Welcoming the announcement this week of an additional $14.3 million to reach out to more culturally and linguistically diverse Victorians with expanded health messaging and support for community organisations.
Message from the Chairperson
A CALD Communities Taskforce with representatives from the Victorian Multicultural Commission and various departments has been established to coordinate this work and assist multicultural and multifaith communities through the pandemic.
The Commission has been calling for a targeted, coordinated and culturally sensitive response to these communities, and I believe the Taskforce is an important step in this direction.
This week marked the United Nations International Youth Day, a reminder that all of us have a role to play in empowering young people of diverse backgrounds and faiths.
In recent weeks I’ve worked alongside some young people who have volunteered their time to support their families, friends and neighbours in Melbourne’s public housing estates. These young people, like so many young Victorians, continue to inspire me with their courage, conviction and resilience, especially during these challenging times.
I encourage you to take a moment to read the International Youth Day reflection from our Multicultural Youth Commissioner, Khayshie Tilak Ramesh.
This week we are also sharing new translated community resources outlining the Stage 4 restrictions for Melbourne and return to Stage 3 restrictions for regional Victoria. There are also factsheets on volunteering during Stage 4 restrictions that may be relevant to community groups. I thank each of you for sharing this important public health information through your networks and communities.
We're also sharing links to a launch event for a new resource, School's in for Refugees and the latest Health Translations newsletter.
Take care of each other,
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson
In-language materials — Stage 4 restrictions
Everyone in metropolitan Melbourne must stay home between 8pm and 5am, exercise is now limited to one hour a day, shopping must be done alone, and whenever you do leave the house, you must stay within 5km of home. This pack provides links to a range of translated materials – including posters, social media content and audio recordings – to help you share this important information with your networks.
In-language materials — Stage 3 restrictions
For people in regional Victoria, there are only four reasons to go out: shopping for food and essential items, to provide care or seek medical treatment, to exercise, or to work or study if you can’t do it from home. This pack provides links to a range of translated materials – including posters, social media content and audio recordings – to help you share this important information with your networks.
More support for multicultural communities
We are pleased to hear the announcement from the Victorian Government of a boost in support for multicultural communities across the state so that all Victorians can play their part, help slow the spread of coronavirus and stay safe. Additional funding and a CALD Communities Taskforce will be established to help multicultural and multifaith communities through the pandemic, with representatives from the Victorian Multicultural Commission and various departments.
Message from our Youth Commissioner
"International Youth Day has a different tone this year. The 2020 theme of Youth Engagement for Global Action could not be more relevant. While every year we see young people pushing for better and advocating for our communities – this year, we truly see and feel our youth as the pillars of not only our future, but our present."
Volunteering during coronavirus (COVID-19)
While measures to help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) have changed the way we live, it does not mean that volunteering needs to be put on hold. These fact sheets provides information about opportunities to support the community, and advice on how to stay safe for prospective and current volunteers.
School's in for Refugees — launch event
School’s In For Refugees is a new website developed by Foundation House in partnership with the Department of Education and Training. The website provides high-quality guidance and practical resources to support schools to improve the achievement, engagement and wellbeing outcomes of students from refugee backgrounds. On Wednesday 19 August Foundation House will be hosting an online event to launch the new School’s In For Refugees website.
Health Translations latest newsletter
Health Translations is a free website with access to high quality consumer focused translated materials. The latest newsletter includes multilingual resources on COVID-19, mental wellbeing support services, face masks, $300 test isolation payment, worker support payment, how to access services you need ATO help for your first tax time and support, bereavement, eating disorders, Hepatitis B, oral health and more.
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