Things are looking positive this week. More than 85% of eligible Victorians have now received their first vaccination against COVID-19, and positive case numbers appear to be heading down.
Message from the Chairperson
Thank you to the collective efforts of each and every one of you.
The efforts of multicultural and multifaith groups have been instrumental in these results. Videos like this one by SistaHub, an initiative of Muslim women from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds, are so important and influential.
Thank you also to the many of you who tuned in to our fortnightly COVID-19 update last Thursday to listen to State Commander Jeroen Weimer discuss the Roadmap. Please stay tuned, stay connected and reach out to each other. We all have a lot to look forward to if we get vaccinated.
I'd like to remind you that grants are being awarded from the Priority Response to Multicultural Communities During Coronavirus program right now. The program, which helps multicultural communities slow the spread of COVID-19, will close once funds have been exhausted, so please submit your application as soon as possible. The activities that organisations are seeking sponsorship for can take place from now until 31 March 2022.
Please read on below for a selection of news and opportunities that may be of interest to you.
Take care and stay safe.
Viv Nguyen AM, Chairperson
Mental Health and Wellbeing Interim Regional Bodies taking expressions of interest
Exciting opportunities are available for members of the Victorian public to shape the future of mental health and wellbeing in Victoria.
The Chairs of Interim Regional Bodies are at the forefront of the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System's vision for regional governance in Victoria. They will have a pivotal role establishing regional planning systems, leading engagement with stakeholders and communities.
They will also plan for the transition to enduring governance under the structure of Regional Boards.
SSI Allianz Refugee Scholarships | applications for 2022 academic year now open
Settlement Services International (SSI) Allianz scholarships directly support people from refugee backgrounds in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria to achieve independence. The scholarships have been created to minimise the financial barriers experienced by refugees as they participate in the education system.
SSI, with the generous support of Allianz, continues to aim to achieve its vision of a society that values the diversity of its people. These scholarships help promote meaningful social and economic participation, and assist individuals and families to reach their potential.
2022 Active Citizenship Leadership Program
The Active Citizenship Leadership Program provides an opportunity for up to 25 emerging leaders (18 years +) from Victoria’s culturally and linguistically diverse communities to develop their leadership skills, capabilities, and confidence to champion active participation in the democratic process within their communities.
This highly interactive learning program will include working on collaborative community projects, listening to guest speakers sharing their active citizenship experiences, and access to an extensive network of peers and supporters. The program content is a mix of leadership-related learning, hands-on skills for community engagement, and active citizenship program content.
Opportunities to apply to join the Victorian Electoral Commission as a casual Democracy Ambassador will be provided at the end of the program.
Premier's spirit of democracy study tour
The Premier's Spirit of Democracy (PSoD) Study Tour explores the origins of democracy, building a deeper understanding of the influence that democracy has on contemporary Victorian and Australian society. It is an annual competition open to students enrolled in Years 9, 10 and 11.
PSoD offers up to 22 students and up to four teacher chaperones the opportunity to take part in a five-day study tour of Melbourne and Canberra during the Term 1 school holidays.
Students will gain the skills and understanding needed to participate in our democratic structures and institutions so that they can use their voice to lead positive change in their communities and shape the future.
Online Consultation: Review of the Disability Act | Wednesday 13 October | 12-1.30pm
The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing is reviewing the Disability Act 2006 to reflect the Victorian Government’s changing role in the governance of disability, with the transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
The Review is considering how the Disability Act can be amended to promote inclusion and participation for more than 1.1 million Victorians living with a disability.
ECCV is looking to consult with community organisations on how to best amend the Disability Act 2006 to bring it in line with human rights principles and promote greater inclusion for people living with disability.
SBS Language Services Review | 5 October to 12 November 2021
The Language Services Review is a process undertaken every five years in line with the national Census, as part of SBS’s ongoing commitment to continue evolving to meet the needs of Australia’s rapidly changing and increasingly diverse society.
The Language Services Review is a detailed process that occurs over a seventeen-month period, beginning with the Australian Census on Tuesday 10 August 2021.
SBS is hosting a public consultation from 5th October to 12th November inviting audiences, communities and stakeholders to provide feedback on the draft Language Selection Criteria.
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