It's heartening to see the coronavirus (COVID-19) case numbers dropping, which shows that Victorians are doing the right thing and complying with the restrictions.
Message from the Chairperson
Shana Tova to our Jewish communities across Victoria! On behalf of the Victorian Multicultural Commission, I wish you a very happy new year. Although celebrations look different this year, I hope you are staying connected and safe and enjoy a special Rosh Hashanah.In great news for regional Victoria, having reached a 14-day average of 3.6 cases and with no mystery cases, from 11.59pm tomorrow regional communities will progress to the third step of the reopening roadmap, with a relaxation of some restrictions.
I attended a briefing for multicultural community organisations from the Minister for Multicultural Affairs the Hon. Ros Spence MP and the Department of Health and Human Services, including epidemiologist Professor Benjamin Cowie. The briefing included the latest public health advice and information about the work of the CALD Communities Taskforce to support community organisations in developing locally delivered solutions that help slow the spread of the virus.
The Minister has invited multicultural and faith organisations to apply for funding to deliver tailored health resources, culturally appropriate food relief, help for people to get tested or direct community engagement support.
The call for proposals is now open and I encourage you to consider putting forward your organisation's projects for funding.
Speaking of testing, we're also sharing new in-language Victorian Government materials on the importance of getting tested if you have any coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms. Please help us to get these resources out to communities.
We're also sharing links to the list of successful projects to be funded under the Multicultural Community Infrastructure Fund and the Indian Community Infrastructure Fund.
Finally, don't forget to register for the International Peace Day online forum and submit your nominations for this year’s Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence.
Stay well and look out for each other,
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson
Call for proposals for funding through the CALD Communities Taskforce
The Victorian Government Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Communities Taskforce is inviting proposals from multicultural and multifaith organisations for locally based programs that will help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Services must be delivered within 3 months of receiving the funds. Find out more and applyNew translated materials on testing
The coronavirus (COVID-19) test is free for everyone. You don’t have to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. The Department of Health and Human Services have released a new range of translated materials, including social media materials, videos and printable posters to share widely with community.Download and share now
Community infrastructure funding announced
The Victorian Government this week announced more than $3.5 million to be shared between 36 culturally diverse groups through the Multicultural Community Infrastructure Fund and the Indian Community Infrastructure Fund. The funds support various infrastructure projects right across the state, helping build, restore and enhance facilities where multicultural communities gather – to be enjoyed on the other side of this pandemic.Read the media release
International Peace Day Forum | Monday 21 September 2020 | 4-5.30pm
Attend a live online forum with thought leaders and special guests to explore notions of peace, marking the UN International Peace Day. Victoria University and its partners, the Victorian Multicultural Commission, the Institute for Economics for Peace, and the Australian Intercultural Society are pleased to invite you to be part of this very special online event which will explore notions of peace and what this mean to the Australian community, especially as we respond to increasing challenges to our social cohesion, our notions of well-being and health, and our way of life.Find out more and register
Nominate a diversity hero today | Nominations close Sunday 11 October 2020
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.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.
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Victorian Multicultural CommissionAddress: Level 3, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9651 5901
Email: contact@vmc.vic.gov.au
Website: https://www.multiculturalcommission.vic.gov.au