In a massive win for cultural representation in Melbourne's west, the planning permit for Australia's first Vietnamese museum and cultural centre has been rubber-stamped.
The $2.3 million project, backed by the Allan Government, is set to become a three-storey powerhouse of Vietnamese culture in Sunshine.
Perched on Durham Road, just a stone’s throw from Sunshine Station, this groundbreaking space will be more than just your average museum. We’re talking a full-blown community hub complete with exhibitions showcasing over 280 artefacts, plus a function centre that can host up to 450 people – perfect for those massive community gatherings that’ll draw crowds from interstate and beyond.
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The museum’s going to join the elite squad of Melbourne’s cultural institutions as the sixth member of the Multicultural Museums Victoria Network, rubbing shoulders with heavy-hitters like the Hellenic Museum and the Jewish Museum.
It’s a major milestone for Victoria’s Vietnamese community, which currently stands strong at 120,000-plus people. “We’re continuing to support the future and celebrate the vibrant past of our multicultural state – creating more opportunities to acknowledge the significant contributions made by the Vietnamese community across Victoria,” says Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt.
This isn’t just another building project – it’s a testament to the rich cultural tapestry that Vietnamese Victorians have woven into our state since their arrival. The museum will preserve crucial stories of migration and refugee settlement, ensuring these narratives aren’t lost to time.
The location’s no accident either. Sunshine’s western locale has long been a beating heart of Vietnamese culture in Australia, and this museum cements that legacy. With the site owned by Brimbank City Council and the project getting fast-tracked through the Development Facilitation Program, we’re looking at a serious commitment to cultural preservation.
Since 2016, the government’s thrown more than $6.8 million at the Vietnamese Museum Australia project, recognizing the massive impact of Victoria’s fifth-largest overseas-born population – with more than 93,000 residents born in Vietnam. Stay tuned for more updates on this game-changing cultural institution.
For more on the Vietnamese Museum of Australia, head here.