Cultural Diversity Week 2025
Here at City of Port Phillip we welcome diversity and strive to be an inclusive place for everyone.
Each year we celebrate Cultural Diversity Week by hosting a wide range of culturally diverse activities and events.
Cultural Diversity Week 2025 runs between 17 and 23 March.
Embrace The Journey Shape Our Future
This year, the Cultural Diversity Week theme is Embrace the Journey, Shape Our Future which highlights the unique and shared cultural journeys that define our diverse communities, encouraging us to honour our own cultural stories and those of others, fostering understanding, belonging and connection.
United Nation's International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
March 21 is the United Nation's International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This day reminds us that while celebrating multiculturalism is vital, so too is supporting and advocating on behalf of multicultural communities.
For details of anti-racism reporting and local support services see Report racism - City of Port Phillip
Campfire Stories 2025
Bring a picnic, rug, and your friends, and join us to celebrate Cultural Diversity Week at St Kilda Library.
Settle in for an unforgettable evening of storytelling around a warm campfire, where First Nations speakers and inspiring local voices share personal journeys including migration, resilience, and belonging.
Hosted by the fabulous DJ and TV personality Miss Katalyna, the lineup includes Noè Harsel, CEO of the Jewish Museum of Australia; Rohini Vij, a Hindi educator and storyteller; George Kyriakou, an author capturing the Greek migrant experience; and James Seow, a community leader and advocate for connection and inclusion.
Event details
Thursday, 20 March 2025
6 pm to 8 pm
Duke St Lawn, rear of St Kilda Library
Book here to attend
More about our Host and panellists
Miss Katalyna
Miss Katalyna is a proud Samoan Fa’afafine Transwoman, cultural trailblazer, and a dynamic host whose influence spans media, music, and community engagement. She founded Trans Pride March Melbourne and co-founded the Trans Pride Concert ‘Passing the Mic, uplifting trans and gender-diverse artists. A founding member of PacifiqueX, she champions intersectional advocacy.
As host of The Bent Spoon, the world’s first LGBTQIA+ multicultural cooking show, she’s earned awards and industry acclaim. A trailblazing DJ, she’s performed at Sydney Opera House and major Pride events. With charisma and passion, Miss Katalyna creates inclusive spaces that celebrate diversity and empower communities.
George Kyriakou
George Kyriakou was born on a dirt floor in Ethnico, a rural village in northwestern Greece, during German occupation. His family home was used as a hospital and communications post due to its strategic location.
His book, IFTHESHOEFITS, spans seven generations, exploring culture, conflict, resilience, and compassion. A pivotal moment - finding his sister Agapi’s grave - sparked his journey to uncover his family’s history through wars, hunger, and sacrifice.
His memoir reflects on their struggles and triumphs, preserving their legacy. Read more in Neos Kosmos: "If the Shoe Fits"—A Journey of Love, Loss, and Posterity in Australia
James Seow
James Seow is an experienced facilitator specialising in community development, intercultural learning, well-being science, mental health education, and LGBTIQA+ advocacy. A Williamson Community Leadership Program graduate, he holds a Master of Business in Arts and Culture Management, and a Graduate Certificate with Distinction in Positive Psychology.
Appointed by Japan’s Cabinet Office, he facilitated Ship for World Youth and Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program. He has worked across government, arts, health, and education sectors, focusing on social inclusion and well-being. A board member of key Australian organisations, he advises on multiculturalism, equity, and diversity, driving positive change in communities.
Noè Harsel
Noè Harsel is an arts producer, executive leader, writer, and podcaster specialising in cultural storytelling, community engagement, and strategic leadership. As Museum Director & CEO of the Jewish Museum of Australia, she creates impactful exhibitions that connect diverse audiences. She has written for Melbourne Magazine, Broadsheet, and AFI Magazine on art, architecture, and culture.
Noè hosts Like Us, a podcast that explores conversations about race and identity, and previously created Why Write and Live Write. Noè’s heritage – Japanese, Jewish, Polish, and Russian – enriches her perspective and informs her work. She holds degrees in architecture and history and plays a key role in developing multicultural programs while advocating for inclusivity in the arts
Rohini Vij
Rohini Vij is an educator, storyteller, voice artist, and EdTech founder passionate about using stories to connect and inspire. With 15+ years in storytelling and early literacy, she has trained educators, performed at festivals, and created engaging programs.
Actively involved with the City of Port Phillip and Space2b, she fosters cultural exchange through storytelling. A Newport Storytellers member, she also performs with Hobsons Bay Council, celebrating diversity.
Her journey from India to Australia shapes her perspective on migration and identity, creating spaces where people share stories, find common ground, and embrace multicultural experiences.