The COVID-positive case of a Victorian in the past week has reminded us that fast and accurate contact tracing continues to be an important tool for helping our state stay safe and stay open.
Message from the Chairperson
Along with physical distancing and mask wearing when required, using a QR code for check-in at gatherings is a simple way to prevent further outbreaks in our communities. It is also required by law, and the amnesty on enforcement ends this Friday, 30 May. If you're hosting an event, you can read about your obligations here.I commend all event organisers, faith leaders and business owners who are using a QR Code system and encouraging patrons to do the right thing by checking in. Let's keep going.
Wednesday 28 April evening from 6pm, we will be bringing you the second edition of our Curious Conversations series. We will again be exploring the Cultural Diversity Week theme, 'What does multicultural Victoria look like in 2030?', but this time we'll be joined by the mayors of the City of Hume and the City of Darebin, along with the deputy mayor of the City of Brimbank. They will tackle the big topics, discussing the challenges we all have to face to take advantage of the immense benefits multiculturalism offers. I encourage you to express your interest and take part in the discussion online.
A reminder also that the Victorian Refugee Awards nomination period closes this weekend. If you initially arrived in Australia as a refugee or asylum seeker – even if it was many years ago – you are eligible for nomination. We encourage you to nominate yourself or anyone you know from this background who is doing great things.
Elsewhere in this week's update, we share the second phase of a government grant program to help slow the spread of COVID-19, some vital in-language information about sexual violence and consent, and an event this weekend that celebrates the culture and people of Myanmar.
Take care and stay safe.
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson
Curious Conversations Part 2 | Wednesday 28 April 2021 | 6-7.05pm
The panel conversation will be broadcast live on Facebook and cover many topics, ranging from the benefits and opportunities that our cultural, linguistic and religious diversity provides; to issues identified by communities, such as employment, racism, mental health and family violence.Victorian Refugee Awards | nominations closing Sunday 2 May 2021
The VMC's Victorian Refugee Awards are dedicated to the people who were forced to flee from their home in search of protection. The annual awards recognise the dedication of these people who strive to achieve their personal aspirations. They celebrate people who achieve success in their chosen field or create positive change in their communities.People who arrived in Australia recently, along with established community members who settled here as refugees or asylum seekers, are eligible for nomination.
We would like to encourage you to nominate yourself, or a person you know from a refugee or asylum seeker background, to be acknowledged at this event.
Both self nominations and nominations of others are now open, and close on Sunday 2 May 2021. Click the link below to read more about each award.
Myanmar community day at Docklands | Sunday 2 May 2021 | 2-5pm
Experience the rich heritage of the people of Myanmar. Magnet Gallery will host an afternoon of dance, music and food brought to you by the Myanmar expat community of Melbourne.The event will kick off at Magnet in Docklands featuring traditional Karen and Chin music, Kachen and Karen dance, Lisu pop music, guest speakers, family activities, handicrafts, afternoon tea and much more.
All money raised will support injured, grieving and internally displaced peoples in Myanmar.
Grants available: Helping slow the spread of COVID-19 in multicultural communities
Applications for funding through the Priority Response to Multicultural Communities during Coronavirus (COVID-19) Phase 2 initiative are now open.There are a raft of new activities that are eligible for funding in the second round, including:
- training and capacity building of community leaders and organisations
- support for multicultural seniors' groups (including digital literacy training)
- community-led health communications
- research with multicultural and faith communities to better understand their communication needs and preferences, or barriers to health participation and engagement.
For the full details of who is eligible and to apply, click the link below.
My body, my consent: Important sexual violence fact sheets in several languages
Sexual violence is a taboo subject that is often difficult for many communities to speak about. For victims, it can also be a traumatic experience and the shame and stigma can be a huge barrier to seeking help.The Multicultural Families Organisation, a Queensland-based not for profit that supports CALD communities, has produced a booklet about sexual violence.
Presented in English, Arabic, Farsi, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Punjabi, Spanish, Thai and Vietnamese, the project aims to empower individuals and communities to understand what sexual violence is, what their rights are and where to seek support.
For Victorian-specific sexual assault support services, click here.
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
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