VMC | UPDATE | Choose Community Unity Over Fear | Wednesday 22 April 2020

[Edited extract from public address]

After another week living under Stage 3 restrictions, health officials say that isolation measures are working and we've seen just 80 new coronavirus (COVID-19) cases recorded across Australia over the weekend.

Message from the Chairperson

While we must continue to stay the course and follow the guidelines, I’m so proud of the way Victorians have helped to flatten the curve.

However, my pride in our collective efforts has been tempered by some incidents of racism towards Asian Australians over the past couple of weeks.

This virus has nothing to do with race. Racism is simply unacceptable at any time and in any place and we cannot tolerate it here in Victoria.

This is a time when we need to be compassionate and kind to each other. If we want to have any hope of controlling the spread of this virus, what we need from each other is a sense of community, unity and support. Racism has no place here.

I applaud the efforts of groups such as the Asian Australian Alliance, who’ve created an online reporting database for coronavirus-related incidents of racism, and the #UnityOverFear campaign, whose open letter and petition have been sent to Prime Minister Scott Morrison for tabling in parliament.

If you, or someone you know, has experienced discrimination or vilification on the basis of race or religion, I encourage you to make a complaint to the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC).

This week marks two significant events in the calendar with Ramadan commencing on Friday 24 April and Anzac Day on Saturday 25 April.

Ramadan Mubarak to those observing. It is wonderful to see mosques and Muslim organisations finding innovative ways to support Victorians throughout the holy month.

On Anzac Day, I encourage all Victorians to take a moment to pause and reflect on the service and sacrifice of all those who have served in our armed forces and are currently serving. Lest we Forget.

Please also continue to reach out to us with your feedback and concerns, as well as your good news stories during this challenging time.

Take care of each other,
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission

Anzac Day 2020

Next Saturday 25 April is Anzac Day, a day where communities would usually come together to honour those we have lost. This year we must find new ways to pay tribute.

This ANZAC Day, RSL is asking Australians to stand in your driveway, on your balcony or in your living room to remember all those who have served and sacrificed.

From 6am on ANZAC Day, RSL will be streaming a short commemorative service online.

Find out more about #LightUpTheDawn

Ramadan Mubarak

Ramadan will begin on Friday 24 April and we know for many in our Muslim communities, the inability to share a meal with their extended family and friends after a long day of fasting will be difficult.

We encourage you to investigate the many innovative online activities popping up to help communities stay connected, such as live-streaming of prayers and virtual iftars.

Ramadan Mubarak to you and your families!

Sikh groups delivers meals to those in need

Victoria’s Sikh communities have been delivering hundreds of meals over the past few weeks to those most in need.

The Commission is inspired by the amazing work our multicultural communities continue to do during the coronavirus crisis, and we would love to hear how communities are supporting each other during this period.
Read the news article

CyberParent app promoting safe internet use

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, kids are undoubtedly spending more time online. The Australian Multicultural Foundation (AMF) has developed a web app called CyberParent which encourages safe and healthy internet use in Australian homes.
CyberParent is available in a total of 17 different languages, including: English, Arabic, Chinese, Dari, Dinka, Farsi, German, Greek, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Pashto, Spanish, Somali, Turkish, Urdu and Vietnamese.
Find out more and download

Reminder to share campaign resources

Don't forget to download and share the Victorian Government multilingual campaign resources widely with your networks. These materials include social media, print and audio resources explaining the Stage 3 restrictions. Make sure you direct people to the Victorian Government’s coronavirus website for current information and updates: coronavirus.vic.gov.au/translations

Amharic
Arabic
Assyrian
Bengali
Burmese
Chaldean Neo-Aramaic
Chin
Chinese
Croatian
Dari
Dinka
English
Farsi
French
Greek
Gujarati
Hazaraghi
Hindi
Indonesian
Khmer
Korean
Macedonian
Maltese

Italian
Japanese
Karen
Nepali
Nuer
Oromo
Polish
Portuguese
Punjabi
Russian
Serbian
Sinhalese
Somali
Spanish
Swahili
Tagalog
Tamil
Thai
Tigrinya
Turkish
Urdu
Vietnamese
Zomi

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
Address: Level 9, 1 Spring Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 7017 8171
Email: contact@vmc.vic.gov.au
Website: multicultural.vic.gov.au