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GEIFN | CONSOLIDATED | Information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) | Thursday 1 July 2021

Fast Facts: COVID-19 Victoria & Australia

  1. VIC | GOV | UPDATING | Pandemic Response
  2. AUST | GOV | CONTINUING | The vaccine rollout – have you booked yours?
  3. AUST | FECCA | GRANTING | CALD COVID-19 Health Small Grants | applications open now, closing end of January 2022
  4. CoPP | STARH | ANNOUNCING | StarHealth fact sheets on COVID-19 are now available
  5. VIC | NWMPHN | MAINTAINING | Good mental health through the pandemic through in-language videos
  6. VIC | GOV | ASSISTING | Family Recovery Program here to help CALD Victorians
  7. VIC | GOV | SUPPORTING | African-Victorian students and job seekers
  8. VIC | WEAU | ADVISING | Welcome to the Game Victoria's school holiday program now open to expressions of interest
  9. VIC | GOV | VACANCY | Victoria needs 4,000 new teachers
  10. VIC | ECCV | VACANCY | Speak My Language Interviewers
  11. VIC | VPC | RAISING | Support and Funds for Australia’s first purpose built LGBTIQ+ Pride Centre
  12. MELB | ASRC | CATERING | Home-meal movement is growing and so is the menu!
  13. MELB | MAV | RELEASING | New works from 'Shelter 2' exhibition every week | 16 June-25 August 2021
  14. VIC | GOV | CALLING | For Responses to a new Mental Health and Wellbeing Act | feedback until 4 July 2021
  15. VIC | VCHA | CALLING | Submissions for Victorian Community History Awards | closing soon, all entries must be received by 5pm Wednesday 7 July 2021
  16. VIC | GOV | CALLING | 2021 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards | Nominations now open, close on Friday 9 July 2021
  17. MELB | DSS | CALLING | What I Wish I Could Say submissions
  18. VIC | CCJV | WEBINAR | A religious discussion on vaccinations | Sunday 11 July 2021 | 3-5pm
  19. VIC | JCCV | PRESENTING | B'nai B'rith Human Rights Oration: The Uluru Statement from the Heart | Sunday 11 July 2021 | 7.30-9.30pm
  20. VIC | YOLA | WEBINAR | Helping young people understand their legal rights | Thursday 22 July 2021 | from 10.30am
  21. MELB | MSC | WELCOMING | Migrants and refugees to your local area | Friday 6 August 2021
  22. VIC | VMC | COMMEMORATING | Refugee Week 2021
  23. AUST | MiACCESS | TRANSLATING | Multilingual Information Access to resources & information
  24. AUST | ABS | The Census is coming this August
  25. AUST | SBS | SUPPORTING | Disability – radio in your language
  26. VIC | RECVic | ANNOUNCING HART Award winners
  27. VIC | GOV | ANNOUNCING | Cultural festival grant winners
  28. MELB | ECU | SEEKING | participants for research on Chinese-Australian racism
  29. VIC | GOV | ANNOUNCING | A new Anti-Racism Taskforce and over $3.8 million in funding to tackle racism in Victoria
  30. VIC | GOV | INQUIRING | Royal Commission into Crown Casino seeks feedback from CALD Victorians
  31. AUST | NDIS | ASSESSING | 2021 Federal Budget
  32. AUST | NDIS | PROPOSING | Personalised Budgets
  33. AUST | ACOSS | REPORTING | Disability Employment Services
  34. AUST | Coronavirus hotline
  35. AUST | Helpers and Reliable Sources Along the Way
  36. Acknowledgment to Sources
  37. Bye bye to Essentialists
  38. Self-Isolators, Non-Essentials And The Homebound


1. VIC | GOV | UPDATING | Pandemic Response

Metropolitan Melbourne restrictions from 11.59pm Thursday 24 June

Note: Cleaning, signage, record keeping, and other COVIDSafe requirements continue to apply for all venues and facilities with onsite operations as per the Workplace Directions. The Density Quotient (DQ) applies to all venues and spaces that are accessible to the public (and in closed workplaces, to shared spaces such as lunchrooms). Restrictions apply based on location and no longer follow a person if they travel between metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.


Remember to always check in at every venue using the Service Vic QR Code app.

Read more about Regional Victoria restrictions

Social gatherings, visitors and leaving home

Stay at home requirement:
  • No stay at home requirement
Intrastate travel limit:
  • Movement between metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria unrestricted
  • Travel to regional Victorian Alpine Resorts permitted. Visitors are recommended to have had a COVID test within 72 hours and a negative test prior to arriving in the Alpine region. Children under 12 years not included
Face coverings:
  • Must be carried at all times
  • Must be worn indoors except if at home, or if an exception applies
  • Recommended to be worn outdoors where 1.5 metres physical distancing cannot be maintained

Private gatherings in the home: Limited to 15 visitors per day together or separately, including dependants (infants under 12 months not included in the cap)

Public gatherings: Permitted for up to 50 people

Work: Work from home requirement removed. Office work – 75 per cent return or up to 30 people if total workplace is 40 or less, subject to density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm

Education and childcare

  • Early learning centres, childcare, kinder, family day care: Open
  • Schools: Open. Density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm applies, except in areas used by students
  • Higher education and training: Study from home requirement removed. Density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm applies, except in areas used by students
 

Ceremonies and Religious Gatherings

Permitted for up to 300 people per venue, density quotient of 1 person per 4 sqm applies. No group limits

Funerals Indoors and outdoors: 
  • Permitted with 300 people plus those necessary to conduct the funeral, subject to venue density limits.
  • Children under 12 months old are not counted towards this cap
Weddings Indoor and outdoor: 
  • Permitted with 300 people subject to venue density limits.
  • Dancefloors not permitted
 

Physical recreation & sport, including swimming pools, play centres, skateparks, trampolining centres

Physical recreation & sport:
  • Open, subject to a density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm
  • Maximum venue capacity 300 people per indoor space and 1,000 people outdoors
  • Maximum group size: 50 people
Community sport
  • Open for all ages, training and competition
  • Density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm
  • Maximum venue capacity 300 people per indoor space and 1,000 people outdoors
  • Spectators allowed within venue and space limits
 

Community facilities

  • Open with a density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm 
  • Maximum venue cap 300 people. No group limits
Venues less than 600sqm can operate with lesser of density quotient of 1 person per 2 sqm or venue cap of 150 patrons provided they have a COVID Check-in Marshal at the entrance to require check in

Creative Studios

  • Open with a density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm 
  • Maximum venue cap 300 people. No group limits
Venues less than 600sqm can operate with lesser of density quotient of 1 person per 2 sqm or venue cap of 150 patrons provided they have a COVID Check-in Marshal at the entrance to require check in 

Entertainment and Leisure

Indoor fixed seated entertainment: Open up to 75 per cent of seated capacity up to a maximum of 300 people per space. No group limit

Outdoor fixed seated entertainment: Open up to 75 per cent of seated capacity up to a maximum of 1,000 people per space. No group limit

Indoor non-seated entertainment venues:
  • Open to a maximum of 300 people per space. Density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm applies
  • No group limit
Outdoor non-seated venues:
  • Density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm applies to a maximum of 
    • 300 per space indoors; and
    • 1,000 per space outdoors
  • Limits apply in seated spaces 
  • No group limit
Arcades, escape rooms, bingo centres: Open to a maximum of 300 people per venue. Density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm applies

Drive-in cinemas: A maximum patron cap of 1,000 people per venue.
Density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm applies

Amusement parks:
  • Density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm applies to a maximum of 
    • 300 per space indoors; and
    • 1,000 per space outdoors
  • Limits apply in seated spaces
  • No group limit
Casinos:
  • Limit of 300 patrons per indoor space
  • Subject to density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm
  • Every second machine closed or 1.5m between machines
  • COVID Marshals required
Retail betting venues: 
  • Open to a maximum of 300 patrons per venue. 
  • Density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm applies. 
  • Venues within hospitality settings are subject to overarching hospitality limits
Electronic gaming: 
  • Open to a maximum of 300 patrons per venue. 
  • Density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm applies. Every second machine closed or 1.5m between machines. 
  • COVID Marshals required. 
  • Venues within hospitality settings are subject to overarching hospitality limits

Sex on premises, brothels and sexually explicit venues: 
Open to a maximum of 300 people. 
Density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm applies

Karaoke and Nightclubs: 
  • Seated service only, to a maximum of 300 patrons, subject to density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm. 
  • Dancefloors not permitted
 

General retail

  • All retail: Open. Density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm applies
  • Auction houses: No patron cap, density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm
 

Hairdressing, beauty, personal care

  • Density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm applies.
  • Can remove mask for services
 

Hospitality

Food and drink facilities:
  • Open for seated service only
  • Smaller venues can have up to 25 patrons before the density quotient applies
  • Venues less than 600sqm can operate with lesser of density quotient of 1 per 2sqm or venue cap of 150 patrons provided they have a COVID Check-in Marshal
  • Maximum patron cap of 300 per venue. No group limit. Density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm applies

Food courts: 
  • No venue cap. 
  • A density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm applies indoors and outdoors
 

Accommodation

Bookings permitted for single households plus 15 visitors (including dependants, but not infants under 12 months)

Real Estate Services

  • Auctions permitted subject to a density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm. No patron cap
  • Inspections permitted subject to density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm. No patron cap and no requirement for private appointment
 

Tours and transport

Tours: 
  • Group size in public places determined by public gathering limits (50 persons). 
  • Venue limits including density quotients apply when tours enter or pass through venues

Tour transport: 
  • Limit of 50 people per vehicle, face masks required
 

Care Facility Visitors

  • Two visitors at a time, up to five per day, except for end of life (Two visitors at a time with no total limit per day)
  • Do not have to be from the same household and no time limit 
  • Prospective residents are a permitted to visit
 

Hospital Visitors

  • Two visitors at a time, up to five per day, except for end of life (Two at a time, with no total limit per day)
  • Do not have to be from the same household and no time limit 
  • Non-essential contractors are restricted from entry
 

Other ways to stay safe

  • Always wash your hands before you leave, and when you return home.
  • Keep at least 1.5 metres between yourself and others.
  • Never, ever go out if you are unwell unless it is to get tested.
  • After you get tested, you must go straight home.
  • Remember that the most important thing you can do is get tested, even if you have the mildest of symptoms.
  • Get vaccinated if you are eligible. 
 

To learn more about Victoria's restrictions

Visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au or call the Victorian Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398. International, interstate and mobile callers can phone (+613) 9096 9000.


Fleeing from Family Violence

  • If you need to leave home due to family violence or violence by another person in the home, and you are at risk and you are stopped by police, tell them you are feeling unsafe at home and they will help you. 
  • Safe accommodation and support for family violence is available. Call safe steps on 1800 015 188 or email safesteps@safesteps.org.au for help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
 

COVID-19 vaccines ⁠–⁠ Is it true?

With new COVID-19 vaccine developments every day, it’s normal to have questions or concerns, and possibly feel hesitant about getting a vaccine. That's why accurate, evidence-based answers to questions is available about COVID-19 vaccines. 
Find out more about COVID-19 vaccines ⁠–⁠ Is it true?


2. AUST | GOV | CONTINUING | The vaccine rollout – have you booked yours?

Everyone in Australia can get the vaccination when it's their turn. Currently in Victoria, anyone aged 40 or over is eligible for the free vaccine, along with people with particular underlying conditions. Vaccines are a safe way of building protection against COVID-19 in the body, without causing illness. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), an authority made up of scientists and medical experts who regulate and approve all vaccines, medicines, and other medical products for use in Australia, have examined each of the COVID-19 vaccines available in Australia. They have concluded they are safe and effective and have approved them for use to protect against severe illness and death. 

If you want to talk to someone about COVID-19 vaccines, or ask when it’s your turn, call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080. The hotline is available 24 hours every day. For the translating and interpreting Service, call 131 450. 
COVID-19 vaccine resources
The Federal 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.
NDIS | COVID-19 vaccination for NDIS participants
All National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants aged 16 years and over and carers aged 16 years and over of NDIS participants of any age became eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine from 8 June. NDIS participants will be able to find a vaccination site using the Department of Health's eligibility checker.


3. AUST | FECCA | GRANTING | CALD COVID-19 Health Small Grants | applications open now, closing end of January 2022.

The CALD COVID-19 Health Small Grants Fund will help multicultural community groups lead grassroots communication activities around COVID-19 and the vaccination rollout, targeting CALD communities.
Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) will administer grants of $2,500, $3,500 or $5,000 to groups or organisations to fund short-term, one-off, communication and outreach projects that aim to achieve the following objectives:
  • Address barriers to accessing information on COVID-19 and the vaccination program
  • Provide the opportunity for communities to identify and respond to issues and concerns surrounding COVID-19 and the vaccination program
  • Provide accurate and culturally relevant information on the COVID-19 Vaccination Program
  • Foster community involvement and participation
  • Encourage partnerships among community organisations
Organisations must be a not-for-profit constituted body, such as an incorporated association, or groups must be auspiced by a not-for-profit organisation that is incorporated and be able to accept legal and financial responsibility for the project. 

Groups or organisations must be located within, or deliver a project within, the target community and must have evidence of direct benefit to people in the target community.

All projects must be completed by 31 March 2022. 

4. CoPP | STARH | ANNOUNCING | StarHealth fact sheets on COVID-19 are now available

Covering important topics such as how to prepare for vaccination, how to book an appointment, what to do if you have a weakened immune system, benefits versus risks of the Astra Zeneca vaccine and a Frequently Asked Questions fact sheet. 
StarHealth uses only valid information sources for its fact sheets, distilling the key points from only trusted sources amongst the mountains of information available. 

The attached sheets include:These sheets will be translated into several languages in the coming week or so and will be available on the website shortly: www.starhealth.org.au

In 2017, Inner South Community Health became Star Health – a new name leading the way to a healthier you. We chose to re-brand to reflect our ongoing commitment to expanding services to all members of the community.

The organisation has been a leading not-for-profit health service in the inner south and beyond for over 40 years, this legacy will continue into the future with Star Health.
This helps our community access the information they really need to make informed decisions and stay safe from COVID-19 transmission and infection. 

Primarily this is through vaccination, but also continuing to follow COVID Safe practices even when community transmission is low – hand washing, social distancing, wearing a mask. StarHealth will continue to update its fact sheets as the information available is updated with new research and data, and in line with Government guidelines and recommendations.  

5. VIC | NWMPHN | MAINTAINING | Good mental health through the pandemic through in-language videos

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected us all. Some people may be finding it hard to cope. It’s okay to seek help.

To help spread the message of looking after our mental health during COVID-19, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) partnered with The Multicultural Health & Support Service (MHSS) and Multicultural Alcohol and Drug Partnership (MDAP) to produce videos encouraging people to get help for their mental health.

The videos are available in Hindi, Cantonese, Mandarin, Dinka and Vietnamese. 

6. VIC | GOV | ASSISTING | Family Recovery Program here to help CALD Victorians 

The COVID-19 pandemic has upended all of our lives, but some people have suffered more than others. Have you experienced job loss or a reduction in work hours because of the economic impact of the pandemic? Or have you contracted the illness yourself or been mentally affected by the ongoing threat?

If you are a member of Victoria’s culturally and linguistically diverse community and have been significantly impacted by COVID-19, you might be eligible for support from the Victorian Government's Family Recovery Program.

The Family Recovery Program can support you and your family with:
  • Finding work
  • Education and training opportunities
  • Mental health and health recovery
For more information call (03) 9448 6845. If you require an interpreter, phone 131 450 and ask them to call us on 9448 6845. Alternatively, email: frp@cohealth.org.au. 

7. VIC | GOV | SUPPORTING | African-Victorian students and job seekers

Hundreds more Victorian students of African heritage will receive extra support to stay engaged in school, and work towards their goals, thanks to the extension of Victoria’s popular Homework Club program.
In other good news, the Employment Brokers program has now announced the organisations that will provide the training and education for African-Victorians who are looking to build pathways to work. 

You can read the latest Victorian Government announcement, or hit the button below to learn more about the full African Communities Action Plan. 

8. VIC | WEAU | ADVISING | Welcome to the Game Victoria's school holiday program now open to expressions of interest

Welcome to the Game Victoria is an initiative of Welcoming Australia. It aims to improve access to sport and recreation opportunities for young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds living with disabilities.

Next month, Welcome to Game Victoria will deliver school holiday programs at Eagle Stadium in Wyndham and Dandenong Basketball Stadium in Dandenong. 

Thursday 8 July 2021 – Dandenong
Ausome Hoops Camp – in partnership with Ausome Hoops and Dandenong Basketball Association
A free, inclusive camp designed to provide local multicultural community members with autism and/or additional needs a chance to experience basketball in a fun, safe and supportive environment.
Friday 9 July 2021 – Wyndham
All In Inclusion Camp – in partnership with Werribee All-Abilities Basketball Club and Wyndham Basketball Association

A free inclusive school holiday program designed to provide local multicultural community members with disabilities and/or additional needs a chance to experience basketball in a fun, safe and supportive environment. 

9. VIC | GOV | VACANCY | Victoria needs 4,000 new teachers

The Victorian Government is looking for 4,000 new teachers to support and inspire the next generation of students.

Whether you’ve just left school or have an established career, there are pathways for you to enter teaching – some post-graduate options could see you teaching within 18-24 months.

If you are from a diverse background and want to empower students and make a difference in your community, you are encouraged to enrol in a teaching course.

As a new teacher, you’ll get the professional development and support you need to succeed in a career that combines good pay with great opportunities.

There are more than 1500 schools in Victoria offering a range of teaching jobs. You could work in primary or secondary schools, or specialist education. 

10. VIC | ECCV | VACANCY | Speak My Language Interviewers

Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) is looking to hire bilingual people from CALD and Indigenous communities to interview storytellers and guest speakers for podcasts for the national Speak My Language program. Participants will ideally have lived experience of disability, strong community connections and be fluent in their spoken and written language. The 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. For further information, contact Victorian SML Coordinator Osman Ali Mohamed at oalimohamed@eccv.org.au. 

11. VIC | VPC | RAISING | Support and Funds for Australia’s first purpose built LGBTIQ+ Pride Centre

Australia’s first purpose built LGBTIQ+ Pride Centre welcomes your support
It’s been an incredible journey so far building Australia’s first LGBTIQ-purpose built Centre and we continue to be grateful for the support from the community we’ve received. 

We encourage all who support the LGBTIQ+ community to support the final set up and ongoing sustainability of the Pride Centre.

Those interested in offering support can choose from the options below:Find out more from https://pridecentre.org.au

12. MELB | ASRC | CATERING | Home-meal movement is growing and so is the menu!

For people all around the world, food is love and we want you to know that every meal by ASRC Catering, is lovingly prepared for you by our community of people with lived experience of seeking asylum. 
With your help, we backed our Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) Catering staff with an employment guarantee despite COVID restrictions, which kept them doing what they love - cooking!

We’re now excited to announce three delicious new meals to warm you this winter while putting food on the table for others in need. There’s something for everyone - warm and hearty, sweet or savoury.

Treat yourself to something new

    • Janu's Vegetable Masak Lamak Cili
A mild and creamy Malay style curry packed with tofu and loads of winter vegetables. You'll be re-ordering this one again.
This dish is available for a limited time only so get it before it's gone. 
    • Fava Bean and Barberry Kuku Fritters
A Persian style fritter, made with fava beans, zucchini, fresh herbs and barberries. Have them as a snack or a delicious meal for one.
    • Sweet Filo Cigars
Delicious crispy cigars with a ricotta, almond and lemon filling and dusted in a citrus sugar.

Pick-up or Delivery?
Our delicious meals are available for pick-up from our kitchen in Fitzroy North or delivery.  
Please note that deliveries are only available on orders over $50 and within a 20km radius of the ASRC Catering kitchen. 
Event Catering
With restrictions easing and Melbourne opening up for events once again we are ready and eager to take your event catering enquiries. 

For catering enquiries or if you have any questions email chefs@asrc.org.a, call 9939 6320 during business hours, or visit the website.


13. MELB | MAV | RELEASING | New works from 'Shelter 2' exhibition weekly | 16 June-25 August 2021

In June 2020, residents of the Flemington and North Melbourne public housing estates experienced one of the world’s toughest COVID-19 lockdowns. 

This sudden hard lockdown, and the unprecedented nature of the pandemic itself, deeply impacted communities in Flemington and North Melbourne. At the same time, we saw the community mobilise and come together in ways they may not have otherwise.

In the months since, many artists and tower residents have been busy creating new digital works for Shelter 2. It's the second edition of Multicultural Arts Victoria's (MAV) innovative commissions program, which responds to the unique challenges presented by COVID-19 for CALD communities. 

MAV will be releasing new works from Shelter 2 each week on its website. Click the link below to explore.

14. VIC | GOV | CALLING | For Responses to a new Mental Health and Wellbeing Act | feedback until 4 July 2021

The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System final report was released in March 2021. Its recommendations set out a ten year reform vision for creating a balanced, flexible and responsive system. The Victorian Government has committed to implementing all recommendations. 

In June 2021, the Department of Health provided an update on the development of the new Mental Health and Wellbeing Act and an overview of its proposed content in a paper available on the Engage Victoria website.

The Department of Health welcomes contributions on the questions outlined in the paper. Anyone can make a submission. This includes people with lived experience as consumers, carers, and family members, service providers, advocates and other relevant stakeholders.
 
Summaries of the paper are available in Easy English and 18 community languages on the Engage Victoria website.


15. VIC | VCHA | CALLING | Submissions for Victorian Community History Awards | closing soon, all entries must be received by 5pm Wednesday 7 July 2021

The Victorian Community History Awards are held annually to recognise the contributions made by Victorians in the preservation of the State’s fascinating history – and the deadline for 2021 is fast approaching.

Presented by Public Record Office Victoria and the Royal Historical Society of Victoria, the awards celebrate the people involved in community history projects who are dedicated to telling their local stories and helping Victorians to better understand their past. Categories include:
  • Victorian Premier's History Award - $5000
  • Collaborative Community History Project - $2000
  • Local History Project - $2000
  • History Publication - $2000
  • Local History - Small Publication - $1500
  • Digital Storytelling - $1500
  • Community Diversity - $1500
  • Historical Interpretation - $1500
  • Oral History (presented with Oral History Victoria) - $1500
  • History Article - $500


16. VIC | GOV | CALLING | 2021 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards | Nominations now open, close on Friday 9 July 2021 

The Victorian Government is celebrating the contributions and talents of senior Victorians with the opening of the 2021 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards.

For more than 20 years, these awards have celebrated the achievements of older Victorians. This year’s honours hold special meaning, with many seniors still going above and beyond during a time of great turmoil.

Previous recipients include Souria Youssef, a volunteer with the Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre and the Coptic Orthodox Church, who supported isolated Arabic speaking residents in aged care facilities, the church and her community. 

17. MELB | DSS | CALLING | What I Wish I Could Say submissions 

Your Way Through at Drummond Street Services is commissioning disabled people from marginalised cultural or ethnic communities to create something in response to the theme What I wish I could say. However I want to say it. For the pitch deadline, payment, what to pitch and more, visit the drummond street services website. 


18. VIC | CCJV | WEBINAR | A religious discussion on vaccinations | Sunday 11 July 2021 | 3-5pm

Join special guests from two of the Abrahamic religions to discuss ‘An Orthodox Jewish Perspective’ and ‘An Anglican Christian Response’.
  • Rabbi Alexander Tsykin
Spiritual Leader, Brighton Hebrew Congregation
Rabbi Tsykin studied in Melbourne, Israel and New York, and has a BA in Modern Jewish History as well as orthodox rabbinic ordination. After a few years in the UK as a Jewish Chaplain at the University of Bristol, he returned to Melbourne in 2019 to take up his current role, and is a member of the Rabbinical Council of Victoria.
  • Reverend Melissa Clark Priest, Parish of Woodend-Trentham
Rev’d Clark has a special interest in biblical studies and is about to complete her Masters Degree in Theology at Trinity College, where she previously undertook her Undergraduate studies also in Theology. She is widely travelled and well-read, and now lives in Woodend and is a member of the Anglican Diocese of the Bendigo region.

Where: online via Zoom.
Cost: Free
Bookings: Click here (Meeting ID: 912 2299 0499 - Passcode: 115921)

More can be found from The Council of Christians and Jews Victoria (CCJV)

19. VIC | JCCV | PRESENTING | B'nai B'rith Human Rights Oration: The Uluru Statement from the Heart | Sunday 11 July 2021 | 7.30-9.30pm

The Uluru Statement from the Heart expresses the deep desire of the Aboriginal and Indigenous peoples of this land to have their voice heard and their history understood by the Australian people.
The distinguished guest speaker at this Human Rights Oration, Professor Marcia Langton AO, is the leading figure representing the hope of her people that this voice will be heard and acted upon.

The Patron of the Oration is Mark Leibler AC, renowned for his tireless support of Indigenous rights and empowering Indigenous communities.

The Jewish Community Council of Victoria and B'nai B'rith Victoria, organisations committed to the support of universal human rights, stand together with our Indigenous brothers and sisters in calling for the Voice from the Heart to be heard throughout our nation. We also support the desire of the First Nations to be included in the Australian constitution and to establish a ‘Voice to Parliament’.

We invite the members of the Jewish community to join with us in this endeavour by supporting and attending this Oration.  We invite you to become a  a host of the event, in so doing, adding your name to the Jewish Community’s Statement from the Heart.

Should you wish to sponsor the event, please contact Ellana Aarons, CEO B'nai B'rith Victoria on ceo@bbvic.org.au or 03 9523 0888.

Where: Venue upon booking for joining in person or online.
Cost: Free or Hosting $50pp
Bookings: online through Trybooking
  • More information can be obtained The Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV)

20. VIC | YOLA | WEBINAR | Helping young people understand their legal rights | Thursday 22 July 2021 | from 10.30am

Community legal education plays a vital role in raising awareness of legal services and the justice system so that people are better placed to resolve their legal problems.

In this free webinar, speakers from Youthlaw (YOLA) and Gateway Local Learning and Employment Network will share their experiences engaging with young people about their legal rights and responsibilities. Find out about the approaches they have used, what has worked well and the strategies that have been less effective. 

21. MELB | MSC | WELCOMING | Migrants and refugees to your local area | Friday 6 August 2021

Melbourne’s Eastern Region Communities' Council on Ethnic Issues (ERCCoEI) will explore the role of local councils in migrant settlement and community cohesion at their next Migrant Settlement Committee (MSC) Zoom meeting.

The keynote speaker will be Welcoming Australia CEO Aleem Ali. 

If you are not a regular MSC participant, but would like to join this meeting, just email the MSC Convenor at chair.msc@gmail.com with 'Migrant Settlement Committee'​ in the title. Meeting papers and a Zoom link will be sent to you closer to the time. Everyone is welcome.

22. VIC | VMC | COMMEMORATING | Refugee Week 2021

Refugee Week is about raising awareness of the important issues and challenges that refugees and asylum seekers face. It is also about celebrating their positive contributions to society.

The Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) encourages all Victorians to get involved each year, which can include organising or attending events and learning more about refugees in their area. Through meet-ups, education and celebrations, we can gain a greater appreciation for people from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds and open up vital conversations.

Explore some of the VMC's activities for Refugee Week 2021 by visiting our website. You can also read below to meet two refugees making Victoria a brighter and more inclusive place.
Refugee Lizzy Kuoth finds home on common ground
Some of us are forced to grow up quickly. As a young girl, Sudanese Australian community leader and poet Lizzy Kuoth lost her mother, experienced frequent raids of her home by northern Sudanese forces, and was then forced to escape her homeland to Egypt. Once there, Lizzy had to wait for the United Nations to resettle her to Australia, and take on the role of family leader – all before she had started high school.

The VMC spoke to this inspiring Victorian about her journey and how trying to understand others first can help you forge a great life.  
Salvador Nuñez on why he's proud to be a refugee
Through the 1980s, the Salvadoran Civil War took the lives of more than 75,000 people and displaced two and a half million others. Many of the displaced sought refuge in other countries, and Salvador Nuñez was one of them.

Since making Melbourne home in 1984, Nuñez has gained a master’s degree in Social Sciences and International Community Development. He has worked as a social worker for several vital Victorian organisations, including Footscray Migrant Resource Centre, Midway Language Centre, Prahran Community Health Services and Central American Pastoral House. His final job before retiring was leading multicultural policy development for the City of Whittlesea.

The VMC spoke to Salvador to learn more about how he came to live in Victoria and what we can all do to help refugees and asylum seekers feel welcome.   

23. AUST | MiACCESS | TRANSLATING | Multilingual Information Access to resources & information

A purpose-built website for CALD people with disability, their carers and communities. It brings together translated information and resources about understanding disability environments and accessing the NDIS in over 30 languages. You can find resources about what the NDIS funds and provides, who is eligible, how to access it, as well as resources and information categorised by NDIS Disability Areas. 

24. AUST | ABS | The Census is coming this August

Every five years, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) counts every person and home in Australia. This is called the Census of Population and Housing.
The Census is the most comprehensive snapshot of the country and tells the story of how we are changing. It includes around 10 million households and over 25 million people. 
Census data tells us about the economic, social and cultural makeup of the country. It will not be possible for any one person or household to be identified from the statistics.
You don't have to fill anything out yet, but if you would like to read in-language information about the Census, click the button below. 

25. AUST | SBS | SUPPORTING | Disability – radio in your language

SBS radio and Services Australia have put together a series of broadcasts in different languages about the Disability Support Pension. The segments promote eligibility for the Disability Support Pension, the pre-claim guide, Program of Support and how to claim. Available in Turkish, Serbian, Arabic, Mandarin, Cantonese, Persian, Dari, Vietnamese, Assyrian and Bosnian. 

26. VIC | RECVic | ANNOUNCING | HART Award winners

The HART Awards recognise initiatives by local governments and community organisations that advance and promote reconciliation in Victoria. Recipients are chosen across three categories: Local Government, Community Organisation and Schools and Early Years.

The HART awards are a partnership between Reconciliation Victoria and the Victorian Local Governance Association. 

Winners each received a handcrafted HART Award and winners of the Community Category and the Schools/Early Years Category also received $1000 each to support their future reconciliation work. 

27. VIC | GOV | ANNOUNCING | Cultural festival grant winners

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence has announced $1.45 million in funding for 252 festivals and events of cultural significance to be held in the second half of 2021.

Funding will support large-scale events such as the African Music and Cultural Festivaland the Sunshine Lantern Festival, alongside smaller events including the Murga Madre’s South American Winter Celebration.

All events will adhere to COVIDSafe settings, with a majority of events taking place in person.  

28. MELB | ECU | SEEKING | participants for research on Chinese-Australian racism

Since the pandemic began, there have been many media and anecdotal reports of racism targeted at Chinese Australians. Edith Cowan University student Alicia Crocker is writing a thesis about this scourge and is looking for participants in her study. 

This is believed to be the first qualitative study focused solely on the personal experiences of Chinese Australians affected by COVID-19 related racism in Melbourne.

The findings may allow for a more in-depth understanding of coping mechanisms and reporting behaviours, and may be useful in the field of psychological treatment for victims.

Participants will remain anonymous in the research results and will all receive a $20 Coles/Myer voucher. 

To share your experiences, please email Alicia Crocker, or call Associate Professor Paul Chang on (08) 6304 5745 to discuss the research further. 

29. VIC | GOV | ANNOUNCING | A new Anti-Racism Taskforce and over $3.8 million in funding to tackle racism in Victoria

The Minister for Multicultural Affairs, the Hon Ros Spence, has announced details on some of the 42 community organisations that will be receiving funding to tackle racism and promote cross-cultural understanding across Victoria.

The local initiatives are supported by the newly formed Anti-Racism Taskforce, which features VMC Chairperson Vivienne Nguyen AM as a member, along with a diverse range of community members with professional and lived experience.

The Anti-Racism Taskforce will provide high level advice and recommendations to the Victorian Government on how and where racism occurs, and best practice responses that can be used to reduce its prevalence.

Recipients of this exciting grants program, which is a landmark initiative for Victoria, include Youth Activating Youth. This non-profit organisation will use $110,000 to increase young people’s knowledge of their rights in the face of racism. The Tenants Union of Victoria will also receive $70,000 to empower the South Sudanese community to combat racism in the rental housing market. 

30. VIC | GOV | INQUIRING | Royal Commission into Crown Casino seeks feedback from CALD Victorians

The Victorian Government has established a Royal Commission to inquire into the suitability of Crown Melbourne Limited to hold a casino licence. 

Community members from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds can read translated material about the Royal Commission and make a submission here.

The translated information explains what the commission is about, how to make a submission and the terms of reference.

These materials have been translated into Arabic, Vietnamese, Simplified Chinese (Mandarin), Traditional Chinese (Cantonese), Greek, Italian, Hindi and Punjabi. 

31. AUST | NDIS | ASSESSING | 2021 Federal Budget

The 2021-22 Federal Budget has included increased funding of $13.2 billion over the next four years for the NDIS, estimating that the NDIS will cost almost $32 billion in 2024-25, making it comparable to the cost of Medicare. Consultations are continuing on the proposed independent assessments in response to widespread opposition by disability advocates. The assessments proposal has been linked to the sustainability of the scheme. Minister for the NDIS, Linda Reynolds has confirmed she intends to introduce a bill to legislate the assessments in some form this year. 

32. AUST | NDIS | PROPOSING | Personalised Budgets

The NDIS has released information papers on the proposed personalised budgets model, using information from participant’s independent assessment to help make personalised budgets. There are planned changes to how NDIS funding is calculated. If introduced, participant's personalised budgets would be divided into ‘flexible’ and ‘fixed’ to increase the flexibility with which participants could use their funding to pursue their goals. New participant journey maps explaining the proposed planning process for participants can be found on the NDIS website. 

33. AUST | ACOSS | REPORTING | Disability Employment Services

A mid-term review of the Disability Employment Services (DES) has found that the program is not better at helping people with disability find paid work.

Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) is calling on the government to scrap punishing mutual obligation requirements and to ensure that employment services are designed more effectively. Dr. Cassandra Goldie, ACOSS CEO, said: “We have known that employer discrimination against people with disabilities is a main reason why they are overlooked for jobs, and this is where change is needed at a broader societal level.” 

34. AUST | Coronavirus hotline

  • Coronavirus hotline: If you are concerned, call the coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 (24 Hours).
  • Coronavirus in-language information
  • If you are an NDIS participant you can also call the national hotline on 1800 020 080.
  • Information and referrals for people with disability and their supporters about Coronavirus: Contact the Disability Information Helpline on 1800 634 787. 
  • If you are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can also call the National Relay Service on 133 677.
  • Interpreting service: If you need an interpreter, call TIS National on 131 450.
  • Testing locations: Find a testing location near you.
  • Call-to-Test-at-Home service, providing in-home coronavirus testing to Victorians who would otherwise be unable to get tested, call the DHHS Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.
  • Triple Zero: Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.


35. AUST | Helpers and Reliable Sources Along the Way

     

    36. Acknowledgment to Sources

    This is a consolidated account of information current at time of issuance, sourced, collated and provided by Victorian Multicultural Commission, Victorian Jewish Community COVID-19 Taskforce, Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria, various Government Authorities, community organisations and public domain, received with gratitude.

    37. Bye bye to Essentialists

    Us non-essentialists will endeavour to manage our expection of miracles and do our best to follow rules while staying out of the way. 

    Contact your closest friendly non-essentialist if you need anything that can be done remotely. Bye bye to Essentialists for now, please leave to attend to the essential work. That is all from GEIFN Caretaker at this time.

    38. Self-Isolators, Non-Essentials And The Homebound

    Meanwhile, if with a surplus of time, this is offered. Discuss with sincerity. Deny untruth. Dismiss unuseful. Accept useful. Adapt to change. Adopt least effort most benefit. Adept with sharing. Enjoy throughout. As each case may be. Round about. And again. Or not.

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