This week a series of ten racism information sessions concluded, delivered in partnership with the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC), aimed at helping Victorians better understand and exercise their rights when it comes to racism, racial and religious discrimination and vilification.
Message from the Chairperson
We have had an overwhelming response to these sessions. There is clearly a strong interest from multicultural communities to learn more about their rights and take action against racism.My sincere thanks to The Hon. Ros Spence MP, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, VEOHRC, Victoria Police, the multicultural legal networks and partner organisations who supported the various sessions.
I'm pleased to let you know that we are now exploring options for more sessions with more communities.
Today we're sharing new in-language audio assets and social tiles to clarify the guidelines around social bubbles and worker support options. Presented in the form of conversations, the audio is available in Mandarin, Greek and Vietnamese to begin with. We are interested in any feedback you may have on this new format.
We're also sharing links to translated social media posts on current restrictions, information on the inclusions and eligibility for the Victorian Government's $3 billion package of funding to support businesses and sole traders affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions and the Working for Victoria Youth Employment Program.
Other opportunities that may be of interest this week include the Pride Events and Festivals fund, which is now accepting applications, online workshops for VCE students impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions.
Finally, we've already received some excellent nominations for this year’s Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence. Nominations close Sunday 11 October 2020.
Stay well and look out for each other,
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson
Translated materials: easing of restrictions
Our cases numbers are going down, but there’s still work to do. As we begin to ease restrictions, it’s important that everyone knows the rules, and how to keep themselves and their community safe.In this pack, you’ll find in-language materials that explain what’s going on in simple, day-to-day language. You’ll hear conversations between families about what a ‘social bubble’ is, and a chat between co-workers to understand the payments available for people who are isolating and can’t work.
Download and share now
Translated materials: current restrictions
With the steps to reopening taking place in a staggered approach, it is important that everyone checks in regularly with official information for all of the details affecting Victorians. It's important that everyone practices COVIDsafe behaviours and follows the rules. The Victorian Government has launched a new campaign in 55 community languages reminding people that restrictions will be in place for some time.Download and share now
Business Support Fund
The Victorian Government has announced more than $3 billion to support businesses and sole traders who continue to be affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions. This is the largest economic support package in Victoria’s history. To find out more about the support package and find out if you're eligible to apply for a grant, go to: www.business.vic.gov.auVisit Business Victoria's website
Working for Victoria Youth Employment
The Working for Victoria Youth Employment Program is an opportunity for young people to gain experience in the Victorian public service. Up to 800 young people will have the chance to get a ‘foot in the door’ and develop skills for the future. The Youth Employment Program is part of the Working for Victoria initiative, which helps Victorians, including people who have lost their jobs as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19), find paid work that supports our community.Find out more about Working for Victoria
Pride Events and Festivals Fund
Do you have an exciting idea for an activity that connects LGBTIQ+ Victorians?Organisations can now apply for grants of up to $10,000 to run such initiatives, through the Victorian Government’s Pride Events and Festivals Fund 2020-21 Connection and Accessibility Grants. All funded activities must be offered virtually, held in line with coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions, and meaningfully include people living with a disability.
Find out more and apply
Workshops for VCE students
If you work with VCE students or their families in the Flemington/North Melbourne area who have been impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions, please pass on the details of these online workshops, provided by the Department of Education and Training and Inner Melbourne African Australian Partnership (IMAAP), a Victorian African Communities Action Plan Initiative (VACAP) homework club provider.Find out more
Nominate a diversity hero today
Do you know someone who deserves to be recognised for their outstanding efforts to strengthen multiculturalism in Victoria? Nominate them for an award! The Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence recognise the outstanding achievements of people and organisations who strengthen multiculturalism across 15 categories. Nominations close Sunday 11 October 2020.Find out more and nominate
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: contact@vmc.vic.gov.au
Website: www.multiculturalcommission.vic.gov.au