Community message
- Published
- Community Message
INSPIRED BY THOSE WHO REPRESENT US
From the sporting field to public life, celebrating leadership, connection and community
Dear friends,
2026 Maccabiah Games
It has been wonderful keeping up with the 2026 Maccabiah Games over the past fortnight.
For a time, it looked as though Australia might not be represented at all. Given the Australian Government’s “Do Not Travel” advice for Israel and the understandable concerns around safety and security, there was real uncertainty about whether a delegation would be able to attend.
In the end, 14 Australian athletes made the journey to represent our country and our community on one of the world’s great Jewish sporting stages. Their commitment and determination deserve our admiration.
Congratulations to the Victorian competitors who have already achieved outstanding results. Barry Lipp won gold in both the Men’s 65+ Duathlon and the Maccabi Man Half Marathon, Alida Lipton won silver in both the 100m Breaststroke and the Women’s 4x50m Medley Relay, and Sam Parasol OAM took bronze in the Masters Singles Table Tennis.
The Australian delegation should be immensely proud – their participation is a powerful reminder that the Maccabiah Games are about far more than sport. They celebrate Jewish resilience and connection to our global community.
An inspiring conversation
Governor-General Sam Mostyn was in Melbourne this week to greet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a great friend to Israel and a proud leader of a small local Jewish community. Before heading back to Canberra, the Governor-General held an informal check-in with local Jewish leaders, organised by Rabbi Yaakov Glasman of St Kilda Hebrew Congregation.
The Governor-General explained that her focus is on bringing care and kindness into public life. She is leading by example in showing how to listen respectfully and lead in an ethical, deliberate manner.
One of the things I was pleased to discuss with Her Excellency was the need to share our Jewish story with more non-Jewish Australians. She reflected on a recent inspiring visit to Dubai’s Abrahamic Family House, the site of a synagogue, church and mosque all co-located as a symbol of peace and common humanity.
Wouldn’t it be inspiring to one day have a similar project here in Melbourne?
Royal Commission updates
Meeting with Royal Commission Official Secretary
This week, I met with the Official Secretary of the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion.
The meeting was an opportunity to check in on how the Victorian Jewish community is coping with the Royal Commission process and the impact the hearings are having. I appreciated the genuine concern shown for the wellbeing of those who have participated, and for our broader community as the Commission’s work continues.
As the hearings progress, I remain encouraged by the Commission’s willingness to engage directly with Jewish Australians and to listen carefully to our experiences.
Hearing Block 3
Following my meeting with the Royal Commission this week, I have been reflecting on the significance of the evidence being heard.
This week marked the conclusion of Hearing Block 3, which examined antisemitism in online environments and across traditional media. Over two weeks, the Commission heard from community members, researchers, technology companies, media organisations and regulators about the ways antisemitism is amplified online and the very real impact it has on Jewish Australians.
One message came through clearly: online antisemitism does not remain online. It affects the way people participate in public life, influences what happens in schools and workplaces, and has profound consequences for the safety and wellbeing of our community.
The hearings also highlighted the responsibility of governments, regulators, media organisations and technology platforms to respond more effectively to online hate and to better protect those who are targeted.
Next week, the Royal Commission comes to Melbourne for Hearing Block 4, which will focus on antisemitism in Australian universities. The Commission will hear from students, academics and university leaders as it examines the experiences of Jewish students and staff, and how universities have responded to antisemitism on campus.
We know that some of the evidence heard by the Royal Commission can be confronting. If you, or someone in your community, is affected by what comes out in the hearings, please remember that support is available through Jewish Care on 1300 133 660.
A new chapter for multicultural Victoria
Following last year’s landmark Multicultural Review, the Victorian Government is proposing to establish Multicultural Victoria, a new body that will strengthen community engagement and help ensure the voices of multicultural and multifaith communities are better reflected in government policy and decision making.
The JCCV has been pleased to contribute to consultation throughout this process. We know that strong multicultural institutions matter because they create opportunities for communities to be heard, to build relationships and to work together on the issues that affect us all.
As one chapter begins, another comes to a close. Next week, Vivienne Nguyen AM will conclude her seven years as Chair of the Victorian Multicultural Commission.
Many members of our community will know Viv from the countless Jewish events she has attended over the years, from Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations to Yom Hashoah commemorations and many occasions in between. What is less visible are the many conversations behind the scenes: the phone calls, the check-ins and the introductions she has made between leaders from different communities who often find themselves facing similar challenges.
On behalf of the JCCV, I want to thank Viv for her leadership, her generosity and her genuine commitment to Victoria’s multicultural communities. It has not always been an easy role, but she has carried it with energy, dedication and grace. I wish her every success in the next chapter.
