Victorian Multicultural Commission has been on site at the public housing estates since the beginning of the enforced quarantine and remain at Flemington and North Melbourne this week, supporting residents in self-isolation.
Message from the Chairperson
We continue to work with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Incident and Emergency Management team to coordinate the engagement of residents via community representatives, as well as providing information and troubleshooting across the estates.
Culturally appropriate services for the residents are now being coordinated by Australian Muslim Social Services Agency (AMSSA) and supported by many other community organisations and volunteers. We continue to support briefings for the multicultural sector on the preventative work that is occurring across metropolitan Melbourne to protect public housing residents from coronavirus (COVID-19).
I am so grateful for the outpouring of support we've already received from communities. The work now continues at Kensington, Carlton and other public housing estates. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer to get involved, please contact us via contact@vmc.vic.gov.au
For those who are unable to be onsite, but would still like to support this important work, one of the best ways you can get involved is to share accurate health information with your networks. I ask that you take some time to share the Community Ambassador videos and social media materials available in a range of community languages.
This week, in light of some disappointing commentary in the media and ongoing reports of a rise in vilification during the pandemic, I wanted to share the Commission's recent statement on racism. Racism hurts our whole society and we must do better in opposing it. But at this pivotal moment in our history, we believe that change is possible.
We've also included information about some valuable support services available for Victorians impacted by coronavirus, including the expanded Business Support Fund, the International Students Emergency Relief Fund, the Energy and Water Services Ombudsman and Orygen's new online youth mental health platform.
Take care of each other,
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson
We unequivocally condemn racism
The Victorian Multicultural Commission unequivocally condemns racism and commits to taking a leadership role in addressing racism in Victoria. Meaningful change will only happen when people of all backgrounds come together in solidarity and move from being passive or neutral to becoming actively anti-racist. At this pivotal moment in our history, we believe that change is possible.
Community ambassador videos
Community ambassadors from a range of cultural backgrounds have come together to help explain important information about coronavirus (COVID-19). Share these
video and audio messages with your community to ensure everyone understands the four reasons to be out, how they can stay safe, and where to get in-language support if they need it.
Return to Stage 3 restrictions
Due to an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in Victoria, Greater Melbourne and Mitchell Shire have returned to Stage 3 restrictions. A range of translated materials are available encouraging people in Melbourne and Mitchell Shire to stay home, including posters, social media content and audio recordings.
Supporting the mental health of young Victorians
Orygen's MOST (Moderated Online Social Therapy) platform was launched this week – an online tool which allows young people to access tailored online therapy and peer support, when and where they need it. Designed with, and for, young people and youth mental health services, MOST provides targeted, personalised therapy to young people with mental ill-health.
Relief fund for international students
Applications are now open for the Victorian Government’s $45 million International Student Emergency Relief Fund. Delivered through Study Melbourne and Victoria’s universities and TAFEs, the Fund supports international students in Victoria who are facing financial hardship through lost wages and work as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Business Support Fund
The reinstatement of Stage 3 restrictions across metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire is necessary to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), but the impact on businesses is significant. The Victorian Government has now expanded the Business Support Fund to provide more than 80,000 eligible businesses with a new $5,000 grant to support them through the renewed restrictions.
Help from Energy and Water Ombudsman
The Energy and Water Ombudsman Victoria is aware of the many challenges that the residents of the North Melbourne and Kensington, who experienced a hard lockdown, are facing, along with agencies who are supporting these residents. Residents may have outstanding gas, electricity or water bills or that they may have arrangements in place that they may not currently be able to meet.
EWOV is a free and independent service that can help residents and the company to negotiate an affordable payment plan and other assistance.
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.
- Testing locations: Find a testing location near you.
- Triple Zero: Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.
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Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)
Address: Level 3, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9651 5901
Email: contact@vmc.vic.gov.au