Children’s Court Youth Diversion Coordinator at the Children’s Court of Victoria and Youth Justice case manager. He currently serves as a DJCS representative on the Youth Parole Board.

Chuol holds a Master of Criminology at the University of Melbourne - his thesis explored the perspectives of African Australians on the media’s ‘African gangs’ narrative. In 2020, Chuol was presented with the Victorian Police Community Exemplary Award for his outstanding contribution to advancing meaningful relationships between multicultural communities and the Victorian Police. Chuol was awarded the 2019–20 Dr Larry Osborne Victorian Youth Parole Board Scholarship.

Levi Power anti-racism taskforce member

Levi Power is a proud Yorta Yorta man from Shepparton, Victoria. Over the past six years, he’s been deeply involved in community work and advocacy in the journey toward Treaty.

Coming from a strong line of Yorta Yorta leaders, Levi is guided by the stories and strength of his ancestors and Elders. Their influence continues to shape his work today, supporting and working alongside his people across health, cultural heritage, sport and fitness, youth mentoring, and the arts.

As a Member for the North East Region, Levi is passionate about making sure Aboriginal voices are heard, respected, and lead the way in shaping Victoria’s future.

Jacinta Chaplin, anti-racism taskforce member

Jacinta Chaplin is a Wadi Wadi and Wamba Wamba woman, born and raised in the Swan Hill, Nyah West area. She is a dedicated member of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria for the North West region and is committed to grass roots change for her country, communities, and families.

Jacinta’s work is driven by her passion for Treaty and truth-telling and believes in demanding respect for her ancestors, culture, and the right to protect and care for her country. Her leadership, advocacy, and dedication to community empowerment is evident within Aboriginal communities and her commitment to truth-telling.

Her passion lies with keeping First Peoples culture and tradition alive and mentoring future First Peoples leaders.

Updated 13 March 2026

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