Embracing Diversity: Exploring Victoria's Multicultural Business Hubs

Did you know that Victoria is one of Australia’s most culturally diverse states? In fact, 49% of Victorians were born overseas or have at least one parent who was born overseas, so it's no wonder our state is a melting pot of cultures.

Step onto the streets of any of the multicultural precincts spread across greater Melbourne and into our regional areas, and it’s easy to see the significant cultural and economic contribution migrants and their families make to Victoria.

From Dandenong to Footscray, Carlton to Mentone, Richmond to Shepparton and beyond, you can find a mix of global aromas wafting from local eateries, unique and interesting products, an array of spoken languages, and business being conducted true to traditions.

These multicultural precincts celebrate diversity and innovation, provide employment opportunities, deliver specialist services, create thriving communities and are hubs of economic activity and growth.

Read about some of our multicultural businesses shaping these precincts.

Cultural traditions foster innovation

At the heart of many businesses in these precincts is entrepreneurship. A whopping 37% of migrant businesses provide unique goods and services and over time, become a part of our social fabric and help our economy thrive. Where would Melbourne be without its coffee, brought to us by Italian migrants and the introduction of the first espresso machine to Carlton?

And no visit to Melbourne is complete without a steaming plate of dumplings or a sizzling souvlaki. The bustling streets and alleyways in central Melbourne have grown with waves of migration from all over the world. A hub for communities to meet and trade, today we benefit from the rich and diverse array of dishes that have become part of our everyday eating.

Creating opportunities for others

An impressive 25% of migrant-owned enterprises actively invest in training programs and have a higher rate of migrant employment, delivering social benefits to both individuals and the broader community.

At Paarhammer Doors and Windows in Ballan, multiculturism shines. The team employs more than 20 people from different cultural backgrounds, including Sudan, West Africa, the Chapman Islands in New Zealand and Iran.

“Our staff are our biggest asset,” says owner Tony, “People with different and varied backgrounds bring diversity and new ideas to the business.”

When Tony and his wife Edith first moved to Melbourne from Austria in 1991, they had no idea what would be in store for them. Fast forward 34 years and Paarhammer Windows and Doors has gained widespread recognition, selling across Australia and providing employment and training opportunities for migrants settling in the local area.

Meeting the needs of the community

Many culturally diverse businesses also inherently serve the needs of members of their community.

Elene Amare, owner of Roha hair and beauty on Nicholson Street Footscray, specialises in African hair, from cuts to weaves, cornrows, braids and more.

After completing a one-year certificate course in hairdressing and being inspired working alongside other hairdressers, she opened her own salon and hasn’t looked back.

Six years down the track and she’s a fixture amongst the African businesses in Footscray, having created a strong network of support from other business owners, exchanging ideas and experiences.

But it’s her customers that keep her coming back to work each day. They are locals and others of African background travelling to Footscray for her specialist services – they know she knows their hair and how it works. They have confidence they will walk away with a great look.

Her approach to business is deeply personal, "I speak my language with my customers. I understand them, not just speaking, but I understand them."

A sense of belonging

Opening a business in a new country can be challenging, but shared experiences create strong bonds. Our multicultural precincts are places where diversity and difference are embraced, and neighbourhoods have a strong sense of community and belonging.

Vietnamese-born Thao Nguyen runs Viet Kitchen, a popular Footscray restaurant. Travelling from Saigon to Australia with her mother, they wanted to stand on their own two feet and decided to open their own business.

"At the time I had just finished my uni. Without any experience in running a restaurant before. My feeling at the time was excited and nervous. However, I never imagined that running a restaurant has more things to do, not just give service and cook good food."

Viet Kitchen opened its doors in 2015 and found its place among the Vietnamese restaurants and retailers in the area, connecting with fellow business owners and locals. Despite early challenges like empty tables and mounting expenses, they persisted and are now a local staple.

"We love Footscray because it was the first place we lived when we first came to Australia. We cherish the sense of community and the kindness that people show to each other. With friends and family also calling Footscray home, it's where we feel most connected and happiest."

Starting small and looking to grow

Many of our multicultural business owners are ambitious, which is good for them and for Victoria. One third plan on hiring new people to grow, while 47% are working towards generating higher revenue and 24% intend on expanding into new markets.

From Afghanistan to Australia, Mohamed Reza Nejafi's story is one of courage and success. For over a decade, he has been the driving force behind Najafi Barber, a beloved establishment on McRae Street in Dandenong, where many come for the classic barber experience and a great fade.

"I like this job. I like this business. In Afghanistan, I was just working for someone else. Then, in Australia, I worked in Mildura for a year before I came to Dandenong in 2012. Now, I work for myself," says Mohamed, reflecting on his journey to becoming a business owner.

Coming to Australia Mohamed found a home in Dandenong's supportive community. He credits his success to being Hazari and his community connections.

“We are hardworking people, and we try very hard to be successful and make a good business."

With that hard work and experience, he has been able to grow his business and open a second salon in Dandenong.

Today he is excited about what the future holds and the potential to take his business to other precincts – but it’s all about providing the best service to anyone who walks through the salon doors.

"I am not just for Afghani customers. I am for all people and I love all my customers."

Visiting our multicultural precincts

Explore your local multicultural precinct today and find yourself amongst communities weaving the history and story of diversity, inclusiveness and opportunity in Victoria. It’s a great opportunity to support a local trader and try something new.

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