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
- 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