Dr Nyanhaz Appointed Co-Deputy Chair of Victorian African Communities Committee
Community leader and advocate Dr Rumbidzai Nyanhoto (Nyanhaz) has been appointed Co-Deputy Chair of the Victorian African Communities…
Black News 
Community leader and advocate Dr Rumbidzai Nyanhoto (Nyanhaz) has been appointed Co-Deputy Chair of the Victorian African Communities Committee (VACC), marking another important step in efforts to strengthen engagement between the Victorian Government and African communities across the state.
The appointment comes only weeks after Dr Nyanhaz joined the committee as a member. In the new leadership role, Dr Nyanhaz will serve alongside Mohamed Ahmed in supporting Pauline Richards, who serves as Chair of the committee.
The Victorian African Communities Committee plays a key advisory role in fostering dialogue between government institutions and African communities, while contributing to policy discussions and supporting initiatives linked to the Victorian African Communities Action Plan (VACAP). The committee focuses on issues affecting African communities, including employment, education, youth engagement, wellbeing, social inclusion, and community development.
Dr Rumbidzai Nyanhoto
Speaking about the appointment, Dr Nyanhaz expressed commitment to “working collaboratively with fellow committee members to advance the priorities of the VACC and ensure that African community voices continue to shape decision-making processes in Victoria“.
Dr Nynahz says she aims to place a particularemphasis on strengthening partnerships between government and communities, improving social and economic outcomes, and supporting culturally responsive approaches that reflect the realities and experiences of African-Australians.
The appointment also reflects the growing visibility and participation of African professionals and community leaders within public advisory structures in Victoria. Over recent years, African community organisations and leaders have increasingly advocated for stronger representation in policy development and greater involvement in decisions affecting multicultural communities.
The Victorian African Communities Action Plan has been one of the key frameworks guiding this engagement, supporting programs focused on employment pathways, youth empowerment, leadership development, mental health, community safety, and social cohesion.
Community observers note that leadership appointments such as Dr Nyanhaz’s not only strengthen institutional engagement but also help build confidence among younger generations of African-Australians aspiring to contribute in civic, professional, and leadership spaces.
Dr Nyanhaz described the opportunity as a privilege and reaffirmed a commitment to supporting inclusive approaches that empower communities and create lasting impact across Victoria’s diverse African
