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GEIFN | CONSOLIDATED | Information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) | Sunday 1 August 2021

Fast Facts: COVID-19 Victoria & Australia

  1. VIC | GOV | UPDATING | Pandemic Response
  2. VIC | GOV | REMINDING | To protect yourself and others this flu season
  3. VIC | VMC | ADVISING | Relief and Community Support
  4. VIC | GOV | ADVISING | Financial supports for people and businesses impacted
  5. AUST | GOV | ADVISING | You may be eligible for financial support if restrictions have affected your work
  6. AUST | FECCA | GRANTING | CALD COVID-19 Health Small Grants | applications open now, closing end of January 2022
  7. CoPP | GOV | GRANTING | Community Grants Program 2021/22 | now Open
  8. YCC | GOV | GRANTING | Annual Climate Action Grants stream | applications closing 15 August 2021
  9. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Up to $50,000 for Community Organisations and Local Government to upgrade their energy efficiency | applications closing Friday 20 August 2021
  10. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Solar for Small-Medium Business Program | applications open now
  11. AUST | SCFO | GRANTING | Scanlon Foundation Annual Community Grants 2021 | applications now open, close on Friday 17 September 2021
  12. CoPP | ESNLC | ASSISTING | POWER SAVING BONUS SERVICE- $250 for eligible community members
  13. VIC | GOV | ASSISTING | Family Recovery Program here to help CALD Victorians
  14. VIC | GOV | SUPPORTING | African-Victorian students and job seekers
  15. VIC | GOV | SEEKING | Public Service Employers to take on refugee and asylum seeker interns
  16. VIC | GOV | APPOINTING | LGBTIQ+ Taskforce and Working Groups | expressions of interest now open, closing Sunday 1 August 2021
  17. MELB | MWF | CALLING | Story tellers to share it with Homespun | entries close Sunday 1 August 2021
  18. AUST | GOV | Domestic and Family Violence: Home Affairs information session for workers | 3 & 5 August 2021
  19. VIC | GOV | VACANCY | Victoria needs 4,000 new teachers
  20. MELB | MSC | WELCOMING | Migrants and refugees to your local area | Friday 6 August 2021
  21. AUST | CU/NARI | CALLING | Vietnamese and Spanish speakers: Give your feedback on vital short films |  evaluation closes 8 August 2021
  22. VIC | GOV | CALLING | Contributors to new Secure Work Pilot Scheme | submissions now open, closing 17 August 2021
  23. MELB | MESAC | GATHERING | Annual BESSI & MESAC Fossil Expo | Sunday 22 Aug 2021 | 10am-2pm
  24. VIC | GOV | CALLING | Applications for Premier's Spirit of Anzac Prize competition | now open, closing Tuesday 31 August 2021
  25. VIC | VMC | CALLING | Nominations for Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence​ | now open, closing 5 September 2021
  26. AUST | ASAC | CREATING | Opportunity for emerging South Asian female writers
  27. VIC | GOV | CALLING | For feedback on government review into social housing | submissions now open to Consultation Paper 2, closing 17 September 2021
  28. AUST | SECL | SHARING | In-language videos for family violence prevention
  29. AUST | THF | RAISING | Awareness and Support for Stolen Generations survivors and their families to speak for themselves
  30. CoPP | PPCfR | TOWARDS | Reconciliation in the City of Port Phillip
  31. HBCC | GOV | SHARING | Lost Lands Found Project
  32. VIC | GOV | ANNOUNCING | Wage theft is now a crime in Victoria
  33. AUST | Coronavirus hotline
  34. AUST | Helpers and Reliable Sources Along the Way
  35. Acknowledgment to Sources
  36. Bye bye to Essentialists
  37. Self-Isolators, Non-Essentials And The Homebound


1. VIC | GOV | UPDATING | Pandemic Response

From 11:59 pm on Tuesday 27 July 2021, restrictions have changed:

  • There are no restrictions on the reasons to leave home but staying COVIDSafe remains important.
  • There are no restrictions on travelling across the state or to regional Victoria.
  • Face masks are mandatory indoors and outdoors. You do not need to wear a mask in your own home, or if a lawful exception applies.
  • If you have any symptoms, no matter how mild you should get tested for COVID-19.

Social gatherings

  • Private gatherings in the home are not permitted.
  • You can see friends and family outdoors in a public place in a group of up to 10 people. A public place is an area accessible by members of the public like a park or the beach. It does not include your backyard at home.
 

Work and education

  • If you can work or study from home, you should continue to do so. If you can’t work from home or another suitable premise, you can go to work.
  • Offices can increase in attendance to 25% capacity or 10 people, whichever is greater.
  • Schools and early childcare are open.
 

Religion and ceremony

  • Religious gatherings and ceremonies are allowed, with density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm, and no more than 100 people per indoor space and 300 people per outdoor space.
  • Places of worship are required to have a COVID Check-In Marshal monitoring patrons checking in using the Service Victoria app.
  • You can have a wedding with up to 50 people at a venue. This limit includes the couple and two witnesses. The celebrant, and a photographer are in addition to the cap.
  • Funerals are allowed with up to 50 people. This limit doesn’t include babies under 12 months of age, or the people required to conduct the funeral.
 

Sport and recreation

  • Community sport is open for all ages, including training and competition. This includes contact and non-contact sport. The minimum number of participants (players, coaches, referees, officials and carers/parents) needed to train or compete are permitted to attend.
  • Indoor and outdoor physical recreation is open, including gyms, with density requirements of 1 person per 4 sqm, and no more than 100 people per indoor space and 300 people per outdoor space.
  • Class and group sizes may be up to 10 people, plus people required to conduct the activity (such as a trainer running a gym class).
  • Physical recreational facilities are required to have a COVID Check-In Marshal monitoring patrons checking in using the Service Victoria app.
  • Equipment must be cleaned between users. You must wear a face mask at all times, except when you are strenuously exercising and you are out of breath, or of another exception applies.
  • Operational food and drink facilities within a sport or recreation facility must comply with the density requirement of 1 person per 4sqm and a maximum of 100 people.
 

Retail and hospitality

  • Shops are open with a density requirement of 1 person per 4 sqm. While shopping you need to adhere to the patron limits per shop. This limit on patrons is in place to ensure everyone in the shop can keep 1.5 metres distance.
  • Beauty and personal care services are open. Masks can be removed when needed to complete the treatment.
  • Restaurants and cafes can open for seated service with up to 25 people before density requirements apply. A density requirement of 1 person per 4 sqm applies, with a maximum of 100 people (indoors and outdoors) per venue. Group sizes are limited to 10 people. A limit on customers for seated service is in place to ensure everyone can keep 1.5 metres distance. Food courts can also re-open with a density requirement of 1 person per 4 sqm with a maximum of 100 people per venue (indoors and outdoors) and a COVID Check-in Marshal must be present.
  • Restaurants and cafes are required to have a COVID Check-in Marshal monitoring patrons checking in using the Service Victoria app.
 

Entertainment

  • Community facilities including libraries can open with density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm, with no more than 100 people per indoor space and 300 people per outdoor space. Group sizes are limited to 10 people.
  • All entertainment and community facilities are required to have a COVID Check-in Marshal monitoring patrons checking-in using the Service Victoria app.
  • Bars, karaoke facilities and nightclubs are open with seated service only (dancefloor closed), a density requirement of 1 person per 4 sqm and a cap of 100 people per venue.
  • Indoor seated venues such as cinemas can have up to 100 people per space. Non-seated indoor venues have a density requirement of 1 person per 4 sqm and up to 100 people per space.
 

Face masks

  • Face masks must be carried at all times and must be worn indoors and outdoors.
  • You do not need to wear a mask in your own home, the home of your intimate partner or if a lawful exception applies.
 

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.
 

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.

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. 

2. VIC | GOV | REMINDING | To protect yourself and others this flu season

In the past year, we’ve learned a lot about how to stay safe and stay healthy. We know to wash our hands properly and sanitise often. We know to stay at home if we don’t feel well and to keep our distance from others.

But even with these precautions, the seasonal flu is still a concern. And the best way to avoid it is to get your flu shot. So, to protect yourself and the people you love this flu season, don’t forget your flu shot.

If you would like to see and share in-language posters promoting the flu shot. To share in-language social media posts. 

3. VIC | VMC | ADVISING | Relief and Community Support

Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) understands lockdowns are a stressful and upsetting time, especially for our diverse communities, and we will continue to support you as we work together to overcome this latest COVID challenge.

This snap lockdown will let our dedicated public health team work to the best of their abilities. The pace with which this virus moves requires our focused attention and to follow all the public health directions.

For those in need of food relief and essentials, you can contact Relief and Community Support at rcs@dffh.vic.gov.au and 1800 365 100.

Some more essential links:


4. VIC | GOV | ADVISING | Financial supports for people and businesses impacted

For people and businesses impacted by the lockdown and COVID-19 in general. 

5. AUST | GOV | ADVISING | You may be eligible for financial support if restrictions have affected your work

You may be able to get the COVID-19 Disaster Payment if you can’t work due to a restricted movement order or lockdown.

You also may be able to get the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment if you can’t work either because a state or territory health official has told you to isolate or quarantine because you’re a close contact of a confirmed case or have COVID-19, or you’re caring for someone with COVID-19. 

6. 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. 

7. CoPP | GOV | GRANTING | Community Grants Program 2021/22 | now Open

City of Port Phillip (CoPP) Community Grants 2021/22 are now open to support eligible community groups and organisations to apply for funding.
Producing projects and programs that:
  • identify and meet existing and emerging community needs
  • 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.
There are five categories of funding for the Community Grants Program in 2021/22:
  1. Program Support: Supports small groups to initiate and run their activities; Up to $1000
  2. Diversity and Ageing Support: Supports seniors and CALD groups to initiate and run activities; Up to $1000
  3. Toyota Community Foundation/City of Port Phillip Equipment Fund: Funding for the purchase of equipment that is essential to project or service success; Up to $1000
  4. Social Inclusion Partnerships: Supports projects that involve two or more organisations working in partnership to increase social inclusion; Up to $5000
  5. Community Strengthening: Supports projects/program that strengthen community and organisational capacity; Up to $10,000
Visit website

8. YCC | GOV | GRANTING | Annual Climate Action Grants stream | applications closing 15 August 2021

Got a great idea to take climate action in Yarra City Council (YCC) and help create a sustainable city? 
Climate Action Stream supports community-led projects that focus on the following priorities:
  • Mobilise the community to take climate action, including advocating for change
  • Support the most vulnerable in our community to cope with climate impacts, such as extreme weather, energy and food insecurity
  • Reduce carbon emissions
  • Support local food systems
  • Care for local natural environments
  • Avoid waste and enable more conscious consumption
  • Foster sustainable transport behaviours
  • Build stronger social connections to increase resilience to future shocks and stresses

The new grants stream delivers on a commitment in City of Yarra Climate Emergency Plan. 

Climate action grants for 2022
The 2022 Annual Grants round will open on 25 June and close on 15 August 2021. Watch a recording of the information session and learn more about our Annual Grants process. If you would like to speak to a Council staff member about an idea for a project to put forward, please email climateemergency@yarracity.vic.gov.au 

Recipients of the 2021 climate action grants
The community-led initiatives funded through the climate action stream of Council's Annual Grants included creative projects to engage people around waste and climate issues, enhance cooking and food growing skills, and hands-on ecological restoration activities along our waterways. See the full list of 2021 Annual Grant recipients, including recipients of funds from the climate action grants stream.   

9. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Up to $50,000 for Community Organisations and Local Government to upgrade their energy efficiency | applications closing Friday 20 August 2021

Sustainability Victoria Grants of up to $50,000 are available for community organisations to upgrade the energy efficiency of their facilities via the Community Climate Change and Energy Action Program (CCCEAP).
Sustainability Victoria will be working with 100 Victorian community organisations such as kindergartens, leisure and sporting centres, neighbourhood and community houses over the next two years to deliver significant economic benefits through reductions in energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

Funding available:
  • Stream 1 – up to $5,000; Stream 2 (Tier 1) – up to $25,000; Stream 2 (Tier 2)– up to $50,000.
  • Co-contribution:  Not applicable for Stream 1. Applicable for Stream 2: $1:$1 (SV:Applicant).
  • Available to: Community groups, local government
Stream 1: Audit grants
Up to $5,000 will fund Detailed Facility Audits to give you and your community group a full picture of your facility’s emissions profile, with the baseline information to start reducing emissions.

Stream 2: Project implementation grants (co-contribution)
Tier 1: Project grants
Up to $25,000 to support community facility upgrades focused on reducing operational costs and greenhouse gas emissions

Tier 2: Innovation and Best Practice grants
Up to $50,000 to help accelerate larger innovative and best practice upgrades to a building that is highly energy-efficient and fully powered from on-site renewable sources (net zero carbon).

To find out more or register for an information session, go to the Community Climate Change and Energy Action Program: Guidelines.

10. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Solar for Small-Medium Business Program | applications open now

Solar Victoria's Solar for Business rebates will remain at $3,500 until all 5,000 forecasted rebates for 2020–21 have been fully  allocated, and  will be up to $1,750 thereafter. 
This initiative  is designed  to  support Victorian small businesses  to reduce their energy costs by accessing  the benefits of renewable energy and reducing the upfront cost of the installation of an approved  small-scale solar PV system up to 30kW.    

To support the economic recovery of Victorian small businesses and the broader solar sector, 15,000 solar PV rebates will be available over the next three years. 

Rebates cover up to 50 per cent of the cost of a rooftop solar system with small businesses eligible for a maximum rebate of $3,500 to reduce the upfront cost of installing solar on their business premises. 

This means the total rebate amount will be capped at 50% or $3,500 of the cost on any approved system. For example, if the net costs of solar are $10,000, then the rebate value applied is $3,500 (not $5,000) or if the net costs are $4,000, then the rebate value applied is $2,000 (not $3,500). 

Solar for Business rebates will remain at $3,500 until all 5,000 forecasted rebates for 2020–21 have been fully allocated, and will be up to $1,750 thereafter. 

Net costs are inclusive of GST and any contribution from Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). 

Who is Eligible?
All entity types, including charities and not-for-profit organisations, are eligible for the Solar for Business rebates providing they meet the following eligibility criteria:   
  • Be the owner of a business that employs at least one person, not including the business owner, and less than 20 people 
  • Operate from premises that are non-residential. 
  • Operate from premises that are individually metered  
  • Have not previously received a Solar for Business rebate  
  • Have your system installed by a Solar Victoria approved solar retailer as detailed on Solar Victoria’s website   
  • Install a solar system with a PV capacity size up to 30kW, and detailed on the Solar Victoria approved product list.    
  • Businesses who own their premises and those who rent can apply for the Solar for Business rebate. A rental provider/landlord of the business premises cannot apply for the rebate on a business’s behalf. 
  • Additional information for business owners who rent their premises can be found in the Landlord and Tenant Guidelines and Consent form.  
The rebate is only available for installations that occur after program opening for applications on 28 May 2021. Systems installed prior will not be eligible for a rebate.  

If your home is your main place of business and you meet the eligibility criteria for the residential program, you may be eligible for a  Solar Homes rebate.   

11. AUST | SCFO | GRANTING | Scanlon Foundation Annual Community Grants 2021 | applications now open, close on Friday 17 September 2021

The Scanlon Foundation’s Annual Community Grants 2021 will support projects that demonstrate contribution to social cohesion by building pathways to employment or increasing applied English literacy.

Projects should consider the experience of migrants and aim to nurture positive outcomes. All submissions are expected to empower new arrival communities and develop cross cultural connections.

The Foundation will be holding an online information session on Wednesday 11 August to to provide more details on the Annual Community Grant round, the application process, and to answer any questions. Further details are available here. 

12. CoPP | ESNLC | ASSISTING | POWER SAVING BONUS SERVICE- $250 for eligible community members

Elwood St Kilda Neighbourhood Learning Centre (ESNLC) can assist any residents to access the $250 Power Saving Bonus.
Do you know someone with a Health Care Card? Please share this with your for eligible community members.

Visit Elwood St Kilda Neighbourhood Learning Centre (87 Tennyson Street, Elwood) with the following documents to apply for your money:
  • An Original PDF or hard-copy version of your household electricity bill from your retailer
  • Your Centrelink Customer Reference Number (CRN) or DVA card number. You can find this on your concession card or in your MyGov account.
  • Your bank account details or they can send you a cheque.
For further information: https://www.nhvic.org.au/power-saving-bonus-outreach-program


13. 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. 

14. 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. 

15. VIC | GOV | SEEKING | Public Service Employers to 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. 

16. VIC | GOV | APPOINTING | LGBTIQ+ Taskforce and Working Groups | expressions of interest now open, closing Sunday 1 August 2021

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. 

17. MELB | MWF | CALLING | Story tellers to share it with Homespun | entries close Sunday 1 August 2021

The Homespun storytelling competition is back, and ABC Radio Melbourne and Melbourne Writers Festival want you to share your true tale with them. Entering is as easy as recording a voice note on your phone. Just make sure you include the line, 'I have been meaning to tell you'.

Winners will work with ABC Radio producers to craft their story to tell on stage in front of an audience at the Homespun storytelling event on Saturday, 4 September.

During the event, Winners will be sharing the stage with hosts Virginia Trioli and David Astle and a special Guest Storyteller from Melbourne Writers Festival. It promises to be a night of laughter, love and homespun yarns. 


18. AUST | GOV | Domestic and Family Violence: Home Affairs information session for workers | 3 & 5 August 2021

Preventing domestic and family violence (DFV) is a whole-of-government priority. The Department of Home Affairs will be hosting two information sessions next week about their role in assisting temporary and provisional visa holders who are experiencing DFV.

Both sessions will cover the same topics:
  • the Family Violence Provisions (for Partner visa applicants)
  • sponsorship limitations
  • resolving visa status
  • assisting people to return to their home country.
Individual queries will not be addressed during these sessions and should be directed to professionals authorised to deliver immigration assistance.

The Department of Home Affairs invites everyone who works with visa holders experiencing DFV (including volunteers) to join them via videoconference at either of the two sessions by following the links below. 

19. 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. 

20. 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. 

21. AUST | CU/NARI | CALLING | Vietnamese and Spanish speakers: Give your feedback on vital short films | evaluation closes 8 August 2021

Researchers from Curtin University and the National Ageing Research Institute are seeking people from Vietnamese and Spanish speaking backgrounds to evaluate three short films aimed at raising dementia awareness online. 

They need your input to ensure that the films are relevant and meet the needs of the community. The evaluation should take no more than 30 minutes. Participants can choose to be part of a draw to win one of four $50 gift cards. 

22. VIC | GOV | CALLING | Contributors to new Secure Work Pilot Scheme | submissions now open, closing 17 August 2021

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.  

The Victorian Government is developing the Secure Work Pilot Scheme is 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. 

23. MELB | MESAC | GATHERING | Annual BESSI & MESAC Fossil Expo | Sunday 22 Aug 2021 | 10am-2pm

Are you crazy about fossils….. and the fact that we have them on our doorstep in Beaumaris, Bayside? Would you like to meet the experts? Bring along any fossils you have that you would like identified. 

This is a 100% volunteer run event. A nominal fee is charged as COVID has seriously affected funding for this important research. Marine Education Science and Community (MESAC) and BESS are run by generous volunteers and are totally non-profit. We hope to raise some donations to support  this valuable research. Every little bit helps and is greatly appreciated.

This is a COVID-safe and family friendly event.  We look forward to seeing you then!  Please feel free to share with colleagues, friends and family.
Where: Beaumaris Motor Yacht Squadron, Beach Road, Beaumaris, Opposite Cromer Road, Beaumaris, VIC 3193
Cost: $5 single entry
Bookings: online through Trybooking

24. VIC | GOV | CALLING | Applications for Premier's Spirit of Anzac Prize competition | now open, closing Tuesday 31 August 2021

The competition offers students in Year 9, 10 and 11 the opportunity to explore Australia’s proud and significant war and peacekeeping history, and enter to receive a $2,500 scholarship to support their education.

Through the program, students are asked to express their perspectives and understanding of experiences of those who have served. This can be presented in a range of formats, including essay, artwork, video, audio, music, webpage or poem.

More than 500 students have been awarded the prize since the program started in 2005. 

25. VIC | VMC | CALLING | Nominations for Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence​ | now open, closing 5 September 2021

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 (VMC), and are now open for nomination. To learn more about the program, browse the categories and nominate someone, click the button below. 

26. AUST | ASAC | CREATING | Opportunity for emerging South Asian female writers

The Australian South Asian Centre (ASAC) wants to give talented, ambitious and undiscovered writers the opportunity to share their story.

ASCA would love to see more South Asian female authors and writers publishing books and articles that reflect the diaspora's shared experiences, culture and diversity.  

So, ASAC are calling for writers to send in examples of their writing. The talented winner will:
  • Receive feedback about their work and have a one-on-one zoom call with an established writer or author.
  • Have their work (or an excerpt) published on the ASAC blog and social media. 
  • Have their work sent to a range of our community partners to share across their social media network. 
 

27. VIC | GOV | CALLING | For feedback on government review into social housing | submissions now open to Consultation Paper 2, closing 17 September 2021

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.  

28. AUST | SECL | SHARING | In-language videos for family violence prevention 

As part of the Safer and Stronger Communities Pilot, South East Community Links (SECL) have helped develop a select range of multilingual resources for Dari, Hazaragi, Hindi, Punjabi and Tamil speaking community members. 

The culturally adapted videos have been created by the community, for the community. They provide insights into how gender inequality is experienced by some Afghan and Indian people. The voices you hear are those of SECL's co-design community members speaking in their languages. 

The SECL hopes you will share these links far and wide with your networks, community groups and others so that more people are aware of the importance of gender equality and the little steps they can take towards creating greater gender equality in their homes, lives and communities.View on SECL website


29. AUST | THF | RAISING | Awareness and Support for Stolen Generations survivors and their families to speak for themselves

The Healing Foundation (THF) is a national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation that provides a platform to amplify the voices and lived experience of Stolen Generations survivors and their families.
Working with communities to create a place of safety, providing an environment for Stolen Generations survivors and their families to speak for themselves, tell their own stories, and be in charge of their own healing. 

By addressing unresolved trauma in First Nations communities – trauma that was caused by colonisation and actions like the forced removal of children – we are walking alongside communities on the path to healing.

Promoting trauma-aware, healing-informed practice to help government, policymakers, and workforces understand their role in intergenerational healing.

THF is governed by a First Nations Board and Executive and guided in our work by our Stolen Generations and Youth Reference Groups.

THF work honours our First Nations ancestors to ensure our future generations continue to thrive for the next 60,000 years. 

30. CoPP | PPCfR | TOWARDS | Reconciliation in the City of Port Phillip

Port Phillip Citizens for Reconciliation (PPCfR) is a voluntary community group affiliated with Reconciliation Victoria and Australians for Native Title & Reconciliation Victoria (ANTaR). 
Maintaining local awareness of the reconciliation agenda, recognising that information, understanding and community discussion are integral to the process, and promoting an understanding of the history of Aboriginal people, particularly in our local area.

Working closely with the City of Port Phillip from whom we receive a small grant. We participate in Reconciliation and NAIDOC Week events, host a free lunch for Sorry Day each year, participate in local community festivals and publish an informative monthly newsletter, Mungo, which is sent to members each month.

When: Meetings are held at 6.30 pm on the third Tuesday each month
Where: South Melbourne Community Centre.
Get Involved: Please help us continue our work by joining the group – or by renewing your existing membership. The rate remains unchanged and is valid until 30 June 2022. Membership Fee: $10.00 ($5.00 concession). 

31. HBCC | GOV | SHARING | Lost Lands Found Project

In a Hobsons Bay City Council (HBCC) public park in Melbourne’s quiet seaside suburb of Altona, two worlds collide; one is a thick carpet of unremarkable green lawn, the other is a small patch of reclaimed local ecology. 
Part of the Lost Lands Found Project, this small patch of reclaimed Altona ecology is reacquainting local residents with fifty-one species of Indigenous wildflowers, grasses, herbs and lilies that once flourished throughout the area. 

The creator of the project, Wemba-Wemba and Wergaia man Dean Stewart, describes this window into the past as "part ecological restoration, part public art installation...Lost Lands Found is like a moment frozen in time – it’s what the natural ecology of this very spot used to be like". 

Lost Lands Found brings a symbolic remnant grassland to a busy public space and in doing so encourages passers-by to stop and get curious about the world under their feet, with the hope of inspiring people to make deep personal connections to their local ecologies and landscapes.  

32. VIC | GOV | ANNOUNCING | Wage theft is now a crime in Victoria

From 1 July 2021, it became a crime for an employer in Victoria to dishonestly withhold wages or other employee entitlements, such as allowances, annual leave and long service leave. It also became a crime to falsify employee entitlement records to gain a financial advantage.

Wage Inspectorate Victoria provides information about these laws to ensure employers and workers know their rights and obligations, and holds to account those who break the law. 

Read through the Wage Inspectorate Victoria website for information about wage theft, long service leave, child employment permits and more. You can follow them on Facebook, where they post translated materials.  

33. 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.


34. AUST | Helpers and Reliable Sources Along the Way

     

    35. 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.

    36. 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.

    37. 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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