Fast Facts: COVID-19 Victoria & Australia
- VIC | GOV | UPDATING | Pandemic Response
- AUST | GOV | TRANSLATING | COVID-19 Vaccine Information
- AUST | ATO | GRANTING | JobMaker Hiring Credit | 1 February–30 April 2021
- VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Circuit Breaker Action Business Support Package | applications open and closing on Tuesday 16 March 2021
- VIC | GOV | SUPPORTING | Creative Sector And Workers
- CoPP | ADVISING | Temporary Visa Holders on Employment Information | Thursday 4 March 2021 | 3.30-5pm
- 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
- VIC | GOV | REBATING | Money on solar with a new solar panel or battery installation
- VIC | AQuA | LAUNCHING | A History of LGBTIQ+ Victoria in 100 Places and Objects | Monday 1 March 2021 | 6.30-7.30pm
- CoPP | CELEBRATING | International Women’s Day 2021 | Thursday 4 March 2021 | 6pm-9pm
- VIC | VMC | COMMEMORATING | Cultural Diversity Week 2021
- VIC | ASRC | RAISING | Funds, Friendliness and Appetites through Feast for Freedom | 26-28 March 2021
- VIC | VMC | SURVEYING | Social Media Users
- VIC | HV | CONSULTING | Social Housing Consultations | open now until 9 April 2021
- AUST | GOV | HEARING | from people with disability following the release of its issues paper on ‘Promoting Inclusion’ | submissions close 2 April 2021
- VIC | VEOHRC | TRANSLATING | Human Rights Information
- VIC | VEC | TRANSLATING | In-language video: How to respond to an Apparent Failure To Vote Notice | Tuesday 16 February 2021
- AUST | NA21 | RECOGNISING | Narragunnawali - Reconciliation in Education | nominations open until 30 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 | GOV | UPDATING | Pandemic Response
COVIDSafe Settings – restrictions apply from 11:59pm Friday 26 February 2021
These restrictions are designed to balance getting Victorians back to doing the things they love while also putting in place measures to protect all that Victorians have worked so hard for.
Face masks
- You must carry a face mask with you when you leave home, unless you have a lawful reason not to wear a mask.
- Face masks must be worn:
- on public transport, in commercial passenger vehicles such as taxis and ride share vehicles, and in tour vehicles
- indoors at markets and market stalls, shopping centres, and retail facilities with 2000 or more square metres of indoor space
- by visitors to a hospital
- by visitors to a care facility
- on flights to and from Victoria
- indoors at airports
- if you are diagnosed with COVID-19, or a close contact of someone diagnosed with COVID-19, at all times while away from your home or accommodation for a permitted reason, such as medical care or to get tested
- while awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test when leaving your home or accommodation for a permitted reason, such as medical care (except as part of a surveillance or other asymptomatic testing program)
- while experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19.
- It is strongly recommended you wear a face mask when at a private gathering or when you cannot maintain 1.5 metres distance from other people, including outdoors.
Social gatherings
- You can have up to 30 visitors to your home per day. The visitor cap includes dependants but not infants under 12 months old. There is no limit on the number of households those people can come from. It is strongly recommended you host visitors in outdoor spaces wherever possible.
- Up to 100 people can meet outdoors in a public place. The cap includes dependants but not infants under 12 months old. There is no limit on the number of households those people can come from.
Travel
- Travellers to Victoria from other Australian states or territories or from New Zealand must also now apply for a Victorian Travel Permit.
Work, study and volunteering
- Office-based workplaces will be able to increase the return to onsite work with up to 75 per cent of workers onsite.
- Workplaces with 40 or more workers can have 75 per cent of workers on site at any one time.
- Workplaces with fewer than 40 workers can have up to 30 workers on site at any one time.
Hospitals and care facilities
- There are no limits on the number, duration or purpose of visits to hospitals or care facilities, except for excluded persons. Individual facilities may impose their own limits on visitation.
- Face masks must be worn by visitors to hospitals and by visitors and staff while indoors at care facilities.
Entertainment and culture
- Fixed-seated venues, such as theatres, cinemas or arenas, can open for up to 75 per cent capacity of the total venue with a maximum of 1000 patrons in each space. Density quotients apply to non-seated areas.
- Indoor non-seated venues can open for up to 50 per cent of capacity, with a maximum of 1000 patrons in each space. Density quotients also apply to non-seated areas.
- Outdoor entertainment venues can operate subject to density caps. Seated spaces in these venues are limited to the lesser of 75 per cent of seated capacity or 1000 patrons. No more than 1000 patrons are permitted in any indoor spaces.
- Venues exceeding the cap of 1000 persons per space must operate under the Public Events Framework.
Sport and exercise
- Indoor physical recreation and community sports facilities can operate subject to density caps. Seated areas are limited to 75 per cent of their seating capacity up to a maximum of 1000 patrons per space.
- Venues exceeding the cap of 1000 persons per space must operate under the Public Events Framework
Accommodation
- Private gatherings at accommodation are capped at the booking household (and the intimate partners of anyone in the booking household) plus up to 30 people from any number of households. Infants 12 months and under are excluded from booking and private gathering limits.
- There are no restrictions on different bookings sharing rooms (for example, at a hostel).
Religion and ceremony
- Weddings, funerals and religious gatherings can occur in commercial venues.
- The density and capacity limits will depend on the type of venue.
- If conducted in a private home, the private gathering limit applies (30 visitors, the celebrant and a photographer are not counted).
Record keeping
- Record keeping continues to be an important tool for helping Victoria stay safe and stay open. Businesses that are required to record the details of visitors should use electronic record keeping or QR codes. The Victorian Government has a free QR code service.
Staying COVIDSafe
Everyone wants to get back to normal but we also need to stay safe. We are asking Victorians to stay safe by getting tested and practicing COVIDSafe behaviours. This is especially important as we see friends and family, celebrate together, travel together and move around Victoria, Australia and New Zealand. Coronavirus is still present in Australia and we must all be vigilant and play our part to reduce the spread.
For up to date information, Department of Health's website in English or Other LanguagesRead the 26/2/21 Victorian Premier's statement
2. AUST | GOV | TRANSLATING | COVID-19 Vaccine Information
The Australian Government Department of Health has translated resources into 60 different languages, informing communities about COVID-19 vaccines and how they will be rolled out across Australia.Special committees representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with a disability, and the multicultural community have been appointed to help ensure that information reaches every community member.
Please download in-language posters and distribute them amongst your networks.
Access translations
3. AUST | ATO | GRANTING | JobMaker Hiring Credit | 1 February–30 April 2021
Eligible businesses can claim payments through JobMaker Hiring Credit for new positions they create until 6 October 2021. The first claim period opened on 1 February 2021 and closes on 30 April.To claim JobMaker Hiring Credit payments during this period, you need to register and meet the eligibility requirements before it ends.
To submit your claim:
- register - via ATO online services or the Business portal, or through your registered tax or BAS agent
- nominate your eligible additional employees by running payroll events through your Single Touch Payroll (STP) enabled software
- claim payments - you'll need to enter your headcount and payroll for the JobMaker period, and we'll calculate your claim amount based on the information you provide.
You can register at any time until the scheme ends, but when you register will affect the periods you can claim for.
Find out about:
See also:
4. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Circuit Breaker Action Business Support Package | applications open and closing on Tuesday 16 March 2021
Victoria’s business community has been greatly impacted by the global pandemic.To help businesses recover, the Victorian Government has announced a $143 million package to support eligible businesses impacted by the circuit breaker action to limit the spread of COVID-19.
This is a package of cash grants and direct payments to small businesses who were most impacted by the circuit breaker action, including businesses in hospitality, tourism, events, and selected retail.
It includes initiatives to support small businesses, including sole traders:
- Business Costs Assistance Program offering grants of $2000 for eligible businesses and sole traders in the most impacted sectors of hospitality, food wholesaling, tourism, events, and selected retail.
- Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund will give previous eligible recipients of this grant a $3000 one-off, per premises payment.
- The Victorian Accommodation Support Program will assist accommodation providers that had bookings cancelled between Friday 12 February and Wednesday 17 February applications will open soon. Registrations of interest are now open.
5. VIC | GOV | SUPPORTING | Creative Sector And Workers
Victoria’s nation-leading creative industries will receive more support as creative workers and businesses continue to re-activate the sector with new projects and collaborations.Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson today announced more than $5.6 million in grants to boost creative careers, businesses, facilities, and experiences across the state.
Applications are now open for the following programs which are available for creative workers, collectives and small businesses working in all creative fields.
Various closing dates see link below.
More Information and Apply
6. CoPP | ADVISING | Temporary Visa Holders on Employment Information | Thursday 4 March 2021 | 3.30-5pm
Working casually or part-time on a temporary visa within Melbourne can be confusing and challenging, especially in the food delivery sector.You are welcome to join us for an interactive session online or in-person (COVID-safe requirements and limits apply) at St Kilda Town Hall.
Guest speakers from WEstjustice legal service, the Migrant Workers Centre and Transport Workers Union Vic will be our expert guest speakers.
Please share your questions with our expert panel.
Where: St Kilda Town Hall, Council Chamber, 99A Carlisle St, St Kilda, Victoria 3182
Cost: Free
Bookings: Online through TryBooking. Indicate your attendance is in-person or online.
7. 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
8. 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.
9. 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
10. VIC | GOV | REBATING | Money on solar with a new solar panel or battery installation
Put the power of the sun in your hands. There’s never been a better time to go solar, with rebates for solar panels and solar batteries available as part of the Solar Homes Program.Solar panel (PV) rebates are available for owner-occupiers, as well as landlords. You can save up to $1,850 off the upfront cost of your system. To further reduce costs, you can also apply for an interest-free loan of up to $1,850. *
Solar battery rebates can save you up to $4,174 off the cost of your system,* helping you save hundreds of dollars every year on your electricity bills.
Find out more about the Solar Homes Program and our solar rebates.
For information about the Solar Homes Program in languages other than English, please visit Solar Homes information in community languages. For further assistance, please call the National Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.
*Eligibility criteria apply.
11. VIC | AQuA | LAUNCHING | A History of LGBTIQ+ Victoria in 100 Places and Objects | Monday 1 March 2021 | 6.30-7.30pm
A History of LGBTIQ+ Victoria with launch date coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexual acts in Victoria in 1981.Commissioned by Heritage Victoria and prepared by the Australian Queer Archives (AQuA), this Report identifies 100 objects, places and collections of significance to Victoria’s LGBTIQ+ communities, bringing to life the experiences of queer and gender diverse people from the 1830s onwards across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
During the community consultation process, over 150 people made submissions to this project.
At the launch, contributing authors will showcase the report and there will be a reflection on the significance of the 40th anniversary of Victoria’s decriminalisation of homosexuality.
Where: a Zoom Webinar and you will need to register in advance.
Cost: Free
Bookings: online through Zoom
12. CoPP | CELEBRATING | International Women’s Day 2021 | Thursday 4 March 2021 | 6pm-9pm
Come join The City of Port Phillip as we celebrate the everyday achievements of local women, and get to know the people in our community.A free conversation-based event for all genders followed by light refreshments.
This event will be run in accordance with all relevant coronavirus-related restrictions.
Where: St Kilda Town Hall, 99A Carlisle Street, St Kilda, VIC 3182
Considerations: The venue is wheelchair-accessible. There is no parking on site, aside from limited disability parking on Brighton Road. We recommend arriving early to secure parking in the side-streets, or using public transport.
Cost: Free
Bookings: online through Trybooking
13. VIC | VMC | COMMEMORATING | Cultural Diversity Week 2021
After putting 2020 plans on hold, Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) is delighted to announce this year’s theme pushes the boundaries and asks ‘What does multicultural Victoria look like in 2030?’ The future is unpredictable. But we have the capacity to ask the big questions, spark constructive conversations and envision something wonderful for the future of Victorian multiculturalism.With an inspiring theme and a hybrid offering of online and in-person events this year’s festival may look a little different, but we’re sure you’ll love what we’ve created. Are you excited yet?
Want to know more? Stay up-to-date at:
Click here for the CDW Site
Get Involved! Cultural Diversity Week is made even more vibrant through the many community events hosted each year. If your organisation is planning an event be sure to let us know.
Submit your Cultural Diversity Week event
What's On?
- Curious Conversations
More Info
- Culture Break
More Info
14. VIC | ASRC | RAISING | Funds, Friendliness and Appetites through Feast for Freedom | 26-28 March 2021
Feast for Freedom is a shared food experience in aid of people seeking asylum. Host a Feast in your home or workplace using recipes gifted to you by refugees to raise funds for the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.Celebrate good food and great company when you host a Feast for Freedom with friends, family and colleagues.
How to Feast
- Choose your cuisine: Discover the recipes that you can cook at your feast and the refugees who have gifted them for you to use - or cook your own dishes!
- Register: Sign up to become a host
- Prepare: Plan your feast, choose your venue (home or work), invite your guests, and cook your meal
- Host: Hold your feast, raise funds for people seeking asylum, and celebrate what unites us.
15. VIC | VMC | SURVEYING | Social Media Users
This Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) has designed a quick anonymous survey to gain a greater understanding of what you'd like to see from us on social media. The questions are about how you use social media, what platforms you use and what content you like.Fill in the survey
16. VIC | HV | CONSULTING | Social Housing Consultations | open now until 9 April 2021
Homes Victoria (HV) is inviting community members to have their say on social and affordable housing as part of a 10-year strategy that will ensure more Victorians have access to safe and suitable accommodation for years to come.This strategy will provide the roadmap and reforms required to ensure all Victorians who need housing support have a safety net as well as access to secure and affordable housing so they can get ahead and thrive.
Help shape Victoria’s social housing system and transform the future of affordable housing by:
- responding to the online survey, or
- making a written submission in your preferred language
17. 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
18. VIC | VEOHRC | TRANSLATING | Human Rights Information
The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission has been translating important information into ten languages and simplified English which are now available on their website: humanrights.vic.gov.au/translations.This content can be accessed at any time by clicking on the ‘Translations’ button at the top of the website (or under the menu on mobile).
The translated information explains what the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission does, the rights that are protected by law in Victoria, and how the Commission can help. It includes instructions on how to contact them and, if needed, how to use an interpreter service. There is also information in Auslan in this section.
Access translations
19. VIC | VEC | TRANSLATING | In-language video: How to respond to an Apparent Failure To Vote Notice
Australia is a representative democracy. You elect people to make decisions on your behalf. It is your right and responsibility to vote.Voting makes sure that the people who are elected are those that the majority of people prefer.
During the 2020 Local Council Elections, 331,762 failed to vote at the elections.
During February 2021, the VEC will be mailing out the Notice and recipients have 28 days to respond to the Notice.
For voters from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds, the Apparent Failure to Vote Notice (Notice) video shows people how to respond to the Notice in 11 languages.
Please find in-language videos:
- Facebook post
- Amharic
- Arabic
- Cantonese
- Dari
- Hazaragi
- Italian
- Korean
- Mandarin
- Nepali
- Punjabi
- Vietnamese
- VEC Website
MORE:
Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC)
Website: https://www.vec.vic.gov.au
20. AUST | NA21 | RECOGNISING | Narragunnawali - Reconciliation in Education | nominations open until 30 April 2021
Held biennially since 2017, the Narragunnawali Awards are the first national awards program that recognises and celebrates Australian schools and early learning services that are implementing outstanding reconciliation initiatives.Finalists are acknowledged for strengthening relationships, building respect, and providing meaningful opportunities in the classroom, around the school or service, and with the community.
There are two Narragunnawali Awards categories:
- Schools: this category incorporates primary, secondary, senior secondary and combined schools within the Government, Independent or Catholic sectors.
- Early Learning: this category incorporates early childhood education and care, preschool, family day care and out of school hours care services.
Nominating a school or service is an opportunity to share your positive feedback and encourage the school or service to formally apply for an Award.
Please note that the information that is entered into the nomination form below will be shared with the school or early learning service’s Principal/Director, and with Reconciliation Australia, upon submission. Where a nominated school or early learning service has a Narragunnawali RAP, the RAP Working Group will also be notified of the nomination details.
If you have any questions about the nomination process prior, download the Narragunnawali Awards 2021 Info Kit or contact on details below.
MORE:
Narragunnawali Awards 2021
Email: https://www.narragunnawali.org.au/contact-us
Website: https://www.narragunnawali.org.au
21. 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.
22. 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.
23. 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.
24. 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.
25. 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.