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:
- Feedback on improvements to public housing survey
- Printable versions for staff to give to clients
- Current or past tenant survey
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.
For information in languages other than English please see below:
- Arabic - العربية
- Hindi — हिन्दी
- Punjabi — ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
- Simplified Chinese — 简体中文
- Traditional Chinese — 繁體中文
- Vietnamese — tiếng Việt
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
- Coronavirus hotline: 1800 675 398 (24 Hours).
- Interpreting service: If you need an interpreter, call TIS National on 131 450.
- Testing locations: Find a testing location near you.
- Triple Zero: Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.
- Coronavirus in-language information
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Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)Address: Level 3, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9651 5901