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ECCV | UPDATING | eBulletin Issue #13 | Friday 28 May 2021

[Edited extract from public address]

As Victoria enters another snap lockdown, we are reminded of the critical importance of getting vaccinated, which is the only way to keep our community safe and return to COVID-normal.

Message from the Chairperson

ECCV is pleased to be part of the public health response to the pandemic, with a new Community Outreach Program to engage migrant and refugee communities in the COVID-19 vaccine program.

Last week, the Victoria Government delivered the State Budget for 2021-22, which included some good outcomes for our community. While ECCV’s key priority - investment in developing a whole-of-government Multicultural Strategy for culturally diverse communities - was not delivered, we were delighted that the Victorian Government made a four-year funding commitment to around 1000 ethnic seniors clubs, which was one of the recommendations in our Pre-Budget Submission.

The ECCV Policy Team is currently finalising a detailed Summary Analysis of the State Budget, which we will share with members and stakeholders in the coming week.

The State Budget also delivered an enormous initial investment in the reform of our mental health system. ECCV is working with the Department of Health to communicate the recommendations of Royal Commission report to the multicultural sector, which includes the creation of a dedicated webpage to host information, fact sheets and resources. We look forward to collaborating with other sector peaks and community service organisations to deliver on the Victorian Government’s commitment to developing a diverse communities’ mental health and wellbeing framework and blueprint for action.

Reconciliation Week began on 26 May, with National Sorry Day. ECCV’s commitment to developing a Reconciliation Action Plan, one that strengthens our allyship with First Nations Australians, is reflected in the journey our organisation is taking in building understanding, connection and collaboration with Koorie Victorians. This week, ECCV staff and Board attended an Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Training workshop facilitated by the Victorian Aboriginal Community Service Association Limited (VACSAL).

On 3 June, we are holding a Reconciliation Week Member Forum that will feature a keynote address by Sheena Watt MP, the first Aboriginal woman to represent the ALP in the Victorian Parliament, and a workshop on truth telling facilitated by Reconciliation Victoria’s Co-Chair, Uncle Shane Charles and CEO, Diana David. We encourage all our members to attend this special online event.

Stay well and take care.
Eddie Micallef, Chairperson

State Budget Response

ECCV welcomed the $23.7 million investment in new initiatives for multicultural communities, including support for seniors, young people and migrants and refugees.

ECCV also commended the $3.8 billion for mental health reform, including $4.6 million investment in a diverse communities’ mental health and wellbeing. 

National Reconciliation Week | Member Forum | Thursday 3 June 2021 | 10am-12noon

Sheena Watt MP, the first Aboriginal woman to represent the ALP in the Victorian Parliament will be joining next week's ECCV's Member Forum, which includes a workshop facilitated by Reconciliation Victoria. The event is a key step in our Reconciliation Action Plan. 

Where: Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, the forum will now be held online. 
Cost: Free

VicHealth Local Government Partnership

ECCV is proud to be partnering with VicHealth to support a healthier future for children and young Victorians through the new VicHealth Local Government Partnership. We’re working on anti-racism modules that will support local councils to deliver programs as part of this statewide initiative. 

Power Saving Bonus Outreach Program

ECCV will be helping financially vulnerable CALD Victorians to access the $250 Power Saving Bonus. In partnership with the Department of Energy, Land, Water and Planning, our Community Outreach Program will support ‘hard to reach” consumers across metropolitan Melbourne who are experiencing energy bill stress.

Moray & Agnew Corporate Partnership

ECCV welcomes a new corporate partnership with leading national law firm, Moray & Agnew. The partnership follows the firm's induction in March as an Ambassador for our All One Together anti-racism campaign. Moray & Agnew will be providing pro bono legal advice to support our work and governance. 

ECCV COVID-19 Outreach Work Continues

ECCV will be working across Victoria to engage migrant and refugee communities in the COVID-19 vaccine program. We have been contracted by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing’s CALD Communities Taskforce – Priority Response to CALD Communities to deliver vaccine information sessions and targeted communications to priority communities.

Mental Health Reform Awareness

Following the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System, the Victorian Government is transforming how it responds to mental health issues in our community. ECCV has created a dedicated webpage to inform our communities about the implementation of the reforms recommended by the Royal Commission.

New & Emerging Communities Forum | Thursday 23 June 2021

ECCV is reestablishing a New and Emerging Communities Policy Advisory Committee (NECPAC).

An online community consultation workshop is being held and we are seeking also community feedback through a survey to better understand priorities for these communities. 

Regional Ethnic Councils Meet in Shepparton

ECCV held a gathering of Victorian regional ethnic councils in Shepparton over two days in April, hosted by the Ethnic Council of Shepparton & District. The meeting discussed greater collaboration and the development of a new regional strategy to support migrant refugee communities in regional Victoria. 

Voice of the Outer South East Forum

The Voice of the Outer South East forum in Narre Warren on 29 April, hosted by City of Casey and supported by ECCV, was an important first step in establishing a new community-led voice for migrant and refugee communities in the southeast of Melbourne. 

COVIDSafe Planning Webinar for Retailers

ECCV collaborated with the Australian Retailers Association and the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions to present a webinar on COVIDSafe planning for small businesses retailers. Spot checks by inspectors have found high rates of non-compliance. 

Gas Industry CALD Consultations

ECCV is recruiting people from CALD communities to participate in residential consumer consultations with the gas industry. Participants will receive $300 to attend three in-person workshops in Melbourne (Southbank and South Yarra) over six months and provide feedback to assist future industry planning. No knowledge of the gas industry required. 

Staff welcome & farewell

  • Hella Ibrahim, Sector Communications & Engagement Officer
  • Denisse Sandoval, Advocacy Lead
  • Farewell & Thank you: Shahnoor Shah, Project Coordinator

MORE:

Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV)
Address: Suite 101, 398 Sydney Road, Coburg VIC 3058
Tel: 9354 9555
Email: eccv@eccv.org.au
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VMC | UPDATING | Community on Lockdown and support available | Thursday 27 May 2021 | from 11.59pm

[Edited extract from public address]

From 11.59pm Thursday 27 May 2021,  a seven-day lockdown across Victoria begins. Here are facts you need to know as well as key information on supports and services that are available to you and your community.  

Message from the Chairperson

Please share this information with your friends and family. For those who would like to hear this information in their language, please visit the Multilingual News Services page.

To view and share this information within your communities, you can visit the translated information on this page.

If you have had interruptions to your work, school, mental health or family due to COVID-19, cohealth can help you, through the Family Recovery Program. Read the fact sheets in 13 languages and call 9448 6845 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. For an interpreter, call 13 14 50 and ask them to call 9448 6845.

For those in need of food relief and essentials, you can contact Relief and Community Support at rcs@dffh.vic.gov.au and 1800 365 100.

Some more essential links:
We understand this is a stressful and upsetting time, especially for our diverse communities, and we will continue to support you as we work together to overcome this latest COVID challenge.

This snap lockdown will let our dedicated public health team work to the best of their abilities. The pace with which this virus moves requires our focused attention and to follow all the public health directions.

We have done this before and we can do it again, by remaining vigilant and supporting each other.

Viv Nguyen, Chairperson

COVID-19 exposure sites

There are new coronavirus exposure sites across Melbourne as well as some regional areas. If you, or your friends or family, went to any of the exposure sites listed here at the times indicated, please follow the advice given for that particular site. 

COVID-19 symptoms to watch for

If you have cold or flu like symptoms, such as a cough, fever, sore throat, shortness of breath or runny nose, even if these are mild, you should get tested for COVID-19. 

New restrictions on gatherings, travel and masks

From 11.59pm Thursday 27 May 2021, you will not be able to have visitors to your home, unless it is an intimate partner. Single person bubbles will also be allowed.

Public and private gatherings will not be permitted.

Masks must be carried and worn everywhere, indoors and outdoors, unless at home.

Shops like supermarkets, food stores, bottle shops, banks, petrol stations and pharmacies will also remain open. Cafes and restaurants will be able to offer take-away only. Gyms, hairdressers, community facilities and entertainment venues will all close. Non-essential retail may only open for click and collect.

Getting vaccinated against COVID-19

Vaccination helps protect you from getting sick from COVID-19. The vaccines being used in Australia are very effective at preventing serious illness and loss of life from COVID-19. Vaccination centres are open to people who are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. If you are eligible, please get vaccinated. State Hubs from tomorrow will be offering Pfizer to 40 – 49 year olds.

Checking in at venues and facilities 

Using the Service Victorian QR code to check in when you visit public places helps with contact tracing and keeps Victoria safe and open. When you check-in, you create a record of the time and date you visited a venue. This means that contact tracers can quickly access your contact information and get in touch with you, if you’ve visited a public exposure site. This will help to contain any COVID-19 outbreak. 

QR codes are simple and free and the information recorded when you check in is kept private.

Financial supports for people and businesses impacted


If you have questions or concerns about COVID-19, you can call the coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398, then press 0 (zero).  
 

Coronavirus hotline

 

MORE:

Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)
Address: Level 3, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9651 5901
Email:

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VMC | UPDATING | Community on New restrictions and exposure sites, Melbourne Awards open for nomination, Jobs in family violence | Tuesday 25 May 2021

[Edited extract from public address]

Recent days have brought some worrying indications of a COVID-19 outbreak in the northern suburbs of Melbourne. As a result, new restrictions have been instituted that Victorians must follow from 6 pm tonight.

Message from the Chairperson

I hope you have all been enjoying the warm, final days of autumn. Winter is coming and the colder weather will allow colds, flu and coronavirus to spread more easily.

I hope that anyone who has visited an exposure site or is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms will isolate and get tested. We all want to prevent people from suffering the virus, and limit the impact of further restrictions on our daily lives, so we need to do the right thing.

In this week's update, we've got several announcements that should be of great interest to multicultural communities.

The City of Melbourne has opened nominations for its annual Melbourne Awards. Now in its 19th year, these awards celebrate Melburnians who dedicate their lives to making the city greater. Every week I attend events and speak to people from diverse communities who make Melbourne a more vibrant and joyful place to live, and I hope they consider nominating themselves.

Also worth noting for Melburnians, the Metropolitan Partnerships are now recruiting new board members, and they're particularly interested in appointing people from CALD backgrounds.

Moving to Victoria-wide news, there are many employment opportunities arising in the family violence space. This is such vital, meaningful work where you can make a real difference to people's lives.

Finally, we have two surveys calling for feedback from multicultural communities. Positive Choices wants the thoughts of Arab, Chinese and South Asian Australians on their new drug and alcohol fact sheets. Cultural Pulse also seeks multicultural perspectives on the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Participating in these studies gives you the chance to win a gift card; but more importantly than that, the organisations running them will use the concerns of diverse communities to inspire change.

Take care and stay safe.
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson

Nominations now open for the Melbourne Awards | nominations close Friday 11 June 2021

The Melbourne Awards celebrate the people and projects that make a difference to our city. Applications are now open across eight categories, including:
  • Knowledge and Innovation
  • Hospitality 
  • Urban Design 
  • Arts and Events
  • LGBTIQ
  • Aboriginal Melbourne – Kommargee Ketherba
  • Sustainability and Community.
Help the City of Melbourne celebrate the researchers, innovators, game changers and future shapers. 

Apply to become a Metropolitan Partnerships board member | applications close Monday 31 May 2021

The Metropolitan Partnerships (the Partnerships) are boards that represent their local communities across six regions, covering all of Melbourne’s suburbs.

The Partnerships work with community, business, local and state government to explore the needs and opportunities of Melbourne’s suburbs.

The Partnerships are now seeking new board members.

It’s important that the membership of the Partnerships reflects the diversity of the suburbs they represent – including young and culturally and linguistically diverse Melburnians. Members of the Partnerships work with community, stakeholders, and local and state government to identify and explore local priorities and opportunities. Your insights can help government understand the specific needs of your community and drive local action.
 

Jobs open in family violence sector for multicultural Victorians

Right now across Victoria there are opportunities for people who want to make a difference in a career that’s meaningful, challenging and rewarding. From social workers and educators, to communicators and researchers, the family violence sector needs people with different skills, experience and backgrounds for roles as diverse as the communities served.

Be part of a team working to make positive change and end family violence.
 

Parents of teenagers and healthcare workers sought for fact sheet feedback

Positive Choices is an online portal to help school communities access accurate, up-to-date drug education resources and prevention programs. They are developing drug education fact sheets for Arab, Chinese and South Asian communities. The resources provide advice and information to help parents talk to their teenagers about drugs and alcohol.

Positive Choices would like the help of health workers and parents to make sure these fact sheets are both informative and suitable for the intended communities.


To access the survey for parents, please click on the relevant survey link in the languages below. Each survey is also available in English.
 

Multicultural perspectives wanted on COVID-19 vaccine rollout | survey closes tonight at midnight, 25 May 2021.

Cultural Pulse have engaged a research company to assist in better understanding perceptions about COVID-19 and its impact in the community. 

The research is vital to help provide the right assistance and advice on COVID-19 related issues. Of particular focus to this study is the COVID-19 vaccine – Cultural Pulse want to understand your thoughts on the rollout. 

The survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete.
 

Coronavirus hotline


MORE:

Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)
Address: Level 3, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9651 5901

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MESAC | SHARING | Winter Solstice Foreshore Ramble | Sunday 20 June 2021 | 10am–11.30am

[Edited extract from public address]

MESAC is a voluntary organisation with priceless volunteers who give up hundreds of hours of their time. Volunteers are passionate, highly educated and skilled in so many things. A debt of gratitude is owed every day for their passion to educate, connect and preserve our natural marine environments.

MESAC Winter Solstice Foreshore Ramble | Sunday 20 June 2021 | 10am–11.30am

Join in our first post-COVID lockdown Winter Solstice Walk for 2021:
  • Assembly: 10am at McGregor’s Rock
  • Talk: by Ray Lewis’ on Sea Country & Megafauna 
  • Walk: with Professor John Buckeridge at the open cliffs; discussing coastal geology, geomorphology and palaeoecology (providing an insight into what it was like in our coastal waters from 6 million years ago to the present). 
  • Finish: Ricketts Point Tea House for hot coffee, tea, chocolate, soup & warm fire if you like.
Cost: free to attend
Considerations: run by experts and volunteers. Incidentals like beverages are borne by participant.
Bookings: numbers are limited, online bookings essential through TryBooking

Social Media

Connecting with you via our communication channels.
All our website and social media sites are chock full of local, Australian and international marine science news. Check out our new YouTube Channel!

We have also posted our MESAC & Coastcare Summer By The Sea online events and videos for you to enjoy.
Please make sure you 'Like' and 'Subscribe' to our pages.

Events

We continue to bring the community together, raise awareness about the MESAC project and educate about our beautiful, unique marine environment.

Please refer to our website for future events in 2021 - COVID vaccine rollout and border closures permitting. 

Education publications

Please refer to our website for our recent publications including:

We have created this journal with the aim of fostering deeper connections with marine and coastal areas, and the flora and fauna that inhabit it. Many community members have contributed to its pages – artists, photographers, scientists, snorkelers and walkers – all of whom appreciate the wonders of coastal and marine environments.

We hope that using this journal may help to cultivate closer attention to the natural environment, its seasonal changes and complex inter-relationships. Regular observation can encourage love and guardianship of our precious coastal environments that survive, and in some areas thrive, despite the impacts of proximity to urban areas.

This beautiful home-grown journal makes a stunning gift for all occasions.  $20 plus postage or free pick up.

Also see our useful and beautifully photographed guides and handbooks.  See MESAC website for more details and to order

Connection and support

The Bayside area and surrounding bioregion are significant to the local Boon Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. Both the land and the sea hold memories and are alive.

We acknowledge the First People of our nation, whose understanding, connection and care for the land and the waters, and all living creatures, sets an example that we must follow.  We pay respects to their elders past and present, especially those of the Kulin nation on whose land and water we live and work, and hope that together we can carry their legacy forward.

MESAC also acknowledges the friendship and support of Fisheries, Parks Victoria, Coastcare, Bayside Council, other marine groups and local community from all around Port Phillip Bay and beyond. We love sharing ideas, experiences, achievements, hopes and dreams. 

We look forward to seeing and hearing from you soon. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any queries or comments at all.

Thankyou

We would also love to acknowledge our amazing sponsors:
  • Beaumaris Community Bank
  • Beaumaris Rotary
  • Beaumaris Books
  • Coastcare Victoria
  • Salvage Films
  • Hatchling Studios
  • Bayside Beaches Real Estate

MORE:

Marine Education Science and Community Inc. (MESAC)
Address: P.O Box 7228, Beaumaris VIC 3193 Australia

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CoPP | VACANCY | Community Representative for Annual Community Grants Assessment Panel 2021-2022 | nominations closing Sunday 30 May 2021

[Edited extract from public address]

An opportunity for community minded residents to apply for a two-year voluntary appointment as a Community Representative for the Annual Community Grants Assessment Panels. 

The Community Grants Program is an annual funding round established to support and encourage community organisations to develop and deliver projects and programs that respond to the changing needs of the Port Phillip community.

The successful applicants will apply their knowledge of the local community sector and understanding of the funding and grants as a member of one of two panels.

The assessment panels consist of one Councillor, one Senior Council Officer and two community representatives who come together to review the grant submissions and form recommendations for Council. Each panel member will contribute a minimum of 30 hours will be required over a 3-week period in September 2021 to review the submissions before 3 panel meetings that take place in late September and October

Applicants must:
  • be a resident of the City of Port Phillip.
  • be able to commit time to reading grant applications and attending evening panel assessments in September – October 2021.
  • adhere to the City of Port Phillip confidentiality and conflict of interest requirements.
  • have access to a computer and the internet to review electronic applications.
Selection Criteria
  • Commitment to supporting and strengthening a diverse community that encourages the participation and inclusion of all residents.
  • Understanding and/or experience of the issues affecting diverse and marginalised people in the City of Port Phillip.
  • Knowledge of local community organisations and groups and an awareness of local networks.
Desirable
  • Involvement in local community including but not limited to clubs, organisations, committees and groups.
  • Experience in the administration of community funded projects and or the grants assessment process. 
Applications
  • Accepted until Sunday, 30 May 2021 midnight
  • Apply Here

MORE:
Grants and Funding
City of Port Phillip (CoPP)
Address: 99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda, VIC 3182, Australia
Tel: 03 9209 6777
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CoPP | COMMEMORATING | Reconciliation Week 2021 - ‘More Than a Word: Reconciliation Takes Action’ | 26 May–3 June (including National Sorry Day and Mabo Day)

[Edited extract from public address]

Reconciliation Australia’s theme for 2021, More than a word. Reconciliation takes action, urges the reconciliation movement towards braver and more impactful action.

Reconciliation is a journey for all Australians – as individuals, families, communities, organisations and importantly as a nation. At the heart of this journey are relationships between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

To that end, the City of Port Phillip is developing its third Reconciliation Action Plan this year based on consultations with key stakeholders such as the area’s First Peoples’, the Yalukut Weelam clan of the Boonwurrung, and the wider Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, and service providers. 

We all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures.

2021 marks twenty years of Reconciliation Australia and almost three decades of Australia’s formal reconciliation process.

‘Filming on Country’ (panel) | Saturday 22 May 2021 | 12noon-1.30pm

This expert panel of policy makers, lawyers and filmmakers, deals with creative and business process and protocols in working with traditional owners in filming on country, including metropolitan areas and looks towards visioning projects that embrace deeper cultural relationships, respect, understanding and collaboration.
Where: JMC Academy, South Melbourne 
Cost: Free but bookings required.

National Sorry Day luncheon | Wednesday 26 May 2021 | 12noon-2pm

Organised by Port Phillip Citizens for Reconciliation. Due to COVID restrictions, a light lunch will be offered, and the event is an opportunity for members of the local First Peoples’ community to re-engage and remember the Stolen Generations. 
Where: St Peter’s Church in South Melbourne 
Bookings: Bookings and further information: Rosemary Rule, Port Phillip Citizens for Reconciliation, on mobile:  0418 675 734 or rosemary.rule@gmail.com

Reconciliation Week Flagraising | Thursday 27 May 2021 | 12noon-12.30pm

A program featuring welcome to country from the Boonwurrung Land and Sea Council, reconciliation message by Mayor, flagraising and smoking ceremony. Due to COVID restrictions, the traditional community meal in St Kilda Town Hall will be postponed this year. 
Where: St Kilda Town Hall foreground
Bookings: register online via Trybooking prior to event. QR codes will also be in use for the event. 
For further information contact: Todd Condie, Indigenous Policy Officer, City of Port Phillip – mobile: 0403 606 559 or email: tcondie@portphillip.vic.gov.au

‘Tribute to Bob Maza' | Saturday 29 May 2021 | 3pm

Join Australian screen and stage artists Lisa and Rachael Maza as they pay tribute to the life and work of their late father - performer, activist, playwright and Meriam/Yidinji man Bob Maza. 
Where: Alex Theatre, St Kilda

Esplanade Market Pop Up Music | Sunday 30 May 2021 | 11am-3pm

(Note: Esplanade Market event pages will be set up for these musicians)
11am – 1pm: Amos Roach 
1pm – 3pm: House of Wood

Mabo Day Flagraising | Thursday 3 June 2021 | 12noon-12.30pm

Featuring welcome to country from the Boonwurrung Land and Sea Council, message by Mayor, flagraising and smoking ceremony. Due to COVID restrictions, the traditional community meal in St Kilda Town Hall will be postponed this year. 
Where: St Kilda Town Hall
Bookings: All attendees are required to register online through Trybooking prior to event. QR Codes will also be in use for the event. 
For further information contact: Fred Gesha, Indigenous Arts Officer, City of Port Phillip – mobile: 0403 606 559 or email: fgesha@portphillip.vic.gov.au

MORE:

Indigenous Policy 
Community Building and Inclusion
City of Port Phillip (CoPP)
St Kilda Town Hall, 99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda Victoria 3182
Tel: 03 9209 6818

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VMC | UPDATING | Community on Curious Conversations JUSTICE panel, New jobs and free kinder for asylum seekers and refugees | Tuesday 18 May 2021

[Edited extract from public address]

If we are to thrive as a state, every Victorian must feel respected and protected by our police, courts and corrections services. 

Message from the Chairperson

We were excited to bring you the third instalment of our Curious Conversations series Tuesday 18 May 2021. A lively discussion between three thought leaders who care deeply about making sure our justice system is fair and representative. Our panel of experts again mapped the future of multicultural Victoria, this time focusing on the justice system. 

We have some other important news in this week's update. The Victorian Government has announced that many new jobs are being created for migrant and refugee women as part of the Working for Victoria scheme. In addition, children of refugee and asylum seekers can now access free or low cost kinder.

Moving Pictures is calling out to people of Italian backgrounds, asking them to provide feedback on some new short films, And applications have now opened for Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation’s gambling harm prevention grants.

I'd like to share that I have been appointed as an advisory member of the GenV project. This is the largest childhood research project ever undertaken In Australia. The parents of more than 170,000 babies will be invited to participate in the study by the end of 2022. Information gathered will develop a complete picture of the health and wellbeing of an entire generation of Victorians. It is hoped that this data can then be used to prevent, predict and treat issues facing children and parents today, with a focus on problems like preterm birth, allergies and mental illness. I will be doing my best to make sure our multicultural communities have a voice in this important project.

Finally, a reminder that from 28 May, businesses, venues and facilities with electronic record keeping requirements must use the free Victorian Government QR Code Service. You can sign up here.

Take care and stay safe.
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson

Curious Conversations: Justice

Tuesday 18 May 2021, we continued our Curious Conversations series of public lectures to explore the Cultural Diversity Week theme, 'What does multicultural Victoria look like in 2030?'

The series covers topics ranging from the benefits and opportunities that our cultural, linguistic and religious diversity provides, as well as issues identified by communities.

Nevena Spirovska facilitated a panel of justice experts who will consider the future of the justice system in Victoria. We encourage you to stream the presentation and join the discussion in the comments section.

Tonight's panellists:
  • Dr Stephane Shepherd, Associate Professor, Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science, Swinburne University of Technology. Recipient of the 2020 Multicultural Award for Excellence in Justice.
  • Fotini Kypraios, Principal Lawyer, Prisma
  • Bill Kyriakopoulos, Deputy Secretary, Police, Community Safety and Communications, Department of Justice and Community Safety

Multilingual women keeping communities safe

Working for Victoria is partnering with the Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health and nine other women’s health organisations to create jobs for migrant and refugee women.

Employees will work directly with CALD communities across Victoria, helping people access the latest public health information about coronavirus and other women’s health issues in a range of languages.

Roles will be based in metropolitan and regional Victoria and will involve both face-to-face and online platforms, including video conferencing and social media.

The multilingual educators will be matched to each community based on the languages spoken and health needs of participants.

Helping refugee and asylum seeker children get the best start

Children of refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds can now access two years of free or low-cost kindergarten to give them the best educational start to life.

Early Start Kindergarten provides access to a program delivered by a qualified teacher which supports children’s language and social development. The grant is available to children who turn three-years-old before 30 April in the year they are enrolled to attend kindergarten.

From 2021, the grant has been expanded to include children of refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds. Early Start Kindergarten continues to be available to children from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, as well as families and children who have had contact with Child Protection.

Parents and carers can enrol their child by contacting their local kindergarten and asking to access the Early Start Kindergarten grant.

Gambling harm prevention grants now open

Applications are now open for the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation’s gambling harm prevention grants. They’re offering a total of $400,000 (ex GST) for new projects to prevent and reduce harm from gambling among Vietnamese women.

Moving Pictures seeking people of Italian background to give film feedback | evaluation closes 7 June 2021

In Australia, limited awareness of dementia in people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds often results in delayed diagnosis, poorer prognosis, and a higher burden of care on families and health systems.

Moving Pictures, an innovative multimedia project, aims to change this through the production of short films co-produced with people from CALD backgrounds. They have now opened the online evaluation of short films for people from an Italian background.

Moving Pictures are looking for survey participants who are over the age of 18, are from an Italian background, and live in Australia to help evaluate and provide feedback on the films for final refinement

The evaluation is available in English and Italian, and each survey will take 20-25 minutes to complete. Participants can enter a draw to win one of four $50 gift cards.

Coronavirus hotline


MORE:

Victorian Multicultural Commission
Address: Level 3, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9651 5901
Email: contact@vmc.vic.gov.au

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ICM | GATHERING | Sacred Listening | Sunday 23 May 2021 | 5-6pm

[Edited extract from public address]

An Interspiritual Gathering

With Rev Helen Summers, The Interfaith Centre of Melbourne,
Murshida Nuria Daly, The International Sufi Movement in Australia,
Rev’d Glenn Loughrey, Priest, Wiradjuri man

Beautiful music by Cath Connelly, Celtic Harpist

Where: St Oswald's Chapel, 100 High Street, Glen Iris Victoria. Please arrive early to check in with QR Code.

Bookings: register attendance due to COVID Safety regulations on email info@interfaithcentre.org.au

MORE:
The Interfaith Centre of Melbourne (ICM)
Address: PO Box 18335, Collins Street East, Melbourne Vic 8003 Australia
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VMC | UPDATING | Community on New grants and funding opportunities, Viv is on Twitter | Wednesday 12 May 2021

[Edited extract from public address]

Recently, VMC and some of its partners enjoyed a special cocktail event at the Immigration Museum. Attendees were treated to some incredible performances channelling a diverse array of dance and music traditions spanning Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe and Australia.


Message from the Chairperson

It was great to be able to see so many familiar faces in person again. With the Refugee Awards, the Multicultural Film Festival and the Premier's Gala Dinner still to come this year, we hope to see many more of you soon.

Next Tuesday we will have the third instalment in our Curious Conversations live event series. This time we will host a panel discussion between key figures in Victoria’s justice and corrections system, as we grapple with some big questions around equity, access and representation.

Elsewhere in this week's update, I would like to share several new grants that are open for application. There is funding available for organisations looking to run sporting programs for African and Pasifika young people, the City of Melbourne is offering arts grants, and the Jobs Victoria Fund is receiving submissions for the new wage subsidy initiative.

I also provide some recommendations for events that may interest our communities at Victorian Law Week (which starts next Monday) and share some new opportunities at the Queen Victoria Women's Centre Trust.

I would like to mention that I've joined Twitter. I will be regularly sharing what I'm doing as VMC Chairperson, so if you use Twitter, please feel free to follow me. 

Finally, Ramadan is soon coming to a close for the Muslim community. The commissioners and I have attended many memorable Iftars this past month, including the Premier's Iftar Dinner on Monday night. It has been a privilege to break the fast with so many Victorians observing this sacred time of reflection. Eid Mubarak to anyone who is celebrating Eid al-Fitr this Thursday.

Take care and stay safe.
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson

VMC's partner and stakeholder cocktail evening thrills

Tuesday 11 May, the VMC held its first in-person networking event for 2021. More than 100 partners, sponsors, guests and staff enjoyed the entertainment on show. There were diverse performances, with Nepalese and Latin American dancers, music acts featuring a kora, concert harp, guitar and trumpet, as well as an electrifying drum-off between Indian, Senegalese and Aboriginal musicians. The night was just one event in an exciting series being rolled out by the VMC in 2021 to promote diversity and celebrate multiculturalism in Victoria.

Curious Conversations: Justice | Tuesday 18 May 2021 | 6-7.05pm

We continue our Curious Conversations series of public lectures to explore the Cultural Diversity Week theme, 'What does multicultural Victoria look like in 2030?'
The series covers 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.
Next conversation, panellists will be discussing the future of the justice system in Victoria. 
 

Helping India from Australia

The Multifaith Advisory Group met on 3 May 2021 and we would like to send a message to the people of India and the Indian diaspora community.

The wonderful Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore writes from his heart about our common humanity: ”I shall ever seek my compatriots all over the world.”

In this time of pandemic crisis, we are drawn to be compatriots of folk in India. The links between India and Australia run deep and are getting deeper.

Our Indian Australian sisters and brothers are a major community in our successful multicultural Australia. We feel with them, and for them, as their relatives and the Indian population face the current COVID crisis. Bonded as we are so deeply, we compatriots offer our prayers and meditations from our unifying ethic of compassion.

With links of friendship, we also are offering what practical support we can through trusted and faith-based Indian NGOs, complementing the aid already being offered by our State and Federal Governments. The needs are huge, as the media reports convey. Our friends in India write asking for our prayers as they succumb to the virus and as they hear of more friends dying.

From our diverse traditions, we offer what we can together. Please make a donation to your preferred charity or consider the organisations below, which are raising funds for India right now.
Sincerely,
Multifaith Advisory Group

Multifaith Advisory Council signatories
• The Multifaith Advisory Group
• All Nations Presbyterian Church of Australia Mulgrave
• AMAFHH Federation - Shi'a Organisation
• Australian Intercultural Society
• Australian Muslim Women's Centre for Human Rights
• Anglican Diocese of Melbourne
• Baha’i Community of Victoria
• Benevolence Australia
• Board of Imams Victoria
• Rabbinical Council of Victoria
• Buddhist Council of Victoria
• Catholic Social Services Victoria
• Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Melbourne
• Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria
• Faith Communities Council of Victoria
• Hindu Society of Victoria
• Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia Hindu Council of Australia (Vic)
• Islamic Council of Victoria
• Jewish Community Council of Victoria
• Lutheran Church of Australia
• National Council of Churches in Australia
• Presbyterian Church of Victoria
• Rabbinical Council of Victoria
• Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne
• Russian Orthodox Church
• Sikh Interfaith Council of Victoria
• The Interfaith Centre of Melbourne
• UNESCO
• Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of Vic/Tas
• Victorian Council of Churches
• Victorian Multicultural Commission
 

Important notice regarding Eid and NAPLAN

The Victorian Multicultural Commission is aware that the upcoming NAPLAN dates coincide with Eid al-Fitr.

While it is important to note that decisions relating to NAPLAN are made at a national level, advice from the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (which administers NAPLAN within Victoria) is that the NAPLAN protocols (for both paper and online tests) state that schools can change a test date for reasons outside their control. This includes religious holidays and observations.

Impacted schools should lodge change of date requests through the NAPLAN Help Desk on vcaa.naplan.help@education.vic.gov.au or 1800 648 637. 

Individual families can also speak to their child's school to reschedule their assessment.

If schools wish to discuss the timing of Eid and NAPLAN, they are best to call the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) helpdesk. Details are below.

African and Pasifika Youth Sports Program grants | applications closing 11.59pm Wednesday 19 May 2021

The Victorian Government’s African and Pasifika Youth Sports Program supports informal sports teams to participate in competitions and events in partnership with local councils and community organisations.

$300,000 is available to support African and Pasifika young people to participate in sports competitions and events to foster a sense of belonging and create pathways to mentoring, training and employment opportunities.
  • Up to $2,000 for uniforms and equipment
  • Up to $30,000 to support participation in sports games, competitions and events
  • Available to African and Pasifika sports teams supported through local government and community organisations.
 

Victorian Law Week | Monday 17-Saturday 23 May 2021

Victorian Law Week commences next Monday, and there are so many intriguing events worth your time. Here are just some of them:
Shepparton Magistrates’ Court offers a unique service for the local region. In this presentation you will learn about the Koori Court process, why it was introduced and what it hopes to achieve for clients and the community.
Join Study Melbourne and experts from Victoria Police and WestJustice to learn about the warning signs and tricks scammers use. You will find out about the most common scams for international students and where to seek help if you fall victim to one.
This session will provide an update on some of the changes to migration, migrant visas and travel restrictions, as well as an overview of the recent challenges faced by temporary Australian visa holders during COVID.
This session will help young people from CALD backgrounds better understand their rights in the workplace.

Employers can now apply for the wage subsidy program

The Jobs Victoria Fund is providing $250 million in wage subsidies to assist Victorian businesses to employ at least 10,000 people who are looking for work.

The Fund will support employers to grow and recover while helping Victorians looking for full-time work.

If you are a Victorian employer ready to take on new staff, the Jobs Victoria Fund can financially support you to employ people who have been most affected by the economic impacts of the pandemic.

You can read in-language information about the wage subsidy below:
 

City of Melbourne annual arts grants open

Applications are now open for annual art projects occurring in 2022, with grants of up to $20,000 available.

City of Melbourne are seeking applications from artists of all disciplines and from all backgrounds and abilities. This includes but is not limited to musicians, singer songwriters, bands, composers and sound artists of all kinds.

Support will be considered for one-off projects, a specific component of an annual program or a creative development, resulting in a public outcome within the City of Melbourne boundaries. Projects presented online and creative developments without a public outcome will also be eligible if they can demonstrate a connection to the City of Melbourne.

Queen Victoria Women's Centre Trust seeking member positions and chair

Victoria's Minister for Women, Gabrielle Williams MP, is pleased to invite applications for three members and the chair of the Queen Victoria Women's Centre Trust (the Trust).

The Trust was established under the Queen Victoria Women's Centre Trust Act 1994 to govern the Queen Victoria Women's Centre. Located at 210 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, the Queen Victoria Women's Centre is an iconic Melbourne landmark that supports women (cis, trans and non-binary inclusive) through creative experiences, community resources and the power of connection.
 

Coronavirus hotline


MORE:

Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)
Address: Level 3, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9651 5901


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VMC | UPDATING | Community on Exposure Sites for COVID-19 in Victoria | Tuesday 11 May 2021

[Edited extract from public address]

A new COVID-19 case has been identified in Victoria.

Message from the Chairperson

The man recently returned to Australia from overseas and undertook Hotel Quarantine in South Australia. He was tested yesterday and received a positive test result this morning. He is isolating at home.

If you need to know more about how and where to get tested and the best things to do to keep our community safe please visit: www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/getting-tested. If you need to know more about exposure sites, and what they mean, please visit: www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/exposure-sites. We are so proud of all of the hard work the community has done so far.

Exposure sites

There are new Tier 1 Melbourne exposure sites:
  • 5-6pm Thursday 6 May | Epping | Indiagate Spices and Groceries – Unit 14C/560-590 High Street
  • 12.01am-11.59pm Thursday 6 May |  Altona North | TIC Group (front office) – 232 Blackshaws Road
  • 6.30-9.30pm Friday 7 May | Melbourne | Curry Vault Indian Restaurant and Bar – 18-20 Bank Place
  • 5.40-6.38pm Saturday 8 May |  Epping | Woolworths Epping – Corner of Cooper and High Street
Anyone who has visited these exposure sites at the listed date and time must get tested immediately, even if you do not have any symptoms, and quarantine for 14 days from the date of exposure.

There are new Tier 2 Melbourne exposure sites:
  • 6.30-7pm Thursday 6 May | Epping | 7-Eleven Epping – 705 High Street and Cooper Street 
  • 12.01am-11.59pm Thursday 6 May | Altona North | TIC Group (warehouse section) – 232 Blackshaws Road
  • 11.10-11.40am Saturday, 8 May | Epping | 7-Eleven Epping – 705 High Street and Cooper Street
Anyone who has visited these exposure sites at the listed date and time must get tested immediately, even if you do not have any symptoms, and isolate until you receive a negative result.

For more details about exposure sites, and the most up-to-date list, visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/exposure-sites.

Getting tested

If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, even if they are mild, get tested immediately and stay at home until you receive a negative result.

For more information on getting tested including testing locations, visit www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/getting-tested.

Thank you all for reading, take care and stay safe.
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson

Coronavirus hotline


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: multiculturalcommission.vic.gov.au
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FCCV | ONLINE | Vigil for India | Tuesday 11 May 2021 | 5-5.45pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Join faith leaders in Melbourne for an online vigil for the COVID crisis being faced in India and by our Indian communities.

You are invited to light a candle in solidarity at this reflective meditative event, supporting and connecting communities in these difficult times.

Read statement by Multifaith Advisory Group: Helping India from Australia

Where: Zoom Link: tiny.cc/vigilforindia

MORE:
Faith Communities Council of Victoria (FCCV)
Care of Victorian Council of Churches
Address: Level 6, West Tower, 608 St.Kilda Road, Melbourne 3004

In association with the Victorian Government's Multifaith Advisory Group
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VMC | UPDATING | Community on Vigil for India, NAPLAN info for families celebrating Eid | Friday 7 May 2021

[Edited extract from public address]

It has been devastating to watch the COVID-19 case numbers in India climb to unprecedented levels recently. 

Message from the Chairperson

I'm just getting in touch again this week to pass on the important message from our Multifaith Advisory Group about the situation in India. I would also like to share some information about the upcoming NAPLAN tests in schools, which this year happen to coincide with Eid.  

Our thoughts are with everyone in India during this time of widespread suffering and uncertainty. Our thoughts also go out to Victorians who fear for loved ones affected by the pandemic.

The Faith Communities Council of Victoria, along with members of our own Multifaith Advisory Group, will hold an online vigil in support of our Indian communities next Tuesday (13 May) from 5 pm. You are invited to participate in this reflective and meditative event by joining the Zoom meeting here. 

Take care and stay safe.
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson

Helping India from Australia

Greetings of peace,
The Multifaith Advisory Group met on 3 May 2021 and we would like to send a message to the people of India and the Indian diaspora community.

The wonderful Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore writes from his heart about our common humanity: ”I shall ever seek my compatriots all over the world.”

In this time of pandemic crisis, we are drawn to be compatriots of folk in India. The links between India and Australia run deep and are getting deeper.

Our Indian Australian sisters and brothers are a major community in our successful multicultural Australia. We feel with them, and for them, as their relatives and the Indian population face the current COVID crisis. Bonded as we are so deeply, we compatriots offer our prayers and meditations from our unifying ethic of compassion.

With links of friendship, we also are offering what practical support we can through trusted and faith-based Indian NGOs, complementing the aid already being offered by our State and Federal Governments. The needs are huge, as the media reports convey. Our friends in India write asking for our prayers as they succumb to the virus and as they hear of more friends dying.

From our diverse traditions, we offer what we can together. Please make a donation to your preferred charity or consider the organisations below, which are raising funds for India right now.
There will be an online vigil, hosted by the Faith Communities Council of Victoria and supported by members of the Multifaith Advisory Group, on Tuesday 11 May, 5.00pm to 5.45pm via Zoom (register at http://tiny.cc/vigilforindia).

Sincerely,
Multifaith Advisory Group
 
Multifaith Advisory Council signatories
• The Multifaith Advisory Group
• All Nations Presbyterian Church of Australia Mulgrave
• AMAFHH Federation - Shi'a Organisation
• Australian Intercultural Society
• Australian Muslim Women's Centre for Human Rights
• Anglican Diocese of Melbourne
• Baha’i Community of Victoria
• Benevolence Australia
• Board of Imams Victoria
• Rabbinical Council of Victoria
• Buddhist Council of Victoria
• Catholic Social Services Victoria
• Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Melbourne
• Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria
• Faith Communities Council of Victoria
• Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia 
• Hindu Council of Australia (Vic)
• Hindu Society of Victoria
• Islamic Council of Victoria
• Jewish Community Council of Victoria
• Lutheran Church of Australia
• National Council of Churches in Australia
• Presbyterian Church of Victoria
• Rabbinical Council of Victoria
• Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne
• Russian Orthodox Church
• Sikh Interfaith Council of Victoria
• The Interfaith Centre of Melbourne
• Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of Vic/Tas
• Victorian Council of Churches
• Victorian Multicultural Commission
• UNESCO
 

Important notice regarding Eid and NAPLAN

The Victorian Multicultural Commission is aware that the upcoming NAPLAN dates coincide with Eid al-Fitr.
While it is important to note that decisions relating to NAPLAN are made at a national level, advice from the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (which administers NAPLAN within Victoria) is that the NAPLAN protocols (for both paper and online tests) state that schools can change a test date for reasons outside their control. This includes religious holidays and observations.

Impacted schools should lodge change of date requests through the NAPLAN Help Desk on vcaa.naplan.help@education.vic.gov.au or 1800 648 637. 

Individual families can also speak to their child's school to reschedule their assessment.

If schools wish to discuss the timing of Eid and NAPLAN, they are best to call the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) helpdesk. Details are below.

 

Coronavirus hotline

 

MORE:

Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)
Adress: Level 3, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9651 5901


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ECCV | UPDATING | CALD NDIS Readiness Bulletin #58 | Thursday 6 May 2021

[Edited extract from public address]

ECCV's new Raise Our Voices - Disability Self-advocacy for CALD Communities program

Now being delivered across metropolitan Melbourne, Shepparton and Gippsland. Through training, information forums, peer-led support networks and groups activities, Raise Our Voices aims to develop self-advocacy skills and empower people with disability, their carers and their families. 
 
Funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services, the program is being delivered with Migrant Resource Centre North West, Ethnic Council of Shepparton & District and Gippsland Multicultural Services.

State Disability Plan consultations

ECCV has been conducting consultations with CALD communities for the Victorian Office for Disability on the new State Disability Plan and review of the Disability Act.  Facilitated for the ECCV by NEDA President, Margherita Coppolino, the consultations have included sessions with Vietnamese carers in St Albans and young people from Burke and Beyond's Next Steps program in Dandenong.
 
ECCV is also set to begin work on the COVID-19 disability advocacy outreach program, in collaboration with ADEC and MRC North West Melbourne, to ensure that people with disability from migrant and refugee communities are not left behind by the pandemic.


Speak My Language

ECCV is looking for people with disability and guest speakers who speak Maltese, Somali and Oromo to be interviewed for the Speak My Language program. The national program will feature CALD and Indigenous Australians sharing real stories, experiences and tips about living well with a disability in a series of podcasts, radio broadcasts and online content in more than 25 community languages. ECCV is also recruiting "Travellers" to conduct interviews and produce podcasts.

Disability Information Sessions

ECCV's Community Connectors team has held a series of NDIS information sessions, including an event with the Raise our Voices program on 29 April at the Melbourne Polytechnic Preston campus and 6 May at the Epping Campus. Our Community Connectors also took part in the “Find Your Budget-Life Balance” Expo in Whittlesea's in March and a session at the North Melbourne Community Centre on 4 May.

NDIS Independent Assessment rollout delayed 

The planned mid-year roll out of independent assessments for the NDIS has been further delayed to allow for more consultation following concerns about its impact.  The new minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Linda Reynolds had indicated the Government will be closely assessing the independent assessment trial outcomes before any enabling legislation is taken forward.
 
The NDIS has stated that the safety and welfare of all participants, and ensuring their continued access to the disability-related supports they need, remains their priority.
 
ECCV has made a submission to the Joint Standing Committee on the NDIS Inquiry into Independent Assessments based on ECCV’s experience delivering the National Community Connector program.

COVID-19 Vaccines Updates & Tools 

The Department of Health's dedicated COVID-19 vaccine webpage for disability service providers has comprehensive information and resources for people with disability. This includes a readiness toolkit with resources designed to assist disability service providers during the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines. 

Miaccess - New website with translated resources 

MiAccess is a new purpose-built site for people with disability from CALD backgrounds, their carers, and communities.

MiAccess can now be accessed and navigated in 10 languages, as well as English. The site also contains translated resources about disability and accessing the NDIS in more than 30 languages.  

WIRE Resources for Women, by Women

WIRE has published two e-booklets and a video on choice and control in the NDIS. Developed in collaboration women with disability from various ethnic backgrounds and circumstances as part of the ‘COVID-19, Financial Capability and Intersectionality’ project, the resources include simple referral points and information.
 

SSI - Engaging CALD Communities

Disability service providers need to have targeted strategies to engage and build relationships with CALD communities. Settlement Services International's free online workshop on 11 May 2021 will assist for NDIS service provider staff in planning and implementing engagement processes for the communities they work with.  
 

Disability Royal Commission News 

Stay up-to-date with the work of the Disability Royal Commission through their fortnightly eNewsletter Connect. Submissions to the Royal Commission about the experiences of culturally and linguistically diverse people with disability are due by 11 June 2021. 
 

MRC - Wellbeing Support Group Meetings

Diversity and Disability - Migrant Resource Centre North West, in partnership with Yooralla, 
are holding monthly Support Group meetings throughout 2021 focused on wellbeing after the disruption of COVID-19 in 2020. The next session is on Thursday 20 May at MRCNW in St Albans.
 
 

MORE:

Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV)
Address: Suite 101, 398 Sydney Road, Coburg Vic 3058, 9354 9555

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VMC | UPDATING | Community on People aged over 50 now eligible for COVID-19 vaccine in Australia, guidance for Eid celebrations | Tuesday 4 May 2021

[Edited extract from public address]

It's May already, and many of us are likely feeling that the year is flying by again. 

Message from the Chairperson

For the VMC, we have some of our biggest events falling in the second half of the year, including the Refugee Awards, the Multicultural Film Festival, the Multicultural Awards for Excellence and the Premier's Gala Dinner. 

Nominations for the Refugee Awards have now closed and it is time for our judging panel to review the submissions. We thank everyone who nominated. We've read some fascinating stories of refugee and asylum seekers who are proud of the lives they have built in Australia. We look forward to sharing these stories with you in June.

There is still plenty of time to submit a short film for our Multicultural Film Festival. If you know of any filmmakers who have worked on, or want to create, a short piece that touches on cultural identity in Australia, please let them know about this great opportunity to have their work seen by a diverse audience.

I would also like to share with anyone who may not be aware, if you're aged over 50, you are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Australia. There are 22 vaccination centres open across Victoria. You can read the full eligibility details, learn how to book your vaccination, and view translated information about COVID-19 vaccines.

Elsewhere in this week's update, we have COVID-safe guidance for the upcoming Eid al-fitr celebrations, some helpful in-language resources for tax time and a website link to the new Mental Health Complaints Commissioner. 

AMAFHH Federation have also shared some photos and videos from their annual Iftar dinner last month. VMC staff and I attended this special evening. I was particularly impressed by the AMAFHH Youth Media Group's presentation on COVID-safe practices and the vaccine rollout. It's so heartening to see young people who are going out of their way to spread important messages that will protect their community.

Take care and stay safe.
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson

Multicultural Film Festival seeking entries

Film has a unique capacity to connect audiences to other points of view. Though we may have different backgrounds, when we immerse ourselves in stories of cultural heritage and identity, it’s easy to see that there is more that unites us than divides us.

The Multicultural Film Festival showcases short films that explore stories of diversity and inclusion. 
We support emerging filmmakers from diverse backgrounds and also invite submissions from all filmmakers to produce shorts that explore multiculturalism and promote social cohesion. 

Guidance for Eid al-Fitr celebrations

Ramadan is an incredibly important time for Muslim Victorians. Eid celebrations mark the end of this sacred period of reflection and devotion.

This year, Eid will be a joyous time for families to gather and for meals to be shared in person again. But as we celebrate, we need to remember to keep doing the things that keep us safe. That means getting tested if you have any symptoms, washing your hands regularly and carrying a face mask with you at all times.

If you're hosting an event, using a QR code check-in system is also essential.
 

In-language tax time resources

It's not long until the end of the financial year, and many Australians are already thinking about getting their tax deductions in order. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has many great resources to help you, and they've made them available in many different languages. 

Some of the topics covered include:
  • Help for your first tax time – information if you're new to Australia.
  • How to get ready to do your tax return – a checklist of what you might need for your tax return.
  • Steps to make doing your tax return easier – a guide to help you do your tax return.
  • Get free help to do your tax return – information about the ATO's Tax Help service.
  • Good recordkeeping makes tax time easier – tips for keeping good tax records.
  • Occupation and work-related expense guides – to help you work out what expenses you can claim as a deduction on your tax return.
  • Read the resources
 

Mental Health Complaints Commissioner launches new website

The new website for the Mental Health Complaints Commissioner aims to make it simpler for consumers, families, carers and support people to make a complaint about a Victorian public mental health service.

If you had a negative experience and would like to share it, it is your right to make a complaint to the Commissioner. Speaking up can improve the mental health system for you and other people.
 

Southern Metropolitan Cemetery Trust seeking volunteers for advisory committee  

The Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT) administers nine cemetery locations within metropolitan Melbourne and touches more than half of Victoria’s grieving families who have experienced loss.   

Central to the service is the involvement and representation of the diverse cultures and communities that live in and around Greater Melbourne.  

SMCT is currently seeking to appoint voluntary members to its Community Advisory Committee, which meets a minimum of four times a year.
 

AMAFHH Federation Iftar Dinner recap 

VMC Chairperson Viv Nguyen recently attended and spoke at AMAFHH Federation's annual Iftar dinner. 
 

Coronavirus hotline


MORE:

Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)
Address: Level 3, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9651 5901


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