Thanking every member of the community who has been working hard to do the right thing and keep all Victorians safe. If everyone does their part, we will be able to connect again with our interstate and international family and friends before too long.
Message from the Chairperson
A very happy new year from all of us here at the Victorian Multicultural Commission.I hope that you have been able to spend time with loved ones and enjoyed the more relaxed COVIDSafe summer restrictions. My thoughts go out to everyone who has been impacted by border restrictions in recent weeks.
This week we are pleased to share details of the current funding round for Multicultural Festivals and Events, which supports community organisations to celebrate their culture in an online or face to face format.
Last year we commissioned a report on youth unemployment, with a focus on recovery in the employment market for multicultural young people.
Also this week we share details of how you and your community can nominate for the 2021 Victorian Honour Roll of Women, find new translations on Victorians' rights, access the Extreme Hardship Support Program, make a submission to the Australian Government's permanent migration program, and contribute to international research into media literacy education.
Thank you for continuing to share this information and resources with your multicultural and multifaith networks.
Wishing you a safe and peaceful year ahead,
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson
Multicultural Festival and Events grants | applications close 3 February 2021 @ 3pm
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:
Community information sessions are being offered online through to 21 January, to support project planning and the application process - registration is required.
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.
2021 Victorian Honour Roll of Women | nominations now open, closing 31 January 2021
Nominate the inspirational women in your life for the 2021 Victorian Honour Roll of Women.For the first time, this year's Honour Roll will include a special category – Leading Through Disaster – to recognise those who have demonstrated leadership in the community through the 2020 bushfires and the pandemic.
The Honour Roll is proud to reflect the diversity of women across all ages, faiths, ethnicities, sexual identities and disabilities. Since 2001, more than 600 women have been inducted into the Honour Roll for their significant and lasting contributions to Victoria, Australia and beyond – the annual tradition has become just one way we acknowledge and celebrate the contribution of women in our lives.
Translated 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.
Extreme Hardship Support 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.
Public Submissions to Australia's 2021-22 Migration Program | submissions now open, closing 29 January 2021
Australia's permanent Migration Program is designed to achieve a range of economic and social outcomes. The Migration Program is planned annually, with program settings announced as part of the Federal Budget each year.Each year the Department of Home Affairs undertakes consultation to inform the make-up of the Migration Program, including advice from states and territories, government agencies, industry, academia and the public.
The Department is now inviting public submissions as part of the 2021-22 Migration Program planning process.
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.
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.
- Coronavirus in-language information
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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
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