BAHO | RAISING | Funds so adults with intellectual disability live the life they choose

[Edited extract from public address]

Helping adults with intellectual disability live the life they choose not only today, but long into the future  

The NDIS environment is challenging, prices change frequently. This results in huge administrative workload, and ultimately favours large-scale providers. Prices are based on support worker-to-participant ratios that Bayley House does not believe meet the high standards we are committed to or that our clients deserve. 

Bayley House aims to provide clients with exceptional support and care, and really help them strive for their aspirations, we cannot rely on the NDIS alone.

Please become a monthly donor today. Some of the ways donations are used:

• Enable Bayley House to purchase equipment, and engage specialists, for programs such as art and daily living skills. These costs are not covered by NDIS revenue, but are critical to delivering high quality programs that our clients love and depend on 
• Help fund the cost of equipment we need to make our programs inclusive and safe for all – such as ceiling hoist tracking systems that allow clients with low mobility to move more freely around our space 
• Provide access to IT training and equipment – for both clients and staff – that helps the Bayley House community thrive in a digital world. 2020 has taught us that technology can be our best friend – we want to make sure we invest in maintaining and growing these new skills for our clients and staff 

MORE:

Bayley House
Address: PO Box 113 or 52 Middle Crescent, Brighton Vic 3186 Australia
Tel: 03 9982 1500

Email: fundraise@bayleyhouse.org.au

Website: https://www.bayleyhouse.org.au

VMC | UPDATING | Community on easing restrictions, creative strategy consultation, round table wrap up | Wednesday 28 October 2020

[Edited extract from public address]

Melbourne celebrated two days in a row of zero cases earlier this week with further easing of restrictions in Victoria.

Message from the Chairperson

I thank and congratulate every member of our community for the part you played in getting on top of the state's second wave.

We are the envy of the world at the moment, but please remember to celebrate with your friends and family safely and responsibly. It's vital that we continue to follow the guidelines from the Department of Health and Human Services and keep case numbers low.

Please also continue to get tested, even for the mildest of symptoms, and stay home until you get your result. Support is available if you don't have access to paid sick leave.

Earlier this week, and building on the recent round of our Regional Advisory Council meetings, we wrapped up our series of community roundtables. The roundtables provided a forum for communities to discuss important health information regarding coronavirus (COVID-19), the vital role of testing, as well as the challenges and opportunities relating to recovery and the road to opening back up. A summary of some of the top issues you shared with us is below.

And on the topic of looking forward to recovery, I encourage anyone working in (or aspiring to) the arts and cultural sector, especially young people under 25, to contribute to the next Creative State strategy. Please share the resources below with your relevant networks.

Stay well and look out for each other,
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson

Easing of restrictions - what's changed

As our great state celebrates lower case numbers and easing restrictions, here is a summary of the changes in effect for Victorians as of 11.59pm on Tuesday 27th October.

Metro Melbourne

• There are no longer limits on reasons to leave home, the 25km radius remains in place.
• One home visit, once per day. Two adults plus dependents from one household can visit you or you can visit someone else.
• Up to 10 people can meet outdoors in a public space, from any number of households.
• Retail, beauty, personal services and tattooing open – face masks must be worn. 
• Outdoor community sport returns for children and outdoor non-contact sport returns for adults. 
• Outdoor weddings increase to a maximum of 10 people, and funerals increase to a maximum of 20 people. 
• Religious gatherings: Indoor - up to 10 people plus one faith leader. Outdoor - up to 20 people plus one faith leader

Regional Victoria

• Gyms and fitness studios open – up to 20 people, and following density limits.
• Religious gatherings: Indoor - up to 20 people plus one faith leader. Outdoor - up to 50 people plus one faith leader
• Funerals increase to a maximum of 20 people indoors, and 50 people outdoors.
• Indoor non-contact sport returns for children and indoor pools open to all ages. 

For all Victorians

• Continue to keep 1.5m distance from others who are not part of your household. 
• Wear a face mask when you leave home. 
• Get tested if you have even the mildest symptoms. Support is available if you need to take time off work to isolate, you don't have to be a citizen. 
• More information including in-language advice

Victoria's Creative Strategy consultation

In March just before the disruptions of the pandemic, Creative Victoria was finalising the state's next four-year creative strategy, after extensive industry and community consultation. But the strategy was paused to focus on the immediate impacts facing Victoria’s creative industries.

As we now take steps toward COVID-normal and beyond, and look to reopening and rebuilding our creative industries, the development of a bold, informed, statewide strategy is more vital than ever.

Contributions are invited from all existing and aspiring members of the creative community about the impact COVID-19 has had on your work, priorities and concerns, and your ideas for the future.

Young Victorians are especially encouraged to have a say, via a survey for people aged 15-25 who connect with the creative industries as participants, audience members or through work, volunteering, or study.

Please have your say, and share this information with your networks as appropriate.

• Learn more and have your say
• Download social media assets

Community roundtables wrap up

This week, and building on the recent round of our Regional Advisory Council meetings, we wrapped up our series of online roundtables that provided our communities with the opportunity to engage directly with health experts from the Department of Health and Human Services.

The seven virtual forums were an opportunity for communities to discuss important health messaging regarding coronavirus (COVID-19), as well as the vital role testing plays in helping to better understand and beat the virus. The sessions also provided an opportunity for communities to discuss the challenges of responding to coronavirus (COVID-19) and the roadmap for reopening.

Key themes raised include isolation of the elderly and single people - particularly in public housing, the impact on mental health, the role of in-language support, impact on small business, challenges of digital communication for some older Victorians, and the opportunity to learn from the experiences of the past several months to prepare for any future crisis.

All of the feedback gathered at these discussions will be shared with the CALD Communities Taskforce and the Department of Health and Humans Services, to help inform recovery actions for our state.

We thank all members of our communities who attended these sessions for their contributions and valuable insights.

Coronavirus hotline

• Coronavirus hotline: 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

GOVV | Religion and ceremony - metropolitan Melbourne - Third Step | current from 27 October 2020

[Edited extract from public address]

Find information about how Third Step restrictions affect religion and ceremony, including weddings and funerals, in metropolitan Melbourne.

If you live in metropolitan Melbourne restrictions are changing from 11:59pm 27 October.

• Weddings can be held indoors or outdoors with up to ten people (including two witnesses) plus the couple, the celebrant and a photographer.
• Funerals can be held indoors or outdoors with up to 20 people. This limit doesn’t include babies under 12 months of age, or the people required to conduct the funeral.
• Places of religion and worship can open for indoor religious gatherings. Indoor religious gatherings can be held with up to 10 people per facility.
• Outdoor religious gatherings can be held near a place of worship with up to 20 people plus a faith leader. While attending a religious gathering there are steps you need to take to keep yourself and others safe including not sharing food, drink or other items.
• You should not attend a wedding, funeral or religious gathering if you are feeling unwell. Stay home and get tested.

Read full details

MORE:

State Government of Victoria

Website: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/contact-us

GEIFN | CONSOLIDATED | Information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) | Tuesday 27 October 2020

    [Edited and compiled from public addresses, supplemented Wednesday 28/10]

Topics

1. VIC | State of Emergency Update
2. VIC | GRANTS | Hospitality Business Grant Program
3. VIC | PAUSING | Evictions Ban Extended and Extra Renter Protections introduced (residential and commercial) | until 31 December 2020
4. AUST | Coronavirus hotline
5. AUST | Helpers and Reliable Sources Along the Way
6. Acknowledgment to Sources
7. Bye bye to Essentialists
8. Self-Isolators, Non-Essentials And The Homebound

1. VIC | State of Emergency Update

Metropolitan Melbourne

From 11:59pm on Sunday 18 October, these are the important changes to understand if you live in metropolitan Melbourne:

• You can travel up to 25 km from your home for shopping, exercise or for outdoor social gatherings.
• 10 people from a maximum of 2 households can meet outdoors for a social gathering in a public place like a park. You cannot travel further than 25 km.
• There is no time limit on how long you can exercise or socialise outdoors.
• Hairdressing is open and permitted allied health services are fully open.
• More outdoor work can resume. This includes non-essential outdoor home maintenance and repairs, house painters, car washing, mobile pet groomers, outdoor photography and pool cleaners.
• Real estate auctions can resume with a cap of 10 people.
• Outdoor pools can have up to 30 people (with density quotient).
• Tennis, golf and skate parks can open at outdoor facilities.

From 11:59pm on Tuesday 27 October, Melbourne will move from “stay home” to “stay safe”, with no more restrictions on the reasons to leave home.

• The 25-kilometre limit remains in place to limit the virus’s ability to travel. 
• [supplemented 28/10] Melbournians are allowed home visits. Maximum of two adult visitors per house, per day, plus their dependent children, Households will be restricted to one visiting event per day, meaning those who receive visitors cannot also visit someone else that day.
• The border between regional Victoria and Melbourne will also remain in place. Work permits will still be required for workers from Melbourne travelling into regional Victoria – and vice versa.
• Under the Third Step, Melbourne’s cafes, restaurants and pubs can reopen. Outdoors with a limit of up to 50, indoors up to 20. Density limits, record keeping and COVIDSafe Plans also apply.
• Remaining retail will also open. Beauty and personal care services can resume. And for those businesses who need to get ready for their reopening – staff will be able to attend onsite straight away. 
• Outdoor contact sport for those aged 18 and under will also begin again – so too can non-contact sport for adults. PT, fitness and dance classes can also be held outdoors with up to ten people, and the number of people at outdoor pools can increase to 50, subject to density limits.
• Libraries and community venues will be able to open for outdoor events.
  
• Outdoor entertainment venues can also begin hosting visitors.
• Faith communities will be able to meet for outdoor religious ceremonies with up to 20 people, in addition to those required for the service. Indoor services can be held with up to 10.
• Weddings will increase to ten people, and funerals up to 20.
• Workplaces will no longer need to be on the permitted work list to open and the ability to work will change to “if you can work from home you must work from home”.

Regional Victoria

From 11:59pm on Sunday 18 October, there were some changes to restrictions in regional Victoria.

These are the important changes to understand if you live in regional Victoria:

• You are allowed to have two people (plus dependants) visit your home, once a day. They do not have to be from the same household. The household bubble no longer exists.
• You can have up to 20 people at an outdoor religious gathering.
• At hospitality venues, you can have up to 70 people outside (1 person per 2 square metres) and up to 40 people inside (10 people maximum per closed space, 1 person per 4 square metres)
• Libraries and toy libraries are open to up to 20 people.

From 11:59pm on Tuesday 27 October:

• indoor gyms and fitness spaces will be able to open for up to 20 people, with a maximum of ten per space and a density of one person per 8 square metres.
• Indoor pools will open to 20. 
• Indoor sport will begin for those 18 and under.
• Food courts can open. 
• Live music can resume as part of outdoor hospitality.
• School graduations can be held within school communities.
• And for religious celebrations, 20 people can gather together indoors with their faith leader – or 50 outdoors.

Masks and testing

You are still required to wear a face mask whenever you leave home, covering your nose and mouth. You cannot wear a face covering such as a scarf, bandana or face shield.

If you have any symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), please get tested immediately and isolate at home until you receive your results. There is support available for people who cannot go to work while they isolate at home.

Read the 18/10 Victorian Premier's statement.

Read the 26/10 Victorian Premier's statement.
For more details on what is allowed under these restrictions, visit www.vic.gov.au/roadmap

2. VIC | GRANTS | Hospitality Business Grant Program

This Business Victoria program supports food service businesses that have been affected by the return to Stage 3 and Stage 4 ‘Stay at Home’ restrictions to help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Victoria. Eligible businesses will be provided with one-off, $25,000 grants to pay for business costs to support the continued operation of their business. An additional $5,000 is available for each additional premises, capped at a total of $20,000.
Find out more and apply

3. VIC | PAUSING | Evictions Ban Extended and Extra Renter Protections introduced (residential and commercial) | until 31 December 2020

The Victorian Government will extend a ban on evictions and rental increases until the end of the year, increase assistance and ensure tenant turnover is taken into account in rental negotiations – giving tenants certainty and security they won’t lose their home or workplace during the pandemic.

Under the extension, evictions will continue to be banned for both residential and commercial tenancies until 31 December 2020, except in specific circumstances. Rental increases continue to be banned for the same period.
Read the full 20/8 Victorian Government statement

4. AUST | Coronavirus hotline

• Coronavirus hotline: If you are concerned, call the coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 (24 Hours).
• If you are an NDIS participant you can also call the national hotline on 1800 020 080.
• Information and referrals for people with disability and their supporters about Coronavirus: Contact the Disability Information Helpline on 1800 634 787. 
• If you are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can also call the National Relay Service on 133 677.
• Interpreting service: If you need an interpreter, call TIS National on 131 450.
• Testing locations: Find a testing location near you.
• Call-to-Test-at-Home service, providing in-home coronavirus testing to Victorians who would otherwise be unable to get tested, call the DHHS Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.
• Triple Zero: Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.

 

5. AUST | Helpers and Reliable Sources Along the Way

• Access Easy English – Over 70 resources developed on coronavirus.
• AUSLAN – Updates by Expression Australia - Regular Auslan only videos on updates of breaking news in Victoria, Australia and abroad.
• Australian Government Department of Health – Coronavirus advice for people with disability
• Australian Government Department of Social Services – Daily update on NDIS participants and workforce and easy English information on COVID-19. 
• Beyond Blue –  translated information on managing your mental health during COVID-19 in 63 languages. 
• Blind Citizens Australia – Information on coronavirus for people who are blind or vision impaired. 
• Council for Intellectual Disability (CID) – Easy English information for people with intellectual disability and videos about COVID-19.
• DHHS – Victorian Government Department of Health and Human Services advice and information on coronavirus available in 56 languages
• Ethnolink Language Services – Multi-lingual resource library with information available on coronavirus in 71 languages.
• GP Expert Advice Matters – a website for patients translated into Arabic, simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Hindi and Vietnamese, and has practical information on how to access a local GP, telehealth and interpreter services
• Health Translations – A comprehensive place to find current COVID 19 multilingual information in 78 languages including Auslan and Easy English. 
• MyAus Covid-19 app – Multilingual resource application produced by Migration Council Australia (MCA) for Australia's culturally and linguistically diverse communities about COVID - 19, it's impact and available support.
• National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) – Information about changes to how the NDIS work during the COVID -19 pandemic in 12 languages.
• NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission – Information contains links to updates, training, alerts, and resources for NDIS participants and providers.
• Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) – promoting The Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line (OPCSL) within ethno-specific communities.
• Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre – Victoria’s statewide first response service for women, young people and children experiencing family violence.
• SBS – news and information about coronavirus (COVID - 19) available in 63 languages.
• Scope – Key word sign video, posters and easy english resources on communicating COVID-19.
• Women’s Information and Referral Exchange (WIRE) – Free support, referral and information for all Victorian women, nonbinary and gender-diverse people.

 

6. Acknowledgment to Sources

This is a consolidated account of information current at time of issuance, sourced, collated and provided by Victorian Jewish Community COVID-19 Taskforce, Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria, Buddhist Council of Victoria, various Government Authorities, community organisations and public domain, received with gratitude.

Best wishes for skilful collaborations, less Suffering, causes for less Suffering, Good Health and Time to Enjoy it.

7. Bye bye to Essentialists

Thankyou for responding to the crisis as best you can to keep us ticking along and keeping us safe, received with gratitude. Us non-essentialists will endeavour to manage our expection of miracles and  do our best to follow rules and stay out of the way. Contact your closest friendly non-essentialist if you need anything that can be done remotely. Bye bye to Essentialists for now, please leave to attend to the essential work. That is all from GEIFN's caretaker at this time.

8. Self-Isolators, Non-Essentials And The Homebound

Let us cheer on the global scientists, medical fraternity, authorities and essentialists racing across the clock separately and together in new found ways, to find a cure, manage the situation, and if not, create mass-producable innoculation.

Meanwhile, if with a surplus of time, this and the following is offered. Discuss with sincerity. Deny untruth. Dismiss unuseful. Accept useful. Adapt to change. Adopt least effort most benefit. Adept with sharing. Enjoy throughout. As each case may be. Round. And again. Or not.

ICM | WEBINAR | Transforming Obstacles Into Seeds of Awakening | Sunday 1 November 2020 | 6-6.45pm

[Edited extract from public address]
Join an inclusive Interspiritual Gathering for prayer, music, poetry, and the wisdom of the great traditions.

Guest Speaker: Chi Kwang Sunim, Abbess of Kinglake Seon (Korean Zen) Centre.

Where: online through Zoom. A Zoom link will be forwarded upon registration.
Cost: Free 

Registration: online at www.interfaithcentre.org.au/gathering

MORE:
The Interfaith Centre of Melbourne (ICM)
Mailing address: PO Box 18335, Collins Street East, Melbourne, Vic 8003 Australia
Email: info@interfaithcentre.org.au

Website: https://interfaithcentre.org.au

VMC | UPDATING | Community on new translated materials on face masks and getting tested and multicultural seniors grants | Thursday 22 October 2020

[Edited extract from public address]

Victoria begins to cautiously ease coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions.

Message from the Chairperson

I’m sure that you, like me, are looking forward to enjoying more time outdoors and meeting up to 10 people (from maximum 2 households) for social gatherings in your 25km radius.

The last few weeks have been difficult, and there’s still a long way to go until we get to COVID Normal, but I commend you for your hard work getting us to this step.

That doesn't mean this is over. Coronavirus (COVID-19) is still with us and we cannot become complacent.

Cases are way down, but we are still experiencing outbreaks and it's important to continue to carefully follow the guidance of the Department of Health and Human Services.

It’s vital that everyone continues to get tested, even if they have only mild symptoms, and stays home until they get their result. Tests are free, and there are support payments available to help workers stay home if they need to self-isolate.

On a lighter note, I am excited to announce that we received a record number of nominations for the Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence. Thank you for your time in nominating your diversity heroes and I look forward to celebrating the award recipients later this year.

I am also delighted to congratulate Dr Niki Vincent on her appointment as Victoria’s first Public Sector Gender Equality Commissioner. I look forward to a strong and collaborative partnership to work towards a diverse and inclusive public sector that truly reflects the Victorian communities we serve.

Stay well and look out for each other,
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson

Translated materials — face masks update

Everyone must now wear a fitted face mask that covers their mouth and nose whenever they leave the house, no matter where in Victoria they leave. That means you can no longer use a face covering such as a scarf, bandana or face shield. This pack includes links to translated materials — including social media posts, a poster and an audio file — to help you share this important information with your networks.
Download the social tiles, poster and audio files
Download the audio messages

Translated materials — every test helps

It’s vital that everyone in the community understands how important getting tested is in our fight against coronavirus. There are two packs with links to translated materials — including social media posts, a poster, an audio file and videos — to help you share this important information with your networks.
Download the social tiles, poster and audio file
Download the videos

Grants for multicultural seniors | Applications open now until 19 November 2020

Funding of up to $2,000 is available to multicultural seniors’ groups to support their members and build stronger connections with their communities during coronavirus (COVID-19). Note: the Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC) will send offers of funding directly to existing multicultural seniors’ groups who have recently received funding and have established eligibility under Multicultural Affairs seniors funding programs. Online applications are also open to first time applicants (e.g. newly formed multicultural seniors’ groups) or groups that have not received DPC funding recently.
Find out more and apply

Blood glucose monitoring in mandatory quarantine

Safer Care Victoria are seeking to contact anyone who was in coronavirus (COVID-19) quarantine accommodation between 29 March and 20 August and given a blood glucose level test. Through the devices used for this test, there is low risk of cross-contamination. Translated information is available from Safer Care Victoria (1800 356 061) in Arabic, Chinese (Simple and Traditional), Dari, Farsi, Hindi, Indonesian, Punjabi, Spanish, Thai, Turkish, Urdu and Vietnamese.
Find out more

Gambling Harm Awareness Week

This year for Gambling Harm Awareness Week, the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation is focusing on sharing personal stories of recovery and encouraging open community discussions that help to reduce stigma. During this difficult period, it is important to continue sharing stories of lived experience and providing support to those who may be at risk of gambling harm.
Find out more and share

New multilingual health resources at Multicultural Centre for Women's Health

Multicultural Centre for Women's Health have added new translated health resources in several languages to their Multilingual Library Online Catalogue including mental health videos, safe use of medicine fact sheets and cervical screenings booklets.
Find out more

Coronavirus hotline

• Coronavirus hotline: 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
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

VMC | UPDATING | Community on easing coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions | Tuesday 20 October 2020

[Edited extract from public address]

The Victorian Government has announced changes to coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions in metropolitan Melbourne. 

Metropolitan Melbourne

These are the important changes to understand if you live in metropolitan Melbourne:

• You can travel up to 25 km from your home for shopping, exercise or for outdoor social gatherings.
• 10 people from a maximum of 2 households can meet outdoors for a social gathering in a public place like a park. You cannot travel further than 25 km.
• There is no time limit on how long you can exercise or socialise outdoors.
• Hairdressing is open and permitted allied health services are fully open.
• More outdoor work can resume. This includes non-essential outdoor home maintenance and repairs, house painters, car washing, mobile pet groomers, outdoor photography and pool cleaners.
• Real estate auctions can resume with a cap of 10 people.
• Outdoor pools can have up to 30 people (with density quotient).
• Tennis, golf and skate parks can open at outdoor facilities.

The Victorian Government has also announced that metropolitan Melbourne will move to the full Third Step of the roadmap for reopening by 11:59pm on Sunday 1 November.

This will mean the reopening of restaurants and cafes, retail and personal services.

Regional Victoria

There will also be some changes to restrictions in regional Victoria from 11:59pm on Sunday, 18 October.

These are the important changes to understand if you live in regional Victoria:

• You are allowed to have two people (plus dependants) visit your home, once a day. They do not have to be from the same household. The household bubble no longer exists.
• You can have up to 20 people at an outdoor religious gathering.
• At hospitality venues, you can have up to 70 people outside (1 person per 2 square metres) and up to 40 people inside (10 people maximum per closed space, 1 person per 4 square metres)
• Libraries and toy libraries are open to up to 20 people.

Outdoor religious gatherings will move to 50 people from 11:59pm on Sunday, 1 November.

Masks and testing

You are still required to wear a face mask whenever you leave home, covering your nose and mouth. You cannot wear a face covering such as a scarf, bandana or face shield.

If you have any symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), please get tested immediately and isolate at home until you receive your results. There is support available for people who cannot go to work while they isolate at home.

Read the 18/10 Victorian Premier's statement.

For more details on what is allowed under these restrictions, visit www.vic.gov.au/roadmap

MORE:

Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)
Address: Level 3, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 7005 1267
Email: contact@vmc.vic.gov.au
Website: www.multicultural.vic.gov.au

JCCV | UPDATING | General Community on Coronavirus (COVID-19) | Monday 19 October 2020

 [Edited extract from public address]

An Update by the Victorian Jewish Community Taskforce

Easing of Restrictions in Metropolitan Melbourne

From 11:59pm Sunday 18 October 2020:

• The five-kilometre limit for exercise and shopping extended to 25 kilometres.
• The two-hour time limit for exercise and socialising fall away.
• Outdoor sports settings like tennis courts, golf courses and skateparks reopen.
• All allied health professionals currently operating are able to resume routine face-to-face care.
• Outdoor real estate auctions are be able to take place with up to 10 people, plus the required staff.
• Hairdressers to open, with strict safety protocols in place.
• Groups of up to ten people from two households are able to gather in outdoor public places. That could be for exercise – or a picnic in the park.

 Restrictions Easing 1 November 2020

(subject to continuing low numbers and cases):

• 4 reasons to leave home scrapped
• 1 family can visit another once daily
• Retail can open
• Hospitality can open: 20 people inside/50 people outside
• Beauty salons can open
• Outdoor religious ceremonies: 20 people 
• Weddings: 10 people
• Funerals: 20 people

Read the 18/10 Premier's statement

Read or download a PDF of Scheduled Restrictions table

Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment 

For those to access who have exhausted their sick leave in Victoria call: 180 22 66

Need to download a permit?

Download the official work-permit form.
Download the official childcare permit form.

Pause on Evictions Extended and Extra Renter Protections introduced (residential and commercial)

The Victorian Government will extend a ban on evictions and rental increases until the end of the year, increase assistance and ensure tenant turnover is taken into account in rental negotiations – giving tenants certainty and security they won’t lose their home or workplace during the pandemic.

Under the extension, evictions will continue to be banned for both residential and commercial tenancies until 31 December 2020, except in specific circumstances. Rental increases continue to be banned for the same period.

To read the 20/8 press statement. click here.

MORE:

The Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV)
Address: Beth Weizmann Community Centre, 306 Hawthorn Road, Caulfield South, VIC 3162, Australia

Tel: 9272 5566

Email: info@jccv.org.au

Website: www.jccv.org.au

VMC | UPDATING | Community on food relief funding, a new youth strategy for Victoria, final week for award nominations, community roundtables | Thursday 15 October 2020

[Edited extract from public address]

Friday 16 October is World Food Day, with the theme Grow, Nourish, Sustain. Together. Food is a core expression and foundation of our cultures and communities and during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis many of us have renewed appreciation for celebrating the small pleasures of life through food.

Message from the Chairperson

However, more Victorians than ever sought access to food relief last year, and this has been further exacerbated by the impacts of the pandemic.

I take this opportunity to recognise the community organisations, businesses, workers and volunteers who are ensuring that food makes its way to those in need. I encourage you to consider applying for the recently opened Community Food Relief Fund, more information is shared below.

National Mental Health Month continues throughout October. We have provided links to translated materials about mental health supports from the Australian Government Department of Health, as well as a list of resources on our website.

Also continuing throughout October is the 2020 Victorian Seniors Festival - reimagined, with free online activities including a radio program.

The Victorian Government recently called out for contributions to a new youth strategy for Victoria, and I strongly encourage you to consider making a submission.

The Centre for Multicultural Youth has some job opportunities on offer as part of the Working for Victoria initiative.

Nominations for this year’s Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence have been extended and will close on Sunday 18 October 2020. Please take the time in the next few days to nominate a diversity hero in your community.

Finally, a reminder that our online coronavirus (COVID-19) community roundtables continue over the next few weeks. See the list of remaining sessions and registration information below.

Stay well and look out for each other,
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson

Community Food Relief Fund

Applications for the Victorian Government Community Food Relief Fund are now open. Grants of up to $75,000 are available to support local community organisations supplying food to Victorians in need during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Applications are now open and will close at 2.00pm on Monday 26 October 2020.
Find out more and apply

Victorian Youth Strategy

The Victorian Government is developing a new state-wide youth strategy. Engagement with young people and communities right across Victoria is being undertaken to build a strategy that will create real, meaningful change.

The Victorian Multicultural Commission is working closely with the strategy development team to make sure that multicultural youth voices are included. Whether you are a young person or someone interested in issues affecting young people, you are invited to have your say.

Please share the link below with your networks, and explore the interactive consultation process to make your contribution.
Find out more and have your say

Victorian Seniors Festival reimagined

Victoria’s one million people aged 60 years and older are celebrated in the 38th Victorian Seniors Festival.

A festival for and involving seniors, it provides plenty of opportunities to engage in activities to keep healthy and well. This year’s theme is In the groove!

The 2020 Festival is an entirely online event - the Victorian Seniors Festival reimagined - and features a radio program which is accessible anytime, and weekly performances which are available to watch on demand.

The festival wraps up at the end of October.
Explore the festival program

Regional Roundtables COVID-19

The Victorian Multicultural Commission continues to host online community roundtables with representatives from the Department of Health and Human Services throughout October. These meetings are an opportunity to discuss the challenges of responding to coronavirus (COVID-19), the importance of testing and the recently announced road map to reopening.
Sessions will be held after the Victorian Multicultural Commission Regional Advisory Council meetings. The remaining sessions are below, registration is essential.

• Hume | 20 October 2020 | 6.45-8pm
• Eastern Metropolitan | 21 October 2020 | 6.45-8pm
• North West Metropolitan 1 | 22 October 2020 | 6.45pm-8pm
• North West Metropolitan 2 | 27 October 2020 | 6.45-8pm

Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence | Nominations close 18 October 2020

Nominations have been extended to Sunday 18 October 2020. We’re giving you a little more time to tell us about the extraordinary contributions of Victorians who have championed diversity. Nominations for the Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence are open to individuals and organisations across 15 categories including youth leadership, justice, health, arts, emergency services and local government. Nominate a #DiversityHero today.
Find out more and nominate

Mental health support during COVID-19

The Australian Government Department of Health has published a list of digital and telephone supports for mental health during COVID-19.

Download the English version below. Translations are available online.

Find a further list of resources including in-language support, on VMC website.
Download the English version

Job opportunities: Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY)

As part of the Working for Victoria initiative, a coalition of eight youth-focused organisations, led by the Youth Affairs Council Victoria, is strengthening youth outreach and the youth sector in Victoria in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.

CMY is recruiting for a range of roles open to multicultural young people, including internships, youth workers and business services staff.

CMY has published a guide on how to register for the Working for Victoria initiative on the Sidekicker platform, which can be accessed here.

The 6 step guide to applying for work is available in the following languages: Arabic, Assyrian, Cantonese, Chinese – simplified, Dari, Dinka, Farsi, Hazaragi, Hindi, Nuer, Pashto, Punjabi, Spanish, Sudanese Arabic, Turkish, Urdu, and Vietnamese.
Find out more and apply

Coronavirus hotline

• Coronavirus hotline: 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

GEIFN | CONSOLIDATED | Information for Individuals, Householders and Religious Community Leaders on Coronavirus (COVID-19) | Tuesday 13 October 2020

   [Edited and compiled from public addresses]

Topics

1. VIC | State of Emergency Update
2. VIC | Coronavirus (COVID-19) roadmap to reopening
3. VIC | Community Activation and Social Isolation Initiative (CASI) Translated Fact Sheets
4. VIC | VMC | Regional Roundtables COVID-19 | until Tuesday 27 October 2020
5. VIC | VEC | OFFERING | Free online voter education sessions in 8 Different Languages | until Friday 16 October 2020
6. VIC | GRANTS | Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund | Open, closing 16 October 2020
7. VIC | GRANTS | Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund – Translated Materials
8. VIC | GRANTS | Hospitality Business Grant Program
9. VIC | GRANTS | Supporting Connection Among LGBTIQ Victorians | Open, until 23 October 2020
10. VIC | HIRING | New positions available: bicultural workers
11. VIC | REGISTERING | Practitioners for Multicultural mental health service directory
12. VIC | VMC | The Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence | Nominations close Sunday 18 October 2020
13. AUST | Mental health support during COVID-19
14. AUST | Coronavirus hotline
15. AUST | Guides, Helpers and Reliable Sources Along the Way
16. Acknowledgment to Sources
17. Bye bye to Essentialists
18. Self-Isolators, Non-Essentials And The Homebound

1. VIC | State of Emergency Update

Metropolitan Melbourne is in Roadmap Second Step. 
No longer any nightly curfew. There will be higher on the spot fines for breaching rules about visitors to your home and outdoor gatherings.
There are still only 4 reasons to leave your home:

• shopping for food and essential items
• exercise and outdoor activity
• permitted work and study, 
• and caregiving. 

You must continue to stay within 5km of your home for shopping and exercise. Face coverings must cover the nose and mouth, and face shields on their own will no longer be allowed. There will be a one-week grace period before fines are issued.

Recapping

Health, Hospitals and Care Facilities

• Non-urgent dental services can resume
• Most health practitioners and allied health professionals can provide some face-to-face services.
• Visitors allowed at care facilities and hospitals for up to two hours each day

Education and childcare

• Childcare is open to all children.
• All primary school students, VCE and VCAL students (including Year 10 students in VCE) and specialist school students will return to their schools for learning from October 12.
• In-home child minding will be allowed for all children

Ceremonies and special occasions

• Religious gatherings and ceremonies can take place outdoors with 5 people and 1 faith leader next to a place of worship.
• Weddings can take place outdoor with a maximum of 5 attendees including the couple and two witnesses. The celebrant is not included in the group of 5.
• A person may now attend the resting place (a cemetery or columbarium) of a deceased relative for remembering a key milestone (e.g birthday, death anniversary etc). The 5km rule does not apply, but you must stay within metropolitan Melbourne. Gathering limits of 5 people from 2 households apply.

Social

• Public gatherings of up to 5 people from a maximum of 2 households can meet outdoors for social interaction, exercise or recreation (infants under 12 months of age are not included in the cap) for a maximum of 2 hours within 5 km of their home.

Office Work, Shopping and services

• Work from home unless you are in a permitted industry: more workplaces to be permitted in following stages as per separate 'industry road maps'
• Only essential retail businesses will be open while others will be restricted to click and collect (no change)
• Hospitality businesses will be open only for take-away and delivery (no change);
• Families and households are able to shop together, but only once a day.
• Real estate inspections are allowed at a residential property or display home with one agent and one prospective purchaser plus one person from an existing household or intimate partner.
• Outdoor pools reopen, personal training for up to two people per trainer

Face masks

• You will now be required to wear a face mask whenever you leave home, covering your nose and mouth. Face coverings such as a scarf, bandana or face shield are no longer permitted.

Timing of next step?
The Victorian Government announced restrictions are dependent on prevailing conditions with movement between steps spaced at least 3 weeks apart. These steps are already in place across regional Victoria.

Read more details on what is allowed under the current restrictions
Read the full 27/9 Statement from Premier Daniel Andrews

2. VIC | Coronavirus (COVID-19) roadmap to reopening

Currently in affect

• Metropolitan Melbourne restrictions roadmap
• Regional Victoria restrictions roadmap
• Read full detais of Mapping Regional Victoria's pathway to 'COVID Normal' for work, education and living.

Translated materials: easing of restrictions
As cases numbers are going down 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

Badges for Victorians who are unable to wear face masks
Victorian Government Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) have created badges that individuals can download on smartphones or print to keep in a wallet or lanyard holder for when they need to let others know they are unable to wear a face mask for a valid reason. It is a person’s choice to use the badges. There are two types of badges people can choose and download from the DHHS website.

Smart phone badge
For anyone who is exempt and has a valid reason for not wearing a face mask.

• I am exempt from wearing a face covering for valid reasons - blue badge 
• I am exempt from wearing a face covering for valid reasons - white badge

For persons who are Deaf or hard of hearing who need the person they are communicating with to remove their face mask.

• Please remove your face covering so we can understand each other better -blue badge 
• Please remove your face covering so we can understand each other better - white badge

Print-ready badge

• I am exempt from wearing a face covering for a valid reason 
• Please remove your face covering so we can understand each other better

Translated resources on coronavirus available in 57 languages here.

3. VIC | Community Activation and Social Isolation Initiative (CASI) Translated 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

4. VIC | VMC | Regional Roundtables COVID-19 | until Tuesday 27 October 2020

The Victorian Multicultural Commission invites you to join an online community roundtable with representatives from the Department of Health and Human Services. The meetings will be an opportunity to discuss the challenges of responding to coronavirus (COVID-19), the importance of testing and the recently announced road map for reopening.

Sessions will be held after the Victorian Multicultural Commission Regional Advisory Council meetings. Registration is essential. Click on the region name below to register online through EventBrite.

• Barwon South West | Thursday 8 October 2020 | 6.45pm-8pm
• Gippsland | Tuesday 13 October 2020 | 6.45pm-8pm
• Grampians | Wednesday 14 October 2020 | 6.45pm-8pm
• Loddon Mallee | Thursday 15 October 2020 | 6.45pm-8pm
• Hume | Tuesday 20 October 2020 | 6.45pm-8pm
• Eastern Metropolitan | Wednesday 21 October 2020 | 6.45pm-8pm
• North West Metropolitan 1 | Thursday 22 October 2020 | 6.45pm-8pm
• North West Metropolitan 2 | Tuesday 27 October 2020 | 6.45pm-8pm

5. VIC | VEC | OFFERING | Free online voter education information in Different Languages

This October, Victoria has Local Council elections. Supporting our culturally diverse communities, the Victorian Electoral Commission offers:

Free online voter education sessions

• Korean ( 한국어) | Monday 12 October 2020 | 10.30-11.30am 
• Mandarin (官话) | Tuesday 13 October 2020 | 10.30-11.30 am 
• Amharic (አማርኛ) | Tuesday 13 October 2020 | 2.00-3.00 pm 
• Dari (دری) | Wednesday 14 October 2020 | 10.30-11.30 am 
• Arabic (عربى) | Wednesday 14 October 2020 | 2-3pm 
• Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Thursday 15 October 2020 | 2-3pm 
• Italian (Italiano) | Thursday 15 October 2020 | 3-4pm 
• Greek (ελληνικά) | Friday 16 October 2020 | 10.30-11.30am 

Where: online through Zoom. Registrations will get links.
Cost: Free

Bookings: online through Zoom

‘How to vote in-language’ videos

Melbourne City Council – Facebook links 

• Arabic 
• Amharic 
• Cantonese  
• Dari 
• Dinka 
• Hazaragi 
• Mandarin 
• Nepali 
• Punjabi 
• Vietnamese 

All other councils – Facebook links 

• Amharic 
• Arabic 
• Cantonese 
• Dari 
• Dinka 
• Hazaragi 
• Mandarin 
• Nepali 
• Punjabi 
• Vietnamese  

VEC YouTube Channel

Videos on VEC website 

Important date
Completed ballot paper must be returned by 6pm, Friday 23 October 2020.

MORE:
If you want more information, please contact Asvin.Phorugngam@vec.vic.gov.au on 8620 1185.
Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC)
Address: 530 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria
Email: info@vec.vic.gov.au
Website: https://www.vec.vic.gov.au

6. VIC | GRANTS | Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund | Open, closing 16 October 2020

The Victorian Government is offering grants for small private landlords who may not have the capacity to provide rent reductions to their tenants under the Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme. Up to $3,000 per tenancy to eligible small private, individual and joint-owner landlords facing financial hardship after reducing rent for their tenants under CTRS requirements, from 21 August 2020 for eight weeks or until funds are exhausted, whichever comes first.
Find out more and apply

7. VIC | GRANTS | Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund – Translated Materials

Information about the Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund is now available in Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Punjabi, Somali and Vietnamese. Please share this information widely and direct people to the Business Victoria website for more information about grants and assistance for businesses.
Download the stakeholder pack

8. VIC | GRANTS | Hospitality Business Grant Program

This Business Victoria program supports food service businesses that have been affected by the return to Stage 3 and Stage 4 ‘Stay at Home’ restrictions to help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Victoria. Eligible businesses will be provided with one-off, $25,000 grants to pay for business costs to support the continued operation of their business. An additional $5,000 is available for each additional premises, capped at a total of $20,000.
Find out more and apply

9. VIC | GRANTS | Supporting Connection Among LGBTIQ Victorians | Open, closing 23 October 2020

Virtual events and projects that help LGBTIQ Victorians connect to each other and experience pride and belonging are set to be held across the state, with support from the Victorian Government.

Minister for Equality Martin Foley today launched the new round of the Pride Events and Festivals Fund.  Organisations are invited to apply for grants of up to $10,000 for events and projects for LGBTIQ communities which can be run online before 30 June 2021. Total funding of $200,000 is available.

This change will make it easier for LGBTIQ Victorians living in rural and regional areas to access a broad range of diverse events. At least half of the grants will be awarded to organisations based in regional and rural areas, which will be delivering events to local LGBTIQ communities.

Reflecting Victorian Government's commitment to inclusion, all event organisers will be required to ensure their event provides meaningful access for people living with a disability.

Organisations can apply for grants until 23 October 2020, with application information available at vic.gov.au/pride-events-and-festivals-fund

10. VIC | HIRING | New positions available: bicultural workers

The Department of Health and Human Services is recruiting through a consortium of community health providers, for a number of bicultural positions across Melbourne. These roles are critical to supporting culturally and linguistically diverse communities with more culturally-safe, accurate health information and access to coronavirus (COVID-19) testing. 
Find out more and apply

11. VIC | REGISTERING | Practitioners for Multicultural mental health service directory

HeartChat is a new accessible and secure online platform connecting multicultural Victorians with private one-on-one mental health sessions from mental health practitioners who speak their language and understand their culture. The website is now accepting registrations from practitioners. 
Find out more and register

12. VIC | VMC | The Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence | Nominate a diversity hero | Nominations close Sunday 18 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

13. AUST | Mental health support during COVID-19

The Australian Government Department of Health has published a list of digital and telephone supports for mental health during COVID-19. The English version is attached. Translations will be published online shortly. 
Download the English version

14. AUST | Coronavirus hotline

• Coronavirus hotline: If you are concerned, call the coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 (24 Hours).
• If you are an NDIS participant you can also call the national hotline on 1800 020 080.
• Information and referrals for people with disability and their supporters about Coronavirus: Contact the Disability Information Helpline on 1800 634 787. 
• If you are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can also call the National Relay Service on 133 677.
• Interpreting service: If you need an interpreter, call TIS National on 131 450.
• Testing locations: Find a testing location near you.
• Call-to-Test-at-Home service, providing in-home coronavirus testing to Victorians who would otherwise be unable to get tested, call the DHHS Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.
• Triple Zero: Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.

 

15. AUST | Guides, Helpers and Reliable Sources Along the Way

• Access Easy English – Over 70 resources developed on coronavirus.
• AUSLAN – Updates by Expression Australia - Regular Auslan only videos on updates of breaking news in Victoria, Australia and abroad.
• Australian Government Department of Health – Coronavirus advice for people with disability
• Australian Government Department of Social Services – Daily update on NDIS participants and workforce and easy English information on COVID-19. 
• Beyond Blue –  translated information on managing your mental health during COVID-19 in 63 languages. 
• Blind Citizens Australia – Information on coronavirus for people who are blind or vision impaired. 
• Council for Intellectual Disability (CID) – Easy English information for people with intellectual disability and videos about COVID-19.
• DHHS – Victorian Government Department of Health and Human Services advice and information on coronavirus available in 56 languages
• Ethnolink Language Services – Multi-lingual resource library with information available on coronavirus in 71 languages.
• GP Expert Advice Matters – a website for patients translated into Arabic, simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Hindi and Vietnamese, and has practical information on how to access a local GP, telehealth and interpreter services
• Health Translations – A comprehensive place to find current COVID 19 multilingual information in 78 languages including Auslan and Easy English.
• MyAus Covid-19 app – Multilingual resource application produced by Migration Council Australia (MCA) for Australia's culturally and linguistically diverse communities about COVID - 19, it's impact and available support. 
• National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) – Information about changes to how the NDIS work during the COVID -19 pandemic in 12 languages.
• NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission – Information contains links to updates, training, alerts, and resources for NDIS participants and providers.
• Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) – supporting ethno-specific organisations in Victoria and The Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line (OPCSL)
• Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre – Victoria’s statewide first response service for women, young people and children experiencing family violence.
• SBS – news and information about coronavirus (COVID - 19) available in 63 languages.
• Scope – Key word sign video, posters and easy english resources on communicating COVID-19.
• Women’s Information and Referral Exchange (WIRE) – free generalist information, support and referral service for women, non-binary and gender-diverse people

16. Acknowledgment to Sources

This is a consolidated account of information current at time of issuance, sourced, collated and provided by Victorian Jewish Community COVID-19 Taskforce, Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria, Buddhist Council of Victoria, various Government Authorities, community organisations and public domain, received with gratitude.

Best wishes for skilful collaborations, less Suffering, causes for less Suffering, Good Health and Time to Enjoy it.

17. Bye bye to Essentialists

Thankyou for responding to the crisis as best you can to keep us ticking along and keeping us safe, received with gratitude. Us non-essentialists will endeavour to manage our expection of miracles and  do our best to follow rules and stay out of the way. Contact your closest friendly non-essentialist if you need anything that can be done remotely. Bye bye to Essentialists for now, please leave to attend to the essential work. That is all from Carey at this time.

18. Self-Isolators, Non-Essentials and the Homebound

Let us cheer on the global scientists, medical fraternity, authorities and essentialists racing across the clock separately and together in new found ways, to find a cure, manage the situation, and if not, create mass-producable innoculation.

Meanwhile, if with a surplus of time, this is offered. Discuss with sincerity. Deny untruth. Dismiss unuseful. Accept useful. Adapt to change. Adopt least effort most benefit. Adept with sharing. Enjoy throughout. As each case may be. Round. And again. Or not.