In western Melbourne, a decades-long dream is moving closer to reality. The groundbreaking ceremony for the Australian Vietnamese Museum was held in grand fashion, marking the project's entry into a substantial phase of development. This significant milestone underscores the community's dedication to preserving its heritage.
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03-19, 2025Despite the rain, enthusiasm remained undeterred. On Sunday, numerous individuals gathered at a site formerly used as a municipal parking lot in Sunshine to witness this important moment together. "People often say that rain is a symbol of good fortune and importance," said Vichea Te, Chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission, who has been dedicated to the museum's establishment since 2005. Her continued involvement reflects the deep commitment to this cultural endeavor.
Te herself arrived in Australia as a refugee at the age of 12. She stated that the Australian Vietnamese Museum will provide a sacred place "to pray for the souls of those who did not successfully gain freedom." It is estimated that approximately 2 million Vietnamese people fled the country after the communist victory in 1975, with up to 10% losing their lives at sea. Under the leadership of then-Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser, tens of thousands of Vietnamese refugees resettled in Australia, marking a pivotal moment in the abolition of the "White Australia policy."
High school teacher Lac Hoang Nguyen stated, "Over the past fifty years, this place has been filled with strength and friendship." He believes that the museum will educate future generations of Vietnamese-Australians and the wider community about the "profound" contributions made by those who came to Australia as refugees, including his own parents. "We strive to protect our traditions while also fully integrating into society... We are proud of where we are," he said, highlighting the community's resilience and integration.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War and the mass exodus of refugees. Approximately 280,000 people of Vietnamese descent reside in Australia, making it one of the country's largest immigrant groups. Australian Vietnamese Museum CEO Tammy Nguyen stated that the project is "very personal" to her, given her own parents' experience of a perilous six-day, seven-night sea journey fleeing Vietnam. "Vietnamese boat people risked everything for freedom," she said. "For fifty years, the Vietnamese community has not only survived but thrived... We have gone from refugees to leaders," showcasing the community's remarkable progress.
The Victorian government announced on Sunday that it would provide an additional AUD 2 million in funding for the museum. "The Australian Vietnamese Museum will be a first for Australia – and building it here in Victoria, our nation’s multicultural capital, couldn’t be more fitting," Premier Jacinta Allan said in a statement. "We’re investing in our Vietnamese community to make sure Victorians have a deeper understanding of their experiences and their significant contribution to Australia." This adds to the AUD 6.67 million the state government has already invested in the project, demonstrating strong governmental support.
The project has already received nearly AUD 10 million in grants from the federal government, and the community has also conducted extensive fundraising activities. Vichea Te of the Victorian Multicultural Commission stated that the museum has received bipartisan support from all three levels of government, "which is the first time we've seen this in the world." She said the museum will mean that the story of Vietnamese refugees "will be permanently and safely enshrined in Australia's history" and represents the community's gratitude to Australian Vietnam War veterans. Over 60,000 Australians participated in the Vietnam War, with 521 soldiers losing their lives in the conflict, making the museum a place of remembrance and reconciliation.
