By Dhabessa Wakjira

MELBOURNE – Victoria’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and harmonious society has found a steadfast champion. Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria (MMV) has announced that Ms. Louise Perry will continue her tenure as the Interim Multicultural Coordinator General.

While the title is long, the mission is deeply personal. For Perry, the role is not just a bureaucratic appointment, but a culmination of a life shaped by migration, resilience, and a profound dedication to human rights.

As a Burmese woman, a migrant, and the daughter of a refugee, Perry brings a unique duality to the position. She merges her lived experience with significant professional expertise across the public, development, and human rights sectors. It is this combination of personal insight and professional acumen that MMV leadership believes will be instrumental in driving the organization forward.

“Louise brings extensive experience across government, human rights, and international development, along with a lifelong commitment to strengthening inclusion and opportunity for diverse communities,” MMV said in a statement announcing her continued appointment.

Having traversed the complex landscapes of international development and public service, Perry is acutely aware of the challenges and opportunities facing Victoria’s diverse populace. Her career has been defined by a drive to ensure that systemic barriers are dismantled and that opportunity is accessible to all, regardless of background.

In her role as Interim Coordinator General, Perry is tasked with positioning MMV as a trusted, effective, and robust institution. She is passionate about ensuring the organization builds strong, meaningful partnerships across a wide spectrum of stakeholders—from grassroots community groups and government bodies to businesses and the broader Victorian public.

Her vision for MMV is one of active engagement and tangible results. By fostering these cross-sector alliances, Perry aims to deliver meaningful change, ensuring that the voices of multicultural and multifaith communities are not just heard, but are integral to the shaping of policy and public life in Victoria.

As she continues to lead the organization through its establishment phase, Perry stands as a testament to the very values MMV seeks to uphold: that diversity is a strength, and that leadership is often most powerful when informed by the journey of those who have lived it.