On Sunday 4 September, the Victorian Government published a plan to carefully and progressively ease coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions. This plan will help Victorians gradually and safely get back to work and enjoy many of the things we've been missing.
Message from the Chairperson
The feedback received this week is that many are feeling a little overwhelmed by the volume of information included in the roadmap. Summaries of the timings of each step and the changes to the restrictions are found on the Victorian Government website. A translated summary of this plan is also available in more than 50 community languages on the DHHS website at: www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/translations.This week VMC also welcomed a new addition to our leadership team with the appointment of community leader, Bwe Thay, to the role of Deputy Chairperson. Many will know Bwe and the wonderful work he has done in the sector, with a focus on creating jobs and improving education for new and emerging communities.
The team look forward to working with him to deliver a range of initiatives that achieve positive outcomes for culturally, religiously and linguistically diverse Victorians – and to foster harmony and understanding between communities.
Join us for an International Peace Day online forum we are hosting with Victoria University, the Institute for Economics for Peace, and the Australian Intercultural Society. It promises to be a fascinating reflection on what peace means in these challenging times.
Contained are links to in-language Victorian Government factsheets on the Community Activation and Social Isolation (CASI) initiative, an important program for supporting those feeling in our communities who are feeling isolated or alone.
Don't forget nominations are open for this year’s Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence. Please consider nominating a diversity hero in your life.
And finally, best wishes to Victorians celebrating the Coptic Orthodox New Year and Feast of Nayrouz today. May the year ahead be peaceful and prosperous.
Stay well and look out for each other,
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson
Victorian roadmap to reopening
The Victorian Government has released its roadmap out of coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions which includes four steps Victoria must take before reaching a "COVID Normal" when a low case threshold is met. A translated summary of this plan is now available in more than 50 community languages on the DHHS website.Find out more
Welcome our new Deputy Chairperson
The Victorian Government has appointed community leader Bwe Thay as the new Deputy Chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission. Bwe has a long history of advocating for diversity, having held many leadership roles in the multicultural sector, with a focus on creating jobs and improving education for new and emerging communities.Read more
International Peace Day Forum
Attend a live online forum with thought leaders and special guests on 21 September from 4pm to 5.30pm 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
Community Activation and Social Isolation Initiative (CASI) fact sheets
The Victorian Government’s new Community Activation and Social Isolation (CASI) initiative is intended to help people who might be feeling lonely or have lost their regular networks during coronavirus (COVID-19) to build social connections and networks of support in their local communities. Factsheets on the service are available in Chinese Simple / Mandarin, Italian, Greek, Vietnamese, Arabic, Punjabi, Hindi, Sinhalese, Spanish, Turkish, Fasi, Somali, Chin Hakha, Karen, Dinka, Oromo, Tigrinya, Malay, Nepalese and Urdu.Download the fact sheets
Nominate a diversity hero today - Nominations open, closing 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
Festivals and Events Grants - Closing Sunday 13 September 2020
Applications close this Sunday 13 September 2020 for the Multicultural Festivals and Events 2020-21 digital grants. Does your organisation hold cultural or religious festivals and events for multicultural or multifaith communities? Apply now for a grant and receive funding of up to $50,000 to hold a digital cultural or religious festival/event for your community or increase your organisation’s digital capability.Find out more and apply
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 CommissionAddress: Level 3, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9651 5901
Email: contact@vmc.vic.gov.au
Website: www.multiculturalcommission.vic.gov.au