A massive congratulations to Victoria ... 28 consecutive days of no new coronavirus (COVID-19) cases reported! And zero active cases.
Message from the Chairperson
It is truly cause for celebration and deep thankfulness, particularly when other parts of the world are experiencing such high case numbers. Our thoughts are with them.
Let us enjoy this moment of victory - and do everything we can to keep this insidious virus out of our community. I thank you for your continued efforts to remain vigilant and adhere to the Last Step restrictions.
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence began this week. Respect Victoria has launched a new campaign Respect Women: Call It Out 'Respect Is' and there are many activities planned in Victoria to raise awareness about this silent pandemic.
The Victorian State Budget was released this week. I welcome the targeted investment in multicultural communities as we begin the hard work to recover from the pandemic. The VMC has been reaching out to the Victorian Government to discuss how the rollout of budget initiatives respond to the needs of people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
The VMC has responded to the Inquiry into the Victorian government’s coronavirus (COVID‐19) contact tracing system and testing regime. Our submission collated information sourced from our work in supporting Victoria’s multicultural communities since the pandemic’s impact commenced earlier in the year, including our support of public housing residents, and other consultations. The submission is available on the VMC website.
This week we are sharing a welcome announcement about additional funding for students with a disability.
We are highlighting an important opportunity for young Victorians to share their experiences of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, to help government better tailor information for young people.
Finally, we are encouraging you to promote COVID-19 safe summer resources and helpful information for people considering employment in season agriculture.
Enjoy the 28 days of zero cases. We all deserve it. Stay well and look out for each other,
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson
Inclusive Education: Making Sure Our Kids Can Be Their Best
A world-leading pilot in more than 100 Victorian schools delivering extra support to students with a disability will be rolled out across Victoria through a $1.6 billion Disability Inclusion package.
The number of students getting this extra support will double to 55,000 including students with autism, dyslexia or complex behaviours. Facilitators placed in the schools will help schools and families work through the new approach, and more than 100 extra staff will provide on-the-ground implementation support and program delivery.
Young Victorians and coronavirus (COVID-19) survey
Are you aged 18-25, living in Victoria and identify as belonging to a CALD community? You can complete a short survey about your experiences during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The information you provide will help the Victorian Government understand how young people access, understand and act on coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions, information and support. Survey responses are completely anonymous, and participants will receive a $20 gift card from a retailer of their choice for completing the survey.
COVID-Safe Summer Resources
Keeping coronavirus (COVID-19) case numbers low this summer is simply a case of keeping up what already works to keep us safe. These campaign materials are a friendly reminder to Victorians to keep up our COVIDSafe behaviours. Please share these materials with your networks through your social media and digital platforms.
Helping CALD communities fill seasonal workforce vacancies in agriculture
Agriculture Victoria is hosting an online series of one-hour community information sessions on how to join the seasonal workforce, in fruit and vegetable picking, along with grain harvesting and sheep husbandry. Interpreters will attend the sessions to provide support where required. Participants will learn about about seasonal harvest work available across Victoria, eligibility to work, what support is available and how to be COVIDSafe at work.
Session dates, times, and l Zoom inks are below.
- Vietnamese community 30 November 4pm (Passcode: 061604)
- Punjabi community 30 November 5.30pm (Passcode: 478212)
- Kareni community 1 December 3.30pm (Passcode: farm)
- Mandarin speaking community 1 December 6.30pm (Passcode: 437025)
- Zo community 3 December 7pm (Passcode: farm)
- South Sudanese community (in English only) 4 December 7pm (Passcode: farm)
There is also information about working in agriculture on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
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