This week, our hearts and thoughts are with the people of Lebanon following the devastating explosion in Beirut.
Message from the Chairperson
At a time when the world is fighting coronavirus (COVID-19), this tragedy feels especially difficult to comprehend. We extend our heartfelt support to Lebanese communities here in Australia and to anyone affected by this catastrophic event.
To slow the spread of coronavirus, on-site business activity is limited to permitted industries across Melbourne. Employers must issue a worker permit to their employees who need to work onsite, and only permitted workers can access childcare.
The Commission is deeply concerned about the impact of coronavirus on multicultural communities. The outbreaks and the number of positive cases, including community transmissions, are occurring in Local Government Areas (LGAs) where a significant percentage of multicultural communities reside. We have raised our concerns to the appropriate authorities and continue to work with DHHS, Emergency Management Victoria and other departments and agencies to support the service response.
We are also concerned about outbreaks in industries that have highly diverse workforces and have been educating and supporting workers in these difficult situations. I would like to draw your attention to various financial support programs including the Extreme Hardship Support Program which is designed to support the most vulnerable in our community, including temporary and provisional visa holders and undocumented migrants.
We continue to hold community roundtables in partnership with DHHS to understand community needs relating to coronavirus and the current restrictions, and advocate to government on their behalf. Supporting residents in the North Melbourne and Flemington public housing estates remains a priority through our role on the Working Group, and I am pleased to share a statement of love and support from the Multifaith Advisory Group. If you or someone you know is interested in supporting residents in the estates, there are some vacancies at Cohealth to assist in monitoring their health and wellbeing.
This week we are also sharing new SBS in-language fact sheets on the latest restrictions, Beyond Blue translated resources for managing mental health, and information on the 2020 VicArts Grants. I also invite you to join our Youth Commissioner, Khayshie Tilak Ramesh for International Youth Day next week on 12 August as she chairs a Victoria University online seminar.
We have to work together to drive the number of cases down. I once again wish to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of community organisations, volunteers, government agencies and everyone working behind the scenes to support Victorians. But I also thank each of you for sharing information through your networks and communities.
Please take care of each other.
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Extreme Hardship Support Program
Red Cross, Brotherhood of St Laurence and the Department of Health and Human Services have implemented the Extreme Hardship Support Program to provide emergency financial assistance to people who are unable to access income support.The program is targeted to support the most vulnerable in our community – including temporary and provisional visa holders and undocumented migrants with little or no income, savings or community support.Find out more and apply
Cohealth Health Concierge vacancies
Cohealth are currently recruiting Health Concierges to monitor the health and wellbeing of all residents who are moving in and out of the Flemington and North Melbourne towers and other associated functions as directed. Daily duties include wellbeing check-ins, temperature checks, providing education on donning/doffing masks.Find out more and apply
SBS Coronavirus (COVID-19) state restrictions fact sheet
SBS have produced a fact sheet that tracks the current restrictions by state and territory in multiple languages. To change the language, use the icon in the top right hand corner or scroll to the bottom to choose by language.The fact sheet can also be accessed from the SBS Multilingual Coronavirus Portal under the preferred language - www.sbs.com.au/coronavirus
View the fact sheet
Beyond Blue translated resources
Beyond Blue have information on managing your mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic in more than 60 languages other than English. The factsheets include information on their dedicated coronavirus phone support line and online chat service.Find out more
Victoria University Youth Day online seminar | Wednesday 12 August 2020 | 4pm-5.30pm
Join our Youth Commissioner, Khayshie Tilak Ramesh and Victoria University to explore issues and specific challenges facing young people as they move forward through a reality that has been strongly impacted by a coronavirus (COVID-19) world. The online seminar next will explore the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on young people and opportunities in a post coronavirus (COVID-19) future.Find out more and register
2020 VicArts Grants program now open
The 2020 VicArts Grants program is currently open for projects and programs that will develop and bring dynamism to Victoria's arts sector. The program provides grants between $5,000 and $60,000 and is open to new ideas, new modes of practice and new approaches to delivery of the arts that will build on Victoria's position as a cultural leader. This round closes 3 September 2020 for activity commencing after 1 January 2021.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.
MORE:
Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)Address: Level 3, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9651 5901
Email:
Website: www.multiculturalcommission.vic.gov.au