Welcome
Hello there, may this find you well and kindly treated. With the close of the Common Era year comes also service closures and the final regular edition of this Update.
Tashi Delek!
We begin with a traditional Tibetan expression used for all occasions in greeting, congratulation, and wishing good fortune.
Thankyou to all for responding to this global COVID-19 crisis as best as possible. Keeping us ticking along and as safe as practical, received with gratitude.
Let us continue to cheer on global scientists, medical fraternity, authorities and essentialists racing across the clock separately and together in new found ways. Managing the situation, finding a cure, and if not, creating mass-producable innoculations.
Thankyou to authorities, community organisers, dignatories, participants, community and individuals who tirelessly gather. Through times, good, bad and indifferent. Meeting with one heart, one mind and one motivation: to make or hold peace to grow benefits to share with a greater number of beneficiaries until including all.
And in case no-one has said it lately, thankyou for being you.
Acknowledging this message was created in Cities of Port Phillip and Glen Eira, the traditional lands of the Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri peoples of the Kulin Nation. Respect is offered to past, present and future elders of all spiritual traditions. May we find together a generous way to accommodate those in need of refuge. Let us be cool, strive individually and together to overcome inequality, violence, disengagement, tragedy and injustice wherever it may be. Let us honour, savor and enjoy results of mindful effort so more thrive peacefully with less effort in our place called home.
May all beings have happiness,
May all beings be free from Suffering,
May all beings feel an ocean of happiness and joy,
And may we live in good heart
Feeling close to all.
We’ll end with a traditional Ancient Indian Pali expression used to indicate “good", “excellent" or “good fortune". Or in Sanskrit to mean "straight, right, leading straight to the goal” or "reaching one's goal”.
Sadhu. Sadhu. Sadhu.
[Edited and compiled from public addresses]
Topics
- VIC | UPDATING | Pandemic Response
- VIC | ECCV | HIRING | CALD and Koorie community members with lived experience of disability as Speak My Language Travellers | Applications close on Friday 29 January 2021
- VIC | AMCS | ORGANISING | Multicultural online festival – The whole village into one digital stage | 18-22 January 2021
- CoPP | GRANTING | Local Festivals Fund Recovery grants 2020/21 | applications close 6 January 2021
- AUST | DSA | STAYING | Safe Online: Easy Read guide about using money on the internet
- AUST | GOV | FORMING | Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities COVID-19 Health Advisory Group
- AUST | SUFO | PODCASTING | Reasonably and Necessary: Making Sense of the NDIS
- AUST | NDIA | INVITING | Information around innovative digital payment solutions | closing 4pm 28 Jan 2021
- AUST | GOV | HEARING | from people with disability following the release of its issues paper on ‘Promoting Inclusion’ | submissions close 2 April 2021
- AUST | Coronavirus hotline
- AUST | Helpers and Reliable Sources Along the Way
- Acknowledgment to Sources
- Bye bye to Essentialists
- Self-Isolators, Non-Essentials And The Homebound
1. VIC | UPDATING | Pandemic Response
COVID-Safe Summer for all Victorians
The Victorian Government announced that Victoria will move to new COVID-Safe Summer restrictions from 11.59pm on Sunday 6 December. These new restrictions will be in place until at least the end of January.Some of the important changes for all Victorians include:
- Household visits: you may have up to 30 people visit your home per day.
- Outdoor gatherings: Up to 100 people can meet in a public outdoor place.
- Religious gatherings and ceremonies: allowed both indoors and outdoors with a maximum density of 1 person per 2 square metres. No patron limit.
- Weddings and funerals: allowed both indoors and outdoors with a maximum density of 1 person per 2 square metres. No patron limit.
- Community facilities: libraries, toy libraries and community venues are open with a maximum density of 1 person per 2 square metres. No patron limit.
Read the full guidelines
Face masks
The Victorian Government has eased restrictions on the use of fitted face masks, as of 11.59pm on Sunday 6 December. These changes mean that you are only required to wear a fitted face mask when you are in indoor places such as:- on public transport
- in a commercial passenger vehicle (taxis or rideshares)
- inside an indoor shopping centre
- inside a supermarket
- inside a department store
- at an indoor market
- inside a furniture, hardware, or electronic store
When to wear a mask
COVID-Safe Summer for workplaces
The Victorian Government has announced that businesses that work in an office setting, can have up to 25 per cent of workers return to the workplace at a time, from 11.59pm on Sunday 6 December.Additionally, workers in an office setting will no longer need to wear a face mask in shared office spaces.
More information about future changes for office workers will be formally announced in the coming weeks.
For all other businesses, the general COVID-Safe guidelines include:
- ensure physical distancing (1.5 metres)
- wear a face mask
- practise good hygiene
- keep good records and act quickly if staff become unwell
- avoid interactions in close spaces
- create workforce bubbles
Read more on COVID-Safe workplaces and industries
Read the 6/12 Victorian Premier's statement
Read the 20/12 Victorian Premier's statement
Read updated details, road maps and updated information
Speak My Language Travellers are employed on a casual basis for a maximum 84 hours.
Speak My Language Traveller Position Description here
Please send a CV and cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria by email to Diana Mastrantuono, Projects Manager at eccv@eccv.org.au.
Further information can be requested by phoning 03 9354 9555.
There will be something for everyone from a range of online cultural events during the period of five days from 18-22nd of January 2021 from 10am–2pm.
Australian Multicultural Community Services (AMCS) is a not for profit organisation providing help at home and other support services to seniors and their carers, in Melbourne and Greater Geelong
Expressions of interest from Ethnic Communities, City Councils, Community Centres and Neighbourhood Houses here
Find out more here
MORE:
Australian Multicultural Community Services (AMCS)
Address: Suite 111, 44-56 Hampstead Road, Maidstone VIC 3012
Tel: 03 9689 9170
Email: info@amcservices.org.au
Website: https://www.amcservices.org.au
Local Festivals Fund Recovery grants 2020/21 aim to encourage and assist Not-For-Profit organisations and community groups to develop small to medium scale local neighbourhood festivals or events during Covid-19 recovery.
A maximum of up to $10,000 available per project. Projects must be completed by 31 December 2021.
Applications are now open and close 4pm Wednesday 6 January 2021.
More information from Terese on 9209 6217; Email: lff@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Download PDF here
MORE:
Down Syndrome Australia (DSA)
Tel: 1300 881 935
Email: info@downsyndrome.org.au
Website: https://www.downsyndrome.org.au
The Advisory Group will provide advice on the particular impacts on culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse populations with a specific focus on health matters.
The Advisory Group will provide the Department of Health with advice on the experience of culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse people and communities in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Membership will include experts and representatives from various backgrounds including:
MORE:
Australian Government
Department of Health
Address: GPO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
Tel: 1800 020 103
Website: https://www.health.gov.au
Show features guest interviews and covers topics such as talking culture, ethnicity and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) understanding individual living options, insights into specialist disability accommodation and much more.
Established in 2006, the Summer Foundation is committed to growing a movement that will resolve the issue of young people living in nursing homes. Supporting, informing and empowering people with disability and their families is key to resolving this issue.
Listen to podcast series here
MORE:
Summer Foundation (SUFO)
Address: PO Box 208, Blackburn VIC 3130
Tel: 1300 626 560
Email: info@summerfoundation.org.au
Website: https://www.summerfoundation.org.au
The Agency has issued a Request for Information (RFI) via the Australian Government’s Procurement Information System, AusTender, seeking information on potential Claim at Point Of Support (C-POS) solutions to accelerate and streamline payment processing for NDIS participants and providers.
The aim of the RFI is to gather information to inform the Agency’s development of a C-POS solution, so that NDIS participants or providers can claim for services immediately.
Read media release here
Read Tender description here
MORE:
National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA)
Website: https://www.ndis.gov.au
The issues paper is asking to hear from the public:
MORE:
Australian Government
Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability
Address: GPO Box 1422, Brisbane Qld 4001
Tel: 1800 517 199 or +61 7 3734 1900
Email: DRCenquiries@royalcommission.gov.au
Website: https://disability.royalcommission.gov.au
Read updated details, road maps and updated information
2. VIC | ECCV | HIRING | CALD and Koorie community members with lived experience of disability as Speak My Language Travellers | Applications close on Friday 29 January 2021
Undertake interviews with guest speakers and produce podcasts, broadcasts or videos that can provide practical tips on utilising personal skills and talents, and community resources and networks, in order to live well with disability – at home, in the community and at work or school.Speak My Language Travellers are employed on a casual basis for a maximum 84 hours.
Speak My Language Traveller Position Description here
Please send a CV and cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria by email to Diana Mastrantuono, Projects Manager at eccv@eccv.org.au.
Further information can be requested by phoning 03 9354 9555.
3. VIC | AMCS | ORGANISING | Multicultural online festival – The whole village into one digital stage | 18-22 January 2021
An online festival aims to support multicultural communities to showcase all the sights, sounds and tastes of our state’s cultural diversity.There will be something for everyone from a range of online cultural events during the period of five days from 18-22nd of January 2021 from 10am–2pm.
Australian Multicultural Community Services (AMCS) is a not for profit organisation providing help at home and other support services to seniors and their carers, in Melbourne and Greater Geelong
Expressions of interest from Ethnic Communities, City Councils, Community Centres and Neighbourhood Houses here
Find out more here
MORE:
Australian Multicultural Community Services (AMCS)
Address: Suite 111, 44-56 Hampstead Road, Maidstone VIC 3012
Tel: 03 9689 9170
Email: info@amcservices.org.au
Website: https://www.amcservices.org.au
4. CoPP | GRANTING | Local Festivals Fund Recovery grants 2020/21 | applications close 6 January 2021
Celebrating the City of Port Phillip's community spirit, identity, arts and culture.Local Festivals Fund Recovery grants 2020/21 aim to encourage and assist Not-For-Profit organisations and community groups to develop small to medium scale local neighbourhood festivals or events during Covid-19 recovery.
A maximum of up to $10,000 available per project. Projects must be completed by 31 December 2021.
Applications are now open and close 4pm Wednesday 6 January 2021.
More information from Terese on 9209 6217; Email: lff@portphillip.vic.gov.au
5. AUST | DSA | STAYING | Safe Online: Easy Read guide about using money on the internet
It can save time and it’s fun to shop online but it’s always important to protect your information and stay safe.
Down Syndrome Australia have created an Easy Read guide about using money on the internet.Download PDF here
MORE:
Down Syndrome Australia (DSA)
Tel: 1300 881 935
Email: info@downsyndrome.org.au
Website: https://www.downsyndrome.org.au
6. AUST | GOV | FORMING | Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities COVID-19 Health Advisory Group
The Australian Government is coordinating an evidence-based response to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to inform Australia’s ongoing response to COVID-19.The Advisory Group will provide advice on the particular impacts on culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse populations with a specific focus on health matters.
The Advisory Group will provide the Department of Health with advice on the experience of culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse people and communities in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Membership will include experts and representatives from various backgrounds including:
- Department of Health
- Department of Home Affairs
- A range of bodies representing the diverse and unique needs and experiences of themulticultural community
- Public health and medical experts
- Civil society organisations
MORE:
Australian Government
Department of Health
Address: GPO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
Tel: 1800 020 103
Website: https://www.health.gov.au
7. AUST | SUFO | PODCASTING | Reasonably and Necessary: Making Sense of the NDIS
A podcast series by the Summer Foundation, hosted by Dr George Taleporos.Show features guest interviews and covers topics such as talking culture, ethnicity and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) understanding individual living options, insights into specialist disability accommodation and much more.
Established in 2006, the Summer Foundation is committed to growing a movement that will resolve the issue of young people living in nursing homes. Supporting, informing and empowering people with disability and their families is key to resolving this issue.
Listen to podcast series here
MORE:
Summer Foundation (SUFO)
Address: PO Box 208, Blackburn VIC 3130
Tel: 1300 626 560
Email: info@summerfoundation.org.au
Website: https://www.summerfoundation.org.au
8. AUST | NDIA | INVITING | Information around innovative digital payment solutions | closing 4pm 28 Jan 2021
The National Disability Insurance Agency is seeking input and information on ways to improve how participants make claims and providers get paid.The Agency has issued a Request for Information (RFI) via the Australian Government’s Procurement Information System, AusTender, seeking information on potential Claim at Point Of Support (C-POS) solutions to accelerate and streamline payment processing for NDIS participants and providers.
The aim of the RFI is to gather information to inform the Agency’s development of a C-POS solution, so that NDIS participants or providers can claim for services immediately.
Read media release here
Read Tender description here
MORE:
National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA)
Website: https://www.ndis.gov.au
9. AUST | GOV | HEARING | from people with disability following the release of its issues paper on ‘Promoting Inclusion’ | submissions close 2 April 2021
The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability is seeking to hear directly experienced issues around Promoting Inclusion.The issues paper is asking to hear from the public:
- individual and organisational views about what an inclusive society looks like, the barriers to inclusion, how we can become a more inclusive society, and how inclusion might prevent violence.
- The issues paper asks 9 questions to help people and organisations to provide responses.
- The paper is available in Easy Read and PDF
- Responses need to be submitted by 2 April 2021.
MORE:
Australian Government
Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability
Address: GPO Box 1422, Brisbane Qld 4001
Tel: 1800 517 199 or +61 7 3734 1900
Email: DRCenquiries@royalcommission.gov.au
Website: https://disability.royalcommission.gov.au
10. 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.
11. 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
- Down Syndrome Australia – Easy Read guide about using money on the internet.
- Ethnolink Language Services – Multi-lingual resource library with information available on coronavirus in 71 languages.
- Expression Australia – Keep up to date with regular Auslan videos on COVID-19, breaking news in Victoria, Australia and abroad.
- 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.
- VALID – 16 Page plain language guide to NDIS Specialist Disability Accommodation
- Women’s Information and Referral Exchange (WIRE) – Free support, referral and information for all Victorian women, nonbinary and gender-diverse people.
12. 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.
13. Bye bye to Essentialists
Us non-essentialists will endeavour to manage our expection of miracles and do our best to follow rules while staying 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 Caretaker at this time.
14. Self-Isolators, Non-Essentials And The Homebound
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.