Over 100 multicultural changemakers recently gathered at Melbourne’s Cargo Hall for a dazzling evening — the 2025 APOC Gala & Awards Night. Hosted by the Australian Professionals of Multicultural Communities (APOC), the sold-out event was a powerful celebration of visionary leadership, cultural identity, and the evolving relationship between humanity and AI.
Founded by Vineti Anand, APOC is a community-led organisation dedicated to uplifting professionals from culturally diverse backgrounds. With a mission grounded in equity, representation, and inclusion, APOC connects, supports, and celebrates individuals and initiatives shaping Australia’s multicultural future. Vineti has devoted her career to building inclusive pathways for multicultural talent and envisioned APOC as a platform where leadership is empowered through authenticity.
The evening began with a keynote address by Vivienne Nguyen, Chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission, who reflected on the deeper significance of representation. She emphasised that true representation goes beyond visibility — it becomes powerful when it channels lived experiences toward inclusion and equity. Her message set a purposeful tone for the night.
Later, Andrew Ko, Head of Strategy at Aware Super, delivered a forward-looking address on the intersection of AI, strategy, and cultural inclusion. “I shared my perspective on the powerful intersection between AI technology, strategic thinking, and cultural inclusion that can build a bridge between today and tomorrow,” he said.
His insights tied the Gala’s theme — Humanity + AI — to the challenges and opportunities facing multicultural leaders in a rapidly evolving world.
Following the keynotes, the evening honoured outstanding leaders across seven award categories:
• Allyship Award: Hugh Wareham, Dennis Banfield, and Steve Lansdell — co-founders of CALD2LEAD — for championing CALD women in leadership.
• Community Champion Award: Dr Mehmet Aslan for his long-standing grassroots leadership and intercultural dialogue work.
• Community Impact Award: Jon-Claire Lee, founder of JCL Productions, for his contributions to storytelling and cultural inclusion across arts and education.
• Culturally Inclusive Workplace Champion: MOSAIC (Australian Financial Complaints Authority) for empowering multicultural staff and advancing workplace equity.
• Emerging Multicultural Leader: Gloria Tabi for her anti-racism advocacy and for founding Everyday Inclusion.
• Multicultural Excellence in Leadership: Dolly Cutinho, senior banking leader, for her transformative work in finance and inclusion.
• Trailblazer Award: Molina Asthana for her legal and community leadership, breaking barriers as the first South Asian woman elected President-Elect of the Law Institute of Victoria.
The night also featured a powerful performance by the Hong De Lion Dance Association, whose vibrant display embodied strength, unity, and tradition. A dynamic panel discussion followed, with Dheeren Vélu, Abiola Akinbiyi, Mahesh Krishnan, and Divya Pasupuleti sharing insights on inclusive leadership, career transformation, and AI adoption through both lived and professional perspectives.
Yet beyond the program, the Gala was about connection — about recognising those who lead with integrity, who build bridges across cultures, and who see diversity not as a challenge to be managed but as a strength to be celebrated.
In an era when inclusion can sometimes feel like a buzzword, the 2025 APOC Gala & Awards Night was a timely reminder that leadership, when rooted in culture and community, has the power to transform not only organisations but society itself.
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