It’s been another challenging week for Victorians.
Message from the Chairperson
My thoughts are with those affected by the outbreaks of coronavirus (COVID-19) in aged care facilities. I know many families of diverse backgrounds are feeling anxious about the wellbeing of their loved ones and my heart goes out to those tragically grieving the loss of their family members. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the aged care workers who continue to work tirelessly to care for vulnerable Victorians and put their own lives at risk.
Tonight marks the beginning of Eid Al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, a significant occasion for Muslim communities. While this is usually a time for family and friends to come together for prayer and celebration, this year will be very different. If you live in Metro Melbourne or Mitchell Shire, there are still only 4 reasons you should be out of your home —shopping for essentials, to provide caregiving or to seek medical treatment, for exercise, or for work and study, if you cannot do it from home.
On behalf of the Victorian Multicultural Commission, I'd like to send my best wishes to all who are celebrating and encourage you to stay home and stay safe. Eid Mubarak.
I’d like to also thank and acknowledge the many Regional Advisory Council members, community leaders and volunteers who responded to our call to assist at the North Melbourne and Flemington public housing estates. We are so grateful for your tireless efforts doing everything possible — from providing information, door knocking, sorting and delivering food, taking queries and being part of emergency response efforts.
This week, we're also sharing links to the stakeholder communications pack from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) with translated guidance on mandatory face masks, details of the Scanlon Foundation Annual Community Grants 2020 and information about a great community initiative helping families in need to keep their kids entertained during lockdown with art and craft kits.
Finally, I invite you to join us for our free community forum with Craig James, the Chief Economist at CommSec. He’ll be interpreting the big picture economic and financial trends and will theorise how the economy will look coming out of the pandemic.
Take care of each other,
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson
Community Forum with Craig James
Join the Victorian Multicultural Commission for a community forum on 31 July 2020 to hear from CommSec Chief Economist, Craig James, about the unique challenges the Australian economy has faced with coronavirus (COVID-19). He’ll be discussing the latest insights and data and will theorise how the economy will look coming out of this pandemic.
Find out more and register
Art and craft kits for kids in need
Intercultural community art project, Bukjeh, are helping families in need celebrate Eid Al Adha and keep their kids entertained during lockdown with art and craft activity kits. They are aiming to donate 1,000 kits to refugee and asylum seeker families by 5 August 2020. Support this initiative with monetary donations or with craft supplies.
Translated materials about face masks
The Victorian Department of Health and Human Services have translated materials about the mandatory wearing of face coverings. There are social media graphics, posters and audio messages available in 25 languages.
Scanlon Foundation Community Grants
This year’s community grants will provide funding up to a maximum of $25,000 to projects that support the transition of migrants into employment. The grant is open nationwide. Projects should consider the experience of migrants and of receiving communities and aim to nurture positive outcomes. Please see scanlonfoundation.org.au/grants for more information, or contact foundation@scanlonfoundation.org.au with any questions. Applications close Friday 18 September.
Support for Victorians to stay connected
The Victorian Government is helping communities to stay connected during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and beyond with the Let’s Stay Connected Fund. The fund provides grants between $5,000 and $200,000 to support community-led initiatives that build connection, reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation that can be implemented quickly – providing much-needed support across the state.
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