In the presence of Governor Margaret Gardner, Victorian Multicultural Council chair Vivienne Nguyen and numerous institutional representatives, the Victorian Multicultural Commission presented the Multicultural Awards for Excellence—prestigious honours that recognise individuals and organisations dedicated to strengthening multiculturalism across the state.
Among the award recipients was Italian-born Stefania Zen, Education and Engagement Manager at Northern Health, who was honoured in the Public Sector category for advancing inclusion and diversity.
The official citation highlighted her work in building “a healthcare system that is safe, respectful and inclusive, reflecting the richness of Victoria’s cultural diversity”—a mission Zen carries forward with both precision and empathy.
The Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll also recognised three familiar figures within the Italian community:
Teresa De Fazio, a leading academic voice in multicultural education; Adolfo Gentile, long-time lecturer in university programs for interpreters and translators and former member of the Refugee Review Tribunal; Salvatore Sposato, tireless president of the Calabria Club and a guiding force of the association for more than fifty years; and Joe Caputo, a well-known and valued advocate for the Italian community.
“I’m truly moved. When you work, you don’t think about these things. After so many years, receiving such a prestigious honour is incredibly rewarding,” Gentile said.
Sposato, warmly applauded by the audience, expressed a similar sentiment: “I’m incredibly touched and grateful,” he said, joined by his wife Margie and their son Domenico.
The ceremony also acknowledged the nine VMC commissioners whose terms concluded in September.
Among them was Gabrielle Marchetti, a community lawyer born in Italy who has long been active in defending workers’ rights and supporting multicultural communities.
A committed member of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria and vice-president of Com.It.Es Victoria and Tasmania, Marchetti welcomed the recognition with pride.
“It’s a great honour, but there is still so much to do. For me, this is just the beginning,” she said.
Marchetti also pointed to major changes on the horizon: the Victorian Government has announced the creation of a new body that will replace the Victorian Multicultural Commission.
“At the moment we know very little,” she shared, “The legislation is expected to be introduced in Parliament between February and March. We’re waiting to understand what powers the new organisation will have.”
