Yusuf Liban is a multicultural and youth advocate and advisor with the Victorian Multicultural Commission, championing inclusive community leadership.
Yusuf Liban is a dedicated advocate for multiculturalism, youth empowerment and community-led change. He is the Director of the Multicultural Youth Group, a grassroots organisation supporting young people from multicultural backgrounds through leadership development, capacity building, civic engagement, sport, enterprise, awards and community connection. Under his leadership, MYG has connected with more than 9,000 community members and delivered initiatives that elevate youth voices, including Australia’s first Multicultural Youth Awards.
Yusuf currently works at the Victorian Multicultural Commission within the Department of Premier and Cabinet, where he provides strategic advice and support on engaging multicultural communities across Victoria. His work focuses on strengthening social cohesion, improving community engagement and ensuring diverse voices are heard, represented and reflected in government decision making.
In 2018, Yusuf founded Modest Fashion Runway, Australia’s first event dedicated to showcasing diverse and culturally inclusive fashion. The initiative has collaborated with Melbourne Fashion Week and has helped challenge gaps in representation across the fashion industry by creating pathways for culturally diverse designers, models, stylists and creatives to be seen, celebrated and connected to new opportunities.
A proud African refugee, Yusuf’s leadership is shaped by lived experience, resilience and a deep commitment to belonging, safety and representation. His advocacy has been recognised through the 2021 Victorian Refugee Young Leader Award and his recognition as a finalist for the 2025 Young Australian of the Year. He also contributes to community safety, interfaith and youth advisory work through roles with the African Australian Police Task Force, Crime Stoppers Victoria Youth Advisory Board and the Darebin Interfaith Council.
Through his work across government, community and the creative industries, Yusuf continues to champion initiatives that empower young people, strengthen multicultural communities and help build a more inclusive, connected and socially cohesive Victoria.