In a Community Update earlier this year, we did a callout for people and organisations that promote diversity in Victoria.
Message from the Chairperson
Melbourne-based not-for-profit Courage to Care's submission stood out, so we interviewed their CEO, Mike Zervos, about the unique anti-racism sessions they run in schools.You can now read our article about Courage to Care's important work on our website. After reading, I think you'll agree it's the responsibility of all of us to call out racism and inappropriate behaviour when we see it, in a way that is safe for us individually.
Elsewhere in this week's update, we share in-language videos from the North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network promoting COVID-19 vaccinations. These short pieces feature diverse communities talking about what they're looking forward to in a time when we've finally put the pandemic behind us. It's a positive spin on a serious issue and I hope it inspires our communities to protect themselves against COVID-19, so we can once again enjoy some of the everyday pleasures we used to love.
We have further reading about why the Census is vital to CALD communities. The Australia-wide survey, which is conducted every five years, needs to be completed next Tuesday night. It has significant implications for support services, so it’s critical you take the time to complete it, and encourage others to as well.
This week marks Homelessness Week in Australia. Did you know there are over 116,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night? The VMC has had the opportunity to inform some of the work of Homes Victoria and the Victorian Government on the $5.3 billion investment in social and affordable housing.
In addition, the VMC has worked alongside the Victorian Government’s Social Housing Regulation Review, which will soon get underway to better understand the experiences of current and future tenants of multicultural backgrounds in accessing social and public housing.
Stay tuned for some upcoming updates, where we will share ways you can have a say through surveys, consultations and submissions. While progress is good, we know that there is still a long way to go to ensure everyone has access to a safe home. There remains a strong immediate need for additional social housing units for vulnerable cohorts, including women and children experiencing domestic or family violence, and we still hear of long wait lists and soaring rent prices.
So, this week, I join many others across the nation in supporting Homelessness Australia's campaign because #EverybodyNeedsAHome.
Finally, a couple of reminders: it's your last chance to join one of our Regional Advisory Councils, with expressions of interest closing this weekend; and the Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence are now open for nomination.
Take care and stay safe.
Viv Nguyen AM, Chairperson
Upstanding citizens – having the Courage to Care
There are so many people and organisations doing important work in the community to promote multiculturalism. Today we take a look at not-for-profit Courage to Care.An initiative of the global Jewish service organisation B’nai B’rith, Courage to Care has a team of volunteers running presentations in schools. These sessions shine a light on extraordinary acts of courage throughout history. The hope is that seeing these examples of real people who made a positive difference will inspire students to take small interventions that can make our community a safer place to live.
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.
Last chance: Regional Advisory Council expressions of interest | applications now close on 8 August
Expression of interests for our Regional Advisory Councils close this weekend! We would like to hear from anyone who wants to be a part of these important groups.There are eight Regional Advisory Councils from across the state providing critical, on-the-ground insights, as well as solutions for issues affecting multicultural communities – including migrant and refugee settlement services, employment, education, housing, citizenship and connection to culture.
Census resources for CALD communities
It will be Census night next 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.
'Goodbye COVID': Watch the in-language video
North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network have been working with local community leaders to encourage people to get vaccinated against COVID-19.Getting vaccinated protects yourself and your loved ones. When enough of us are vaccinated, life will be better for everyone.
You can find links below to the Goodbye COVID videos in 20 languages, along with scripts and more information.
Job alert: Audit and Risk Committee Chair
The Victorian Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions is seeking expressions of interest for the appointment of independent members to join its Audit and Risk Committee.The committee reports to the department’s secretary. It is responsible for independent assurance and oversight of financial reporting, financial performance and sustainability, risk management, internal audits, external audits, and legislative and policy compliance.
The work of this board will directly impact multicultural communities, and applicants from CALD communities are encouraged.
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