[Edited extract from public address]
We have entered the second week of Ramadan, a sacred time for our friends in the Muslim community.
Message from the Chairperson
This weekend past, VMC Deputy Chair Bwe Thay attended the Bendigo Interfaith Council’s Iftar Dinner, while I went to a dinner hosted by the AMAFHH Federation. In the coming week, I will be attending four more Iftar celebrations to mark this special time. It is a privilege to be invited to these events and spend time with people who have been reflecting deeply on their lives.
As many of you would have seen, last week marked the 30th anniversary of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody. Tragically, it’s estimated that at least 474 Aboriginal men, women and children have died in custody since the Commission’s recommendations were passed down in 1991. There is clearly still so much work to be done. The VMC is a resource for people of all cultures, and we are here to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in every way we can. Please get in touch if you think we can advocate for you.
In this week's update, we want to put the spotlight on a training course that the Centre for Multicultural Youth is running right now. Their Culturally Responsive Practice course is a great resource for people who work with young people from migrant backgrounds. We've got an invite to join a bi-cultural workers network and free tickets to a Victorian Law Week event too.
We also share guidance for COVID-safe practices to incorporate during Orthodox Holy Week. Every Victorian's hard work over the last year has meant we're able to embrace and enjoy the re-opening up of our community. However, it's important that when we do come together, we do so in a COVID-safe manner.
Finally, we're proud to share that we have been nominated for a Channel 31 Antenna Award. The 2020 Multicultural Awards were nominated for Best CALD Program.
Ramadan Mubarak, take care and stay safe.
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson
Curious Conversations: Local Government
We're bringing you the second edition of our Curious Conversations series next week. We will again be exploring the Cultural Diversity Week theme, 'What does multicultural Victoria look like in 2030?', but this time we'll be hearing from local government figures.
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.
Join our diverse panel to discuss what multicultural Victoria looks like now, what it should look like in 2030 and what needs to be done to get there.
cohealth is building a bi-cultural workers network
Are you a bi-cultural worker from a refugee-like background? Would you like to connect with other bi-cultural workers living in Melbourne?
On 19 May, cohealth will be hosting a session at Kensington Town Hall, inviting participants to share ideas on how their worker’s network should operate. This is your chance to be a part of it.
Culturally responsive practice: Working with young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds
The Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY) is running a short training course that is free and open to anyone. It aims to give people the essential skills and knowledge for working effectively and respectfully with young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds. The training modules are designed to be relevant to a broad range of sectors, and for work with young people from any community. Participants will improve their confidence and capacity to provide a culturally inclusive and responsive service for young people.
The training runs over two half day sessions, today and tomorrow. If you missed out this time, get in touch with the CMY to register your interest for future sessions.
Guidance for COVID-safe practices during Orthodox Holy Week
Holy Week commences in the Eastern Orthodox Church on 25 April. When gathering together, it is vital that the celebrations remain COVID-safe.
Depending on where the events are held, different restrictions will apply. Venues must ensure these are followed and adhere to infection prevention guidelines.
To find out what your responsibilities are if you're organising a Holy Week celebration, please click below.
Victorian Law Week: Discrimination in the workplace for CALD youths
Many young people, particularly those from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, have a higher chance of experiencing discrimination at work.
This Victorian Law Week session on 19 May will help young people from CALD backgrounds better understand their rights.
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