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GEIFN | CONSOLIDATED | Information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) | Wednesday 1 September 2021

Fast Facts: COVID-19 Victoria & Australia

  1. VIC | GOV | UPDATING | Pandemic Response
  2. VIC | GOV | COVID-19 vaccination video: 'It's a no brainer'
  3. VIC | VCOSS | RELEASING | "Getting Back To The Good Things" and "Performance Of A Lifetime" Vaccination Videos
  4. MELB | NWMPHN | RELEASING | 'Goodbye COVID': Watch the in-language video
  5. VIC | GOV | ASSISTING | Family Recovery Program here to help CALD Victorians
  6. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | COVID-19 business support grants In-language information
  7. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Small Business COVID Hardship Fund | applications open now, closing 10 September 2021
  8. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Changing Places facilities grants | applications close 5 November 2021
  9. AUST | GOV | ADVISING | You may be eligible for financial support if restrictions have affected your work
  10. AUST | FECCA | GRANTING | CALD COVID-19 Health Small Grants | applications open now, closing end of January 2022
  11. CoPP | GOV | GRANTING | Community Grants Program 2021/22 | now Open
  12. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Solar for Small-Medium Business Program | applications open now
  13. AUST | SCFO | GRANTING | Scanlon Foundation Annual Community Grants 2021 | applications now open, close on Friday 17 September 2021
  14. AUST | ECCV | JOINING | The call to demand Action on Afghanistan
  15. AUST | GOV | LAUNCHING | National Disability Gateway
  16. VIC | ECCV | ESTABLISHING | New Statewide CALD Disability Network
  17. VIC | GOV | SUPPORTING | African-Victorian students and job seekers
  18. VIC | GOV | VACANCY | Victoria needs 4,000 new teachers
  19. VIC | GOV | VACANCY | Work that Matters NDIS and disability workers
  20. AUST | TPC | VACANCY | Are you a woman hoping to re-enter the workforce?​
  21. VIC/NSW | ETHN | VACANCY | Several positions
  22. VIC | ECCV | VACANCY | Chief Executive Officer
  23. YARRA | YEF | WEBINAR | Community Battery Trial | Session 1 | Wednesday 1 September 2021 | 7-8.15pm
  24. AUST | CUIN | WEBINAR | Diversity, Equity and Inclusion | Thursday 2 September 2021 | 10am–12noon
  25. VIC | GOV | TRAINING | MARAM Collaborative Practice
  26. VIC | VMC | CALLING | Nominations for Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence​ | now open, closing 5 September 2021
  27. VIC | GOV | HEARING | Your say on Victoria’s social housing
  28. VIC | GOV | HEARING | Your say on Victoria’s New Mental Health System
  29. VIC | ECCV | CALLING | Maltese and Somali Interviewees for Speak My Language Program
  30. VIC | CoGD | CALLING | For Expressions of Interest for members of Greater Dandenong Multicultural Communities Network
  31. AUST | ABC | CALLING | For Emerging Content Makers with Disability
  32. VIC | CoPP | CALLING | Young Content Creators for Vision 2.0 | submissions now open, closing 13 September 2021
  33. VIC | ECCV | CALLING | For Submissions from Presenters at FECCA 2022 | abstract submissions close 1 October 2021
  34. VIC | GOV | CALLING | Young Victorians aged 12-25 to join the 2022 Victorian Youth Congress | applications now open
  35. VIC | MESAC | CALLING | All photographers for Sense of Place photograph competition! | Open from August to October 2021
  36. AUST | GOV | COACHING | Carer Gateway service
  37. AUST | PCAS | OFFERING | Palliative Care Advice Service
  38. AUST | JHfWH | RELEASING | Health education toolkit in six languages
  39. AUST | POLARON | ENCOURAGING | Ask Me First: How to Engage Australians with Disability
  40. AUST | INDE | RELEASING | In-language Vietnamese resources supporting people with disability and their families, friends and carers
  41. AUST | HQLD | RELEASING | In-language hepatitis B videos
  42. VIC | VMC | RECOGNISING | Upstanding Citizenry – having the Courage to Care
  43. AUST | Coronavirus hotline
  44. AUST | Helpers and Reliable Sources Along the Way
  45. Acknowledgment to Sources
  46. Bye bye to Essentialists
  47. Self-Isolators, Non-Essentials And The Homebound


1. VIC | GOV | UPDATING | Pandemic Response

Restrictions Metropolitan Melbourne | Monday 16 August 2021 | from 11.59pm

From 11.59pm Monday 16 August 2021, restrictions across Metropolitan Melbourne are currently in force.

Metropolitan Melbourne consists of the following Local Government Areas (LGAs):

Banyule, Bayside, Boroondara, Brimbank, Cardinia, Casey, Darebin, Frankston, Glen Eira, Greater Dandenong, Hobsons Bay, Hume, Kingston, Knox, Manningham, Maribyrnong, Maroondah, Melbourne, Melton, Monash, Moonee Valley, Moreland, Mornington Peninsula, Nillumbik, Port Phillip, Stonnington, Whitehorse, Whittlesea, Wyndham (except little River), Yarra, Yarra Ranges.

Changes have been introduced to slow the spread of COVID-19 by reducing the number of people leaving their homes and moving around Victoria.

A stay-at-home curfew is now in place between 9pm and 5am. You cannot leave your home (or the home of your intimate partner or bubble buddy) other than for limited reasons, including:
  • authorised work
  • health and medical purposes
  • care and support of a child or someone with special needs
  • in an emergency or to escape harm

Outside of curfew hours, you cannot leave your home other than for one of the five following reasons:
Victorians may also leave home to visit their intimate partner, their single social bubble buddy, or in an emergency – including those at risk of family violence.

You must stay within 5km of your home for shopping and exercise. This limit does not apply to permitted work or education, when giving or receiving care, getting a COVID-19 vaccination or visiting an intimate partner or your single social bubble buddy.

Residents of Metropolitan Melbourne must not travel to regional Victoria other than for permitted reasons. These include:
  • for authorised work or permitted education
  • to visit an intimate partner
  • for care and compassionate reasons
  • to access COVID-19 vaccination provided it is to the closest facility where vaccination can be obtained, or
  • to access necessary good and services provided this is to the closest facility where these can be obtained.

Face masks 
  • must be worn indoors and outdoors whenever you leave your home.
  • Face masks do not need to be worn indoors or outdoors if you are working alone unless another person enters that indoor or outdoor space.
  • You can remove your mask in a public place when consuming food, medicine or non-alcoholic drinks.

You can leave your home in an emergency or if there is family violence.

These actions will protect our loved ones, friends, colleagues, health care workers and the community.

Necessary goods and services

  • Necessary goods and services include supermarkets, pharmacies, butchers, green grocers, bottle shops, petrol stations, post offices, banks, food stores, newsagents, liquor stores, and pet stores. Supermarkets will continue to stay open to allow people to buy food, so there is no need to stock up on groceries. Other retail shops will only be available for delivery or contactless click and collect, and authorised workers may attend onsite to facilitate these orders.
  • Cafes and restaurants will only be able to offer take-away and delivery services.
  • You can only travel up to 5km from your home for shopping and exercising. You should stay as close to your home as possible, for example, shopping at the nearest supermarket.
  • For some people, the nearest essential goods and services will be more than 5km away. In this situation, you may travel beyond 5km to the nearest provider.
  • A person is permitted to drive a person with whom they reside, if it is not otherwise practical for that person to leave the house for a permitted reason.
  • Only one person per household can leave home to get necessary goods and services. They can leave once a day, which means people can’t make multiple shopping trips. You should limit the time you spend away from home. If you are unable to leave a child, children or a person in your care unattended, they may accompany you. You may accompany someone to shop for support, if necessary, for example, an elderly relative.
  • If you are taking a child, children or a person in your care with you when you shop you should not leave them in the car unattended while you shop. Leaving children unaccompanied in a vehicle is an offence in Victoria.
  • Hotel and accommodation providers will be able to stay open to support guests already staying onsite. No new bookings can be made, unless for a permitted reason – for example someone who requires accommodation as an authorised worker.
  • If you are not at your principal place of residence at the beginning of lockdown, it’s encouraged that you stay where you are for the duration of the lockdown.
  • Funerals will be able to go ahead indoors and outdoors with up to ten people, plus those required to conduct the funeral. Weddings will need to be postponed, unless end of life or other exceptional circumstances apply.
  • You cannot leave your house for necessary goods and services during the curfew unless they are for health and medical purposes or if you are travelling to or from work as an authorised worker.
 

Social interaction (single social bubble)

  • If you live alone or are a single parent you can create a ‘single social bubble’ by nominating one other person to be a part of your bubble.
  • You can have the person you form a bubble with visit your home.
  • Your nominated person can be from a household or share house, and you are also able to visit them in their home, but only when they are alone. If both you and your single social buddy are single parents, your children can be a part of your bubble.
  • You can stay with your intimate partner or bubble buddy while the curfew is in effect, but you must already be at their house when the curfew time begins.
 

Exercise

You can leave home to exercise, but there are limits:
  • You must not travel more than 5km from where you live to exercise. You must limit your outdoor exercise to no more than 2 hours per day.
  • Gyms, pools, community centres, entertainment venues and libraries are closed.
  • Outdoor playgrounds, outdoor skateparks and outdoor gym equipment are closed.
  • You can exercise with one other person, plus dependants, as long as you both do not travel more than 5km from your home.
  • Please use common sense and limit the number of people you see in person right now. It is safer to connect with friends and family using phone calls, social media and video calls.
  • If you are exercising with someone else, you should keep at least 1.5 metres distance between you. Don’t hug, kiss or shake hands.
  • If you are a parent or guardian who is caring for a child or someone who cannot be left unattended, then they may go with you.
  • Recreational activities that require the use of a facility will not be allowed. Facilities such as tennis clubs, bowls clubs, shooting ranges and golf clubs are closed. Outdoor activities that can be undertaken without accessing a facility, such as hunting, are permitted within the 5km and 2 hour limits.
  • You cannot leave your house during the curfew for exercise.
 

Health care

  • You can leave home to receive health care or attend medical appointments (including COVID-19 vaccination appointments or to get a COVID-19 test).
  • If you need to see a doctor or health care professional, you should do so. Do not put off getting medical care. Your doctor or health care professional can provide advice on how to stay safe.
  • You can leave home to care for a sick or elderly relative. If you provide care for someone, you should try to keep at least 1.5 metres between you when you can.
  • Wear a face mask.
  • You can leave home to accompany someone for essential medical treatment if you are a parent, guardian or necessary support person.
  • You can take a pet to the vet.
  • The 5km limit does not apply to care and health care.
  • You can leave your home during the curfew for health and medical purposes, or to provide care and support for a child or for someone with special needs.
  • You can leave home in an emergency or to receive urgent emergency medical care.
 

Work and education

  • A list of who is considered an authorised provider or an authorised worker is available online.
  • All authorised workers must carry a permit that is certified by their employer whenever they are travelling to work and attending work. This is required from 11:59pm on Tuesday 17 August.
  • If you are an authorised worker with a permit, you can leave your home to travel to and attend work during the curfew. You must carry your permit and photo ID with you at all times when travelling for authorised work.
  • If you can work from home – you must work from home.
  • You can go to work to collect the materials or equipment you need to work from home.
  • The 5km limit does not apply to work.
  • All schools are closed, except for vulnerable children and children of authorised workers or authorised providers, who can attend for onsite supervision (without parents presenting an authorised worker permit). Schools will continue to support students through remote learning or providing learning materials for use at home.
  • Universities and TAFEs must close or move to remote learning.
  • Childcare, family day care, early learning centres and kinders will remain open. A permit is not required.
  • Victorians may work interstate (where permitted by the state you are working in).
 

Additionally

  • You can leave home if there is an emergency.
  • You can leave home if there is family violence or violence by another person in the home, and you are at risk. If 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.

If you need to leave home, you must wear a face mask, unless you have a lawful reason for not doing so.

Restrictions Regional Victoria | Saturday 21 August 2021 | from 1pm

From 1pm Saturday 21 August 2021, Regional Victoria entered lockdown due to ongoing level of community transmission, large number of mystery cases and a surge of new cases and exposures sites outside of metropolitan Melbourne. 

Childcare centres will be closed and authorities are urging young children to start wearing masks as the state wrestles to control its latest outbreak.

The rules for the regions will be the same as those that apply in Greater Melbourne, with the exception of the city’s nightly curfew.

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.
 

To learn more about Victoria's restrictions

 

 Relief and Community Support links:


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

Getting vaccinated is our way out of this pandemic. The best vaccine you can get is the one that you can get today.

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?

Have you booked your vaccine? 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.  

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. 

Immediate Eligibility for NDIS participants and carers aged 16 years and over

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 | 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.  

3. VIC | VCOSS | RELEASING | "Getting Back To The Good Things" and "Performance Of A Lifetime" Vaccination Videos

The Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS) and Victorian Arts community have released two video ads encouraging Victorians to consider vaccination. They are free to share and make great, positive content for your social media channels or electronic newsletters via email.

The VCOSS video features ordinary Australians talking about the special moments in life they are looking forward to when life can be 'normal' again. 'Getting back to the good things' (1 min) is available for download from the VCOSS website in English and 10 other languages. 

Launched in the same week last month, the Victorian Arts community video is about our whole community giving the 'performance of a lifetime' (2 mins) and we think it's spine-tingling. Give it a watch and share this one too by using the YouTube link.

4. MELB | NWMPHN | RELEASING | 'Goodbye COVID': Watch the in-language video

North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) 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.

Goodbye COVID videos are in 20 languages, along with scripts and more information. 

5. 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.


6. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | COVID-19 business support grants In-language information

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: 

7. VIC | GOV | 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.
The program offers grants of $14,000 to eligible small and medium businesses, including employing and non-employing businesses. This program will allow more businesses who have previously not received support to receive financial relief now.

For information in languages other than English please see below: 

8. 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. 

9. 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. 

10. 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

11. 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.   

12. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Changing Places facilities grants | applications close 5 November 2021

Grants of up to $110,000 are available through the Victorian Government Changing Places facilities program. Eligible organisations are invited to apply for grants to build additional Changing Places accessible toilets. Find more information on guidelines, specifications and how to apply on the DFFH website. 

13. 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. 

14. AUST | ECCV | JOINING | The call to demand Action on Afghanistan

Victoria is home to the largest Afghan population in Australia. Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) has joined more than 300 organisations and 9000 people in signing an open letter calling on the Federal Government to commit to 20,000 humanitarian visas, grant permanent protection to Afghan refugees in Australia, and prioritise family reunification visas.  

15. AUST | GOV | LAUNCHING | National Disability Gateway

Australians with disability can now access the National Disability Gateway, a new dedicated one-stop shop from the Department of Social Services that will assist all people with disability, their families and carers to locate and access services across Australia.

Launched in early July, the gateway includes a website, a dedicated phone support line and social media channels to assist people with finding a range of information and support, including advocacy services, finding a sporting team that meets specific needs or identifying local disability-related events. 

People with disability from CALD backgrounds who need support in another language can call the gateway and ask for an interpreter. For more information or to access services, visit the website or call 1800 643 787. 

16. VIC | ECCV | ESTABLISHING | New Statewide CALD Disability Network

National Ethnic Disability Alliance President, Margherita Coppolino, will chair a new state-wide disability network established by Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) to capture the voices of people with disability from CALD communities. We encourage people with lived experience, their carers and families and multicultural and ethno-specific organisations to join. 
  • Contact Nimo Hersi, ECCV Disability Advocacy  Coordinator for more information.
 

17. 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. 

18. 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. 

19. VIC | GOV | VACANCY | Work that Matters NDIS and disability workers

Earlier this month, the Victorian Government launched the Work that Matters campaign to boost recruitment of NDIS and disability workers. The campaign includes a new online hub with resources and information to support entrants into the disability sector, help current employees progress their career, and employers recruit workers.

The Government is also providing more opportunities for Victorians to upskill or start work in the disability sector through the signature Free TAFE program, which includes specialist courses in Individual Support, Mental Health, Community Services, Disability and Allied Health.  

20. AUST | TPC | VACANCY | 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 (TPC) 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? 

21. VIC/NSW | ETHN | VACANCY | 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. 

22. VIC | ECCV | VACANCY | Chief Executive Officer

Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) is seeking an experienced and inspirational CEO to build on our legacy and history in multicultural affairs. Over-seeing all aspects of the organisation, the CEO will ensure ECCV continues to be a leading voice shaping multicultural policy across the state and supporting members, community, business and government to build an inclusive and diverse society.  

23. YARRA | YEF | WEBINAR | Community Battery Trial | Session 1 | Wednesday 1 September 2021 | 7-8.15pm 

Yarra Energy Foundation (YEF) has won an $800,000 grant from the Victorian Government to lead a community battery trial in the City of Yarra. YEF CEO, Dean Kline, said “the race is now on to find the most equitable and cost-effective model to rapidly deploy batteries across Melbourne." Media announcement, as featured in Energy Magazine. Read more

Live in the City of Yarra? You can contribute! 3 min survey. We need your thoughts on community batteries! Every response will be read and will make a BIG difference. Take survey
Yarra Community Battery Trial, Info and Q&A sessions
Where: Online. Details provided upon registration.
Cost: Free
Bookings: Online through EventbriteWatchRead more 

24. AUST | CUIN | WEBINAR | Diversity, Equity and Inclusion | Thursday 2 September 2021 | 10am–12noon

Join Cultural Infusion (CUIN) and panellists at The Business Builder's Group (BBG) Forum on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Joined by the I CAN Network, this workshop will also explore how we can, as a group, support its National Online Mentoring Program.  

Key outcomes that you should get from the session:
  • To gain an understanding of why it makes good business sense to infuse diversity into your organisation 
  • To understand how Cultural Infusion’s data-driven diversity and inclusion mapping program can be used in your workplace 
  • To explore how we can be part of I CAN Network’s National Online Mentoring Program - supporting disability in the workplace
Where: online through Zoom. Connection details will be emailed soon.
Cost: FREE - $50 AUD + Booking Fee
Bookings: online through Humantix

25. VIC | GOV | TRAINING | MARAM Collaborative Practice

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. 

26. 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.   

27. VIC | GOV | HEARING | 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: 

28. VIC | GOV | HEARING | Your say on Victoria’s New Mental Health System

The development of Victoria's new Local Adult and Older Adult Mental Health and Wellbeing Services is at the heart of the mental health reform – allowing Victorians to get the care they need much sooner, and closer to their families and communities.

The new services will act as a “front door” to the reformed mental health system – connecting Victorians to the care they need in their own community, and focusing on prevention and early intervention for adults who are experiencing mental illness or psychological distress as well as treatment for alcohol and drug addiction. 

29. VIC | ECCV | CALLING | Maltese and Somali Interviewees for Speak My Language Program

Five Victorian 'Travellers' are currently training with Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) to conduct interviews and produce podcasts in Greek, Punjabi, Urdu, Hindi, Cantonese, Mandarin and Turkish for the Speak My Language program. 
ECCV is looking for people with disability who speak Maltese and Somali to be interviewed for the national program, which is set to feature Indigenous Australians and people from CALD communities sharing stories, experiences and tips about living well with a disability.

Victorian Traveller Abdikadir Osoble is a strong advocate for inclusion and change in his community. The co-founder of Gurmad Somali Relief, a not-for-profit organisation empowering orphans and people affected by natural disasters, is connecting with the local Somali community to share stories that empower people living with disabilities. 

30. VIC | CoGD | CALLING | For Expressions of Interest for members of Greater Dandenong Multicultural Communities Network

The City of Greater Dandenong (CoGD) 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. 

31. AUST | ABC | CALLING | Emerging Content Makers with Disability

International Day of People with Disability (IDPWD) have partnered with the ABC to showcase the work of emerging content makers with disability. The ABC is looking to commission a series of factual stories to be published and broadcast across ABC platforms for 2021 IDPWD (3 December). To be eligible, you must live in Australia, be over 18, have a disability and be available to work on your content between September and November 2021. 

32. VIC | CoPP | CALLING | Young Content Creators for Vision 2.0 | submissions now open, closing 13 September 2021

City of Port Phillip’s Youth Committee called Vision FReeZA are creating a magazine publication called Vision 2.0. Submissions are open for all young people in Victoria. The aim of the magazine is to generate paid opportunities for young people to share their art and creative writing pieces to the City of Port Phillip community in the form of a publication.

It will be created by young people for young people. To see last year’s magazine Vision — Issue 01 by CoPPFReeZAvision
 
Important details:
  • Magazine Theme: “Future Vision”
  • Submission closing: 13/09/2021
  • Any type of artwork is accepted. Not all submissions will be selected.
  • Those submission selected will have their work commissioned.
  • Young people must be aged 12-25 and live in the State of Victoria.
If you know any young creatives between the age of 12-25 living in Victoria, please direct them to City of Port Phillip’s Youth Services Instagram page (@coppyouthservices). If the young person does not use social media but they would like to participate please share this link: Vision 2.0 | Linktree and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoPPYouthServices/

33. VIC | ECCV | CALLING | For Submissions from Presenters at FECCA 2022 | abstract submissions close 1 October 2021

Do you have a vision to help shape multicultural Australia? Applications are open for presentations at the FECCA 2022 conference, co-hosted by Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV), in Melbourne in March 2022. Share your ideas, innovative and strengths-based solutions, and new and emerging issues faced by migrant and refugee communities.  

34. VIC | GOV | CALLING | Young Victorians aged 12-25 to 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. 

35. VIC | MESAC | CALLING | All photographers for Sense of Place photograph competition! | Open from August to October 2021

Your most loved views of nature and country; above or below the waterline, intertidal or coastal zone. Allow your creativity to run wild! COVID is challenging for all of us on many fronts, however Marine Education Science and Community (MESAC) has a refreshing lockdown tonic for you! Let’s all get out into our beautiful marine environment and take some inspiring photos!
  • All welcome, especially amateurs! Images from any device welcome!
  • Prizes for the top three voted by our judges.
  • Free entry – three images per person.
Images will be published on the MESAC website and winners in the MESAC Coastal Connections Newsletter, and also inclusion in the Coastal Connections Nature Lovers Journal 2022.

Terms and Conditions: By entering the competition you agree that MESAC may use your images with full credit to yourself as the photographer. 

36. AUST | GOV | COACHING | Carer Gateway service

The Carer Gateway is an Australian Government initiative for carers that provides practical information and advice, and connects carers to services and support. To access the gateway, visit the website or call 1800 422 737. If you would like to talk to Carer Gateway staff in your own language, you can phone the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.  

37. AUST | PCAS | OFFERING | Palliative Care Advice Service

The Palliative Care Advice Service (PCAS) supports people diagnosed with life-limiting illnesses and those who support them. PCAS can assist callers to navigate the palliative care service system, to find information about caring for someone, and to consider what they may need to think about and plan for. For clinicians, PCAS can provide the right advice and care through guidance with symptom management, medications and decision making. To access the service, visit the website or call 1800 360 000.


38. AUST | 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. 

39. AUST | POLARON | ENCOURAGING | Ask Me First: How to Engage Australians with Disability

Watch this episode of Polaron's weekly Ticker Talks program for a discussion on support and advocacy for people with disability from CALD communities, featuring disability and inclusion advocate Margherita Coppolino, and Program Manager of the Diversity and Disability initiative at Migrant Resource Centre North West (MRCNW) Christian Astourian.

40. AUST | INDE | RELEASING | In-language Vietnamese resources supporting people with disability and their families, friends and carers

Inclusion Designlab (INDE) has created a suite of Vietnamese resources aimed at supporting people with disability and their families, friends and carers. Available in English and Vietnamese, the resources provide information about how to articulate your rights and entitlements, negotiate service agreements and conditions with support providers, and more. 

41. AUST | HQLD | RELEASING | In-language hepatitis B videos

LiverWELL (Hepatitis Victoria), in collaboration with Hepatitis Queensland (HQLD), has released a series of videos raising awareness about hepatitis B. The videos allow people in CALD communities to access clear and simple information about liver health. The videos are also available in Arabic, Burmese, Khmer, Mandarin Chinese, Thai andVietnamese. 

42. VIC | VMC | RECOGNISING | Upstanding Citizenry – having the Courage to Care

There are so many people and organisations doing important work in the community to promote multiculturalism. Here Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) takes 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. 

43. 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.


44. AUST | Helpers and Reliable Sources Along the Way

     

    45. 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.

    46. 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.

    47. 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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