NAVIGATION

NAVIGATION

HOME | CONTACT | ABOUT US | GATHERS | RESOURCES

VIC | VMC | UPDATING | Community, News and Information | Wednesday 29 July 2026

[Edited extract from public address]

Positive Change Ahead for our Communities

It is a privilege to write to you for the first time as Chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission.

I am honoured to have the opportunity to serve our multicultural and multifaith communities. I look forward to meeting many of you over the months ahead, listening to your experiences and learning from the people and organisations who contribute so much to our state every day.

This is an exciting time for multicultural Victoria.

This week, the Bill to amend the Multicultural Victoria Act was introduced into the Victorian Parliament. The Bill seeks to establish Multicultural Victoria, creating opportunities to strengthen the way government listens to, engages with and supports multicultural and multifaith communities. I look forward to helping build an organisation that reflects the aspirations and diversity of the communities we serve, prioritising a recalibrated and coordinated approach that promotes cohesion, equity and inclusion though legislation, policies, programs and partnerships. 
As part of this transition, applications are now open for a range of leadership opportunities, including membership of the new Multicultural Community Advisory Group. This is a unique opportunity for community leaders to contribute their experience, insights and perspectives, helping ensure community voices remain central to the future direction of Multicultural Victoria. I encourage anyone with the passion and commitment for shaping Victoria's multicultural future to consider applying. 
As we begin this journey, I look forward to getting out into communities across Victoria, meeting many of you in person and learning more about your work, your aspirations and the issues that matter most to you. Together, we can continue building a Victoria where every community feels heard, valued and connected.

Warm regards,
Louise Perry, Chairperson

 

 News and events 

AUST | ABS | COUNTING | Australia's next census | Tuesday 11 August

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census is a snapshot of the country and tells the story of how we are changing. 

Census data is used to shape services people use every day. It helps us understand what Australia needs now, and in the future. That’s why it’s important that everyone in Australia takes part.

VIC | WOY | SUPPORTING | What's on Youth

Got an event, job, grant, program or wellbeing service for young people? What's On Youth (WOY) helps organisations, councils and schools get their opportunities in front of young Victorians across the state – for free.

What's On Youth is a Victorian-built platform, developed with support from the Victorian Government, to help young people discover opportunities,
 

AUST | OSECI | HEARING | Your say: from Australian Muslims

Australia's Office of the Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia (OSECI) has launched the Australian Muslim Poll, a national initiative delivered in partnership with Deakin University that will capture the diverse experiences, perspectives and wellbeing of Muslims across Australia.

The Australian Muslim Poll is Australia’s first nationally representative, annual study of its kind. It will build a robust evidence base to better understand Muslim communities and inform policy, community programs and public discourse with high-quality, data-driven insights.

The Australian Muslim Poll will run across 2026–2027, with the first findings expected in September 2027, to be shared through reports, events and briefings.

VIC | TRVI | OFFERING | Half price and contactless travel

Public transport in Victoria is half price for everyone until 1 January 2027. Half price fares apply automatically to all public transport services statewide and to all passengers, including concession holders.

In addition, Transport Victoria (TRVI) has recently rolled out contactless payment options across the tram network and at train stations where myki is accepted.

Contactless payment is currently available for full fare customers only. Concession card holders should keep using their concession myki to ensure they are charged the correct fare.

If you are a concession card holder and accidentally tap on with a phone or bank card, wait 30 seconds and tap off with the same device so you are not charged. Any customers who make a mistake and are incorrectly charged should contact the Transport Victoria Contact Centre on 1800 800 007 to discuss reimbursement options.
 

VIC | VCCI | HELPING | Create safer, more respectful workplaces – Lead the Change Program

Lead the Change is a Victorian Government‑funded program designed to help leaders and decision-makers in small to medium enterprises create respectful, inclusive environments across the hospitality, retail, manufacturing and construction industries.

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) program provides practical tools, training and expert support to prevent gender‑based violence, meet legal obligations and build inclusive, positive workplace cultures. Sessions are free and delivered across metro, suburban and regional Victoria from February 2026 to May 2027.

AUST | SCFO | GRANTING | The Scanlon Foundation's Annual Community Grant Round 2026 | now open, closing Friday 28 August 2026

The Scanlon Foundation (SCFO) Employment Pathways category will provide up to $50,000 per project/per annum for 2 years. Targeted to long-term unemployed/underemployed adults from all migrant and multicultural backgrounds, the grants will continue to support proposals from regional and rural communities or organisations supporting migrant and multicultural communities in regional areas.
 

AUST | TAFESA | OFFERING | Online Diploma of Interpreting with TAFE South Australia

Applications for TAFE South Australia's Diploma of Interpreting 2027 and the Interpreting and Translating Skill Sets 2027 open soon. Delivered online and open to students across Australia, this 12 months Part Time course will provide you with the opportunity to learn the necessary skills to effectively interpret in a range of settings.

MORE:

Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)
Address: Level 6, 121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

VMC acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country and pay our respect to them, their culture and their Elders past and present.

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

MELB | AELA | GATHERING | Many Faiths, One Planet – Together, Caring for our Common Home | Saturday 3 October 2026 | 8.30am-5pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Join us for a 1-Day Conference celebrating how the living world brings us together in faith, and in care.

The Earth is crying out to us. We read reports of species becoming extinct and ecosystems under attack. It is easy to lose hope when confronted by the Biodiversity crisis before us. And none of us can face the challenges alone.

In October, people from diverse faith groups, cultures and ecological sciences will meet in Melbourne to hear the cry of the Earth. We will listen, learn, reflect and grow in ecological consciousness together. 

We come together because Australia's unique biodiversity matters. Together we will discover ways people of faith and the sciences collaborate to protect species and ecosystems before they disappear.


 Conference Speakers 

Sherry Balcombe-Maloney | Finding Our Place On Country

Many people have not had the opportunity to hear what First Nations people mean when they talk about Country. As a First Nations descendant, Sherry will open us up to a greater sense of what connecting to Country means — what it REALLY means in time, place, spirituality and relationship, especially for those of us who are disconnected from the natural world. 

Sherry is an Olkola / Mularidji woman from Far North Queensland. Born in Narrm, she has an extensive experience in Social Justice with a faith-based approach, and has enjoyed numerous roles within the community including Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency, visiting First Nations youth in detention, Aboriginal Catholic Ministry for 20 years. She is a currently State Representative for NATSICC, board member of Jesuit Social Services, Aboriginal Visitor to Aboriginal community at Thomas Embling Hospital, cross cultural Educator, Story Teller with Djirra (Abororiginal women’s support service), and Aboriginal Heritage Walk tour guide at the Royal Botanical Gardens. Sherry also contributed to the book, "An Urgent Call: Laudato Si' and Indigenous Wisdom in Oceania", recently published by the Vatican.
 

Prof Sarah Bekessy | Locating Ourselves In The Ecosystem

Humans have the tendency to see Nature as a resource, and not something we are a part of. Australia is one of the most mega-biodiverse places on Earth and yet we have the highest rate of biodiversity loss in the developed world. Sarah will give a brief overview of what is causing this loss of our unique biodiversity and present some ways we can all care for it in the urban environment — together! 

Sarah leads the ICON Science research group which uses interdisciplinary approaches to solve complex biodiversity conservation problems. She is particularly interested in understanding the role of human behaviour in conservation, in designing cities to encourage ‘every day nature’ experiences and in defining and measuring ‘nature positive’ development. Sarah is a Lead Councillor with The Biodiversity Council, which she helped to establish "to be a trusted, expert voice communicating accurate information on all aspects of biodiversity to the Australian people, to ensure biodiversity and Country prosper." She is Honorary Professor at RMIT University, and 2020 Winner of the City of Melbourne Design Challenge.


Dr Michelle Maloney | Growing New Ways Of Being

'Tinkering with the edges' is not enough, because the current systems have led us to this crisis point. We have become disconnected from the natural world. Michelle will speak on what Thomas Berry called the task of this century: "to carry out the transition from a period of human devastation of the Earth to a period when humans would be present to the planet in a mutually beneficial manner.” How can we understand our ecosystems and bioregions, and grow in our ecological consciousness for the care of our common home?

Michelle manages the strategic direction and governance of the Australian Earth Laws Alliance (AELA), designs and manages AELA programs and events, and coordinates the work of staff, volunteers and collaborative networks. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (political science and history) and Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from the Australian National University, and an PhD in environmental regulation, from the Griffith Law Futures Centre. Michelle is also the Co-Founder and Director of Future Dreaming Australia; Adjunct Fellow, Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), and a member of the Advisory Council, Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature. She lives near Brisbane, Australia with her family and Ziggy the Wonderdog.


Andrew Skeoch | Deep Listening To Nature

In the attention economy, those with the loudest voice wins. How has the Earth been speaking to us? Can we learn to better listen to even the small voices? Andrew Skeoch will open our hearts and minds to deep listening in the natural world using some of the sounds he has recorded here and around the world, and share with us what he has learned about human behaviour from many years of listening and observing the more than human life.  

Andrew is an educator, author, naturalist, environmental thinker, and one of Australia's best-known nature sound recordists. Over the last thirty years, he has documented the sounds of wild environments around the planet, and through his label, Listening Earth, published over one hundred recordings featuring habitats from most continents, attracting Spotify streaming figures in the many tens of thousands a week. His recordings are featured in the audio installation at Sydney Wildlife World, feature films, including Peter Gabriel's soundtrack to Phillip Noyce's 'Rabbit Proof Fence', and Disney's 2016 remake of 'The Jungle Book'. Andrew is a TEDx speaker and President of the Australian Wildlife Sound Recording Group.
 
Early Bird Pricing extended till August 10th, BOOK NOW!
Please register for the conference as soon as possible.

Space is limited.
  
Families welcome. Please contact us if you have any special needs.

We aim to create a safe and inclusive space for people from all cultural backgrounds, and beliefs.

Post-Conference Dinner Tickets will be available here closer to the conference, please keep an eye out for details
 
Hosted by The Australian Earth Laws Alliance (AELA) and the Faith Ecology Network (FEN)
  
Early Bird Tickets until Monday 10 August 2026
    • Waged: $120
    • Concession/Unwaged/Students: $80
    • Children under 18 attend free. 
Prices From Tuesday 11 August 2026
    • Waged: $140
    • Concession/Unwaged/Students: $95
    • Children under 18 attend free. 
  • Bookings: online via Trybooking

MORE:

Australian Earth Laws Alliance (AELA)

The Australian Earth Laws Alliance acknowledges that the sovereignty of the First Nations People of the continent now known as Australia was never ceded by treaty nor in any other way. AELA acknowledges and respects First Nations Peoples’ laws and ecologically sustainable custodianship of Australia over tens of thousands of years through land and sea management practices that continue today.
Labels: , , , , , , , , , ,

AUST | FDPN | UPDATING | Community Information | July 2026

[Edited extract from public address]

On Monday 27 July, one of our community member is finally safe. He is the first LGBTIQA+ refugee to arrive in Australia through Bridge to Safety, a protection pathway built by and for our community.

Farsheed a gay man who has lived with fear and persecution for as long as he can remember, has touched down in Australia through Bridge to Safety.

Today, Farsheed woke up and breathed without fear.

I have waited a long time to write those words.

Before I explain why this moment matters, I want to share something Farsheed wrote while he was still waiting.
“I want a life where I could exist without fear. A life where I wouldn’t be punished for who I am. I reached out everywhere I could. Every organisation, every agency. Most of the time, there was silence. Or doors that never opened.

Then FDPN told me that they had submitted my case. I did not believe it at first. It felt too fragile, too unreal.

There is a park I used to go to. Every time I went there, it looked grey and lifeless, like everything I was feeling inside.

The day after my interview, I woke up with a quiet feeling I did not recognise at first. When I looked outside, that same park was different. It looked green. Alive. Full of light.

Nothing about the park had changed. But something in me had.”
For years, our community has known a hard truth: the systems that are supposed to protect refugees too often leave LGBTIQA+ people behind.

Global resettlement has collapsed. Places worldwide have fallen by more than 85 percent. There are now fewer than 30,000 resettlement places globally. For an LGBTIQA+ person fleeing persecution, that is not an abstraction. It can be the difference between a chance at a future and no future at all.

LGBTIQA+ people fleeing persecution often face barriers others do not. These include discrimination, violence, threats from family and community, and refugee assessment processes that do not adequately account for their circumstances. Such barriers can prevent access to resettlement and other pathways to safety, even for those who urgently need protection.

FDPN spent years working to change a system that was not built for our communities. Bridge to Safety is what that persistence looks like. We built this program on something unique, something no-one else can offer: the trust of our own community, matched with expert legal support from our partners at RACS.

Community leads. Legal follows. That model just brought Farsheed to safety.

Our local partners walked alongside Farsheed to gather evidence and prepare his case.
Your donations, your refusal to look away, made every step of that possible. Farsheed is safe today because this community showed up. Thank you form the bottom of my heart.

Farsheed is the first. He cannot be the last.

Right now there are others still waiting: for their cases to be prepared, for visas to be granted, for a flight that means freedom. They are living in fear for the simplest reason: who they are and who they love. We have more people ready than we have funding to reach them.

Every week without funding is another week at risk of arrest, violence, or worse.

Donations do not go to a program. It goes to a person. A specific person, in a specific country, facing a specific threat. $13,000 covers everything it takes: the legal work, the casework, risk and triage assessment, verification and interview, interpreting, travel, and the practical support needed to reach safety.

I am confident we will have more good news to share soon.
For now, thank you to donors for being part of the work that got us here.
With gratitude,
Dr Renee Dixson, Executive Director & Co-Founder

PS: If you or someone you know is an LGBTIQA+ person overseas seeking help through Bridge to Safety, please reach out to us directly at BridgetoSafety@fdpn.org.au.

If you're already in Australia and wanting to seek asylum, our partners at RACS can help: contact admin@racs.org.au.

SHARING | New Resource: Messaging Guide to Counter Far-Right Narratives

As far-right, populist movements gain ground, Australian Progress has released a new guide to help progressive advocates cut through.
Produced with Anat Shenker-Osorio of ASO Communications, it gives you a practical framework to pick your own fight, build belonging around shared values, and show what’s at stake in opposition policies.

WORLD | UNHCR | HEARING | Your say: Refugee Law Guidance | submissions close 23.59 CEST on 15 September 2026,

UNHCR has launched a call for inputs to inform the development of a new Handbook on Refugee Law, Volume I: Criteria for Determining Refugee Status.

The Handbook is one of the most influential interpretative resources in international refugee law, and this consultation is an important opportunity to help shape its next edition.

 Funding & Opportunities 

VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Pride Events and Festivals Fund 2026–27 | Applications close 5pm Friday 7 August 2026

LGBTIQA+ organisations and groups can apply for Victorian Government grants to run events and festivals celebrating LGBTIQA+ diversity, inclusion and culture. Small events can apply for up to $10,000, and larger events for up to $25,000.

SOUTH EAST ASIA | SEAGBVPP | GRANTING | Southeast Asia Gender Based Violence Prevention Platform – Demonstrate Grants | applications close 23 August 2026

Grants of AUD 20,000–30,000 (plus 25% flexible core funding) are open to civil society and women’s rights organisations working on gender-based violence prevention, including violence affecting marginalised groups, across Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam.

SCHOLARSHIPS | Study Japanese in Japan 2027 | applications open for Syrian, Afghan and Ukrainian students

Pathways Japan (PAJA) are offering scholarships for Students with refugee backgrounds from Afghanistan, Syria or Ukraine who want to study Japanese in Japan for two years before pursuing higher education or employment.

SUBMITTING | Our policy work


Thank you to donors for ongoing support of our work and your commitment to safety and inclusion of LGBTIQA+ forcibly displaced people.


MORE:

Forcibly Displaced People Network (FDPN)
Address: PO Box 7217, Duffy, ACT 2611 Australia

FDPN acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we operate. We recognise that sovereignty has never been ceded. We extend our deepest respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples across this Country now known as Australia. We express our immense gratitude for their welcome of other displaced people.

We honour the strength and resilience of LGBTIQA+ people worldwide. We mourn the lives of those LGBTIQA+ individuals who never made it to safety.

Labels: , , , , , , , , , ,

YARRA | YEF | UPDATING | Renewables, Stories, events and more | July 2026

[Edited extract from public address]

July has been an exciting month at YEF.

Officially launching our Sustainable Apartments Program in partnership with City of Port Phillip (CoPP). This new initiative is already well underway, and we're looking forward to working closely with apartment communities to support their electrification journey.

Alongside this milestone, it's been another busy month across the organisation with community events. Here's a look at what we've been up to:
  • Brimbank community battery launch
  • Engaging communities on electrification through Sport & Spark
  • Clifton Hill community battery & EV charger visit

LAUNCHING | City of Port Phillip Sustainable Apartments Program

YEF is pleased to be supporting the City of Port Phillip to deliver their Sustainable Apartments Program.

Electrifying apartment buildings presents unique challenges, from navigating owners corporation decision-making to accommodating different building designs and shared infrastructure. Through this pilot, YEF will work with apartment communities to help identify practical pathways towards electrification and EV readiness, while gaining valuable insights into the barriers and opportunities facing apartment residents.

The Sustainable Apartments Program will support 10 apartment complexes by providing:
  • Energy and EV charging assessments
  • Tailored electrification roadmaps
  • Ongoing support to help apartment communities navigate the planning and decision-making process
The program will provide valuable learnings to inform future apartment electrification initiatives and help build the knowledge, tools, and confidence needed to support more apartment communities as they transition to all-electric living.=

LAUNCHING | Brimbank community battery

Brimbank City Council launched its first community battery in Sunshine West on 16 July 2026. The launch was attended by several Brimbank Councillors, along with Kate Thwaites MP, Special Envoy for Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience, and Dr Daniel Mulino MP, Member for Fraser.

The 500kWh battery was funded through a $500,000 grant from the Australian Government’s Community Battery for Household Solar Program and delivered by Brimbank City Council with the support of project partners Powercor, Energus, Snowy Energy, and Yarra Energy Foundation.

The battery will support the transition to renewable energy by absorbing excess solar during the day and releasing it back to the grid during evening peak periods, when demand is highest. It will also enable more local solar generation, strengthen grid resilience, reduce emissions, and put downward pressure on wholesale electricity prices.

REPORTING | Sport & Spark events | July 

Sport & Spark has continued to build momentum, with our fifth event taking place this July in partnership with the Melbourne City FC Community Club. A huge congratulations to the club and everyone involved in delivering such a fantastic event. It was wonderful to see the local community come together to connect, take part in the day's activities and learn more about the benefits of improving household energy efficiency.

We're excited to keep the momentum going, with our next events taking place in August with Yarraville Seddon Eagles, Point Cook Football Club and Northern BMX. We look forward to these great community events and will be sharing more highlights from the program in the coming months.

YEF is working in partnership with community sports clubs across Hobsons Bay, Hume, Maribyrnong, Whittlesea and Wyndham to engage households on home electrification through community sports events and activities. 

YEF has been awarded funding from the Victorian Government to deliver this initiative has a part of the Cheaper Home Electric Energy Program.

VISITING | Clifton Hill community battery & EV charger site

YEF and the team from the Victorian Government's Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) recently celebrated the successful launch and running of the Clifton Hill Neighbourhood Battery & Accessible EV Charging Bays with a site visit.

Outside of official proceedings, it was great to connect with the team from DEECA, who supported YEF during the development and construction of this innovative project. A huge thank you to the team for their collaboration throughout the project. We're excited to see the positive impact the project will have on the community for years to come.

The project is trialling how battery storage and EVs can operate together to reduce demand on the electricity grid and encourage charging when solar generation is highest, often when emissions and energy prices are lowest.  

The neighbourhood battery was funded by a $750,000 Victorian Government grant through the Neighbourhood Battery Initiative (NBI).

ATTENDING | Free information session hosted by 1KOMMA5° | Tuesday 28 July 2026 | 5-7pm

If you’re in Melbourne and looking to learn more about energy efficiency, electrification and how to keep your home warm during Winter, 1KOMMA5° are holding a free event later this month, with Tim Forcey.

The Event:
Want a home that's more comfortable to live in while reducing your energy bills? Join 1KOMMA5° for an evening of practical advice on creating a warmer, healthier and more energy-efficient home with guest presenter, Tim Forcey, author of the bestselling My Efficient Electric Home Handbook.

SHARING | Our Services

Find out more about the services that Yarra Energy Foundation offers including:
  • Feasibility studies
  • Community Engagement
  • Community battery strategies for local councils
  • Consulting & advice
  • Project management 
  • Solar & electrification programs
We are a small team of extremely passionate energy experts with decades of combined industry, governmental, business, and sustainability experience.

MORE:

Yarra Energy Foundation (YEF)

Yarra Energy Foundation acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung as the Traditional Owners of this country, pays tribute to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Yarra, and gives respect to the Elders past and present.

Labels: , , , , ,

AUST | CUIN | UPDATING | Define Multicultural and more | July 2026

[Edited extract from public address]

Multicultural, monocultural, what even are people talking about?

When people don't define their terms, they often end up talking at cross-purposes. As humans, do we have time for the basic fights that emerge from foggy definitions?

In the absence of rigour and consensus, Cultural Infusion relies on our own scientific definitions, which posit that cultural identity is temporal, unique to everyone, multidimensional and interconnected. This means that when more than one person is in a room, that room is multicultural, and intercultural understanding is a vital human capability, not a partisan position. 

Whew, glad that's cleared up! Now please read on for more on our latest programs, offerings and provocations!

In This Issue
  1. Education & Experiences – For teachers & schools
  2. The Atlas Platform – Cultural data & tools
  3. Key Events – Where to find us
  4. Voices of Cultural Infusion – Research & perspectives
  5. Cultural Infusion Organisation – Careers & internships
  6. Our Cultural Calendar – Dates worth marking

 1. Education & Experiences 

Experience Wayang Puppetry in 2026

An unforgettable experience supporting language learning, performing arts and intercultural understanding. Sumardi, one of Indonesia’s leading master puppeteers, is returning to Australia in 2026.

In a captivating one-man performance, the celebrated Dalang brings traditional Wayang puppet theatre to life through expressive puppetry, character voices and live music. Experience the performance from both sides, with a rare behind-the-screen view of wayang in action. Featuring puppets more than 100 years old, this unforgettable experience connects audiences with generations of Indonesian storytelling and craftsmanship.

Available Programs
 

Learning Hub is Live, with More Resources and Tools for Teachers!

Our reimagined Learning Hub brings updated lesson plans, digital tools and teacher resources together to spark rich conversations and deepen intercultural understanding.

Discover New Cultural Experiences for Schools and Communities

From Italian tarantella rhythms to Afro-Colombian percussion, explore new hands-on performances bringing music, dance and story into your school or community.

Building Intercultural Capability in Victorian Schools

The Intercultural Citizenship Ambassador Program (ICAP) continues to grow across Victoria, helping students build empathy, leadership and confidence through facilitated conversations and collaborative activities.

Discover the Cultural Story of Your School Community with Atlas

Atlas for Schools offers a secure, anonymised way to explore your school’s cultural profile, helping you move beyond assumptions and better understand the people you serve.

 2. The Atlas Platform 

Our Atlas platform turns anonymised cultural data into clear, actionable insight for schools, workplaces and communities. Here’s what’s new this month.

AIRI Has Landed

Our AI Readiness Survey (AIRI) is, well, ready! AI is reshaping every workplace but most organisations don’t know how ready they really are, and the gap between what leaders believe and what staff experience is often the biggest risk. AIRI is a two-stage survey: one set of questions goes to leaders, the other to staff, from which our data scientists build a perception-gap analysis across six pillars, from ‘Preparation’ to ‘Output’ to ‘Crystal Ball’.

Atlas at the TechDiversity Awards

See Atlas in action at this year’s annual awards in Sydney, recognising great work organisations and people are doing. If you haven’t booked your tickets, there’s still time. We’ll be revealing the cultural diversity in the room and contributing to the TechReflects study.
 

White Paper Research

Do you work in HR? We’re preparing a white paper on the intersection of company values, company culture and human identity. Complete the questionnaire and we’ll send you a benchmarking report as thanks.
 

PCI: The People & Culture Index

Not yet properly launched, but already taking many sign-ups: PCI is an anonymous data-collection project on real-world behaviours and cultural norms in the workplace, shaped by hundreds of interviews with HR leaders worldwide.
 

Getting B Corp Certified Made Easier

This Atlas product is taking off, with multiple customers (mainly in the UK) using it for their B Corp aspirations. As Andy Hawkins of Business on Purpose put it, it’s a “no-brainer”, safely and expertly collecting evidence for up to 15 B Lab 2.1 standards.

 3. Key Events 

Cultural Infusion Renews Media Partnership with Global Insight Conferences

Cultural Infusion, through its Atlas platform, is once again an official media partner of Global Insight Conferences for the 8th Annual Diversity & Inclusion Conference, taking place 10 September 2026 at The Copthorne Tara Hotel, London. Building on a successful partnership from the April 2026 edition, the collaboration will help elevate evidence-based, culturally intelligent insights for the 31+ senior D&I and HR leaders expected to attend. The one-day event tackles practical DEI strategy, from neurodiversity and psychological safety to measuring what matters in inclusion.
 

The Wellbeing Workout 2026, Brighton

Head of Culture & Engagement Kasia Hayward gives practical tools to bridge the gap between people data and real human experience in her keynote, "The CODE for Organisational Fitness: Designing Organisational Fitness through Culture, Opportunity, Data and Experience."

Melbourne Build Expo 2026

Cultural Infusion is once again a media partner for the Melbourne edition, and CEO Peter Mousaferiadis takes the stage to share thoughts on inclusion and culture in an industry that affects everyone. Free & open to the public.

 4. Voices of Cultural Infusion 


 5. Cultural Infusion Organisation 

Intern With Us!

The Cultural Infusion Internship and Fellowship Program is officially open, and this is your chance to gain real experience, real mentorship, and an internationally recognised cross-cultural training by one of Australia’s most awarded cultural organisations.
 

 6. Our Cultural Calendar 

Key dates across the world worth knowing about, and marking on your own calendar.

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples | 9 August 2026

Representing less than 6% of the world’s population, Indigenous people speak the great majority of the world’s ~7,000 languages, protecting and enriching our shared human heritage. Last year Cultural Infusion proudly sponsored meals for 85 representatives of the Munduruku people of Pará, Brazil, who travelled more than 1,600km to COP30 in Belém. Mark the day with our range of Aboriginal cultural experiences led by First Nations presenters across Australia, or our professional learning workshop for educators.
Thanks for reading! Keep your definitions sharp, be well, and see you next month.


MORE:

Cultural Infusion (CUIN)
Address: Suite 2, 273-277 Wellington Street, Collingwood VIC 3066

Cultural Infusion has its offices based on the ancestral land of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. We acknowledge and pay respect to the past, present and future traditional custodians and elders and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout Australia.

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , ,

VIC | VTMH | WEBINAR | Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards suicide among immigrants from the horn of Africa in Victoria, Australia | Wednesday 19 August 2026 | 10.30-11.30am

[Edited extract from public address]

Exploring knowledge, attitudes and practices towards suicide among immigrants from five countries of the Horn of Africa in Victoria, Australia.

In this presentation, Yonas Mihtsuntu, Senior Practitioner CA, Adult & Families (The Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture Inc.) will share information about the target population, the drive behind the research, the research questions that were asked to help identify the risk and protective factors of suicide specific to these communities, and reflections on the challenges and opportunities of conducting community-based research.

Yonas will then share important findings of the research that include the participants’ knowledge of suicide incidence, causes of suicide and support options to prevent suicide; their attitudes on the perception of suicide as an issue, the judgements towards suicide, and whether they believe suicide is preventable, if so where and how; as well as current community practices in dealing with suicide. There will be discussions of key themes from the findings followed by recommendations that could contribute towards effective and culturally sensitive interventions.

VTMH webinars are open to individuals, from all disciplines and working in all sectors, who are based in Australia and interested in diversity and mental health.  
  • Where: Online via Microsoft Teams Townhall — details to be sent to registrants in advance
  • Cost: Free
  • Bookings: essential as spaces are limited. To secure a place, please register online via VTMH. 


MORE:

Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH)
Address: St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, Level 1, Bolte Wing, 14 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Tel: (03) 9231 3300

VTMH acknowledges it is located on the traditional lands of the Boon Wurrung and Woiwurrung (Wurundjeri) peoples of the Kulin Nation.

Labels: , , , , , , , , ,

VIC | ECCV | UPDATING | Community News | eBulletin #63 | July 2026

[Edited extract from public address]

Over the past weeks, we've seen multiculturalism take centre stage at the FIFA World Cup.

Spain may have lifted the trophy, but the Socceroos gave Australians plenty to be proud of. The Australian national team represents at least 15 cultural and ethnic backgrounds, including three players who were either born in or spent part of their childhood in, refugee camps in Africa before building new lives in Australia, and another who arrived as a refugee from Europe as a child.
 
Their story mirrors our nation, where almost one in three Australians are born overseas, and just over half of the population was either born overseas or has at least one parent born overseas. 

At a time when migration is once again the subject of public debate and misinformation, the World Cup is a timely reminder that diversity is a strength to be celebrated, not feared.
 
Here at Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV), we've continued working with multicultural communities across Victoria as we prepare for the State Election later this year. Read on for the latest updates from across our work. 

 News & Updates 

IDENTIFYING | Community priorities 

Each year ECCV conducts an annual members' survey to identify community priorities. In the last three months we have also spoken to more than 350 culturally diverse Victorians as part of community consultations across the state. This included community forums and roundtables held in Ballarat, Bendigo, Coburg, Craigieburn and Dandenong. This builds on work last year in Melbourne's west.

Participants highlighted racism and discrimination, mental health and wellbeing, cost-of-living pressures, access to services, and support for multicultural seniors as key concerns.
 
These priorities have helped inform ECCV's State Election Platform which will be released in the weeks ahead.

MARKING | Nelson Mandela Day 

18 July marked Nelson Mandela International Day, a chance to reflect on the legacy and enduring values of the late South African leader and his lifelong pursuit of justice and equality.
 
ECCV CEO Farah Farouque was honoured to receive an Ubuntu Award for community service at an event and lecture hosted by the RMIT University Centre for African Engagement and the Nelson Mandela Day Australia committee. Farah was recognised alongside Rabecca Mphande, Dr Bruce Wong and Peter Uzande.

LISTENING | To multicultural communities on disability

 Over the past few weeks, ECCV has been listening to multicultural communities to help shape the next State Disability Plan and Victorian Autism Plan.
 
Participants highlighted the need for better access to housing, more inclusive education, greater awareness of disability supports, culturally safe services, and stronger action to address racism, discrimination and social exclusion. 
 
Consultations were organised in partnership with community leaders and key stakeholders, including Action on Disability within Ethnic Communities (ADEC), City of Hume, East African Women's Foundation, Migrant Resource Centre North West and Victorian Arabic Social Service.  
"We need safe spaces where people with disability and carers can meet, socialise and feel culturally understood. Places where we belong, can share information and feel safe to talk." – Disability Consultation Participant

SHARING | 2026 Census: Information and Resources

The 2026 Census is on Tuesday 11 August. It is particularly important for multicultural communities to be accurately counted, including all visa holders and international students.
 
Census data helps governments, community groups and businesses plan services for people, families and communities. Your answers are private and protected by law and are not shared with other government agencies.
 
You can complete the Census online, on paper or with help from the Census team. In-language support is also available, with translated information and resources in 26 languages.
 

 Opportunities & Resources 

WYNDHAM | GOV | GRANTING | Wyndham City Community Strengthening

Wyndham City Council has a range of grants for activities in the area, including those undertaken by community organisations. Applications for large grants of up to $40,000 for community strengthening will close on 31 July 2026. 
 

MELBOURNE | GOV | HEARING | Your say: shaping a new anti-racism project

The City of Melbourne and Victoria University are seeking input from people with lived experience of racism to help inform a new place-based anti-racism project. 
  • For more details contact kara.barnett@melbourne.vic.gov.au 
 

AUST | GOV | ADVISING | AusAlert national test – Resources for multicultural communities

The Australian Government will test AusAlert, its new national emergency warning system at 2pm on Monday 27 July 2026.
 
Compatible mobile phones, tablets and smart watches will vibrate and play a loud siren-like sound for around 10 seconds, with a message clearly stating that it is a test. You do not need to take any action.
 
Resources are available to help communities prepare, including information for older people, people with disability and multicultural communities. 


MORE:

Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV)
Address: Suite 101, 398 Sydney Road, Coburg Vic 3058
Tel: (03) 9354 9555

ECCV acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Victoria, and pays respect to their Elders past and present.

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

AUST | NJP | UPDATING | Community News | July 2026

[Edited extract from public address]
Content Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised the following may include the names of First Nations people who have passed away. This email also includes distressing content.

Welcome to the July issue of the Justice Brief.

 News and Updates 

TAKING | Strategic Legal Action – speaking out leads to lasting change

One family's decision to speak out has led to change across the Australian Electoral Commission. Barkindji Koori man Murray Benton and his family lodged the complaint following traumatic experiences at a polling booth during the 2023 Voice Referendum. The AEC has now introduced major reforms to improve the experience of First Nations peoples engaging with the Australian electoral system.
 

EXPOSING | Powerful evidence ongoing racism in Australia through Public Inquiry

Powerful evidence of racism, hate and violence targeting First Nations people has been shared through a Parliamentary Inquiry. Together with Call It Out, in partnership with Jumbunna Research, and the Alternative First Responders Campaign, we've called for urgent change.

REPORTING | Appeal – Thank you to supporters this End of Financial Year

Because of generous supporters, we raised more than $205,000 to help protect children experiencing harm in Australia. Support helps us to stand alongside our clients, advocate for change and work towards a future where every child feels supported and cared for.

NAIDOC – Celebrating trailblazers this NAIDOC week

This NAIDOC Week, we celebrated the First Nations trailblazers who have shaped Australia's future and whose achievements continue to inspire communities. Through their courage and leadership, they have paved the way for future generations. Meet some of the trailblazers leading change like Chair of the Board Larissa Behrendt.

IMPACTING | Community – Having a mental health crisis is not a crime


The Alternative First Responders team stood alongside BEING - the peak body for mental health consumers in NSW, as well as families, advocates and community organisations to honour lives lost following police responses to mental health crises. Find out why we're calling for greater investment in community-led alternatives.
 

JOGGING | For Justice – Take on a challenge

Over the next few months, there are some amazing running events across the country where you can take on a personal challenge while supporting the National Justice Project. Every kilometre helps power our work to advance justice and protect human rights.

HIGHLIGHTING | In the Media


SUPPORTING | Social Justice

The National Justice Project is funded by donors committed to the fight for social justice. 

As a Public Benevolent Institution, The National Justice Project is endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) covered by Item 1 of the table in section 30-15 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.  Donations of $2.00 or more are tax deductible.

Kind Regards,
The National Justice Project Team


MORE:

National Justice Project (NJP)
Address: PO Box 123, Broadway NSW 2007
Tel: +61 2 9514 4440

We acknowledge that we live and work on the lands of First Nations Peoples, and we pay our respects to their Elders past and present. Our Sydney office is located on the lands of the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation, whose sovereignty was never ceded. This land always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land.

Labels: , , , , , , , , ,

AUSSIEStory | Ro Unbinds Binary: Life is Diverse, Diversity is Natural, Crank it Up!

Born to challenge societal expectations and boundaries, Ro learnt from retired Australian Uniting Church minister and activist Dorothy McRae-McMahon that being LGTBIQA+ did not exclude you from a spiritual life.

Join Ro as they recount their journey from conversion practices to living life through the lens of love. A  consistent social justice reformer and human rights champion. Along the way, finding time for long-time partner now wife, 2 step children, 1 daughter and a granddaughter. 

How is it working out? 


Join us with 'humanising the other':

MORE:

AUSSIEStory
Global Engagement In Friendlier Neighbourhoods (GEIFN)
Website

--- GEIFN is based in City of Port Phillip, the traditional lands of the Boon Wurrung, Bunurong and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation. Respect is offered to past, present and future elders of all spiritual traditions. 
--- Services and program delivery is culturally safe to people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, aesexual and questioning (LGBTIQA+).
--- May we find together a generous way to accommodate those in need of refuge. Let us be cool, strive individually and together to overcome inequality, violence, disengagement, tragedy and injustice wherever it may be. Let us honour, savor and enjoy results of mindful effort so more thrive peacefully with less effort in our place called home.
Labels: , , , , , , , , , ,

AUSSIEStory | Vive Julienne in Passing: Hello, Fellow Traveller, Goodbye!

Born Julian to loving parents, Vive Julienne learnt from Mum to not be afraid, to have fun and from Dad to work together, play hard and be courteous. 

Vive has 2 siblings, 2 daughters, 1 granddaughter and a long-term partner with a kimchi konnection. Join Vive as they recount their journey of discovery, life, love and joy while being a funeral celebrant.

How is it working out? 



Join us with 'humanising the other':

MORE:

AUSSIEStory
Global Engagement In Friendlier Neighbourhoods (GEIFN)
Website

--- GEIFN is based in City of Port Phillip, the traditional lands of the Boon Wurrung, Bunurong and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation. Respect is offered to past, present and future elders of all spiritual traditions. 
--- Services and program delivery is culturally safe to people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, aesexual and questioning (LGBTIQA+).
--- May we find together a generous way to accommodate those in need of refuge. Let us be cool, strive individually and together to overcome inequality, violence, disengagement, tragedy and injustice wherever it may be. Let us honour, savor and enjoy results of mindful effort so more thrive peacefully with less effort in our place called home.
Labels: , , , , , , , , , ,

AUSSIEStory | Vasu Packs A Bag: Luggage Includes Religion, Caste, Code, Love and Band-Aids

Once upon a time, the fifth child and first son was born to a Hindu Brahmin family in Sri Lanka. His friends call him Vasu. 

Join Vasu on his quest for feeling at home.

When young, Vasu’s family fled war to India before resettling in Singapore. They worked hard to establish themselves, and the children had the chance to enjoy safety and education. A computer programming scholarship led Vasu to London, followed by work in Scotland and New York. A wish to be physically closer to family and change vocation resulted in studying, qualifying and becoming a Nurse in Australia. 

How is it working out?
Join us with 'humanising the other':

MORE:

AUSSIEStory
Global Engagement In Friendlier Neighbourhoods (GEIFN)
Website

--- GEIFN is based in City of Port Phillip, the traditional lands of the Boon Wurrung, Bunurong and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation. Respect is offered to past, present and future elders of all spiritual traditions. 
--- Services and program delivery is culturally safe to people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, aesexual and questioning (LGBTIQA+).
--- May we find together a generous way to accommodate those in need of refuge. Let us be cool, strive individually and together to overcome inequality, violence, disengagement, tragedy and injustice wherever it may be. Let us honour, savor and enjoy results of mindful effort so more thrive peacefully with less effort in our place called home.
Labels: , , , , , , , , , ,

AUST | GEIFN | CALLING | LGBTQIA+ Story Tellers for AUSSIE Stories: Downunder the Rainbow



Collected video stories of identity, connection and belonging by First Nations, Settlers and Migrants from downunder the rainbow.

A showcase of intersectionality, bridge-building and making peace with inconvenient truths, from LGBTQIA+ Folk in Australia. 

Global Engagement in Friendlier Neighbourhoods (GEIFN)’s Potential Top 5 Talking Points to offer insights, answers and views to question “What does Reconciliation look like to you?":
  1. What did the coming out process look like for you?
  2. How did being LGBTQIA+ teach you about your family, community and the world?
  3. Where is your gift of being LGBTQIA+ been used in personal, professional or public life?
  4. Who is your message of reconciliation to?
  5. Why should Australia be a place, position and player on a spherical global playing field?
This project is encouraging Australian-residing LGBTQIA+ Women or Women-identifying, First Nations, People of Colour/Migrants. Together, a diversity of ages, genders, views, wisdom and compassion strengthen any reconciliation.

If you or someone you know fit the description and wish to share your reconcilings, please contact Carey on 0438 371 488 or caretaker@geifn.org

Primary Collaborator

I’m From Driftwood (IFD) is delivered digitally through a cloud-based multi-channel platform to a broad-based audience developed over the past 15 years. Part of this conversation and active enthusiasts since the conception.

Quoting from IFD website:
The stories on I’m From Driftwood send a powerful message to LGBTQIA+ people everywhere: you exist, you matter, you belong.
 
IFD’s collection of more than 1,400 professionally-produced videos and user-submitted written oral histories are shared freely online – giving voice to and forging connections among often marginalized or silenced people, educating people about the joys and challenges, complexities and intersectionalities of LGBTQIA+ lives, and increasing empathy in IFD viewers.

Some existing IFD examples:


How to Reconcile

Language is an interesting thing. It can be used to educate, mystify, divide, harm or heal. English is a particularly interesting example.

The English language has 26 letters (written symbols) but it makes over 44 different sounds (syllables) and countless compound ideas (words). All relying on ‘learnt, practised or assumed knowledge' to correctly use, prevailing cognizance (ability to independently critically think), pronounce, know and then to respond.
 
To make things even more interesting, English is always changing, borrowing from many other languages with meanings that may change over time.

Let's look at the word "reconcile":
[reh’con’syle]
From late Middle English: from Old French reconcilier or Latin reconciliare, from Latin re- = back, concentrate, focus + conciliare = bring together.

verb
  1. restore friendly relations between. Ie, the monarch and the archbishop were publicly reconciled. Ie, they wanted to be reconciled with their father. 
    • settle (a quarrel). Ie, advice on how to reconcile the conflict. 
    • make or show to be compatible. Ie, the agreement had to be reconciled with the city's new international relations policy. 
    • someone accepting a disagreeable or unwelcome thing. Ie, the team was reconciled to the poor match result.
  2. make (one account) consistent with another, especially by allowing for transactions begun but not yet completed. Ie, it is not necessary to reconcile the cost accounts to the financial accounts.
And this is just 1 word. Languages are made of many words. Words connected by space(s) make sentences. Sentences connected by space(s) make paragraphs. Paragraphs connected by space(s) make narratives or stories. Stories connected by space(s) make story books. Story books connected by space(s) mark time and are called tradition. This is the process of transmission. Transmission can be verbal, physical, formless or abiding in the space between.

Please find examples of other words (and if needed translations in other languages):

So back to this case: collected video stories from LGBTQIA+ of identity, connection and belonging by First Nations, Settlers and Migrants Downunder the Rainbow.

Originally, recordings were envisioned as being hosted individually on IFD website for global audience and matched with 2 others on GEIFN website for local audience. Reconciling evolving conditions, the episodes are now standalone 20mins episodes hosted on GEIFN's Youtube Channel.

STREAMING | Now

Watch, like or subscribe to the GEIFN YouTube channel or AUSSIEStory Playlist for these and future episodes.
  1. Vasu's Story (20 mins)
  2. Vive Julienne's Story (20 mins)
  3. Ro's Story (22 mins)

How to Support the Project?

  1. Fit the criteria, sorted something out, feeling crazy-brave? Volunteer to tell your story and make contact on the details below.
  2. Pass the word to someone you know has a reconcilingly good story to tell.
  3. Share the message through your socials.

MORE:

Global Engagement In Friendlier Neighbourhoods (GEIFN)
Join us with 'humanising the other' 
Carey Rohrlach (he/him), AUSSIEstory Team Member, Tel 0438 371 488

GEIFN is based in the traditional lands of the Kulin Nation. Respect is offered to past, present and future elders of all spiritual traditions. May we find together a generous way to accommodate those in need of refuge. Let us be cool, strive individually and together to overcome inequality, violence, disengagement, tragedy and injustice wherever it may be. Let us honour, savor and enjoy results of mindful effort so more thrive peacefully with less effort in our place called home.


Labels: , , , , , , , , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)