The Victorian Multicultural Commission is delighted to announce that the Premier's Multicultural Gala Dinner will be held on Saturday 22 August at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre for a spectacular night of dining, entertainment and networking.

This highly anticipated event brings people together to celebrate the vibrancy of Victoria’s multicultural communities and its cultures.

The theme for the 2026 Gala Dinner is Stories of Us, celebrating the unique individual journeys and migration narratives that weave together to form our shared identity.

Event details

Date: Saturday 22 August 2026

Time: 5.30pm – 11.00pm

Venue: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

Address: 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf VIC 3006

Getting there: Plan Your Visit | Access Our Visitor information | MCEC

Dress code: Formal attire or cultural dress

Important information

Once you’ve booked your ticket you will receive a booking confirmation email.

Arrival process
Have your ticket ready before you enter the building, as your ticket needs to be scanned by staff to allow you into the venue.

Refunds or exchanges
The VMC does not offer refunds or exchanges as a result of your personal circumstances or due to external factors, for example, adverse weather.

VMC will only provide a refund or exchange a ticket if the event is cancelled, rescheduled or significantly relocated.

Should you have any questions or require support, please contact our Events team at: vmcrsvp@fruitbowl.com.au

FAQs

What is the dress code?
The dress code is formal attire or cultural dress.

Can I request special dietary requirements?
Yes – we are happy to cater for dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free, kosher and allergy-specific meals. Please ensure you indicate your requirements when booking your ticket.

What does my Premier's Multicultural Gala Dinner 2026 ticket include?
Your Gala Dinner ticket includes:

A delicious three-course meal consisting of shared plates
A selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages served throughout the evening
Access to an exceptional evening of entertainment, cultural celebration and community connection

We look forward to welcoming you for a night of celebration, inspiration and shared stories.

How many tickets can I register for?
There is a limit of 5 tickets per registration to ensure we have a wide range of representatives from different organisations and community groups in attendance.

Will a booking fee be charged?

No. The booking fee is absorbed by the VMC and will not be added to your ticket price.

Can I bring my children or guests under the age of 18?
No. Persons under 18 years of age will not be permitted on the premises.

Can I secure a special rate or purchase an extra ticket for a guest (18 years +)?
Yes you can purchase a Community Rate ticket if eligible. If you have received an invitation, please ensure you register by the due date to secure a ticket and guarantee the rate provided. If you would like to purchase a ticket for your guest, please select a separate Community Rate or General Admission ticket (if they do not qualify for a discount).

What is the definition of a Community Rate ticket?
Community Rate tickets are available at a subsidised price of $100 per ticket for:
- Current members of the VMC including, Regional Advisory Councils, Multicultural Youth Network and Multifaith Advisory Group
- Representatives of small community or grassroots organisations (those with an annual turnover of $1 million or less AND 20 or fewer full-time equivalent staff)

What is the definition of General Admission ticket?
General Admission tickets are available to the wider public, including businesses, private organisations, local councils, and federal or state government departments or agencies.

Why does the Victorian Multicultural Commission offer community discounted tickets?
The Premier's Multicultural Gala Dinner aims to bring Victorians together to celebrate our diversity.

In support and recognition of Victoria's multicultural communities, the VMC is committed to giving community organisations and groups access to discounted tickets so they can participate in this wonderful event and network with guests including government representatives, sponsors and other community organisations.
This approach also ensures that our guests include people from many cultural backgrounds as a true reflection of our multicultural state.

Can I cancel, transfer or amend my tickets?
Tickets purchased cannot be refunded or exchanged due to personal circumstances or external factors such as adverse weather. Refunds or exchanges will only be offered if the event is cancelled, rescheduled or significantly relocated by VMC.

You may update attendee details until 1 August 2026. After this date, no changes will be accepted.

How do I update the details of my booking, including guest names and dietary requirements?
Please email us at vmcrsvp@fruitbowl.com.au with clear instructions on which fields to update. No changes will be accepted after 1 August 2026.

How do I contact the event organiser?
If you have any questions, please email us at vmcrsvp@fruitbowl.com.au and we will respond to your enquiry as soon as possible.

How do I know where I will be sitting?
The VMC will determine the seating plan and do our best to accommodate the preferences you outlined in the registration form. However, please note it may not be possible to accommodate all requests. At the event, your name will be listed under a specific table number to indicate where you will be seated.

Will there be a prayer room?
Yes, there will be one designated prayer room for our event available on Level 2 near the Melbourne Room foyer (behind registration desk on the left) called Speaker Room 201. There are also separate male and female prayers rooms on the ground floor. View this map to see the location or please see event staff at the venue for more information.

How do I get to the venue?
For directions please visit: https://www.mcec.com.au/plan-your-visit

Public transport options:
- Tram: Routes 96, 109 and 12. Stop at Clarendon Street entrance (Stop 12A Casino/MCEC). Routes 48 and 70 (Stop D5), takes you to Flinders Street, a short walk to the venue
- Train: Southern Cross is the nearest train station. From there, catch tram 96, 109, or 12 to MCEC.
- Taxi or rideshare: Ask your driver to drop you off at Convention Centre Place, next to Pan Pacific Melbourne and DFO South Wharf. Taxi ranks are available at Crown (Clarendon Street) and DFO (Convention Centre Place).

Is there parking available?
Wilson carpark is located under the Exhibition Centre. We recommend booking in advance for better rates. Please be aware there may be other events on at MCEC and the carpark may be busy and/or full.

What are the rules around recording, photography, and social media?

Professional photography or videography during the dinner is not permitted without prior approval from VMC.
On social media platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, guests are encouraged to share photos and videos as long as full performance material is not shared and artists or speakers are credited.
Guests are encouraged to 'like' and tag images on the VMC's social media accounts which will be provided on the night.
The VMC will have professional photographers and videographers recording the event and it is inevitable that guests will be captured in the background. A condition of entry includes guests granting permission to the VMC and the Victorian Government to use any images in which they may appear which forms part of the terms and conditions of registration. Guests who do not wish to be photographed should advise our official event photographers, who will be wearing staff lanyards.

What accessibility options are there?
MCEC is a fully accessible venue. If you need assistance on the night, please see one of the VMC or MCEC staff and they will direct you accordingly.

Assisted hearing devices
All rooms within MCEC are equipped with a hearing assistance system. Visitors can loan a lanyard style infrared receiver. This will work directly with hearing aids fitted with a T switch or can be fitted with standard headphones. Please contact vmcrsvp@fruitbowl.com.au to advise if you will be using these systems so we can arrange it for you in advance.

Contact the host of Premier's Multicultural Gala Dinner 2026