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GEIFN | CONSOLIDATED | Information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) | Monday 1 November 2021

Fast Facts: COVID-19 Victoria & Australia

  1. VIC | GOV | UPDATING | Pandemic Response
  2. AUST | GOV | ADVISING | You can now get vaccinated at pharmacies
  3. AUST | GOV | CALLING | Community Leaders to make your own COVID-19 vaccination video
  4. VIC | ECCV | OFFERING | Community Information Sessions
  5. VIC | CEH | OFFERING | Long COVID Workshop
  6. VIC | GOV | PROMOTING | 'Fab Jab' vaccination in LGBTIQ+ communities
  7. AUST | GOV | SUPPORTING | Head to Health – mental health support
  8. AUST | VMC | SUPPORTING | Community Hubs – building thriving communities through a pandemic
  9. VIC | VMC | UPDATING | Fortnightly COVID-19 Forum | 7-8.30pm
  10. VIC | ECCV | CALLING | People with disability from CALD communities and Access to Advocacy Consultants | 5, 8 & 11 November 2021 | 10am
  11. AUST | SBS | HEARING | Your Say in Language Services Review | 5 October to 12 November 2021
  12. VIC | ECCV | OFFERING | COVID-19 Multicultural Information sessions | 17 November 2021
  13. AUST | ONEMDA | The Silos Project workshop series | Thursday 25 November 2021 | 2-5pm
  14. AUST | AHRC | HEARING | Your Say on National Anti-Racism Framework
  15. AUST | GOV | RECRUITING | Overseas workers for Opportunities in Australian Agriculture
  16. VIC | GOV | RECRUITING | Applicants to Victorian Skills Authority
  17. VIC | ECCV | RECRUITING | Chief Executive Officer | applications close 3 November 2021
  18. VIC | WDV | RECRUITING | Women with broad range of disability for NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commissioncampaign
  19. AUST | GOV | GRANTING | New payment to help women escape violent relationships
  20. VIC | GOV | SUBSIDISING | New Jobs in Victorian Small Business
  21. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Changing Places facilities grants | applications close 5 November 2021
  22. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Youth Engagement Grants | open now, submissions close 13 December 2021 at 4pm
  23. AUST | FECCA | GRANTING | CALD COVID-19 Health Small Grants | applications open now, closing end of January 2022
  24. AUST | SSI | OFFERING | Refugee Scholarships | applications for 2022 academic year now open
  25. CoPP | GOV | GRANTING | Community Grants Program 2021/22 | now Open
  26. AUST | GOV | ADVISING | You may be eligible for financial support if restrictions have affected your work
  27. VIC | GOV | CALLING | New Members to Mental Health and Wellbeing Interim Regional Bodies
  28. VIC | GOV | CALLING | CALD Members to 2022 Active Citizenship Leadership Program
  29. VIC | VPTA | CALLING | Members to Join the VPTA board
  30. VIC | ECCV | CALLING | Members to Join the Statewide Disability Network
  31. VIC | IPAAV | CALLING | For Nominations for the Top 50 Public Sector Women | nominations close 22 November 2021
  32. AUST | NDIS | SEEKING | Feedback for Annual Pricing Review 2021-22
  33. VIC | GOV | TOURING | Premier's spirit of democracy study tour
  34. AUST | ECCV | INVITING | Participants for FECCA 2022 Conference | 10-11 March 2022 | now open early bird registrations
  35. VIC | ECCV | ANNOUNCING | New Speak My Language podcasts - living well with disability in a range of community languages
  36. VIC | GOV | TRANSLATING | New guidance on rent relief in your language
  37. VIC | ECCV | RELEASING | Access & Support Service Practice Guide
  38. VIC | ECCV | ANNOUNCING | Latest edition of Golden Years out now
  39. VIC | CCV | RECOMMENDING | Improving Respect of diversity in the coronial process
  40. AUST | Coronavirus hotline
  41. AUST | Helpers and Reliable Sources Along the Way
  42. Acknowledgment to Sources
  43. Bye bye to Essentialists
  44. Self-Isolators, Non-Essentials And The Homebound


1. VIC | GOV | UPDATING | Pandemic Response

From 6pm Friday 29 October, as Victoria moves beyond “locking people down to locking people out”, restrictions changed including a small sample as follows:

  • travel restrictions within Victoria ceased
  • density limits at hospitality venues increased only for fully vaccinated people
  • retail centres reopened
  • Universities, swimming pools, nightclubs and gyms will reopen
  • restaurants will be allowed more indoor diners
  • outdoor stadiums can welcome up to 5000 vaccinated people
  • and crowds at weddings and funerals will be permitted from Friday

Masks:
From Friday evening, masks will no longer be required outdoors. They will be mandatory indoors, but only recommended outdoors where physical distancing is not possible, such as busy streets or outdoor markets. 

When Target Reached of 90% Double Dose Vaccination

Victoria is now expected to hit the 90 per cent double dose vaccination target for people 12 years and over – around Wednesday, November 24.

At this point, caps or density quotients will be removed for all settings. There will be no restrictions for indoor and outdoor events provided they follow COVIDSafe rules including vaccination requirements.

There will be no limit on how many people can gather in a home or outdoors. 

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.
 

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 Resources

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. 


Vaccinations

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. 

AUST | GOV | 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. 

VIC | GOV | It's a no brainer Vaccination Video

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.  

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

The Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS) videos feature ordinary Australians talking about the special moments in life they are looking forward to when life can be 'normal' again.


MELB | NWMPHN |  Goodbye COVID Vaccination Video

North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) worked 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. 

AUST | GOV | CALD and Aged Care vaccination videos

Watch new videos from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) community members speaking in Mandarin, Cantonese, Nepali, Vietnamese and Dinka about why they got their COVID-19 vaccine.

Aged care residents have also shared their experience getting the COVID-19 vaccines. Videos come with captions in Arabic, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Korean and Vietnamese. 

AUST | GOV | Showing proof of vaccination

After you get vaccinated, your vaccination provider adds your details on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) within 10 days. Most people can get their proof using their Medicare online account through myGov. You just need to make sure you’ve got a myGov account set up and that you’ve linked it to Medicare. 

2. AUST | GOV | ADVISING | You can now get vaccinated at pharmacies

Getting your COVID-19 vaccination just got easier. The Australian Government is rolling out 440,000 doses of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine through pharmacies across the country..

Like the Pfizer vaccination, Moderna is currently recommended for people between 12 and 59 years old. 

3. AUST | GOV | CALLING | Community Leaders to make your own COVID-19 vaccination video 

The Australian Government Department of Health is committed to making information on COVID-19 vaccines available to everyone in Australia. The Department of Health is asking community leaders for their support in sharing this critical information via video.

The COVID-19 Vaccination – How to make your own video guide is designed to help community leaders develop their own videos to share vaccine information with their communities. 

4. VIC | ECCV | OFFERING | Community Information Sessions

Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV)'s Multicultural COVID-19 Outreach Program is working alongside health experts to run community information sessions to increase vaccine uptake across multicultural communities. Information sessions for people with disability from migrant and refugee communities can be delivered in partnership with disability service providers and community groups.  

5. VIC | CEH | OFFERING | Long COVID Workshop

The Centre for Culture, Ethnicity and Health (CEH) is offering a Long COVID workshop until the end of November to help raise awareness of Long COVID and how it can affect your community. The workshop, funded by the Victorian Department of Health, covers the symptoms and effects of Long COVID and includes group activities, videos, and lots of opportunity for questions.  

6. VIC | GOV | PROMOTING | 'Fab Jab' vaccination in LGBTIQ+ communities

The Victorian Government has partnered with Joy FM on Fab Jab, an effort to increase COVID-19 vaccinations in LGBTIQ+ communities.

Check out the website for details on how to get vaccinated, as well as frequently asked questions and further support services.  

7. AUST | GOV | SUPPORTING | Head to Health – mental health support

The ongoing impacts of the coronavirus pandemic have caused significant disruption for many Australians. It may have affected your work, family life or other plans. For some, life has returned to normal to a certain degree, but for others things remain uncertain.

Managing your mental health during this time of change and uncertainty can be an ongoing challenge.

If you are feeling impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in any way, the Australian Government's Head to Health page provides information, tips and resources to support you and your loved ones’ mental health.

It is also available to browse in the following languages:



8. AUST | VMC | SUPPORTING | Community Hubs – building thriving communities through a pandemic

The National Community Hubs Program supports migrant and refugee families, particularly mothers with young children. They connect women with their children’s schools, with each other and with organisations that can provide health, education and support. 

The Community Hub at Dandenong West Primary School has been one of Victoria’s leaders in building a thriving virtual community through the pandemic.  

The Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) caught up with the school’s principal, Bev Hansen and Community Hub co-leaders Rahima Rizai and Abby Rezek, to learn how they turned their Hub into the focal point of the school’s new migrant community, despite six lockdowns. 

9. VIC | VMC | UPDATING | Fortnightly COVID-19 Forum | 7-8.30pm

The Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC), in partnership with the Department of Health and Services Victoria invites you to an online community information session discussing Victoria’s current COVID-19 status, from Wednesday 20 October 2021. 

These updates have been held every fortnight throughout the pandemic.The intention of the information session is to keep you informed on the latest developments relating to easing of restrictions, the Moderna vaccine and vaccine certificates. 

10. VIC | ECCV | CALLING | People with disability from CALD communities and Access to Advocacy Consultants | 5, 8 & 11 November 2021 | 10am

Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) is looking for people to participate in consultations for a new research project on the experiences of people with disability from CALD communities accessing support services during the pandemic.

Funded by the Office of Disability, the project is being conducted by ECCV, with online focus group consultations taking place. One-on-one interviews via phone or Zoom can also be arranged if you are unable to attend these sessions. Participants will receive a $50 voucher for their time.
  • For more information or to register your interest, please contact ECCV Policy and Practice Advisor, Dr Riccardo Armillei, on 0430 330 908 or email: rarmillei@eccv.org.au
 

11. AUST | SBS | HEARING | Your Say in 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. 

12. VIC | ECCV | OFFERING | COVID-19 Multicultural Information sessions | 17 November 2021

Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) COVID-19 Multicultural Outreach Project team has held 21 Information sessions to date, working with health experts to support community groups. The team in partnership with Women's Health West will present next session with Northern Health.  

13. AUST | ONEMDA | The Silos Project workshop series | Thursday 25 November 2021 | 2-5pm 

The Silos Project is an online regional workshop series funded by the NDIS organised by Onemda and research partner, Australian Catholic University. The workshops are aimed at building regional capacity to support students with a disability to enter the world of work while they are at school.  

14. AUST | AHRC | HEARING | Your Say on National Anti-Racism Framework

The Australian Human Rights Commission is inviting submissions to inform the development of a National Anti-Racism Framework (the Framework).

The Framework will be a long-term, central reference point to guide actions on anti-racism and equality by government, NGOs, business, communities and other sectors.

The commission is very interested to hear from those with expertise and knowledge of anti-racism initiatives and in responding to racism at structural, institutional and interpersonal levels. 

15. AUST | GOV | RECRUITING | Overseas workers for Opportunities in Australian Agriculture

The Australian Government is offering the Australian Agriculture visa to address workforce shortages in the agriculture sector. The Australian Agriculture visa is being designed for primary industry sectors including horticulture, meat processing, dairy, wool, grains, fisheries (including aquaculture) and forestry.

The program will be operated by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, leveraging their experience managing the successful Pacific Labour Scheme.

The Seasonal Worker Program and Pacific Labour Scheme will remain the priority source of temporary migrant workers for Australia’s agriculture sector. The Australian Agriculture visa will address any labour gaps that cannot be filled by Australian and Pacific labour. 

16. VIC | GOV | RECRUITING | Applicants to Victorian Skills Authority

The new Victorian Skills Authority is seeking talented applicants with expertise in community engagement, data, policy and programs to help strengthen links between industry needs and high quality skills for all Victorians.

Work with the new Victorian Skills Authority to really make a difference to skills-based training pathways that align with what businesses, communities and individuals need.
Applications close for several ongoing roles soon.  

17. VIC | ECCV | RECRUITING | Chief Executive Officer | applications close 3 November 2021

Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) is seeking an experienced and inspirational CEO to build on their 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 Victoria and supporting members, community, business and government to build an inclusive and diverse society. 

18. VIC | WDV | RECRUITING | Women with broad range of disability for NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission campaign

Women with Disabilities Victoria is looking for people across the broad range of disability to photograph and film for an information campaign about the NDIS Code of Conduct. Filming will take place between 6-17 December and you will be paid $500-$1000 for your time.  

19. AUST | GOV | GRANTING | New payment to help women escape violent relationships

The Australian Government can provide women leaving a violent relationship with access to a one-off payment of up to $5,000 to help them establish a life free of violence.

Under the two-year Escaping Violence Payment trial, women will receive financial assistance of up to $1,5000 in cash with the remainder available for goods and services or direct payments of bonds, school fees or other support to help establish a safe home.

The Escaping Violence Payment will build on and complement existing programs offered by state and territories, as well as Australian Government support offered to women experiencing violence, including:
Learn more about the payment

20. VIC | GOV | SUBSIDISING | New Jobs in Victorian Small Business

Scores of Victorians are finding permanent work each week with the help of a Victorian Government program that pays part of the worker’s wage – providing a major boost to small businesses gearing up as the economy re-opens.

More than 800 businesses across Victoria have successfully applied for a wage subsidy of up to $20,000 for some 1,300 new workers – including hairdressers, warehouse staff, bookkeepers, solar technicians and butchers.

The wage subsidies are part of a landmark $619 million investment in Jobs Victoria that is helping to connect people looking for work with employers seeking staff. 

21. 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.

 

22. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Youth Engagement Grants | open now, submissions close 13 December 2021 at 4pm

Small multicultural and Aboriginal clubs and community organisations are invited to apply for grants of up to $50,000 to support young people make positive life choices and reach their potential.

The Youth Engagement Grants are an initiative under the Victorian Government’s Crime Prevention Strategy. The grants provide funding to support projects that use cultural connection, sport, arts, music or other creative activities to engage young people aged 8-24 years old.

The program will involve an initial expression of interest (EOI) process, followed by support for selected organisations to plan activity and develop a quality grant proposal, which will be assessed for funding suitability. 

23. 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. 

24. AUST | SSI | OFFERING | 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. 

25. 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
  

26. 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. 

27. VIC | GOV | CALLING | New Members to Mental Health and Wellbeing Interim Regional Bodies

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. 

28. VIC | GOV | CALLING | CALD Members to 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.  

29. VIC | VPTA | CALLING | Members to Join the VPTA board

The Victorian Public Tenants Association (VPTA) is currently seeking Expressions of Interest from people who are interested in joining their Board.

They're particularly keen to hear from people who have lived, or currently live, in public housing in Victoria.

Membership of the VPTA Board is voluntary, and suited to people who have a strong interest in public housing and homelessness, as well as (ideally) some previous governance experience. 

30. VIC | ECCV | CALLING | Members to Join the Statewide Disability Network

Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) invites people with lived experience of disability, their carers and families and multicultural and ethno-specific organisations to join ECCV Statewide Disability Network for Culturally Diverse Communities. The network was established to capture the voices of people with disability from culturally diverse backgrounds during the COVID-19 response and recovery period.  

31. VIC | IPAAV | CALLING | For Nominations for the Top 50 Public Sector Women | nominations close 22 November 2021 

Nominations for Institute of Public Administration of Australia Victoria’s (IPAAV) 2021 Top 50 Public Sector Women are now open.

Do you know an exceptional woman in the public sector who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the COVID-19 response or in adapting and steering an organisation in the context of COVID-19?

Women in established leadership roles have stepped up, taking on new responsibilities, secondments and COVID project work. Others have embraced the opportunity they have been given to step in as emerging leaders in extraordinarily difficult circumstances. They have all demonstrated agility, resilience and the ability to adapt and learn on the job. 

Help us to discover and recognise the public sector women from across Victoria in all levels of government who have made an exceptional contribution during COVID-19 – whether in front line work, supporting teams, rapidly adjusting business as usual programs or working behind the scenes.

Now is the time to acknowledge and celebrate these exceptional women across the public sector who exemplify leadership, commitment and strength.  

32. AUST | NDIS | SEEKING | Feedback for Annual Pricing Review 2021-22

Submissions are open for the Annual Pricing Review 2021-22. The NDIS is seeking feedback about price limits and policy for the 2022-23 financial year to help identify options to improve the flexibility for participants to purchase supports to pursue their goals. There is also an opportunity to contribute to working groups as part of the Review.  

33. VIC | GOV | TOURING | 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. 

34. AUST | ECCV | INVITING | Participants for FECCA 2022 Conference | 10-11 March 2022 | now open early bird registrations

Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) is inviting early bird registrations to FECCA 2022: Advancing Multicultural Australia conference, which ECCV is co-hosting in Melbourne. The biennial conference is Australia's premier conference on diversity, migration and multiculturalism. The line-up includes activist and journalist Behrouz Boochani, chair of Harmony Alliance Nyadol Nyuon, and host of SBS's Insight, Kumi Taguchi.  

35. VIC | ECCV | ANNOUNCING | New Speak My Language podcasts - living well with disability in a range of community languages

The first Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) (ECCV) Speak My Language podcasts are now available, featuring people sharing stories and practical advice about living well with disability in a range of community languages. The Somali episodes were produced by ECCV Multicultural Outreach Project Worker, Abdikadir Osoble, who is part of the Victorian team creating podcasts for the series, which is being produced in up to 25 languages.Looking for Storytellers: Do you have a story tell about living well with disability? Does your organisation have a great inclusiveness initiative you want to showcase?  We are looking for people to be interviewed in-language for the Speak My Language Podcast series, which feature people sharing stories and practical advice about living well with disability in a range of community languages.   

36. VIC | GOV | TRANSLATING | New guidance on rent relief in your language

Victoria’s small business tenants and landlords can now access the Victorian Small Business Commission’s latest guidance on rent relief in Simplified Chinese, Arabic and Vietnamese.

Learn more about the Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme, how to negotiate rent relief and how to access free help where a fair agreement can’t be reached.  

37. VIC | ECCV | RELEASING | Access & Support Service Practice Guide

Funded by the Commonwealth and State Governments, the Victorian Access & Support program assists older people, people with disability and carers facing barriers to accessing culturally safe services to remain living independently in their homes and communities.  

Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV)'s Practice Guide for A&S support workers provides information on the A&S service and its role in a client’s journey when navigating aged care, disability and other support systems in Victoria.  

38. VIC | ECCV | ANNOUNCING | Latest edition of Golden Years out now

The Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV)'s Spring edition of Golden Years, a quarterly eMagazine on positive ageing for CALD communities, is out now! Read about the Australian Human Rights Commission report on ageism, how to support people from diverse backgrounds in accessing aged care services, COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in multicultural communities, and the latest news, events, and resources for multicultural aged care.  

39. VIC | CCV | RECOMMENDING | Improving Respect of diversity in the coronial process

The Coronial Council of Victoria (CCV) has reported recommendations to The Victorian Government on improving the experiences of multicultural and multifaith communities during the challenging coronial process.

Its consultations identified ways to better respond to cultural and religious considerations throughout the coronial process, as well as how to improve communication with families.

This includes abiding by cultural and religious practices during investigations, ensuring timelines for release of the body better meet religious and cultural needs and favouring non-invasive post-mortem examinations where possible. 

40. 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.


41. AUST | Helpers and Reliable Sources Along the Way

     

    42. 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.

    43. 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.

    44. 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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