- Published:
- Thursday, 18 September 2025
Australia’s first Vietnamese cultural centre and museum is a step closer to reality, with construction ahead of schedule and a major milestone reached this week.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt, Member for St Albans Natalie Suleyman and Member for the South Eastern Metropolitan Region Lee Tarlamis today visited the project site in Sunshine marking the roof concrete pour with a topping off ceremony – a significant achievement taking place two weeks earlier than planned.
The Museum will provide Vietnamese Victorians with a place to celebrate their heritage and preserve stories of migration and refugee settlement, honouring the journey of freedom and the contributions of the Vietnamese community to the fabric of Australia.
It will also be a place where the broader community can learn about the history of the Vietnamese refugees who made Australia their home.
The Labor Government has contributed almost $10 million towards the project, which will provide a dedicated space for exhibitions, education and community events.
The Vietnamese Museum Australia is one of seven cultural museums in the Multicultural Museums Victoria Network, recognising the unique heritage and contribution of Victoria’s diverse communities.
The Labor Government investment in the project acknowledges the importance of the 120,000-plus Victorians of Vietnamese heritage, including more than 93,000 born in Vietnam – making it the fifth largest overseas-born community in the state.
2025 marks a significant milestone for the Vietnamese diaspora – celebrating the 50th anniversary of Vietnamese settlement in Australia, marking five decades of contribution, resilience, and cultural heritage.
Quote attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt
“This museum will be a proud first for Victoria and Australia – a place to honour Vietnamese refugee stories and celebrate the community’s contributions – and it’s wonderful to see construction already ahead of schedule.”
Quote attributable to Member for Laverton Sarah Connolly
“The Vietnamese Museum Australia will be a landmark in Melbourne’s west – a place that honours the resilience of local families, while creating a space for learning, reflection and celebration.”
Quote attributable to Member for St Albans Natalie Suleyman
“As we mark 50 years of Vietnamese settlement in Australia, this project is a fitting way to acknowledge the enormous contribution of the Vietnamese community to Victoria’s multicultural story.”
Quote attributable to Vietnamese Museum Australia CEO Tammy Nguyen
"Reaching the topping out stage of the Vietnamese Museum Australia is a proud moment for our community. This museum will honour the journeys of Vietnamese refugees who sacrificed so much to find freedom in Australia.”