This Saturday is World Mental Health Day, which is especially timely given the profound impact the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had on the social and emotional wellbeing of many Victorians.
Message from the Chairperson
Now more than ever, we need to recognise the importance of mental health and acknowledge that it’s OK to not be OK. People from culturally and linguistically diverse communities face unique challenges when it comes to seeking and accessing mental health services and we must do more to address the gaps.It has never been more important to ensure that everyone – regardless of their background – has access to accurate information about mental health and support when they need it.
Today we're sharing in-language factsheets about the Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund and information about a number of bicultural positions being offered through a consortium of community health providers.
We're also sharing the latest Health Translations newsletter and a list of digital and telephone supports for mental health during COVID-19, published by the Australian Government Department of Health.
We are also pleased to announce that nominations for this year’s Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence have been extended and will close Sunday 18 October 2020. Make sure you take a moment this week to nominate a diversity hero in your life.
Finally, a reminder that our online coronavirus (COVID-19) community roundtables are being held over the next few weeks. See the list of sessions and registration information below.
Stay well and look out for each other,
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson
Regional Roundtables COVID-19
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.
- Barwon South West | 8 October 2020 | 6.45pm-8pm
- Gippsland | 13 October 2020 | 6.45pm-8pm
- Grampians | 14 October 2020 | 6.45pm-8pm
- Loddon Mallee | 15 October 2020 | 6.45pm-8pm
- Hume | 20 October 2020 | 6.45pm-8pm
- Eastern Metropolitan | 21 October 2020 | 6.45pm-8pm
- North West Metropolitan 1 | 22 October 2020 | 6.45pm-8pm
- North West Metropolitan 2 | 27 October 2020 | 6.45pm-8pm
Translated materials: Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund
The Victorian Government is offering grants of up to $3,000 per tenancy to eligible small private, individual and joint-owner landlords, who may not have the financial capacity to provide a rent reduction to their tenants under the requirements of the Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme.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
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
Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence | Nominations extended to 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. The English version is attached. Translations will be published online shortly.Download the English version
Health Translations: October
Need translated information about coronavirus (COVID-19), including in audio or video format? The Health Translations October newsletter includes multilingual resources on COVID-19, emergency relief packages, assistance for migrant workers, financial assistance from energy retailers, thunderstorm asthma, elder abuse, healthy ageing, breast and prostate cancer, cancer treatments and common side effects, mental health, eye health, nutrition and much more.Read the newsletter
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