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:
- Hindi — हिन्दी
- Punjabi — ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
- Simplified Chinese — 简体中文
- Traditional Chinese — 繁體中文
- Vietnamese — tiếng Việt
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.
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
- Coronavirus hotline: 1800 675 398 (24 Hours).
- Interpreting service: If you need an interpreter, call TIS National on 131 450.
- Testing locations: Find a testing location near you.
- Triple Zero: Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.
- Coronavirus in-language information
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