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CitC | MEDITATING | Thursday Mornings Online from Federation Square | From Thursday 2 September 2021 | 8-8.30am

[Edited extract from public address]

In these continued uncertain and challenging times, take a bit of time out in the comfort of your own home, in a quiet place, perhaps with a soothing cuppa, and join in a bit of online calm and positivity as a deeply nourishing start to your day.

“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.” – Marcus Aurelius

From this coming Thursday 2nd September, Fed Square Morning Meditations will now be livestreamed courtesy of generous support from Federation Square.

These will continue until the end of the year - every Thursday, 8.00 - 8.30am - and can be accessed here. 

There is no need to register for these - but if you would like to receive a reminder text 30 minutes before via a WhatsApp broadcast message - please feel free to text us on +61 406 371 894 - with the word 'reminder'.

To launch this online series, we first have the beautiful Carmen Warrington - well known to audiences globally as the 'voice of peace' through her guided meditations and ambient songs. If you've not experienced her meditations before through her many CDs (including her ABC series of meditation CDs, and on Insight Timer) - you're definitely missing out in our view (!) - so come and connect to her live on Thursday. Carmen also facilitates truly amazing sound baths - so feel free to visit her website for details.

As a real bonus, we also have Carmen's partner, the award-winning drummer and percussionist David Jones launching this series with Carmen. David, also a long-term meditator, brings an extraordinary calm, peace and presence to anything he offers.

Calm in the City (CitC) is a not-for-profit venture which listens and engages with the city communities to bring calm into the heart of the city. 
We are grateful to both artists for offering their generosity in these times - and are very much looking forward to the double-act on Thursday!

Save the Date: UN Peace Day | Tuesday 21st September 2021 | 5.30-6pm

Yes, we will once again be hosting a UN Peace Day event - we don't need to look far now for reasons to come together to collectively hold intentions of peace. But with the recent developments in Melbourne, we have decided to run the event online again this year via Zoom.

Please stay tuned for the program details - but for now, we invite you to save the date and time and whilst details will follow shortly - you may still register now on the link below.

In the meantime, if anyone would like to join us in 20 Days of Reflections on Peace - in the run up to UN Peace Day, please find the recorded and contributed commentaries here. These represent such a positive build up to UN Peace Day - and a great way to start the day in an affirmative way.

And Finally...

We look forward to connecting in person again. But until we do, please find links again to the two respective 5-minute meditation series that were recorded in real time last year to support Melbourne through the lockdowns:

Otherwise, we hope that you are keeping well, taking care of your mind - especially what goes into it each day - your physical health, and of each other. We all make a difference - never under-estimate the smallest acts of kindness.

Take care everyone. With all good wishes from the heart.

MORE:

Calm in the City (CitC) 
Melbourne: Meditation Centre, Bookshop and Quiet Room, 256 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy Vic

We respectfully acknowledge that all Calm in the City is a community initiative supported by Brahma Kumaris Australia and in Melbourne take place on the lands of the Kulin nations. 

ECCV | UPDATING | CALD NDIS Readiness Bulletin | Monday 30 August 2021

[Edited extract from public address]

State-Wide CALD Disability Network

ECCV is setting up a state-wide CALD disability network to capture the voices of people with disability from CALD communities during the COVID-19 pandemic and inform the recovery phase.

ECCV welcomes Margherita Coppolino, National Ethnic Disability Alliance (NEDA) President, as Chair of the new network, which will hold its first meeting this week. We encourage expression of interest to join the network from people from CALD backgrounds with lived experience of disability, their carers and families, and multicultural and ethno-specific organisations. 

Carer Respite and Employment Support Grants information session | Tuesday 31 August 2021 | 10am

The Victorian Government is offering two new grant opportunities to support unpaid carers to take a break from their care role, and for those who wish to gain employment, build their skills and secure carer-friendly work. They are looking for innovative and non-traditional ways to deliver respite services, and small ethno-specific/multicultural organisations are encouraged to apply. Organisations interested in finding out how to apply for these grants can register for the information session below.

Raise Our Voices program

Earlier this month, ECCV farewelled Disability Advocacy Project Officer Yuli Liang, who was instrumental in setting up and delivering the Raise Our Voices project. We thank her for her terrific work and wish her all the best. Youssif Assafiri has been appointed to lead the Raise Our Voices project. Since joining ECCV in October 2019, Youssif has worked on the National Community Connector Program, the Disability Advocacy COVID-19 project and other initiatives.

ECCV's Raise Our Voices program aims to empower people with disability from CALD communities by developing their self-advocacy skills and improving understanding of the disability services system and support pathways. For more information about the program, including self-advocacy awareness training, peer support networks and information forums for CALD communities, contact us or visit the program webpage.

ECCV Response to the Royal Commission

ECCV is finalising a submission to respond to the Terms of Reference of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability. Our process is informed by people with lived experience of disability and sector stakeholders, and we recently held a stakeholder roundtable to receive feedback on the draft submission. Through its submission, ECCV hopes to share challenges and solutions with the Royal Commission to improve the lives of people with disability from CALD backgrounds. We thank our peers, colleagues and friends in the sector for their ongoing support.

Speak My Language program

ECCV is continuing to recruit 'Travellers', to undertake interviews with people with lived experience of disability from CALD and Indigenous communities, as well as guest speakers, for the Speak My Language program. The national program is producing podcasts featuring people from First Nations and CALD communities sharing their experiences and tips about living well with a disability.

Five Victorian 'Travellers' are currently training with ECCV to produce podcasts in Greek, Punjabi, Urdu, Hindi, Cantonese, Mandarin and Turkish.

NDIS quarterly report

The Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, The Hon Linda Reynolds, has released the final 2020-21 NDIS Quarterly Report to Disability Ministers. You can read about the Scheme’s financial performance compared to the Federal Government’s 2021-22 Portfolio Budget Statements, the 2017 Productivity Commission projection and the latest scheme projections. The report also includes participant stories.

Work that Matters campaign launch

Earlier this month, the Victorian Government launched the Work that Matters campaign to boost recruitment of NDIS and disability workers. The campaign includes a new online hub with resources and information to support entrants into the disability sector, help current employees progress their career, and employers recruit workers.

The Government is also providing more opportunities for Victorians to upskill or start work in the disability sector through the signature Free TAFE program, which includes specialist courses in Individual Support, Mental Health, Community Services, Disability and Allied Health.

New report on law, education and students with disability

The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability has published a research report on ‘Legislation and regulation in Australia: Children and young people with disability in primary and secondary education settings’. The report looks at legal and policy frameworks relating to the education of students with disability, with a focus on primary and secondary school settings across Australia, and examines anti-discrimination laws as they apply to education.

Disability Inclusion Facilitator Service

Healthcare Associates has been appointed to provide the Disability Inclusion Facilitator Service as part of the Victorian Government’s Disability Inclusion reform, to support students with disability in our schools. Support from the Facilitator Service can be requested by all government schools in the Barwon, Loddon Campaspe and Bayside Peninsula areas. Facilitators will lead Student Support Group meetings to help schools and families identify the strengths, needs and educational adjustments schools can make to fully support all students.

Lessons for the post-COVID workplace

The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission has released a new research snapshot ‘Lessons for the post-COVID workplace: Supporting workers with disability’ which draws on surveys and interviews with 1500 Victorians about how the pandemic has affected their working lives.

Workers with disability reported negative impacts to their health and wellbeing during the pandemic at higher rates than any other group surveyed.

COVID-19 payment for support workers

The COVID-19 Disaster Payment is a lump sum support payment available for workers adversely affected by state public health orders. Disability support workers who are losing work entitlements due to the current COVID-19 outbreaks may be eligible for this payment.

Changing Places facilities grants | applications close 5 November 2021

Grants of up to $110,000 are available through the Victorian Government Changing Places facilities program. Eligible organisations are invited to apply for grants to build additional Changing Places accessible toilets. Find more information on guidelines, specifications and how to apply on the DFFH website.

Carer Gateway: coaching service

The Carer Gateway is an Australian Government initiative for carers that provides practical information and advice, and connects carers to services and support. To access the gateway, visit the website or call 1800 422 737. If you would like to talk to Carer Gateway staff in your own language, you can phone the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.

Palliative Care Advice Service

The Palliative Care Advice Service (PCAS) supports people diagnosed with life-limiting illnesses and those who support them. PCAS can assist callers to navigate the palliative care service system, to find information about caring for someone, and to consider what they may need to think about and plan for. For clinicians, PCAS can provide the right advice and care through guidance with symptom management, medications and decision making. To access the service, visit the website or call 1800 360 000.

Ask Me First: How to Engage Australians with Disability

Watch this episode of Polaron's weekly Ticker Talks program for a discussion on support and advocacy for people with disability from CALD communities, featuring disability and inclusion advocate Margherita Coppolino, and Program Manager of the Diversity and Disability initiative at Migrant Resource Centre North West (MRCNW) Christian Astourian.

MORE:

Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV)
Address: Suite 101, 398 Sydney Road, Coburg Vic 3058
Tel: (03) 9354 9555

ECCV | ISSUING | eBulletin #16 | Friday 27 August 2021

[Edited extract from public address]

Standing in solidarity with Victoria’s Afghan community at this difficult time, and believing Australia has a moral obligation to respond appropriately. 

Message from the Chairperson

We call on the Australian Government to take urgent steps to support the Afghan people through additional intake under our humanitarian program, grant permanent protection to people in Australia on temporary protection visas and prioritise family reunification visas.

With international borders closed for more than 18 months, and the continued uncertainty over the roadmap ahead, ECCV is concerned about the wellbeing of our communities.
 
For Australians with family abroad, the inability to leave Australia without the fear of being barred from returning, or being forced to pay thousands of dollars to quarantine in hotels, is adding to the hopelessness many members in migrant communities are expressing and it is having a detrimental impact on social connection and mental health.
 
ECCV urges the Federal Government to use the incentive of national and international travel as a stimulus for vaccination, and implement a system of vaccine passports, which are already being used in other parts of the world.
 
ECCV is playing an important role in vaccine engagement with hard-to-reach groups through community consultations and our COVID-19 Multicultural Outreach Program. We commend member organisations leading in support of the vaccination program in their communities by working alongside public health authorities on pop-up clinics in churches, schools and community centres. The multicultural sector is a critical component in ensuring our communities are not left behind in the vaccine rollout.
 
The last month has been a very challenging period for everyone in Australia. Next year’s national FECCA Conference in Melbourne will be an opportunity to discuss many issues that have emerged throughout this pandemic and the systemic gaps exposed for people from migrant and refugee backgrounds. We encourage you to submit abstracts now to help shape the discussion at this important national conference.
 
ECCV acknowledges the recent passing of Emeritus Professor Gary Bouma AM, a long-time champion of interfaith and intercultural approaches to building a socially just and cohesive society. He will be missed.
 
Finally, we are saddened by the impending departure of our Executive Officer, Chris Christoforou. Chris has steered ECCV through a significant period of growth and change, and we thank him and wish him well in his new role. This vacancy creates a unique leadership opportunity for a new Chief Executive Officer to take ECCV through into an exciting next phase.
 
Warm regards, 
Eddie Micallef, Chairperson

Mental Health: Voices from the Community

Thank you to the more than 100 people who joined our forum last night, which centred people's experiences of the mental health system. We heard from Shehani de Silva, Victorian Transcultural Mental Health consultant, Jaya Manchikanti, IndianCare President, Hala Nur, The Venny youth worker and counsellor Tigist Kebede, plus a live performance by performance poet Thabani Tshuma. 

Welcoming new VMC Commissioners

ECCV Board Member Abiola Akinbiyi has been appointed to the Victorian Multicultural Commission alongside Greek Community of Melbourne & Victoria President, Bill Papastergiadis OAM, former Jewish Community Council of Victoria President, Jennifer Huppert, and former Islamic Council of Victoria President, Mohamed Mohideen OAM. We also acknowledge the work of outgoing Commissioner and ECCV Director, Mohammed Yassin. 

Multicultural Emergency Management Project

ECCV is partnering with the Department of Health and the Victorian Council of Social Service to deliver the Multicultural Emergency Management Project. The Project supports emergency preparedness and resilience among migrant and refugee communities, with a focus on the COVID-19 pandemic, by strengthening the work of community leaders through training and partnerships.

NECPAC Community Consultation Workshop

Thank you to everyone who attended the first workshop to establish ECCV's New and Emerging Communities Policy Advisory Committee (NECPAC). More than 30 people from new and emerging communities shared their ideas on how to tackle challenges and advocate for change. 

FECCA 2022: Applications to present now open | abstract submissions close 1 October 2021

Do you have a vision to help shape multicultural Australia? Applications are open for presentations at the FECCA 2022 conference, co-hosted by ECCV, in Melbourne in March 2022. We would like to hear your ideas, innovative and strengths-based solutions, and new and emerging issues faced by migrant and refugee communities. 

Join the call to demand Action on Afghanistan

Victoria is home to the largest Afghan population in Australia. ECCV has joined more than 300 organisations and 9000 people in signing an open letter calling on the Federal Government to commit to 20,000 humanitarian visas, grant permanent protection to Afghan refugees in Australia, and prioritise family reunification visas. 

New Statewide CALD Disability Network

National Ethnic Disability Alliance President, Margherita Coppolino, will chair a new state-wide disability network established by ECCV to capture the voices of people with disability from CALD communities. We encourage people with lived experience, their carers and families and multicultural and ethno-specific organisations to join. 
  • Contact Nimo Hersi, ECCV Disability Advocacy  Coordinator for more information.

Carer Info session | Tuesday 31 August 2021 | from 10am

Two new Carers Respite & Employment Support Grants aim to support unpaid carers to take a break and to assist those looking to re-enter the workforce. The Victorian Government is looking for innovative and non-traditional ways to deliver respite services and small ethno-specific/multicultural organisations are encouraged to apply. ECCV is holding an online information session for organisations interested in these grants on. 

ECCV/Hume City Council COVID-19 Information Session | Tuesday 31 August 2021 | from 6pm

Our Multicultural Outreach program is delivering community education on COVID-19 to CALD communities in Victoria. An information session is being held in partnership with Hume City Council on Tuesday, 31 August. Bicultural workers will be present to support people with translations in Turkish, Arabic, Hindi and Punjabi. 

Submission on the new Mental Health and Wellbeing Act

Focusing on the need for human rights, cultural safety and intersectional approaches. The rights of migrants and refugees to access interpreters and culturally safe services must be reflected in law. Our submission also recommends creating mechanisms for decision-making and oversight to better reflect the needs of CALD communities.

Submission to the Ministerial Taskforce on Workplace Sexual Harassment

Highlighting the impact of workplace sexual harassment on women from migrant and refugee backgrounds, with a focus on women on temporary visas, in precarious work and low-paid sectors. A comprehensive approach is needed, plus more responsive support options for workers who experience sexual harassment at work. 

Submission to the Inquiry into Economic Equity for Victorian Women

During the pandemic, inequalities have worsened for migrant and refugee women, who are one of the most economically marginalised groups. This submission, produced in partnership with Multicultural Centre for Women's Health, emphasises the need for systemic change that effectively increases meaningful economic opportunities and inclusion for Victoria’s migrant and refugee women.

VACANCY | Leadership Opportunity: Chief Executive Officer

ECCV is seeking an experienced and inspirational CEO to build on our legacy and history in multicultural affairs. Over-seeing all aspects of the organisation, the CEO will ensure ECCV continues to be a leading voice shaping multicultural policy across the state and supporting members, community, business and government to build an inclusive and diverse society. 

WATCH | WEBINAR | Multicultural Mental Health: The Road Ahead | 27 July 2021

Keynote Speaker: Steve Dimopoulos MP Panel Discussion: Paris Aristotle AO, Dr Francis Acquah, Dr Judy Tang.

WATCH | WEBINAR | Multicultural Mental Health: Voices from the Community | 24 August 2021

Speakers: Shehani de Silva, Hala Nur, Jaya Manchikanti, Tigist Kebede Performance: Thabani Tshuma

READ | Multicultural Social Services research project

ECCV is proud to be a partner organisation in Deakin University's Mapping Social Services in Multicultural Societies research project. This week, the project, which aims to look at the shift in service delivery from community-specific to mainstream organisations, has released a paper on the impact of COVID-19 on service delivery to CALD communities. 

WATCH | WEBINAR | The Ageing Mosaic | Tuesday 10 August 2021

A video recording of the Older Persons' Advocacy Network's webinar, The Ageing Mosaic, is now available online. This informative webinar featured a panel of experts including ECCV's Ageing Well Lead, Tonina Gucciardo-Masci, discussing the importance of supporting cultural diversity in ageing and empowering older people from diverse life experiences to better exercise their rights. 

Protecting Preston Market's Cultural Significance

Preston Market is a unique example of Victoria’s multicultural heritage and it remains a thriving social and cultural hub. But the Market is earmarked for redevelopment, and ECCV shares Darebin City Council’s concerns that plans to demolish and relocate the Market will destroy this special part of Victoria’s rich migrant history and the communities it has built. 

Staff Transitions

Thank You & Farewell
  • Yuli Liang, Disability Advocacy Project Officer
Welcome
  • Batool Mousa, Policy Officer

MORE:

Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria
Address: Suite 101, 398 Sydney Road, Coburg Vic 3058
Tel: (03) 9354 9555

YEF | ANNOUNCING | Community Battery Trial | Friday 27 August 2021

[Edited extract from public address]

YEF has won an $800,000 grant from the Victorian Government to lead a community battery trial in the City of Yarra. 

YEF CEO, Dean Kline, said “the race is now on to find the most equitable and cost-effective model to rapidly deploy batteries across Melbourne." Media announcement, as featured in Energy Magazine. Read more
 

Live in the City of Yarra? You can contribute! 3 min survey

We need your thoughts on community batteries! Every response will be read and will make a BIG difference. Take survey

Yarra Community Battery Trial, Info and Q&A sessions

Where: Online. Details provided upon registration.
Cost: Free

Read more


MORE:

Yarra Energy Foundation (YEF)

VMC | UPDATING | Multicultural Film Festival winners announced Thursday, More COVID recovery grants | Tuesday 24 August 2021

[Edited extract from public address]

Suppressing the Delta strain of COVID-19 is proving incredibly challenging, but we mustn't give up. Thank you for your continued cooperation.

Message from the Chairperson

I am proud of the efforts our diverse communities are making to help our state contain the virus. The VMC is constantly checking in with cultural and faith groups and we are so grateful to the many community leaders doing brilliant work promoting vaccinations, testing and compliance with restrictions. Please, let's keep it up.

Isolate and get tested if you have symptoms or have visited an exposure site, get vaccinated (today the Premier announced that everyone over the age of 16 can receive the vaccine), and check in to every location you visit that has a QR code available. If we all do this, we will be enjoying loosened restrictions sooner rather than later.

It has been heartbreaking to watch some of the footage coming out of Afghanistan recently. Although the scope of suffering can feel overwhelming, there are small ways we can all help as individuals. Please explore this resource to find petitions you can sign, events you can support, charity organisations you can donate to and more.

I'm saddened to report that last week we lost one of our treasured Multifaith Advisory Group (MAG) members, Prof Fr Gary Bouma AM. Fr Bouma was a big believer in religious freedom and finding common ground between faith communities. He will be missed. The MAG has prepared a short eulogy.

In better news, I would like to share the lineup for the August edition of Curious Conversations. Taking place next Tuesday night, the session will look at the future of workforce diversity. We will hear thoughts from two public service leaders along with MindTribes CEO, Div Pillay. MindTribes advises companies and organisations on how to improve their workforce diversity, as well as helping build anti-racist and inclusive workplace cultures. It's going to be a compelling discussion, and I look forward to being a part of it and hope you join in too.

We've got more fun for you at home this Thursday as well, when we reveal the winners of our Multicultural Film Festival. The gala event cannot go ahead due to the current COVID-19 outbreak, so we will be streaming the presentation live from 7pm. If you love cinema, I encourage you to log on – there is some great filmmaking talent coming through.

Take care and stay safe.
Viv Nguyen AM, Chairperson

WEBINAR | Curious Conversations returns with 'Workforce Diversity' panel | Tuesday 31 August 2021 | from 6pm

The VMC's Curious Conversations series returns to imagine what our multicultural state could look like in 2030.

In August's panel, we will examine the future of workforce diversity. Facilitated by Nevena Spirovska, our panel will feature Victorian Public Sector Commissioner, Adam Fennessy; Secretary, Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, Sandy Pitcher; and MindTribes CEO, Div Pillay.

WEBINAR | Multicultural Film Festival Presentation Ceremony​ | Thursday 26 August 2021 | from 7pm

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, and this year it's going online.

In collaboration with Swinburne University, we invite you to join us for the awards presentation ceremony. Comedian Aurelia St Claire will be hosting the event, which will reveal the best festival submissions for 2021.

GOVV | SEEKING | Your say on Victoria’s social housing

The Independent Panel for the Social Housing Regulation Review has published a third public consultation paper viewable here. Submissions on this paper and previous papers are currently open. You can provide comments to the Review directly via the Engage Victoria page or by email to info@shrr.vic.gov.au.

The panel is particularly interested in the views of social housing tenants and people eligible for social housing.

In addition to the submission, the Review is keen on hearing from tenants, clients and community members via their feedback surveys:

GOVV | GRANTING | Small Business COVID Hardship Fund | applications open now, closing 10 September 2021

Many Victorian businesses are now eligible for grants to help with losses in revenue due primarily to COVID-19 restrictions.

The Victorian Government’s Small Business COVID Hardship Fund will assist eligible small and medium businesses:
  • whose operations have been severely impacted by COVID-19 restrictions that have been in place since 27 May 2021
  • that have experienced at least a 70% reduction in turnover as a result of the COVID-19 restrictions
  • that are ineligible for other key COVID-19 Victorian Government business grant programs that have been announced since 27 May 2021.
The program offers grants of $14,000 to eligible small and medium businesses, including employing and non-employing businesses. This program will allow more businesses who have previously not received support to receive financial relief now.

For information in languages other than English please see below:

VCOSS | WEBINAR | Disaster Recovery Conversation series: Gender and disaster recovery

The VCOSS Disaster Recovery Conversation series provides an opportunity for leaders, staff and volunteers of community and social service organisations to network and gain access to in-depth expert knowledge on topical issues relating to emergencies and disasters.

This month's conversation will focus on gender and disaster recovery. You can see the speaking lineup below:
  • Steve O’Malley and Rachael Mackay, Gender and Disaster Australia
  • Jen Hargrave, Senior Policy Officer, Women with Disabilities Victoria
  • Dr Regina Torres-Quiazon, Research, Advocacy and Policy Manager, Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health
  • Jenny Beales, Community Member and Women’s Health Grampians Advocate

JHfWH | RELEASING | Health education toolkit in six languages

'My Body. My Health.' is a series of five educational presentations to help organisations deliver health information to women from migrant and refugee backgrounds.

Each PowerPoint presentation is available to download in plain English, as well as Arabic, Burmese, Simplified Chinese, Dari, Nuer and Karen (translated by Ethnolink).

The presentations were developed by Jean Hailes for Women's Health (JHfWH) with the Centre for Culture, Ethnicity and Health, and involved consultation and collaboration with service providers, clinicians, women from migrant and refugee communities, and multicultural health organisations.

ETHN | RECRUITING | Several positions

Founded in 2011, Ethnolink (ETHN) is a leading multicultural communications agency, specialising in the delivery of high-quality translations for government and not-for-profit organisations.

They currently have four opportunities available in their Melbourne and Sydney offices.

Coronavirus hotline


MORE:

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

GOVV | UPDATING | Restrictions Regional Victoria | Saturday 21 August 2021 | from 1pm

[Edited extract from public address]

From 1pm Saturday 21 August 2021, Regional Victoria entered lockdown due to ongoing level of community transmission, large number of mystery cases and a surge of new cases and exposures sites outside of metropolitan Melbourne. 

Childcare centres will be closed and authorities are urging young children to start wearing masks as the state wrestles to control its latest outbreak.

The rules for the regions will be the same as those that apply in Greater Melbourne, with the exception of the city’s nightly curfew.

Getting vaccinated is our way out of this pandemic. The best vaccine you can get is the one that you can get today.

Additionally

  • You can leave home if there is an emergency.
  • You can leave home if there is family violence or violence by another person in the home, and you are at risk. If 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.
If you need to leave home, you must wear a face mask, unless you have a lawful reason for not doing so.

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.

To learn more about Victoria's restrictions


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 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?

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.  

COVID-19 vaccine resources for disability service providers

This Federal Department of Health's dedicated COVID-19 vaccine webpage 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. 

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.

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.

MORE:

Office of the Premier
State Government of Victoria (GOVV)
Address: 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne Victoria 3002 Australia

ECCV | WEBINAR | Multicultural Mental Health: Voices from the Community Forum | Wednesday 25 August 2021 | arrive 5.55pm for 6-7.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System highlighted that people with lived experience need to be at the centre of the new mental health system.

In the second ECCV forum on mental health, our speakers will share stories and insights from the lived experience of people from migrant and refugee backgrounds.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the structural barriers CALD communities face in accessing mental health services and our forum will address the continual impacts of lockdowns on these groups.

We will hear from speakers with lived experience and frontline mental health workers in COVID-19 affected communities, including counsellor Tigist Kebede and youth worker Hala Nur, as well as Shehani De Silva, Education & Service Development Consultant at Victorian Transcultural Mental Health, and Jaya Manchikanti, President of IndianCare.

The event will also feature a special performance by Thabani Tshuma, a Zimbabwean writer and performance poet who will share work centred around his lived experience of mental health.

Shehani De Silva is an Education and Service Development Consultant of the Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH), the lead transcultural and intersectional mental health service in Victoria. Prior to migration, Shehani worked in Sri Lanka with organisations such as UNICEF Sri Lanka. She is interested in building service capacity to address intersectional community needs within her current role at VTMH.

Tigist Kebede is a counsellor with the Victorian Foundation of Survivors of Torture (Foundation House), with a work history in the field of complex trauma, particularly in family/domestic violence and sexual assault. She is a passionate advocate for equitable practices and employing an anti-oppressive and intersectional lens. A counsellor at Pola Psychology, she also works in a voluntary capacity in her community.

Jaya Manchikanti is a founder and current President of IndianCare, a welfare and community development organisation for the Indian origin community in Victoria. Jaya has been working in social services for more than 20 years, across the not-for-profit, local and state government sectors and is a current PhD candidate at Victoria University. Jaya will share her lived experience of navigating the mental health system.

Hala Nur is a Youth Worker at The Venny, focusing on early intervention and prevention for kids aged between 5-16 years, and studying a Master of Social Work. She has been an active member of the Inner North West Melbourne African Community. Her recent community work has involved COVID-19 risk outreach and support, as well as increasing local support capacity through advocacy.

SPECIAL FEATURE
Thabani Tshuma is a Zimbabwean writer and performance poet who will share work that centres around his lived experience of mental health. His work can be found in publications such as Dichotomi magazine and Next in Colour. Thabani was the 2019 Slamalamadingdong Grand Slam champion and winner of the 2019 Melbourne Spoken Word Prize.

Where: online. Registration is essential.
Cost: free.
Bookings: Register Now

MORE:

Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV)
Address: Suite 101, 398 Sydney Road, Coburg Vic 3058
Tel: (03) 9354 9555
Email: info@eccv.org.au
Website: www.eccv.org.au

VMC | UPDATING | Lockdown grants for businesses, Our thoughts are with Afghanistan | Tuesday 17 August 2021

[Edited extract from public address]

The lockdown of Greater Melbourne has been extended for a further two weeks, and tighter restrictions will be enforced.

Message from the Chairperson

I appreciate how difficult this is for many of us. We need to continue to look after each other, respect the public health guidance and get on top of this outbreak. We have beaten this before, and we can do it again. There is a way out.

It has been incredibly distressing to watch the footage coming out of Afghanistan over the past few days. The pace at which the situation is deteriorating is spreading fear far, wide and deep. Here in Victoria, we are fortunate enough to boast Australia's largest Afghan population. This diverse community brings so much good to our lives, and my heart goes out to all members right now. We are with you. If you are struggling, please reach out to us. The VMC's commissioners and I are here to listen to you.

In this week's update, I would like to share an article by Margaret Simons in The Age from earlier this month. Simons takes a look at the differences in Victoria's COVID-19 responses of 2020 and 2021. The VMC received a mention, along with the community updates we co-host with the Department of Health, which recently featured Premier Daniel Andrews.

I would also like to thank the many faith and community leaders doing so much work to support families exposed to Tier 1 and Tier 2 sites over the past few weeks. Your collective effort is amazing and a testament to how we can look out for each other in a COVID-safe way.

Elsewhere in this week's update, we link you to in-language information for businesses doing it tough due to lockdowns, a last chance to complete the Census, an opportunity to join the Greater Dandenong Multicultural Communities Network, and a Family Violence Multi-Agency Risk Assessment and Management Framework (MARAM) training session.

Take care and stay safe.
Viv Nguyen AM, Chairperson

In-language information: COVID-19 business support grants

The Victorian Government’s Business Costs Assistance Program offers grants of $4800 to eligible businesses that cannot fully operate remotely through lockdowns.

Please click below for translated information about the grant program, which has now entered its second round:

FECCA rolls out grants for COVID-19 outreach projects

FECCA is working with the Federal Government and other organisations to administer the CALD COVID-19 Health Small Grants Fund. The money will help multicultural community groups to lead grassroots communication activities around COVID-19 and the vaccination rollout, targeting CALD communities.

FECCA will administer grants of $2500, $3500 or $5000 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.
Applications are open now.

Expression of Interest – Greater Dandenong Multicultural Communities Network

The City of Greater Dandenong is seeking expressions of interest for a new Multicultural Communities Network.

The Greater Dandenong Multicultural Communities Network is being established to assist the council in receiving community advice and feedback on important plans, strategies, frameworks and policies.

The Network will also act as a link between the council and its many community members – including residents, community groups, not-for-profits, businesses and schools – to engage in two-way communication and collaboration.

The Network is seeking to attract a diverse field of community members, broadly representing community identities, including ethnicity, culture, faith, ability, gender and sexual orientation.

There is still time to complete the Census

It was Census night Tuesday 10 August. Millions of household successfully filled out the survey. If something came up that meant you couldn't get it done, you still have time. Complete it now online to avoid a fine.

Just remember when filling it out, answers all questions as if you were in your house completing the survey it last Tuesday. That means if someone was staying with you then, but isn't today, you still include them your responses.

Free MARAM Collaborative Practice training 

EDVOS is offering free Multi-Agency Risk Assessment and Management Framework (MARAM) Collaborative Practice training sessions to some professionals who respond to family violence in the Eastern Metropolitan Region.

The MARAM Collaborative Practice training focuses on both collaborative practice and foundational aspects of MARAM that enable collaboration. The training enables participants to contribute to risk assessment and collaborate for ongoing risk management, through respectful and sensitive engagement with survivors, information sharing, referral and secondary consultation.

Training will be held online using Zoom and runs for 6 hours (including breaks). Participants are required to attend the whole day.

Are you a woman hoping to re-enter the workforce?​

Women from diverse backgrounds are often excluded from the workforce due to caring responsibilities, time out of the workforce and being unable to find suitable work for their existing skills.

WomenCan's The Placement Circle helps women find meaningful work that allows them to use their unique skills and life experience.

The program supports women to gain vocational qualifications and employment, along with links to financial literacy training and a supportive community of women.

The Placement Circle is now looking for women who want to earn a qualification in Aged Care. Are you ready to study and rejoin the workforce?

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: www.multiculturalcommission.vic.gov.au

GOVV | UPDATING | Restrictions Metropolitan Melbourne | Monday 16 August 2021 | from 11.59pm

[Edited extract from public address]

From 11.59pm Monday 16 August 2021, restrictions across Metropolitan Melbourne have changed until 11.59pm on Thursday 2 September 2021.

Metropolitan Melbourne consists of the following Local Government Areas (LGAs):
Banyule, Bayside, Boroondara, Brimbank, Cardinia, Casey, Darebin, Frankston, Glen Eira, Greater Dandenong, Hobsons Bay, Hume, Kingston, Knox, Manningham, Maribyrnong, Maroondah, Melbourne, Melton, Monash, Moonee Valley, Moreland, Mornington Peninsula, Nillumbik, Port Phillip, Stonnington, Whitehorse, Whittlesea, Wyndham (except little River), Yarra, Yarra Ranges.

Changes have been introduced to slow the spread of COVID-19 by reducing the number of people leaving their homes and moving around Victoria.

A stay-at-home curfew is now in place between 9pm and 5am. You cannot leave your home (or the home of your intimate partner or bubble buddy) other than for limited reasons, including:
  • authorised work
  • health and medical purposes
  • care and support of a child or someone with special needs
  • in an emergency or to escape harm
Outside of curfew hours, you cannot leave your home other than for one of the five following reasons:
Victorians may also leave home to visit their intimate partner, their single social bubble buddy, or in an emergency – including those at risk of family violence.

You must stay within 5km of your home for shopping and exercise. This limit does not apply to permitted work or education, when giving or receiving care, getting a COVID-19 vaccination or visiting an intimate partner or your single social bubble buddy.

Residents of Metropolitan Melbourne must not travel to regional Victoria other than for permitted reasons. These include:
  • for authorised work or permitted education
  • to visit an intimate partner
  • for care and compassionate reasons
  • to access COVID-19 vaccination provided it is to the closest facility where vaccination can be obtained, or
  • to access necessary good and services provided this is to the closest facility where these can be obtained.
Face masks 
  • must be worn indoors and outdoors whenever you leave your home.
  • Face masks do not need to be worn indoors or outdoors if you are working alone unless another person enters that indoor or outdoor space.
  • You can remove your mask in a public place when consuming food, medicine or non-alcoholic drinks.
You can leave your home in an emergency or if there is family violence.

These actions will protect our loved ones, friends, colleagues, health care workers and the community.

Necessary goods and services

  • Necessary goods and services include supermarkets, pharmacies, butchers, green grocers, bottle shops, petrol stations, post offices, banks, food stores, newsagents, liquor stores, and pet stores. Supermarkets will continue to stay open to allow people to buy food, so there is no need to stock up on groceries. Other retail shops will only be available for delivery or contactless click and collect, and authorised workers may attend onsite to facilitate these orders.
  • Cafes and restaurants will only be able to offer take-away and delivery services.
  • You can only travel up to 5km from your home for shopping and exercising. You should stay as close to your home as possible, for example, shopping at the nearest supermarket.
  • For some people, the nearest essential goods and services will be more than 5km away. In this situation, you may travel beyond 5km to the nearest provider.
  • A person is permitted to drive a person with whom they reside, if it is not otherwise practical for that person to leave the house for a permitted reason.
  • Only one person per household can leave home to get necessary goods and services. They can leave once a day, which means people can’t make multiple shopping trips. You should limit the time you spend away from home. If you are unable to leave a child, children or a person in your care unattended, they may accompany you. You may accompany someone to shop for support, if necessary, for example, an elderly relative.
  • If you are taking a child, children or a person in your care with you when you shop you should not leave them in the car unattended while you shop. Leaving children unaccompanied in a vehicle is an offence in Victoria.
  • Hotel and accommodation providers will be able to stay open to support guests already staying onsite. No new bookings can be made, unless for a permitted reason – for example someone who requires accommodation as an authorised worker.
  • If you are not at your principal place of residence at the beginning of lockdown, it’s encouraged that you stay where you are for the duration of the lockdown.
  • Funerals will be able to go ahead indoors and outdoors with up to ten people, plus those required to conduct the funeral. Weddings will need to be postponed, unless end of life or other exceptional circumstances apply.
  • You cannot leave your house for necessary goods and services during the curfew unless they are for health and medical purposes or if you are travelling to or from work as an authorised worker.

Social interaction (single social bubble)

  • If you live alone or are a single parent you can create a ‘single social bubble’ by nominating one other person to be a part of your bubble.
  • You can have the person you form a bubble with visit your home.
  • Your nominated person can be from a household or share house, and you are also able to visit them in their home, but only when they are alone. If both you and your single social buddy are single parents, your children can be a part of your bubble.
  • You can stay with your intimate partner or bubble buddy while the curfew is in effect, but you must already be at their house when the curfew time begins.

Exercise

You can leave home to exercise, but there are limits:
  • You must not travel more than 5km from where you live to exercise. You must limit your outdoor exercise to no more than 2 hours per day.
  • Gyms, pools, community centres, entertainment venues and libraries are closed.
  • Outdoor playgrounds, outdoor skateparks and outdoor gym equipment are closed.
  • You can exercise with one other person, plus dependants, as long as you both do not travel more than 5km from your home.
  • Please use common sense and limit the number of people you see in person right now. It is safer to connect with friends and family using phone calls, social media and video calls.
  • If you are exercising with someone else, you should keep at least 1.5 metres distance between you. Don’t hug, kiss or shake hands.
  • If you are a parent or guardian who is caring for a child or someone who cannot be left unattended, then they may go with you.
  • Recreational activities that require the use of a facility will not be allowed. Facilities such as tennis clubs, bowls clubs, shooting ranges and golf clubs are closed. Outdoor activities that can be undertaken without accessing a facility, such as hunting, are permitted within the 5km and 2 hour limits.
  • You cannot leave your house during the curfew for exercise.

Health care

  • You can leave home to receive health care or attend medical appointments (including COVID-19 vaccination appointments or to get a COVID-19 test).
  • If you need to see a doctor or health care professional, you should do so. Do not put off getting medical care. Your doctor or health care professional can provide advice on how to stay safe.
  • You can leave home to care for a sick or elderly relative. If you provide care for someone, you should try to keep at least 1.5 metres between you when you can.
  • Wear a face mask.
  • You can leave home to accompany someone for essential medical treatment if you are a parent, guardian or necessary support person.
  • You can take a pet to the vet.
  • The 5km limit does not apply to care and health care.
  • You can leave your home during the curfew for health and medical purposes, or to provide care and support for a child or for someone with special needs.
  • You can leave home in an emergency or to receive urgent emergency medical care.

Work and education

  • A list of who is considered an authorised provider or an authorised worker is available online.
  • All authorised workers must carry a permit that is certified by their employer whenever they are travelling to work and attending work. This is required from 11:59pm on Tuesday 17 August.
  • If you are an authorised worker with a permit, you can leave your home to travel to and attend work during the curfew. You must carry your permit and photo ID with you at all times when travelling for authorised work.
  • If you can work from home – you must work from home.
  • You can go to work to collect the materials or equipment you need to work from home.
  • The 5km limit does not apply to work.
  • All schools are closed, except for vulnerable children and children of authorised workers or authorised providers, who can attend for onsite supervision (without parents presenting an authorised worker permit). Schools will continue to support students through remote learning or providing learning materials for use at home.
  • Universities and TAFEs must close or move to remote learning.
  • Childcare, family day care, early learning centres and kinders will remain open. A permit is not required.
  • Victorians may work interstate (where permitted by the state you are working in).

Additionally

  • You can leave home if there is an emergency.
  • You can leave home if there is family violence or violence by another person in the home, and you are at risk. If 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.
If you need to leave home, you must wear a face mask, unless you have a lawful reason for not doing so.

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.

To learn more about Victoria's restrictions


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 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?

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.  

COVID-19 vaccine resources for disability service providers

This Federal Department of Health's dedicated COVID-19 vaccine webpage 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. 

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.

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.

MORE:

Office of the Premier
State Government of Victoria (GOVV)
Address: 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne Victoria 3002 Australia

CoPP | GRANTING | Community Grants 2021/2022 | closing this Monday 16 August 2021

[Edited extract from public address]

Annual Community Grants | applications now open, closing this Monday 16 August 2021

City of Port Phillip invites eligible community groups and organisations to apply for funding to produce projects and programs that:
  • identify and meet existing and emerging community need
  • strengthen capacity of local community groups, organisations, and networks
  • promote and encourage social connection, and participation in community life
  • address health and well-being inequities
  • create initiatives that enable access and inclusion for diverse communities
  • support sustainability initiatives and facilitate innovation.

Cultural Development Fund – Projects | applications now open, closing 6 September 2021

Cultural Development Fund (CDF) - Projects grants have been developed by the City of Port Phillip to support local artists, groups or arts and related organisations to develop creative projects that engage our community and this support is continuing during the continuing period of COVID-19 recovery.

Program objectives
  • Support artists and organisations to develop and realise creative projects in the City of Port Phillip.
  • Support capacity building, mentoring, partnerships or collaborative development, and arts engagement activities.
  • Support and engage diverse communities of all ages and backgrounds, including the development of work that engages with the wider Port Phillip community.
  • Generate arts, cultural and heritage activity in our neighbourhoods and precincts.

Have Your Say – Help shape the Accessibility Action Plan | submissions open now, closing Sunday 29 August 2021

We want to ensure that Port Phillip is a place where people with disability feel valued and have a positive sense of belonging.

We’re preparing our fourth accessibility action plan to foster an inclusive and accessible Port Phillip. There are a variety of ways you can have your say about accessibility and inclusion of people with disability in our community and help inform the actions in the new Accessibility Action Plan
 

MORE:

City of Port Phillip
Address: 99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia

CUIN | WEBINAR | Diversity, Equity and Inclusion | Thursday 2 September 2021 | 10am–12noon

[Edited extract from public address]

Join panellists at The Business Builder's Group (BBG) Forum on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. 

Joined by the I CAN Network, this workshop will also explore how we can, as a group, support its National Online Mentoring Program.  

Key outcomes that you should get from the session:
  • To gain an understanding of why it makes good business sense to infuse diversity into your organisation 
  • To understand how Cultural Infusion’s data-driven diversity and inclusion mapping program can be used in your workplace 
  • To explore how we can be part of I CAN Network’s National Online Mentoring Program - supporting disability in the workplace
Where: online through Zoom. Connection details will be emailed soon.
Cost: FREE - $50 AUD + Booking Fee

MORE:

Cultural Infusion (CUIN)
Address: Suite 2, 273-277 Wellington Street, Collingwood VIC 3066
Tel: 1800 010 069

VMC | UPDATING | Time to do your Census tonight, Victorian Youth Congress open for application | Tuesday 10 August 2021

[Edited extract from public address]

Thank you to each and every one of you for following the current restrictions, keeping up to date on changes in the exposure sites, and supporting those in need while following the lockdown rules.

Message from the Chairperson

I appreciate it is hard and I thank you for your collaboration with the Victorian Government, the local government and community organisations to support members of the community. Thank you and please keep up this collaboration. 

There are government supports for many of those in need. Community, faith leaders, friends, family and neighbours are ready to lend a hand too. If you missed it, please read over my email about lockdown support, which went out last week.

Right now, there are many people who have possibly been exposed to the virus who are doing the right thing and isolating. We thank you. If you know someone going through this, we encourage you to support them in any way you can, whether that's by sending a care package, playing a game or watching something with them online, or just giving them a call.

In the midst of all this, the Census is taking place. The Census is the national survey that helps shape policies, priorities and federal expenditure. The data will help inform and direct resources to service delivery, social cohesion, and all the things that make a strong democratic, multicultural and civil society.

Below are just a few examples of how Census data can help diverse Australians:
  • Libraries use Census data to understand languages spoken in local communities so they can stock in-language books for their readers.
  • Supermarkets use Census data to plan the products to stock for their customers, including international foods.
  • Media organisations use Census data to know what programs to deliver in-language.
We hope you can make some time to complete the survey tonight.

In other news this week, the Victorian Youth Congress is recruiting members for 2022. The congress is an advisory group of people aged 12 to 25 who work with government to identify and advocate for issues that matter to young people. There are so many inspiring culturally and linguistically diverse young leaders we hope will put themselves forward. If you know anyone who would do a great job, please encourage them to apply.

We also share information sessions exploring the Equal Opportunity Act and the Migrant and Refugee Women Safety and Security Study, as well as a new video featuring a renowned resident of Thursday Island encouraging her community to get vaccinated. 

Take care and stay safe.
Viv Nguyen AM, Chairperson

It's time to complete the Census

It is Census night tonight, Tuesday 10 August. Filling out the survey is compulsory, but there are a lot of other important reasons why you should complete it as well.

For example, Welcoming Australia, uses Census data to understand changes in cultural and linguistic diversity, migration, population growth, housing and ageing, and to identify communities that may benefit from its services. Welcoming Australia can then use this data to inform their projects to help newly arrived migrants and refugees settle, contribute and thrive.

To read more about why the Census matters to culturally and linguistically diverse communities, hit the button below.
 

Join the 2022 Victorian Youth Congress | applications now open

This is a unique opportunity for young Victorians aged 12 to 25 to work with the Victorian Government to advise on the development of policy and programs relevant to young people. 
The 2022 Victorian Youth Congress will play a key role in implementing the new Victorian Youth Strategy, due to be released later this year.

The Victorian Youth Congress is the Minister for Youth’s advisory body and gives young Victorians the chance to learn more about government, positively influence change, develop professional skills and build networks with other young people interested in making change.

It is the aim of the Victorian Youth Congress to represent the diversity of Victoria’s young people and be a safe and inclusive environment for all members. The recruitment and selection process will be tailored to meet young people’s needs, and provide supports to ensure all members can participate fully.

An information session for young people interested in applying will be held at 5 pm Monday 23 August.
 

Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence​ | nominations now open

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.
 

Migrant and refugee women in Australia: The Safety and Security Study

An online discussion will focus on the background behind the landmark  Migrant and Refugee Women Safety and Security Study. This was a national study undertaken by Harmony Alliance: Migrant and Refugee Women for Change and Monash University.

The seminar will explore the survey design and implementation, as a national first focused on migrant and refugee women's self-reported data on domestic and family violence, as well as experiences of crime, attitudes toward institutions including police, and broader financial security. The discussion will revolve around how the survey came about, and the ways this kind of research can lead to important changes.
 

COVID-19 vaccination video: 'It's a no brainer'

Thursday Island resident Elsie Seriat OAM is a proud mum, runner and graduate from the Indigenous Marathon Foundation. In a new video, she explains how important it is to protect yourself and your family against COVID-19 by getting the vaccine when you can.

The video is part of a raft of resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples explaining the importance of the vaccination. You can browse other resources here. 
 

Equal Opportunity Act information session

If you are being treated poorly in your workplace, you don't have to continue to suffer in silence. Understand your rights under the Equal Opportunity Act and the actions you can take to make it stop in a new information session run by VEOHRC.

The law plays a critical role in providing a framework to recognise rights and to eliminate discrimination, sexual harassment and victimisation as much as possible. This includes identifying and eliminating the systemic causes of discrimination and promoting equality.

Find out more about the Act by registering for the session, which will be held on Wednesday 25 August.
 

Coronavirus hotline 

 

MORE:

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