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
ECCV also commended the $3.8 billion for mental health reform, including $4.6 million investment in a diverse communities’ mental health and wellbeing.
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.- To get involved contact voiceoutersoutheast@gmail.com
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.- Watch the webinar (60mins)
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
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Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV)Address: Suite 101, 398 Sydney Road, Coburg VIC 3058
Tel: 9354 9555
Email: eccv@eccv.org.au
Email: eccv@eccv.org.au
Website: https://eccv.org.au