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
- Coronavirus hotline: 1800 675 398 (24 Hours).
- Interpreting service: If you need an interpreter, call TIS National on 131 450.
- Testing locations: Find a testing location near you.
- Triple Zero: Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.
- Coronavirus in-language information
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Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)
Address: Level 3, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9651 5901
Email: contact@vmc.vic.gov.au