A challenging week for many Victorians as we continue to fight coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreaks across Melbourne.
Message from the Chairperson
For residents in the public housing estates in Flemington and North Melbourne in lockdown it has been especially difficult.
Following a comprehensive testing blitz, the Premier announced Thursday 9 July that 55 infections were detected at 33 Alfred St in North Melbourne, which will now stay in hard lockdown for a further 9 days, while the other towers move to the same Stage 3 restrictions as the rest of Melbourne, effective tonight.
I've spent much of the week on the ground alongside community leaders and volunteers to assist government agencies with the coordination of food and supplies, and to problem solve so that the needs of culturally diverse residents are better met. The Commission also coordinated volunteers of diverse backgrounds to support nurses and paramedics with the testing process on site. My sincere thanks to everyone who has helped this week.
In our role as a conduit between communities and government, we brought residents and community representatives together with health experts and government officials through a series of online forums to ensure their voices were heard and to highlight the need for better communication in community languages. (Read VMC's full statement.)
In this unprecedented situation, everyone working behind the scenes came together to do their best to support residents, and will continue to do so for residents at 33 Alfred St, North Melbourne.
A working group has been established, comprising representatives of community organisations with close connections to the residents. It will be co-chaired by myself and Tony Nicholson (former executive at VincentCare, experienced in emergency management). The working group will help steer engagement with the affected communities, with a focus on public health.
Wednesday night, Metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire began Stage 3 lockdown for a second time. Once again, the message we must share with our communities is that there are only 4 reasons to leave the house: shopping for food and essential items, care and caregiving, exercise, work and study – if you can’t do it from home. (Read the full statement from the Premier.)
I ask for your assistance in sharing information about the updated restrictions. We're also reiterating the importance of testing, including mythbusting and clarifying concerns around the process.
I am grateful for the support of communities in adhering to official public health advice. If you have any questions or would like to provide any feedback, please contact us via contact@vmc.vic.gov.au
Take care of each other,
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson
Return to Stage 3 restrictions
Due to an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in Victoria, Greater Melbourne and Mitchell Shire will return to Stage 3 restrictions from 11.59pm on Wednesday 8 July 2020. That means there will once again be only four reasons to be out. Shopping for food and supplies, exercise, care and caregiving, and work or education, if necessary. A range of translated materials are available promoting this message, including posters, social media content and audio recordings.
Racism during COVID-19
There’s been an alarming rise in reports of racism during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is adding to the stress already being experienced by many communities and households across the state. In Victoria, racism is against the law. If you’ve experienced it and want to make a complaint, or if you just want to know more about how your rights are protected, you can contact the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission.
Factsheet: Your rights in full lockdown
During full lockdown, your right to come and go freely may be restricted for a limited time, but the government must continue to respect your other rights. This Victorian Equal Opportunity Human Rights Commission factsheet explains the rights of residents during full lockdown. The factsheet is currently available in English, Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese and Vietnamese. Versions in Somali, Amharic and Tigrinya will be available shortly.
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 nearest testing locations.
- Triple Zero: Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.
MORE:
Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)
Address: Level 3, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9651 5901
Email: contact@vmc.vic.gov.au