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VMC | UPDATE | Ttranslated coronavirus resources to share with your community | Tuesday 31 March 2020

[Edited extract from public address]

Over the past few days we've received some positive, but very early signs, of the impact of physical distancing. 

Thank you for heeding the official advice and adhering to these protocols.
Community transmissions remain a key concern and the guidance and rules regarding physical distancing have been revised. It is important we all adhere to the physical distancing rules to flatten the curve.

Here in Victoria, the government and healthcare professionals are doing everything they can to slow the spread of the virus.

But to save lives, every Victorian needs to take action.

We welcome the Victorian Government’s latest in-language health information which will play a vital role in assisting Victorians to understand what they need to do. On the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) website there are now 49 in-language web pages with information on how to ‘Reduce your risk of coronavirus’ and other resources.

I encourage everyone to share these links widely through your networks. You may wish to download and print the posters for members of your family or community who may not have online access.

These important resources are complemented by a communications campaign across multicultural and in-language radio, print and social media.

We must all work together to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

Please continue to reach out to the Commission with your feedback and concerns during this challenging time. We are all in this together.

Take care of each other,
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson

In-language web pages

Making sure every Victorian understands what they can do to reduce their risk of coronavirus, is key to slowing its spread.
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) have launched new web pages housing all of the official in-language and translated materials available in that language. Please share these links widely with your networks.
Amharic
Arabic - العربية
Assyrian
Bengali
Burmese
Cantonese - 简体中文 / 繁體中文
Chaldean
Croatian
Dari - دری
Dinka - Thuɔŋjäŋ
Filipino - Tagalog 
French
Greek - Ελληνικά
Gujarati
Hazaragi
Hindi - हिन्दी
Indonesian - Bahasa Indonesia
Italian - Italiano
Japanese - 日本語
Karen
Khmer - ខ្មែរ
Korean - 한국어
Kurmanji
Macedonian - Македонски
Maltese
Mandarin - 简体中文 / 繁體中文
Nepali
Oromo
Pashto
Persian (Farsi) - فارسی
Polish
Portuguese
Punjabi - ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
Russian
Serbian
Simplified Chinese - 简体中文 / 繁體中文
Sinhalese - සිංහල
Somali
Spanish - Español
Swahili
Tamil - தமிழ்
Thai - ภาษาไทย
Tigrinya
Trad. Chinese - 简体中文 / 繁體中文
Turkish - Türkçe
Urdu
Vietnamese - tiếng Việt
Zomi

More resources to share

The Victorian Government has launched a communications campaign across multicultural and in-language radio, print and social media. They have also made the materials from this campaign available for community groups to share with their networks.

Download the resources below and share via email, social media or through messaging apps you use, like WhatsApp, WeChat or Messenger.

Make sure you direct people to the Victorian Government’s coronavirus website for
current information and updates: www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/translations

In-language audio messages

Radio 30” public service announcement messages are available in 24 languages.

Script: ACT NOW ‘STAY HOME’
"An important message from the Victorian Government about coronavirus. To manage coronavirus, and save lives, immediate action is required. This means if you can stay home, you must stay home. Yes, it’s a major disruption to your lives, but this disruption today, will save the lives of many Victorians tomorrow."
Download audio messages

Print advertising assets

For community members who prefer an offline communications format, print advertising assets are available to download, translated into the following languages:

• Chinese (Traditional)
• Greek
• Italian
• Macedonian
• Turkish
• Vietnamese
Download print assets

Suggested social media posts 

A series of social media tiles has been developed with key messages translated to the following languages:
• Arabic
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Greek
• Indonesian
• Italian
• Khmer
• Korean
• Macedonian
• Nepali
• Persian
• Spanish
• Thai
• Turkish
• Vietnamese​

Coronavirus hotline

Coronavirus hotline: If you are concerned, call the coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 (24 Hours).
Interpreting service: If you need an interpreter, call TIS National on 131 450.
Triple Zero: Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.

MORE:
Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)
Address: Level 9, 1 Spring Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 7017 8171

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VMC | UPDATE | Coronavirus advice and information for multicultural communities | Sunday 22 March 2020

[Edited extract from public address]

Overcoming this challenging and unsettling crisis will take a whole-of-community response, and that means each of us taking steps to reduce the spread of coronavirus within our families, homes, workplaces, communities and places of worship. 

As we start to feel the impacts of coronavirus in our day-to-day lives, the first priority of Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) is the health and wellbeing of multicultural communities.

Victorian Government's Business Survival Package

The VMC is working with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to ensure Victorians of all backgrounds can access accurate information and advice around coronavirus.

VMC welcomes the Victorian Government's Business Survival Package and will continue to advocate for Victorians of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds as details unfold. Read more about the package here.

Provide Feedback

VMC invites you to share your thoughts and ideas on initiatives that you think would assist you and your community during this crisis. We would also like to hear what your organisation is doing to support its members.

We have set up an online survey to make it easier for you to give us your feedback. Please share the link with your community and networks.
Go to: www.surveymonkey.com/r/covid-19_response

There are some strengths that are only realised in times of uncertainty. 

Those of us who’ve fled war-torn countries and lived through environmental and economic disasters know this to be true. But we must not underestimate the seriousness of coronavirus.

We must work together to stop the spread of the virus by trusting the government's health advice. We must draw on our strengths and resilience to support each other, especially the most vulnerable members of our community.

VMC is confident that this crisis will bring out the best in our diverse and resilient state, revealing strengths that we never knew we had.

Translated resources – More in-language resources on COVID-19

The Department of Health and Human Services have now added more in-language materials to their website. There are now factsheets available in more than 40 community languages. These have been developed in response to community feedback passed onto DHHS by the Commission.
Thank you to everyone who has provided feedback on the translated resources.
Access in-language resources

Gatherings

Indoor gatherings of more than 100 people and outdoor gatherings of more than 500 people are banned. This includes cultural and religious events.
What does this mean?

It is now time to cancel or postpone all community events — including meetings, forums, workshops, prayer services, faith gatherings,  parties and festivals — that may exceed 100 people.
How will this impact on community grants?
The Commission have been advised that the Department of Premier and Cabinet will contact event organisers who have received community grants shortly.

Travel

The Australian Government have announced that:

  • All non-citizens and non-residents were banned from arriving in Australia from 9pm on Friday 20 March 2020.
  • All Australians who are travelling overseas must return home now. Once they are home, they will need to self-isolate for 14 days.

Find out more

Physical distancing

The Australian Government have recommended that everyone practises physical distancing to slow and reduce the spread of the virus.
Physical distancing means that everyone should:
Stay away from big groups of people.
Try to stay 1.5 metres away from people you do not live with.
Do not shake hands, hug, or kiss people you do not live with.

DHHS website Information on what physical distancing means.

Enliven Victoria Information on what physical distancing means in simple English is available. (Note: this is not an official Government resource, but has been reviewed by the Department of Health and Human Service.)

Take care of each other

Viv Nguyen, Chairperson, Victorian Multicultural Commission


MORE:
Victorian Multicultural Commission
Address: Level 9, 1 Spring Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 7017 8171
Website: www.multicultural.vic.gov.au

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PPLS | ANNOUNCING | City of Port Phllip Library branch closures | 19 March 2020

[Edited extract from public address]

Mindful of the current public health situation, and as a precautionary measure to help limit the impact of COVID-19, Port Phillip Council will be closing all library branches to the public until further notice.

Council considers the health, safety and well-being of the community to be our top priority.

While we are closed your current loans will not become overdue, items can be returned via our after-hours chutes, and any current reservations will be held for you until such time as we reopen – please do not visit branches to collect items. Items can still be reserved and requested while we are closed.

Access to free wi-fi is still available around our branches, and you can keep informed about library news via our website.

MORE:
Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS)
City of Port Phillip
Tel: 03 9209 6655
Email: library@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Website: https://library.portphillip.vic.gov.au/

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JCCV | CONSOLIDATED | Information for Australian Religious Communities in Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19) | 18 March 2020

[Edited extract from public address]

In Brief: 

  • The Prime Minister declares a 'human biosecurity emergency' announcing new restrictions 18/3. 
  • EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY gatherings of 100 or more people indoors are banned.
  • Gatherings of more than 500 people outdoors is also banned.
  • Advice from both the Prime Minister and Premier is that schools should remain open.
  • Unprecedented travel advice has also been issued to all Australian citizens: "Do Not Travel Abroad. Do not go overseas."

Government 'human biosecurity emergency' 

"Life is changing in Australia, as it is changing all around the world. Life is going to continue to change, as we deal with the global coronavirus. We are looking at a situation of at least six months for how we deal with this. It could be much longer than that. It could be shorter. That is unlikely, given the way we are seeing events unfold. A human biosecurity emergency has been declared"  Prime Minister Scott Morrison. 

Restrictions on the size of gatherings

  • Effectively immediately all non-essential gatherings of 100 people or more indoors are prohibited. 
  • Non-essential gatherings of 500 or more people outdoors are prohibited. 
  • The Prime Minister signalled that this direction could change in the near future. Community leaders should expect that the number of those permitted to gather will further reduce. 
  • This direction has particular significance for religious places of worship and scheduled gatherings. 

Government advice regarding Schools

The Prime Minister says schools will remain open in an approach modelled on Singapore's successful approach and on the recommendation of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC). 
"The health advice here, supported by all the premiers, all the chief ministers and my Government is that schools should remain open. 
"There are a number of reasons for this. The first one is that the virus operates very differently amongst younger people. It has a different manifestation amongst younger people and that presents a very different health challenge to the broader population. In terms of the health and welfare of our children, many of us here are parents and obviously we are concerned about the health of our kids and the health advice that I'm happy to follow for my kids, for Jenny and my kids, is the same health advice I am asking all other parents around the country to follow. 
"There is only one reason your kids shouldn't be going to school and that is if they are unwell" Prime Minister Morrison said. 

Travel advice

Australia's travel advice for the entire world has been upgraded to DO NOT TRAVEL ABROAD for the first time in history.

Australians that are currently overseas, who wish to return to Australia, do so as soon as possible by commercial means. Commercial travel options may quickly become limited. 

Anyone arriving from overseas - including Australian citizens - will be required to self-isolate for 14 days from the date of their arrival. 

Domestic air travel has been deemed low-risk by the National Cabinet on COVID-19.

The Government has indicated that they will consider further social distancing arrangements for domestic transport at its next meeting on Friday 20 March 2020. 

Places Exempt from the bans on the number of people gathering

The following organisations are exempt from the ban on non-essential gatherings of more than 100 people indoors and 500 people or more outdoors:
  • Airports, train and tram stations, buses and planes
  • Medical and healthcare services and facilities
  • Emergency services facilities
  • Disability and aged care facilities
  • Correctional facilities and youth justice centres (including other places of custody)
  • Courts, tribunals and Parliament
  • Supermarkets, food markets, grocery stores, retail stores and shopping centres
  • Office buildings, factories, construction sites, mining sites and other workplaces necessary for their normal operation.
Settings like gyms, indoor fitness centres and swimming pools are not required to close at this time providing they meet these requirements for social distancing and hand hygiene.
Such venues should take actions to ensure regular high standards of environmental cleaning take place.

CORRECTION: regarding wording of advice from the Melbourne Chevra Kadisha 

Please note that the advice provided in the Update 2 heading was incorrectly worded.
The Melbourne Chevra Kadisha's advice is that while assisting all families following the passing of a loved one (irrespective of the cause of death), their Funeral Attendants will be wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). 

Social distancing measures are now critically important

All organisations remaining open should be implementing social distancing measures and enhanced hygiene procedures. This includes:
  • Maintaining a distance of at least 1.5 metres between people
  • Washing hands with soap AND using hand-sanitiser regularly but particularly after coughing, sneezing, handling food and visiting the bathroom
  • Frequently clearing of rubbish bins indoors; and
  • Enhanced cleaning procedures. Guidance on environmental cleaning can be found here.

We all have a role to play in stopping the spread of COVID-19

The Victorian Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has reminded everyone that protective measures such as washing your hands often and not touching your eyes, nose or mouth can help stop the spread of COVID-19 and help 'flatten the curve.'

If your organisation is still open, please ensure you have these posters displays in washrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, entrances and exits. 


The COVID-19 Taskforce FAQ webpage

The Victorian Jewish Community COVID-19 Taskforce FAQ webpage has been updated to reflect today's change in advice from the Government. 

Where to find more information:

For further information as this dynamic situation continues to evolve, please ensure you keep up-to-date via the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) website. 
Further updates will follow as more information becomes available. 

Take care,
Victorian Jewish Community COVID-19 Taskforce 


MORE:
Victorian Jewish Community COVID-19 Taskforce
The Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV)
Address: Beth Weizmann Community Centre, 306 Hawthorn Road, Caulfield South, VIC 3162, Australia
Tel:  +61 3 9272 5566
Email covid19@csgvic.com.au

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CMFN | CANCELLATION | What does Harmony and Social Cohesion mean to you? | Thursday 19 March 2020 | Arrive 6.45pm for 7-8.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Event has been cancelled due to concerns around the spread of Covid-19. In times like this, we ask everyone to remember to treat everyone with kindness and understanding.

Our organisation engages with a wide range of people, some of whom are the most vulnerable and so in the interest of the health and wellbeing of our members, and in consultation with the City of Casey we have cancelled our event.

Below are some resources that you may find useful during the pandemic, to distribute in communities that speak languages other than English.

Australian Government Department of Health Translated Covid-19 resources

Victorian Government Department of Health and Human Services Translated Covid-19 resources

General Advice- English

For families affected by violence, COVID-19 driven self-isolation measures can pose increased risk. No matter what the external stressors, violence is never excusable. More info click https://www.respectvictoria.vic.gov.au/news/staying-safe-current-environment

Keeping the world in our thoughts and prayers and wishing you all the best,

MORE:
Casey Multi-Faith NetworkWebsite: www.caseymultifaith.org.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/caseymultifaith

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AGE | RESPONSIBLE | Reporting, Sharing Truth, Exposing Lies | 17 March 2020

[Edited extract from public address]

Newsrooms are used to fast-developing stories but the coronavirus pandemic is without precedent. 

Since first reports on the outbreak of a new virus in the Chinese city of Wuhan in January, the coronavirus has spread across the world infecting more than 180,000 people, paralysing countries, and upending global financial markets.

Misinformation during this time can spread as quickly as the virus itself. 

Our newsrooms are committed to reporting the facts about COVID-19 calmly and explaining what the outbreak means for our economy, businesses, schools, sports, culture, households and daily lives.

We will do so without straying into sensationalism. It is imperative that our community is prepared and informed as we face this challenge together. Our reporters on the ground in Australia and overseas take this responsibility seriously and are working hard to fulfil it.

We have made our daily live coverage of the pandemic free to all readers given its critical health and community information. It's thanks to our subscribers that we're able to provide this service to the wider community. Subscribers power our newsrooms and access to a trusted source of news is more important now than it has ever been.

The wider coverage includes:


  • Federal and state political bureaus led by David Crowe, Rob Harris and Peter Hartcher pursuing and examining the government’s response to the serious health and economic challenges ahead;
  • Foreign correspondents filing from Europe, the United States and Asia to provide a global insight, including Bevan Shields' excellent piece about the ‘herd immunity’ debate in the UK;
  • Expert business reporters and columnists analysing the impact on jobs, the economy and business including Stephen Bartholomeusz's must-read on the myriad forces ending the longest bull market in history;
  • Opinion writers including Jacqueline Maley, Chris Uhlmann, Ross Gittins, Sean Kelly, Shaun Carney and Julia Baird, who wrote eloquently about the importance of hope recently, providing the best range of measured analysis of events for readers who don’t like to be told what to think, and;
  • Science and health reporters giving regular updates on the nature of the virus, vaccine developments, and personal health advice. Our journalists abide by a set of reporting guidelines when writing about medical research.
Most importantly, we will tell you what it all means for you and your family.


Each morning The Age publishes a Morning Edition newsletter that provides a summary of the day’s most important stories. Sign up here to have it delivered to your inbox each morning.

The Age first published our comprehensive explainer on the virus on January 21. It has had more than 2500 updates since and continues to be constantly revised. It serves as an excellent primer on the basic questions we all want to know including how worried we should be. Our award-winning explainer team has also written about what coronavirus does to the body, the rules of self-isolation and the origins of COVID-19.

As an increasing number of us become isolated in our homes, we want to keep readers connected not just to the news but to each other and will be pursuing ways we can keep our communities in touch online through our comment feeds and social media groups.

We know too, that our readers will need a break from an overwhelming news cycle and we will be highlighting content that can help you pass the time with positivity such as our Good Weekend long reads, quizzes, Good Food recipes (freezer-friendly favourites and eight simple ways to keep your immune system in top shape may come in handy) and ‘good news’ stories. This month, we are also launching a series of new podcasts with topics ranging from television to AFL and crime.

The safety of our staff is paramount and we are taking as many measures as we can to do our bit to minimise the spread of the virus throughout the community. But we are also very conscious of our duty to report the news no matter what the circumstances.

The Age wants to thank subscribers for supporting journalism which in the coming days will be vital.

EXPLAINERS

POLITICS

ECONOMY

HEALTH

AROUND THE WORLD

We hope your family stays healthy and safe.
James Chessell, Executive Editor

MORE:
The Age
Address: 717 Bourke Street, Docklands VIC 3008, Australia.
Website: https://www.theage.com.au

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EVENTBRITE | RESPONSIVE | Ways Community Can Come Together to Show Support During COVID-19 | 17 March 2020

[Edited extract from public address]

The impacts of COVID-19 on our Event Creator Community and fellow attendees has been vast. 

Our thoughts are with all of you and we hope you’re safe and healthy. We are reminded of just how critical it is to support one another during these challenging times, and are in awe of the many ways individuals have rallied to bolster unity and understanding.

Here are some meaningful ways we’re seeing people come together (virtually):

  • Purchasing gift certificates to local restaurants and brick & mortar retailers to provide an alternative revenue stream 
  • Hosting virtual happy hours with friends and family to bolster human connection
  • Buying tickets to future events to show support for the greater community
  • Offering supermarket runs or meal delivery to the elderly and immunocompromised 
  • Contributing financially to food banks for children who have lost access to daily meals during school closures 
  • Donating to artists, performers, and venues to show solidarity and continue the celebration of the arts 
  • Providing online attendance options for classes, concerts, religious services and more to connect communities to meaningful experiences 

Eventbrite understands the complexity of this situation and is committed to keeping you informed and empowered. We have created a repository of all relevant resources to help you make informed decisions regarding your events moving forward. We will also continue to provide inspiration like our article on How to Host an Online Event or Webinar That Live Event Attendees Will Love on our blog.

We acknowledge the powerful, positive effect virtual and live experiences provide and remain poised to provide assistance and support when you need it. Stay safe, get involved where you can and know that we’re excited to connect as soon as conditions improve.

Sincerely,
Joshua McNicol, General Manager - Asia Pacific

MORE:
Eventbrite
Address: Level 1, 1 Southbank Blvd | Southbank, VIC 3006
Website: www.eventbrite.com

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PPLS | SUSPENDING | Scheduled programs and planned group activities | 16 March 2020

[Edited extract from public address]

Interruption to scheduled programs and planned group activities

The Port Phillip Library Service are suspending all scheduled programs and planned group activities for the next 30 days. This measure is in response to COVID-19.

MORE:
Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS)
City of Port Phillip
Tel: 03 9209 6655
Email: library@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Website: https://library.portphillip.vic.gov.au/

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VMC | UPDATING | Coronavirus. Cancellations, Translated Resources and Advice

[Edited extract from public address]

A state of emergency is now declared in Victoria in response to COVID-19. The situation is serious and changing rapidly. 



All previously announced or scheduled addresses postponed or cancelled while our resources are concentrated to focus on responding to the pandemic.

Victoria State Government's Department of Health and Human Services website is the best place to find up-to-date advice, including information translated into community languages.

Translated resources and health advice

If you have loved ones or community members who don't speak English as a first language, you can find factual information about the virus, myth-busting factsheets and printable posters in a range of community languages:
  • Arabic
  • Cantonese
  • Greek
  • Hindi
  • Indonesian
  • Italian
  • Khmer
  • Korean
  • Mandarin
  • Persian (Farsi)
  • Punjabi
  • Simplified Chinese
  • Tamil
  • Turkish
  • Vietnamese

Go to: dhhs.vic.gov.au/translated-resources-coronavirus-disease-covid-19

A translator is also available for the coronavirus hotline. Call 131 450.

Stay safe and let's look out each other,
Victorian Multicultural Commission

MORE:
Victorian Multicultural Commission
Address: Level 3, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9651 5901
Website: www.multicultural.vic.gov.au


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PPLS | EXPLORING | Nature Writing Workshop With Harry Saddler | Saturday 21 March | 10am–12noon

[Edited extract from public address]

In this workshop, Harry Saddler will help you to slow down and notice the natural world around you, and to bring observation skills and awareness of your surroundings into your writing about nature.

We often think of nature as something far away, remote from our everyday urban lives. But nature surrounds us, even in a city: from the grass growing through the footpath to the bird sitting on a powerline, the natural world is a constant presence.

 Considerations: 
  • For ages 16 years and older
  • Deck chairs will be provided. Attendees are welcome to bring your own chairs and/or rugs. 
  • If you have accessibility requirements or require an adjustment to participate in this event, please contact a member of the Programs team on 9209 6690
Where: St Kilda Botanical Gardens, 11 Herbert Street, St Kilda, 3182
Cost: $6 per person.
Bookings: online through Trybooking

MORE:
Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS)
City of Port Phillip
Tel: 03 9209 6655
Email: library@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Website: https://library.portphillip.vic.gov.au/

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GOVA | ALERT | Coronavirus (COVID-19) Health Update | 15 March 2020

[Edited extract from public address]

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that COVID-19 is a pandemic. Currently, Australia does not have widespread community transmission of COVID-19. 

To help slow the spread, the Australian Government has advised, effective from Monday 16 March, organised, non-essential gatherings should be limited to 500 people.

Non-essential meetings or conferences of critical workforces, such as health care professionals and emergency services, should also be limited. This advice does not include workplaces, schools, universities, shops, supermarkets, public transport and airports.

To protect vulnerable Australians, the Government has also advised reducing visitors to all residential aged care facilities and remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Simple steps to help stop the spread.

Coronavirus video - Good Hygiene Starts Here
We can all help to stop the spread of the coronavirus. This video details good hygiene practices that everyone can adopt


MORE:
Australian Government, Canberra
Coronavirus Health Information Line: 1800 020 080

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CMFN | TALKING | What does Harmony and Social Cohesion mean to you? | Thursday 19 March 2020 | Arrive 6.45pm for 7-8.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Harmony Week is about celebrating the inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background, united by a set of core Australian values.

Australia is one of the most successful multicultural countries in the world, and we should celebrate this and work vigilantly to maintain it by calling out all unacceptable behaviours such as racism, bigotry, bullying and violence against any race, culture and faith.

Take part in the Community Think Tank to contribute to the continued success of Multicultural Australia within the City of Casey.

Hear from three distinguished speakers on their work and role in promoting Social Harmony from the faith and community perspectives:
  • Sadia Ali, President and Founder of the United Cultural Support Inc. on uniting the various cultural communities and empowering women
  • Pandit Manunamtji, a Hindu Priest on Harmony from the Hindu perspective, and 
  • Mike Yang, Leader and advocate for Wuhan COVID-19 humanitarian relief from the Chinese community.
Our united voices will continue to provide a source of harmony and inclusiveness into the future of our community.

Where: Bunjil Place, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren, VIC 3805
Cost: Free
Bookings: online through EventBrite

MORE:
Casey Multifaith Network Inc (CMFN)
Address: Bunjil Place, Narre Warren, VIC 3805
Email: caseymultifaith@gmail.com

CoPP | CELEBRATING | Cultural Diversity Week | 21-29 March 2020

[Edited extract from public address]

Cultural Diversity Week is just around the corner and is Victoria’s largest multicultural celebration with events held in City of Port Phillip and across the State. 

City of Port Phillip is offering Anti-Racism Bystander training again on the 24 March as the week coincides with International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The training aims to equips participants with the skills and awareness to take safe and constructive action when witnessing racism and it is specifically designed to enable bystanders to become active advocates for a racism-free workplace and community. If you are interested attending, can you please let me know so I can reserve a place for you.

Celebrate cultural diversity with a heady mix of world music, Latin dance; global food, craft and design market at the annual Space 2b Laneway Festival on Sunday 22 March. This Festival is proudly sponsored by City of Port Phillip Local Festival Funds.

The Jewish Museum is running the Sarajevo Haggadah Project, which combines a lecture, exhibition, projection and music to illuminate the history of the world’s most celebrated Pesach text.

Once again, events will be held at the different library branches.

To check out what’s on around Victoria, see Cultural Diversity Week 2020.

MORE: 
City of Port Phillip
Address: St Kilda Town Hall, 99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda, Victoria 3182
Ewa Zysk, Diversity Officer, Diversity & Inclusion
Tel: 03 9209 6694
Email: Ewa.Zysk@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Website: www.portphillip.vic.gov.au

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FTM | SUPPORTING | Grieving Children

[Edited extract from public address]

In Australia, just over 300,000 children will lose a parent before they reach the age of 18. To put this into perspective, 1 in every 20 children aged 7-17 will experience the death of a parent.

There is most likely a child grieving the loss of a parent in any class at school. In addition to this, children also experience sibling and legal guardian loss.

Grieving children who have experienced the death of someone they love can feel isolated and alone. They require ongoing support in developing strategies to cope with and move forward with their lives following a significant loss.

At Feel the Magic, we provide grief education and support to bereaved children and their families to help alleviate the pain and isolation felt by the loss of a parent, sibling or legal guardian.

Join us as we create a world where children who are experiencing grief are supported to reach their full potential. Servicing Sydney, regional NSW, ACT & Victoria.

MORE:
Feel the Magic
Post: PO Box 4327, Pitt Town NSW 2756, Sydney Australia
Tel: +61 02 4580 8613
Email: admin@feelthemagic.org.au
Website: https://www.feelthemagic.org.au

CoPP | CONNECTING | Seniors and Neighbours | March 2020

[Edited extract from public address]

Join the City of Port Phillip's Linking Neighbours Seniors Register. It is free and enables you to attend trips and activities to meet local people.

For Seniors interested in meeting new people and increasing personal sense of safety or wishing to be involved in local community activities.

Seniors Register

The Seniors Register is for residents who live in the City of Port Phillip. The Register is a confidential and secure list of people's emergency information held at the Port Phillip Council and St Kilda Police Station. The information provided will be used to help emergency services assist you in an emergency situation.

Linking Neighbours

This program aims to create links between Port Phillip residents over 55, enabling you to get to know each other and so better support each other. The Linking Neighbours Program organises a range of outings and activities throughout the year. i.e. trips, exercise groups and neighbourhood activities. Once registered, you will receive information about outings and activities via a bi-monthly letter.

How To register?

Registations can be completed using the seniors registration form (PDF 78 KB), fill in the details you would like to have as your record. You need to download the form to your computer to be able to fill it in, then save the form in your name. Email the completed form to Sherridan Green, Community Development and Liaison Officer in Diversity & Inclusion: sgreen@portphillip.vic.gov.au

Alternatively, the application form can be sent to you:
Phone ASSIST: (03) 9209 6777
Email: sgreen@portphillip.vic.gov.au

MORE:
Diversity & Inclusion
City of Port Phillip
Sherridan Green, Community Development and Liaison Officer
Tel: ASSIST (03) 9209 6777
Email: sgreen@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Website: www.portphillip.vic.gov.au

GEIFN | MIXING | Media | March 2020

Welcome

Best wishes for less Suffering, more Happiness with Good Health and Time to Enjoy it. Welcome to Tibetan calendar 阴土猪年 (female Earth-Pig) to 阳金鼠年 (male Iron-Rat); 2146-2147 or 1765-1766 or 993-994

Reminding all of 
Let’s begin by sharing a timely aspiration:
"And when you’re truly seen and truly heard and truly cared for, that’s sort of when people feel at home." Laura Linney

Discuss with sincerity. Deny untruth. Dismiss unuseful. Accept useful. Adapt to change. Adopt least effort most benefit. Adept with sharing. Enjoy throughout. As each case may be. Round. And again. Or not.

Topics

  • TED Talks
  • Guest Sings
  • Street Jives
  • Wisdom Reconciles
  • Media Words
  • Challenge Reflects

TED Talks

10-20min presentations

Guest Sings

Approx 5 min presentation
The Tufts University Beelzebubs - Resolution


Street Jives

Approx 2 min presentation
Sesame Street: Whoopi's Skin and Elmo's Fur


Wisdom Reconciles

Hey Stranger: Episode 4 Molly Hunt and Hanada Ghazala on Dating Culture (12 mins)
Radio presenter Molly Hunt and embryologist Hanada Ghazala spend an afternoon together in Darwin. They talk dating and the challenges that can come from dating within and beyond their Indigenous and Egyptian Muslim cultures.

Women's Work: Katrina Myers (6 mins)
The avocado farmer planting seeds of positivity to beat suicide. Two decades after her father took his life, rural businesswoman and mother of four, Katrina Myers, is sharing her own story of depression & how to tame it.

Psych2Go: 8 Common Characteristics of a Dysfunctional Family (5 mins)

Media Words

Approx 5 min reads

Intro
Karl Quinn explores a personal journey of finding a public voice is a long and dusty ride when “The self-taught painter putting joy on people's walls – and their backs” via The Age

Jacinta Tynan explores Interconnectedness of self knowledge, acceptance, and nourishing connection in “'A deepening love story': Elizabeth Gilbert on love, loss and her most important relationship” via The Brisbane Times

Julietta Jameson explores broadening horizons, understanding boundaries and valuing incidental discovery, writing of “The four things travel taught me: Peter Holmes a Court, businessman” via Traveller.com.au


Intra
Barney Zwartz explores music as the mediator between the spiritual and sensual life, revealing reasons behind why some think “Beethoven is 'one of the great life-givers'” via The Sydney Morning Herald

Jake Wilson explores, history, white-washing and insight into differences that unite with “Life between cultures through a child's eyes” via The Age

Michael Koziol explores growing celebration of diversity within personal, familial, sexual, societal and presenting identity, citing “The fluid evolution of Mardi Gras co-host Courtney Act” via The Age


Inter
Jim Bright explores the role of fairness, evidence and reliability of information to make informed decision making, calling out “Want to save the world? Try science” via The Sydney Morning Herald

Nick Miller explores Interconnectedness of nature, environment and time-proven sustainable living, reasoning why “Old wisdom can help us understand water, as well as save us from fire” via The Sydney Morning Herald 

Nicole Precel explores how old age is no barrier to sharing quality of life, where “'It's never too late': How Sam and Gloria found new love in aged care” via The Age


Multi
Louise Southerden explores challenges facing refugees from war, revealing how in “Turkey, Istanbul: Meet Syrian refugees on the Turkey Women's Expedition” via Traveller.com.au

Stephanie Bunbury explores a new Australian movie receiving overseas acclaim when "'People weren’t ready': Australian massacre aired at Berlin festival” via The Brisbane Times

Melissa Coburn explores life, living and impermanence with “Faith: Looking toward the great beyond” via The Age
https://www.theage.com.au/national/faith-looking-toward-the-great-beyond-20200206-p53yes.html


All
Cara Waters explores artificial intelligence learning to earlier diagnose and improving patient prognosis, writing “CSIRO innovation fund backs AI startup aiming to speed up hep C, cancer treatment” via The Brisbane Times

Cameron Woodhead explores collaboration, blurring boundaries and mindful expression, reviewing why “Asian arts extravaganza challenges our Anglocentric status quo” via The Age

Cat Woods explores in-built fragility, preciousness and impermanence of existence, reviewing a book “Telling the truth about pain, love and loss” via The Brisbane Times


Togather
Kerry van der Jagt explores ancient Songlines, Sightlines, Splendour, Spiritual Significance and Spontaneity on the laughter track of “Magnificent Gallery: Where to see some of Australia's best preserved Aboriginal rock paintings” via Traveller.com.au


Nick Miller explores spiritual, performance and embodiment, reviewing “The musical, ecstatic devotion of 'Sufi queen' Abida Parveen” via The Brisbane Times


Nobly
Andrew Bock explores a project rediscovering asleep languages stitched into fragmented streamings, discover unlimited reach when “Children and elders go digital to tell ancient Indigenous stories” via WA Today

Miki Perkins explores an innovative approach behind providing disadvantaged individuals with “'Someone who believes in you': The national push to get care leavers into higher ed” via The Sydney Morning Herald

Rachel Clun and Eryk Bagshaw explores Interconnectedness, global efforts working separately but in a united cause as “NSW researchers grow new coronavirus from patient samples” via WA Today

Challenge Reflects

Approx 30 min presentation + reflection times

If desired, a short selection of publicly available material on a chosen theme for personal reflection.

For best results, sit comfortably with a straight back, have headphones in a shared space, after each clicked link, allow a little reflection with your personally-held view before clicking on the next link.

Get ready to Reflect!
Choose your playing level:
Be introduced at 1.
Be soothed at 2-4.
Be shocked at 5.
Be inspired at 6.
Fuller illumination 1-6.
You be the judge. Or not.

Cryptic Clue:
What is the best advice for someone feeling neglected, overlooked or abandoned?

1. Inspire
2. Perspire
3. Collaborate
4. Engage: Test for personal circumstances, if useful keep, if unuseful discard, if exceeds needs, share mindfully
5. Endure: Adapt for present times without sacrificing intent
6. Endear: (Inspiring Others To Tend the Flame) live/ demonstrate/ inspire/ teach experience with others


press 
[press]
Middle English: from Old French presse (noun), presser (verb), from Latin pressare = keep pressing, frequentative of premere. 
late 16th century; alteration of obsolete prest = pay given on enlistment, enlistment by such payment, from Old French prest = loan, advance pay, based on Latin praestare = provide.

Verb
1. move or cause to move into a position of contact with something by exerting continuous physical force, Ie, the children pressed their face to the glass of the lolly shop.
2. [with object] apply pressure to (something) to flatten, shape, or smooth it. Ie, by ironing.
3. [with object] forcefully put forward (an opinion, claim, or course of action): Rose did not press the point.
4. in Weightlifting, raise (a specified weight) by lifting it to shoulder height and then gradually pushing it upwards above the head. 
5. in Golf, try too hard to achieve distance with a shot, at the risk of inaccuracy.

Noun
1. a device for applying pressure to something in order to flatten or shape it or to extract juice or oil. Ie, a flower press, a wine press. 
2. a machine that applies pressure to a workpiece by means of a tool, in order to punch shapes. 
3. a printing press. 
4. in business, an organisation that prints or publishes books. Ie, the Clarendon Press. 
5. newspapers or journalists viewed collectively. Ie, the incident was not reported in the press. Ie, coverage of the trial. 
6. quantity or type of coverage in newspapers and magazines. Ie, there's no point in demonstrating if you don't get any press. Ie, the government has had a bad press for years. 
7. an act of pressing something. Ie, the system summons medical help at the press of a button. Ie, these clothes could do with a press. 
8. a closely packed crowd or mass of people or things. Ie, among the press of cars the theatre goer saw a taxi. Ie, in Basketball any of various forms of close guarding by the defending team. 
9. in Weightlifting, an act of raising a weight to shoulder height and then gradually pushing it upwards above the head. 
10. in Irish & Scottish, a large cupboard. 


ion 
[i’on]
mid 19th century; via French from Latin -ion- from Greek, neuter present participle of ienai = go.

1. as a scientific noun, a changing of and compound in energy; specifically an atom or molecule with a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons.
2. as a suffix, forming nouns denoting purposeful activity (ie, communion, rebellion) or denoting a resulting state or product (ie, oblivion, opinion)


impression 
[im’pres’shon’]
late Middle English via Old French from Latin impressio(n-), from impress- = pressed in, from the verb imprimere

1. an idea, feeling, or opinion about something or someone, especially one formed without conscious thought or on the basis of little evidence. Ie, the Tourist's first impressions of the town were very positive. Ie, I got the impression that the Guest was disappointed. 
2. an effect produced on someone. Ie, the student's courtesy had made a good impression. 
3. a difference made by the action or presence of someone or something. Ie, the floor was too dirty for the mop to make much impression. 
4. an imitation of a person or thing, done to entertain. Ie, the singer did an impression of Shirley Bassey. 
5. a graphic or pictorial representation of someone or something. Ie, the police issued an artist's impression of the attacker. 
6. a mark impressed on a surface. Ie, the impression left after lying down on the leaves. 
7. in dentistry, a negative copy of the teeth or mouth made by pressing them into a soft substance. 
8. in publishing, the printing of a number of copies of a book, periodical, or picture for issue at one time. 
9. in British publishing, a particular printed version of a book, especially one reprinted from existing type, plates, or film with no or only minor alteration. Ie, a copy of the first impression. 
10. a print taken from an engraving. 
11. an instance of a pop-up or other online advertisement being seen on an Internet user's monitor. 
[Practice]

Optional
-- Chant Mantrastyle

Out of despair exists a way to press on, overcoming disconnection to be a living impression. Repeat as often as required. Being alive means every moment is precious and easily lost.
Why? Why not?
Start today. Or not.
As the case may be.

This is universal basis of re:lig:ion (again:uniting:energy). Here in this email, we'll hear it as countless sounds: of thoughts, words and actions wishing, causing and receiving less Suffering and more Happiness. For benefit initially of the individual increasing in beneficiaries until it includes all across all times and directions.

It is not personal, it just the way things are.

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