An extraordinary week for Victorians – achieving 13 days in a row of zero coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in time for celebrating NAIDOC Week and Diwali.
Message from the Chairperson
Once again I thank all of our community for playing your part in Victoria's tremendous efforts to be reunited as a whole state once again.Please continue your efforts and remember to get tested, even if you only have the mildest symptoms, and ensure you stay home while awaiting your result.
This week, we share details of online NAIDOC Week and Diwali events, and translated materials for promoting a COVID-safe Diwali. We hope you enjoy these important celebrations, safely, with your family and friends.
We also share news of Foodbank's new pop-up site for Melbourne's international students, and the Victorian Government's announcement of free kinder in 2021.
We are also encouraging African Australians to apply for the Victoria Police Diversity Recruitment Program, and urge NDIS service providers to take up the offer from Settlement Service International of free culturally responsive practice training.
And finally, we share new translated fact sheets on pandemic leave payments, now available in 17 languages.
Stay well and look out for each other,
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson
NAIDOC Week 2020
NAIDOC Week 2020 is underway, concluding on Sunday 15 November. This year's theme is Always Was, Always Will Be - recognising that First Nations people have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years, and are spiritually and culturally connected to this country.Always Was, Always Will Be acknowledges that hundreds of different Nations and cultures have covered this continent over many thousands of years.
Rescheduled from July due to coronavirus (COVID-19), NAIDOC Week 2020 features hundreds of events across the country, many of them streamed online.
We encourage all Australians to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the oldest continuing cultures on the planet.
Explore NAIDOC Week events
Diwali
We wish a very happy Diwali to our South Asian communities and all Victorians celebrating this year’s Festival of Lights this week.Celebrated across the world, this year between 12-16 November, Diwali is a time for reflection and to give thanks for the many things that bring us joy, to connect with our loved ones and communities, and celebrate unity.
Spending Diwali with family and friends is one of the most significant traditions of the celebrations. However, with restrictions on gatherings due to coronavirus (COVID-19), Diwali will be different this year for many people the world over.
Enjoy Diwali at home with events and activities put together by local communities across Victoria, hosted on the Victoria Together website.
We have also included below some in-language communications assets relating to COVID-safe Diwali celebrations for download and dissemination to your networks as applicable.
We hope you enjoy a very safe and joyous Diwali, and embrace the opportunities to connect in different ways this year.
Foodbank International Student Pop-Up Store
COVID-19 has significantly impacted Australia’s international students – many of whom relied on casual jobs for financial security. Foodbank Victoria have set up a pop-up location in Melbourne's CBD for the remainder of this year.All international students are welcome to head along, say hello and choose from a diverse range of fresh, pantry and staple items. Students need to take their own shopping bag or cart, along with a Student ID. Contactless sign in, social distancing markers and hand sanitiser stations are on site.
Located at 230 LaTrobe Street, Melbourne, the Pop-Up Store is open 10am – 2pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday (excluding public holidays).
Learn more
Free Kinder in 2021
The Victorian Government will deliver free kinder for 2021, and more support for outside school hours care, which will save parents thousands of dollars and help them to get back into work.As we recover from the pandemic, and the impacts of learning from home, this initiative will help parents to return to the workforce and cope with the ongoing challenges of juggling work and childcare.
The funding will also be used to establish new services across our state, including for equipment purchase, setup and administration, facility upgrades and transport.
Learn more
Free culturally responsive training for NDIS service providers
Settlement Service International is providing free culturally responsive practice training to NDIS service providers.CultureReady workshops are free workshops aiming to equip disability service providers (NDIS registered or those intending to seek NDIS registration in the next 18 months) to provide culturally responsive services.
On-request training is available for your organisation, as well as public sessions which are are updated throughout the year.
Learn more and register
Victoria Police Diversity Recruitment Program | Applications close 23 November
Victoria Police is encouraging African Australians to apply for the Victoria Police Diversity Recruitment Program.Victoria Police is seeking to reflect the cultural diversity of the Victorian community as its workforce undergoes significant expansion. To help increase its workforce diversity, Victoria Police is partnering with Africause, Jesuit Social Services, Victoria University Polytechnic, AMES Australia, MatchWorks, and Maurice Blackburn Lawyers to offer the opportunity to participate in the Victoria Police Diversity Recruitment Program.
Applications close 23 November for the 15-week course which includes mentoring and support from African-Australian community leaders.
Learn more and apply
Translated fact sheets about pandemic leave payments
Services Australia has produced new translated fact sheets about pandemic leave disaster payments. This is a lump sum payment for people who have to quarantine or self-isolate or who are caring for someone with coronavirus (COVID-19).The fact sheets provide information about:
- the payment
- who is eligible
- participating Australian states
- how to claim.
Access the fact sheets
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