For some of us, it gets easier each time; but for others, it only gets harder. A lockdown can mean losing casual shifts that you rely on to pay rent, it can mean you can't operate your business, and it can mean you miss precious moments with family members in care.
Message from the Chairperson
My thoughts are with you all during this lockdown.It's also difficult to cope with the great uncertainties the situation gives rise to. If you're struggling, I encourage you to revisit the Lockdown Support message I sent through last week. You are not alone.
For some of us, one positive thing lockdowns can provide is a chance to reflect on life and the people that matter to us. If you find yourself with a moment to spare, perhaps you can think about the people and organisations that have supported you.
Who comes to mind? Over the last year, so many Victorians have done incredible work to champion and protect multiculturalism in difficult times. These people are not asking for recognition, but it's still nice when it comes. That's why we host the Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence annually. It's our biggest awards program and it's now open for nomination. Please read through the 15 categories, and submit your nominations as soon as possible.
In other good news for multiculturalism in Victoria, the Victorian Public Sector Commission is piloting an intern program for refugee and asylum seekers. It aims to address the challenges and barriers that refugee and asylum seeker university students face in gaining employment experience in Australia.
Employment is a crucial step towards a fulfilling life in Australia for new migrants. This program will offer public service employers the chance to employ interns of asylum seeker background who are eager to use their skills to serve the community. Initiatives like this are a win-win and we hope to see more of them.
Also in this week's update, we've got an in-language vaccination eligibility checker, opportunities for diverse people on government boards, and an online event featuring one of our commissioners.
Finally, I would like to say Eid Mubarak to anyone observing Eid al-Adha. I understand it is disappointing that we can't all be together in-person. I hope you can still find ways to share this special time with loved ones by calling or meeting online. We're all looking forward to when we can come together again.
Take care and stay safe.
Viv Nguyen AM, Chairperson
Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence | now open for nomination
The Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence recognise the outstanding achievements of people and organisations who strengthen multiculturalism across 15 categories.The awards are proudly coordinated by the Victorian Multicultural Commission, and are now open for nomination. To learn more about the program, browse the categories and nominate someone, click the button below.
Take on refugee and asylum seeker interns
The 2021 Victorian Government refugee and asylum seeker internship program is seeking expressions of interest from employers across the public service who would benefit from taking on an intern.The program is expected to act as a pathway to jobs in the public service by providing interns with paid work experience and networking opportunities to help them reach their potential.
The Victorian Public Sector Commission will work with CareerSeekers to match interns to suitable roles. Managers are supported to onboard and develop their intern and applicants are supported with assistance before and during the placement.
Employers can express interest in taking an intern until 5pm Friday 13 August 2021.
LGBTIQ+ Taskforce and Working Groups now receiving expressions of interest
The Victorian Government values and celebrates diversity. It affirms the right to equality and fairness for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) Victorians and is working to progress equality for LGBTIQ+ communities.Up to nine community members will be appointed to the LGBTIQ+ Taskforce and to each of the working groups. Anyone interested in being a member of the taskforce or working groups can apply. Applications are encouraged from people of all ages, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
This is an important opportunity to help build understanding of issues affecting LGBTIQ+ Victorians and to shape the development and implementation of the Government’s policies and initiatives.
Arm yourself against COVID-19
The Australian Government has launched a new campaign to encourage eligible Australians to be vaccinated against COVID-19.The Arm Yourself campaign urges Australians to protect themselves, their loved ones, the people they care about, and the wider community by getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
Use the COVID-19 vaccine eligibility checker in 15 languages to find out when you can book your vaccination and arm yourself.
Contribute to new Secure Work Pilot Scheme
Many working Victorians regularly face the tough decision of choosing between a day’s pay, and their health or the health of someone they care for.That’s why the Victorian Government is developing the Secure Work Pilot Scheme, an initiative that will explore how economic security can be improved for Victorians working in casual or insecure jobs by providing access to sick or carer’s pay.
You can now have your say in the development of this program, by submitting your ideas, sharing your stories or taking part in surveys. Every voice counts – workers, businesses and unions are all being encouraged to share their views.
ECCV hosting multicultural mental health forum – featuring commissioner Judy Tang | Tuesday 27 July 2021 | 10.30am-12.30pm
Join the Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria's (ECCV) upcoming online forum, Multicultural Mental Health: The Road Ahead for an important discussion with Steve Dimopoulos MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Mental Health, and an expert panel.The panel will include Paris Aristotle AO, CEO of Foundation House, Dr Francis Acquah, a leading multicultural mental health clinician, and our very own VMC Commissioner Dr Judy Tang, clinical neuropsychologist at Jurmaine Health.
This is an important opportunity for sector stakeholders and community members to discuss how to have a voice in the reform process to ensure Victoria's mental health system can be culturally safe, equitable and inclusive for migrant and refugee communities.
Respect Victoria seeking to appoint diverse, representative board
Respect Victoria, an independent statutory authority dedicated to the prevention of all forms of family violence and violence against women, is appointing a new board chair and board directors.The Board is responsible for the strategic oversight and management of Respect Victoria. The Board will reflect the diversity of Victoria’s community with applications encouraged from people with lived experience of family violence, Aboriginal people, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse and LGBTQI+ communities.
Give feedback on government review into social housing
The Victorian Government has commissioned an independent Social Housing Regulation Review. The review aims to identify future regulatory arrangements that will best support the long-term interests of social housing residents and their communities. It also aims to best position social (and affordable) housing for growth and transformation over the coming decades.Several discussion papers will be released, each on a specific theme. The papers will cover current arrangements and a range of issues. They will also ask questions about these arrangements and issues.
You are invited to make a submission to the review in response to the discussion papers, which are available here.
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
Address: Level 3, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9651 5901
Email: contact@vmc.vic.gov.au