Fast Facts: COVID-19 Victoria & Australia
- VIC | GOV | UPDATING | Pandemic Response
- VIC | GOV | SUPPORTING | Free health and well-being
- VIC | GOV | SUPPORTING | Extreme Hardship Program
- VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Multicultural Festivals and Events | applications close 3pm, 3 February 2021
- VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Multicultural Community Infrastructure Fund | applications close 3pm, 15 February 2021
- CoPP | GOV | GRANTING | Cultural Development Fund Recovery | Applications opened Monday 25 January
- VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Local History Program | applications close 9 March 2021
- CoPP | GOV | GRANTING | THRIVE Creative Funding for Deaf & Disabled artists 2021 | applications close Tuesday 9 March 2021
- CoPP | GOV | TRAINING | Free Community Training Sessions for community groups and organisations | Thursday 4 February 2021 | 10am-12pm
- COPP | GOV | PREPARING | What's Next? Recovery and Revisioning | Thursday 11 February 2021 | 10am-12pm
- COPP | GOV | TRAINING | Port Phillip Neighbourhood Connectors - Workshop and Mentoring Program
- VIC | GOV | HEARING | Help shape Victoria's LGBTIQ+ Strategy | submissions close 17 February 2021
- VIC | BOITE | PERFORMING | The Fig Tree Replanted | Sunday 21 February 2021 | 2.30pm and 6.30pm
- AUST | GOV | HEARING | from people with disability following the release of its issues paper on ‘Promoting Inclusion’ | submissions close 2 April 2021
- VIC | DVRCV | TRANSLATING | Resources from Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria
- VIC | VEOHRC | TRANSLATING | Information about your rights
- AUST | NMLRP | UNDERSTANDING | Media literacy needs and experiences
- VIC | CCYP | UNDERSTANDING | Young people's experience of the pandemic
- VIC | VMC | REPORTING | Meet Me in the Middle - Employment of young multicultural people
- 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 | GOV | UPDATING | Pandemic Response
COVID-Safe Summer for all Victorians
The Victorian Government announced that Victoria moved to COVID-Safe Summer restrictions from 11.59pm on Sunday 6 December 2020. These 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 announced businesses that work in an office setting, can have up to 25 per cent of workers return to the workplace at a time.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 6/12/20 Victorian Premier's statement
Read the 20/12/20 Victorian Premier's statement
Read the 22/1/21 Victorian Premier's statement
Read updated details, road maps and updated information
Free coaching is available to improve well-being, develop strategies to cope and provide emotional support when and as you need it - for individuals and for businesses.
The Partners in Wellbeing website is available in 6 languages, with promotional posters available in 15 languages available to download from the link below.
From 1 January 2021, all international students experiencing extreme financial hardship can apply, even if they have previously received assistance through ISERF.
Funding is offered in two streams:Find out more and apply
The Fund is available for eligible infrastructure projects that are ready to proceed and can be completed by 31 December 2021.
Grants are available in two streams:
For more information, contact Cultural Development Fund's Sharyn Dawson, on email: cdf@portphillip.vic.gov.au or Tel: 03 9209 6165
2019-20 recipients included the Chinese Australian Family Historians of Victoria, North Cyprus Community of Victoria, Pammessinian Brotherhood Papaflessas, and The Albanian Australian Islamic Society - each awarded between $2,000-$11,000 to preserve and share our multicultural history.
A free information session for communities will be held online at 6pm, 21 January, registration is required.
The THRIVE Creative Grants program is a partnership between City of Port Phillip (CoPP) and Arts Access Victoria. The THRIVE grant aims to increase the diversity of people who access the Council's programs.
It will assist Deaf and Disabled artists to:
Applications are open to Deaf and Disabled artists who live in Victoria.
Applications close Tuesday 9 March 2021 | 5pm
Grant Objectives:
Available on the THRIVE grant web page.
Tel: ASSIST 03 9209 6777 and ask to speak to Cathy Horsley
Are you planning to run an activity and event in City of Port Phillip (CoPP) but need help on staying COVID-safe? This training session will assist you in understanding what needs to be considered and implemented for the recommencement of your operations, as well as ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Where: Online - link to be provided upon registration
Bookings: RSVP online through TryBooking
This session will help community groups to consider a plan for moving forward and will help you to think about what you need to reinvent or pivot to ensure the services you offer are relevant and stay relevant for your community.
Where: Online - link to be provided upon registration
Bookings: RSVP online through TryBooking
Neighbourhood Connect are offering free individual mentoring and workshops, as well as the support, tools and tips to create firstly a gathering of neighbours and then an ongoing group.
Register now, places are limited.
The LGBTIQ+ Strategy will drive the Victorian Government’s continued efforts to achieve equality for LGBTIQ+ communities for years to come.
Based on consultations with more than 800 people and organisations, the Government has proposed a vision for equality and key areas for potential change in systems, services and policies which can help fulfill it.
Now, the Government is seeking further feedback to ensure these reflect your own visions and ideas for the final LGBTIQ+ Strategy, which is set for release in mid to late 2021.
The Fig Tree Replanted is a reinterpretation of The Fig Tree, one of The Boite’s most successful artistic productions in its 40-year history. It was based on the book of short stories by beloved Melbourne author Arnold Zable, who tells tales of migration, displacement and belonging.
Where: Hellenic Museum 280 William Street, Melbourne twice and live streamed once on Sunday 21 February 2021.
Cost:
Bookings: online through Trybooking
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:
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
Translated flyers are available on the DVRCV website as well as translated images for sharing on social media.
If you are a service provider working with clients who have identified experiences of family violence, being linked in to your local Family Violence Regional Integration Committee can assist you with connections and referrals to specialist family violence and other key support services in your area.
With this in mind, the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) has been translating important information about our rights into ten languages, plus Auslan and simplified English, available now for sharing.
There are laws to protect people from unfair behaviour and VEOHRC helps people who have been treated unfairly.
This new translated information explains what VEOHRC does, the rights that are protected by law in Victoria, and how VEOHRC can help.
The research will address information gaps relating to the media literacy values, practices and needs of the citizens, with findings being presented at a National Media Literacy Conference in July 2021.
If you are an organisation that provides services for aged care, disabilities, CALD and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups, they would like to hear your thoughts on the media literacy needs of these groups.
The CCYP have now released a new survey for children and young people that will be open throughout the pandemic to help the Commission stay directly informed about children and young people's experiences of COVID-19, to help understand the ongoing impact and continue to advocate for them.
We encourage you to share this survey with children and young people in your networks. Even if they have filled out a CCYP survey previously, they are welcome to fill it out again. Children and young people’s situations can change, and it is important to keep listening to their views.
COVID-19 disrupted the Australian and global economies significantly, with data showing young Victorians are most affected by this economic downturn. With young people from multicultural communities already facing additional barriers in relation to the employment market, the pandemic has increased their risk of disengagement due to a contracting Victorian economy.
The report highlights the challenges and opportunities confronting young people from multicultural backgrounds within the current and post COVID-19 Victorian employment market. Further, the report identifies opportunities for targeted supports that can assist young people from multicultural backgrounds in obtaining meaningful and sustainable employment in the future.
Read updated details, road maps and updated information
2. VIC | GOV | SUPPORTING | Free health and well-being
Partners in Wellbeing is funded by the Victorian Government and is being delivered by EACH, Neami National and the Australian Community Services Organisation (ACSO) across Victoria.Free coaching is available to improve well-being, develop strategies to cope and provide emotional support when and as you need it - for individuals and for businesses.
The Partners in Wellbeing website is available in 6 languages, with promotional posters available in 15 languages available to download from the link below.
3. VIC | GOV | SUPPORTING | Extreme Hardship Program
The Extreme Hardship Support Program provides emergency financial assistance to people who cannot access Commonwealth income support. It is available to people on temporary and provisional visas and undocumented migrants, who have zero or very limited savings, income or community support.From 1 January 2021, all international students experiencing extreme financial hardship can apply, even if they have previously received assistance through ISERF.
- Updated FAQs and Community Sector fact sheet are available here.
- People in need of assistance apply via the Red Cross here.
4. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Multicultural Festivals and Events | applications close 3pm, 3 February 2021
The Multicultural Festivals and Events Program has opened to help diverse communities come together in a COVIDSafe way to celebrate their culture and traditions. Community groups and organisations are encouraged to apply for funding to deliver multicultural festivals and events in either an online or face to face format between 1 March and 30 June 2021.Funding is offered in two streams:Find out more and apply
5. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Multicultural Community Infrastructure Fund | applications close 3pm, 15 February 2021
The 2020-21 Multicultural Community Infrastructure Fund (MCIF) offers grants to Victoria’s culturally diverse communities to help them maintain, upgrade and renovate community infrastructure - ensuring that multicultural communities can celebrate, preserve and share their traditions and promote social cohesion in our state.The Fund is available for eligible infrastructure projects that are ready to proceed and can be completed by 31 December 2021.
Grants are available in two streams:
- Small: Grants up to $100,000 for upgrades and renovations.
- Large: Grants between $100,001 - $500,000 for larger projects, extensions and new builds.
6. COPP | GOV | GRANTING | Cultural Development Fund Recovery | Applications opened Monday 25 January
The City of Port Phillip (CoPP) is supporting a new round of arts project grants that will support local artists, groups or arts and related organisations to develop creative projects that engage our community during COVID-19 recovery.For more information, contact Cultural Development Fund's Sharyn Dawson, on email: cdf@portphillip.vic.gov.au or Tel: 03 9209 6165
7. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Local History Program | applications close 9 March 2021
Local and community history is an important part of Victoria’s memory. The Local History Grants Program encourages and fosters community activities that preserve, record and share the local, social and community history of Victoria and Victorians.2019-20 recipients included the Chinese Australian Family Historians of Victoria, North Cyprus Community of Victoria, Pammessinian Brotherhood Papaflessas, and The Albanian Australian Islamic Society - each awarded between $2,000-$11,000 to preserve and share our multicultural history.
A free information session for communities will be held online at 6pm, 21 January, registration is required.
8. CoPP | GOV | GRANTING | THRIVE Creative Funding for Deaf & Disabled artists 2021 | applications close Tuesday 9 March 2021
Applications are open for THRIVE – Creative Grants Funding for Deaf & Disabled artists 2021.The THRIVE Creative Grants program is a partnership between City of Port Phillip (CoPP) and Arts Access Victoria. The THRIVE grant aims to increase the diversity of people who access the Council's programs.
It will assist Deaf and Disabled artists to:
- Develop their professional skills
- Achieve their creative goals.
- Present work as part of a festival
Applications are open to Deaf and Disabled artists who live in Victoria.
Applications close Tuesday 9 March 2021 | 5pm
Grant Objectives:
- The THRIVE grant aims to be accessible to everyone. It will assist Deaf and Disabled artists to:
- achieve Artistic Excellence
- show leadership by creating great art and audience experience. And empower others to create
- develop skills and experience for their Empowerment and Capacity Building
- increase Access and Equity by breaking down barriers for artists and audience; and
- enhance their Visibility through developing networks.
Available on the THRIVE grant web page.
Tel: ASSIST 03 9209 6777 and ask to speak to Cathy Horsley
9. CoPP | GOV | TRAINING | Free Community Training Sessions for community groups and organisations | Thursday 4 February 2021 | 10am-12pm
How to host a COVID-safe activity or eventAre you planning to run an activity and event in City of Port Phillip (CoPP) but need help on staying COVID-safe? This training session will assist you in understanding what needs to be considered and implemented for the recommencement of your operations, as well as ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Where: Online - link to be provided upon registration
Bookings: RSVP online through TryBooking
10. COPP | GOV | PREPARING | What's Next? Recovery and Revisioning | Thursday 11 February 2021 | 10am-12pm
As restrictions are being eased, now is the time to think about what, and how to engage with your members and stakeholders during these next stages.This session will help community groups to consider a plan for moving forward and will help you to think about what you need to reinvent or pivot to ensure the services you offer are relevant and stay relevant for your community.
Where: Online - link to be provided upon registration
Bookings: RSVP online through TryBooking
11. COPP | GOV | Port Phillip Neighbourhood Connectors - Workshop and Mentoring Program
Are you interested in building community in the City of Port Phillip (CoPP), making new friends and running fun activities where you live?Neighbourhood Connect are offering free individual mentoring and workshops, as well as the support, tools and tips to create firstly a gathering of neighbours and then an ongoing group.
Register now, places are limited.
12. VIC | GOV | HEARING | Help shape Victoria's LGBTIQ+ Strategy | submissions close 17 February 2021
Victorians are being encouraged to have their say on the proposed foundations of the state’s first ever whole of government LGBTIQ+ Strategy.The LGBTIQ+ Strategy will drive the Victorian Government’s continued efforts to achieve equality for LGBTIQ+ communities for years to come.
Based on consultations with more than 800 people and organisations, the Government has proposed a vision for equality and key areas for potential change in systems, services and policies which can help fulfill it.
Now, the Government is seeking further feedback to ensure these reflect your own visions and ideas for the final LGBTIQ+ Strategy, which is set for release in mid to late 2021.
13. VIC | BOITE | PERFORMING | The Fig Tree Replanted | Sunday 21 February 2021 | 2.30pm and 6.30pm
A live concert featuring a dozen world-class Australian performers from Greek, Jewish, Italian and other backgrounds.The Fig Tree Replanted is a reinterpretation of The Fig Tree, one of The Boite’s most successful artistic productions in its 40-year history. It was based on the book of short stories by beloved Melbourne author Arnold Zable, who tells tales of migration, displacement and belonging.
“We are a nation of Indigenous peoples and immigrants, a new world with an ancient past, a land of many melodies” Arnold Zable.In collaboration with Kadimah Jewish Cultural Centre and the Hellenic Museum
Where: Hellenic Museum 280 William Street, Melbourne twice and live streamed once on Sunday 21 February 2021.
Cost:
- Matinée: 2.30pm | Tickets $20
- Gala: 6.30pm | Tickets $45/$35
- Live Stream: 6.30pm | Tickets $15
Bookings: online through Trybooking
14. 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
15. VIC | DVRCV | TRANSLATING | Resources from Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria
To assist people experiencing family violence, and professionals providing support to migrant and refugee communities this summer and the holiday season, Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria (DVRCV) has translated its #AreYouSafeAtHome resources into Vietnamese, Arabic, Simplified Chinese and Hindi.Translated flyers are available on the DVRCV website as well as translated images for sharing on social media.
If you are a service provider working with clients who have identified experiences of family violence, being linked in to your local Family Violence Regional Integration Committee can assist you with connections and referrals to specialist family violence and other key support services in your area.
16. VIC | VEOHRC | TRANSLATING | Information about your rights
We saw clearly throughout 2020 how important it is to communicate with as much of our community as possible. This means recognising the incredible diversity of language and culture we are fortunate to enjoy here in Victoria.With this in mind, the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) has been translating important information about our rights into ten languages, plus Auslan and simplified English, available now for sharing.
There are laws to protect people from unfair behaviour and VEOHRC helps people who have been treated unfairly.
This new translated information explains what VEOHRC does, the rights that are protected by law in Victoria, and how VEOHRC can help.
17. AUST | NMLRP | UNDERSTANDING | Media literacy needs and experiences
The National Media Literacy Research Project is calling for participants for focus group discussions that will inform a research initiative aimed to assess the current state of media literacy education in both the United States and Australia.The research will address information gaps relating to the media literacy values, practices and needs of the citizens, with findings being presented at a National Media Literacy Conference in July 2021.
If you are an organisation that provides services for aged care, disabilities, CALD and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups, they would like to hear your thoughts on the media literacy needs of these groups.
18. VIC | CCYP | UNDERSTANDING | Young people's experience of the pandemic
In September 2020 the Commission for Children and Young People (CCYP) shared what they had heard during consultations with Victorian children and young people, and those that support them on the impact of COVID-19. The insights gathered have informed the CCYP's work during the pandemic.The CCYP have now released a new survey for children and young people that will be open throughout the pandemic to help the Commission stay directly informed about children and young people's experiences of COVID-19, to help understand the ongoing impact and continue to advocate for them.
We encourage you to share this survey with children and young people in your networks. Even if they have filled out a CCYP survey previously, they are welcome to fill it out again. Children and young people’s situations can change, and it is important to keep listening to their views.
19. VIC | VMC | REPORTING | Meet Me in the Middle - Employment of young multicultural people
The Victorian Multicultural Commission has commissioned a report centred around youth employment, with a particular focus on exploring insights directly from multicultural young people.COVID-19 disrupted the Australian and global economies significantly, with data showing young Victorians are most affected by this economic downturn. With young people from multicultural communities already facing additional barriers in relation to the employment market, the pandemic has increased their risk of disengagement due to a contracting Victorian economy.
The report highlights the challenges and opportunities confronting young people from multicultural backgrounds within the current and post COVID-19 Victorian employment market. Further, the report identifies opportunities for targeted supports that can assist young people from multicultural backgrounds in obtaining meaningful and sustainable employment in the future.
20. AUST | Coronavirus hotline
- Coronavirus hotline: If you are concerned, call the coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 (24 Hours).
- Coronavirus in-language information
- 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.
21. 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.
22. 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.
23. 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.
24. Self-Isolators, Non-Essentials And The Homebound
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 about. And again. Or not.