End of 2025 CEO Reflections
I want to acknowledge the challenges of recent weeks and reflect on the resilience and solidarity I’ve seen across our communities.
As we close out the year, many of us do so with heavy hearts and a renewed awareness of how fragile social cohesion can be. Recently, Jewish families and communities gathered to celebrate the first night of Chanukah at Bondi Beach and were targeted in a horrific and senseless act of violence. Our hearts remain with everyone impacted in Sydney, and with the wider Jewish community. CMY condemns this act of extreme violence. There is no place for hate, antisemitism, or any form of racism in Australia. Read our full statement.
It’s been difficult at times to hold both grief and hope, but that is what this year has demanded of many communities. In the days since the Bondi attack, I’ve been reminded that inclusion, safety and belonging are not abstract ideals; they are commitments we must keep choosing, together.
On Friday 12 December, Victoria reached a significant milestone with the passage of the Treaty with First Peoples, and I was privileged to attend the official celebration. I felt immense pride in Victoria for taking this historic step as the first state in Australia to advance Treaty. It was truly one of the highlights of my career.
I also attended Pillars of Light at Federation Square, hosted by The Ark Centre. It was an uplifting evening grounded in hope and connection, bringing together a wide cross-section of Melbourne’s multicultural and multifaith leaders and community members. Yesterday, I joined the community vigil convened by the Victorian Multicultural Commission, standing in solidarity with the Jewish community alongside other multicultural and multifaith leaders. I was also honoured to attend the Bhutanese community’s National Day celebrations — another reminder of the strength and contribution of communities across Victoria.
These moments are a timely reminder of why CMY exists: to stand alongside multicultural young people and their communities, and to help build a Victoria where everyone belongs and difference is not feared, but valued. In 2026, we know the need for our work will not ease. As we begin developing our next strategic plan and head into an election year, our focus will be on strengthening social cohesion in partnership with multicultural young people, communities, government and sector leaders to respond to the moment we are in.
To all of our partners, supporters, and the communities we work alongside: thank you. Your trust, collaboration and shared purpose make our impact possible.
Wishing you a safe and restorative break, and a new year grounded in hope and solidarity.