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

Fast Facts: COVID-19 Victoria & Australia

  1. VIC | GOV | UPDATING | Pandemic Response
  2. VIC | ECCV | WEBINAR | Multicultural Disability Forum | Wednesday 1 December 2021 | 10.30am-12.30pm
  3. AUST | IDPwD | COMMEMORATING | International Day of People with Disability | 3 December
  4. CoPP | WALKING | Online with water - South Melbourne | Sunday 5 December 2021 | 10-11am
  5. MELB | JCCV | WALKING | Together - Jewish Community with First Nations | Sunday 5 December 2021 | Staggered starts from 3.30pm
  6. VIC | GOV | HEARING | Your Say on the Victorian Government's Anti-Racism Strategy | submissions closing 6 December 2021
  7. VIC | ECCV | WEBINAR | Speak My Language (VIC) podcast launch | Tuesday 7 December 2021 | 10.30-11.30am
  8. AUST | ETHNOLINK | WEBINAR | What COVID-19 has taught us about CALD communication | Thursday 9 December 2021 | 2pm (AEDT) / 11am (AWST) 
  9. VIC | VEOHRC | CALLING | To make human rights real this International Human Rights Day | 10 December
  10. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Youth Engagement Grants | open now, submissions close 13 December 2021 at 4pm
  11. AUST | AHRC | HEARING | Your Say on National Anti-Racism Framework | submissions closing Wednesday 15 December 2021 | 5pm
  12. AUST | GOV | HEARING | Your say: Care and support sector consultations Stage 2 | submissions closing 17 December 2021
  13. VIC | BAHO | RAISING | Support and Funds to Give the Gift of Joy, Pride and Support to Clients this Christmas
  14. AUST | GOV | HEARING | Your say: Disability employment support program | submissions close 4 January 2022
  15. AUST | FECCA | GRANTING | CALD COVID-19 Health Small Grants | applications open now, closing end of January 2022
  16. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Multicultural communities for priority response during coronavirus (COVID-19)
  17. AUST | GOV | ADVISING | You may be eligible for financial support if restrictions have affected your work
  18. VIC | GOV | CALLING | For Participants to Boards Victoria
  19. VIC | GOV | CALLING | Nominees for the 2021 Volunteering Awards | nominations close 14 January 2022
  20. AUST | ECCV | INVITING | Participants for FECCA 2022 Conference | 10-11 March 2022 | now open early bird registrations
  21. VIC | CFA | ADVISING | Time to start preparing for fire season
  22. VIC | POLICE | ADVISING | How to Report Prejudice Motivated Crime
  23. AUST | GOV | OFFERING | Disability Gateway Service
  24. AUST | AHRC | SUPPORTING | IncludeAbility: employment for people with disability
  25. COPP | GOV | REDUCING | Impact of ageism with Framing Age Message Guide
  26. VIC | GOV | ANNOUNCING | Victorian Honour Roll of Women – 2021 inductees
  27. VIC | GOV | AWARDING | Victoria’s outstanding seniors
  28. AUST | DRC | RELEASING | DRC new reports on disability
  29. AUST | NDIS | RELEASING | Annual Report 2020-21
  30. VIC | ECCV | REVIEWING | COVID-19 Information Session
  31. AUST | Coronavirus hotline
  32. AUST | Helpers and Reliable Sources Along the Way
  33. Acknowledgment to Sources
  34. Bye bye to Essentialists
  35. Self-Isolators, Non-Essentials And The Homebound


1. VIC | GOV | UPDATING | Pandemic Response

From 6pm on Thursday 25 November, the domestic permit system for entry into Victoria ended with unvaccinated Australians now able to enter the state.
The ‘border bubble’ program along Victoria’s borders with South Australia and New South Wales has also been removed, but international travellers who arrive directly into Victoria will still need a permit.

The Health Department said the change was “thanks to the incredible efforts of Victorians in getting vaccinated so quickly”, now that the state has reached 90 per cent of the eligible population over 12 years old with two jabs.

From 6pm Friday 29 October, 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.


On 29 November, the Australian Government announced that it will pause reopening Australia to international skilled and student cohorts from 1 December until 15 December.
The temporary pause will ensure Australia can gather the information needed to better understand the Omicron variant, including the efficacy of the vaccine, the range of illness, including if it may generate more mild symptoms, and the level of transmission.

More information about how the pause affects international students returning to Victoria will be available soon.

Information on current travel restrictions to Australia is available on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.


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

Vaccinations

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

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.
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.  

AUST | GOV | 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. 

AUST | NDIS | 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 | COVID-19 vaccine booster doses recommended for Australians aged 18+

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) have recommended a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine for people who are aged 18 years and over.

Everyone living in Australia aged 18 and over who has completed their primary two-dose course of vaccination at least six months ago is now eligible to have an additional booster shot.

The booster rollout program will initially target population groups that were prioritised for early vaccination, because the great majority of people within these cohorts are now ready for their booster vaccination, having had their second dose six or more months ago. 

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.
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. 

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. 
AUST | EVME | ENCOURAGING | Be Well Stay Well in-language videos
Evolve Media (EVME) and a team of six bicultural workers came together to produce several in-language videos to promote COVID-safe behaviour and wellbeing.

Over the past two months, the working group have held weekly meetings and worked collaboratively to co-design video messages and content. You can find links to the completed in-language videos below: 

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. There are two types of proof available. Both are free.
  1. A COVID – 19 Digital certificate, which shows you have received both doses of a COVID vaccine. For more information visit Getting help during coronavirus (COVID-19) - COVID-19 digital certificate as proof - Services Australia
  2. An immunisation history statement which lists COVID -19 vaccinations and all other vaccinations. For more information visit Australian Immunisation Register - How to get an immunisation history statement - Services Australia
It can take up to 10 days for information to be uploaded to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) after each dose of a COVID -19 vaccine.

It’s quick to get an immunisation history statement online. Download your statement now so you are ready to show it when you need to gain entry to places you want or need to visit.

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.If online is difficult for you or your residents, there are a few alternatives:
  • Call the Australian Immunisation Register and ask them to post your immunisation history statement, noting that it may take up to 14 days to arrive. Call 1800 653 809 from Monday to Friday 8 am to 5 pm.
  • Call Medicare on 13 20 11 and ask them to send you a printed copy. They are on the phones 24 hours 7 days a week. You can also ask for interpretation in your language when you call Medicare.
  • Ask someone who has internet access for help with online if you need it quickly who can help you to print it off. You will need a MyGov account (www.my.gov.au)
  • Ask at your GP clinic, pharmacy or community centre for help in printing your COVID certificate. 
 

AUST | GOV | Proof of COVID-19 vaccination resources for community groups

With the easing of restrictions, Australians will need to access proof of their COVID-19 vaccinations to enjoy many freedoms. The Australian Government has produced some resources that can be shared in your workplace and with your community.

The resources include general information about the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, as well as information about how to get proof of your vaccinations.  

2. VIC | ECCV | WEBINAR | Multicultural Disability Forum | Wednesday 1 December 2021 | 10.30am-12.30pm

Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) is hosting ‘Multicultural Disability Forum: Living with COVID-19’ will bring together a range of speakers, including experts with lived experience from culturally diverse backgrounds and disability sector organisations, to discuss ways people with disability can stay safe in the community as COVID-19 restrictions ease in Victoria.  

3. AUST | IDPwD | COMMEMORATING | International Day of People with Disability | 3 December

International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) aims to increase public awareness and understanding of people with disability, and to challenge the way disability is thought about by society. Learn how to get involved and help break down barriers - both structural and attitudinal - for people with disability on the IDPwD website. 

4. CoPP | WALKING | Online with water - South Melbourne | Sunday 5 December 2021 | 10-11am

Tobias Nash investigates how South Melbourne’s landscapes and hidden infrastructure reveal our adaption of water use from wetlands, streams, lagoons or springs.

Where: online.
Cost: Free
Bookings: essential, online through Trybooking


5. MELB | JCCV | WALKING | Together - Jewish Community with First Nations | Sunday 5 December 2021 | Staggered starts from 3.30pm

Get active and walk together in support of the wishes of the First Nations community to establish a Voice to Australian Parliament as called for by the Uluru Statement from the Heart. Jewish Community Council of Victoria(JCCV), B'nai B'rith Victoria, together with other Jewish organisations, are coordinating a number of community walks leading to the Fed Square, Eighth Night, Chanukah celebrations. 

JCCV invites you to a very special Chanukah event. Join us to celebrate the Eighth night of Chanukah, with a smoking ceremony and the lighting of the ArkCentre's 'Pillars of Light' Grand Menorah. 

Event subject to covid regulations. 

JCCV acknowledges the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land and community. We pay our respect to them and their cultures, and to the Elders, past, present and emerging. 

Where: Different starting positions walking to Federation Square, Melbourne VIC 3000
Bookings: Online through Trybooking.

6. VIC | GOV | HEARING | Your Say on the Victorian Government's Anti-Racism Strategy | submissions closing 6 December 2021

Together with Victoria's Anti-Racism Taskforce, Engage Victoria are developing Victoria's first ever Anti-Racism Strategy.

Due to be released in mid-2022, the strategy will seek to proactively prevent and address racism in Victoria and improve the lives of the state's multicultural and multifaith communities, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Over the next few months, the Anti-Racism Taskforce will be holding targeted consultations with communities, organisations, academics and subject matter experts.

It is vital that a wide cross section of the Victorian community provides input into the strategy development. Engage Victoria and the Anti-Racism Taskforce are now inviting Victorians to anonymously share their experiences of racism, as well as their ideas for reducing racism in our state. Your input will inform the focus and strategic direction of the strategy. 

7. VIC | ECCV | WEBINAR | Speak My Language (VIC) podcast launch | Tuesday 7 December 2021 | 10.30-11.30am

To mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) is holding a special online event to launch the Speak My Language (Disability) Victorian podcasts and talk about living well with disability. Victorian Speak My Language (SML) ‘storytellers’ and ‘travellers’ will discuss their experiences creating the podcasts and sharing their stories. The panel will also include a representative from the national Speak My Language team who will provide an overview of the program.  

8. AUST | ETHNOLINK | WEBINAR | What COVID-19 has taught us about CALD communication | Thursday 9 December 2021 | 2pm (AEDT) / 11am (AWST) 

The pandemic has not discriminated by culture, language or ethnicity. Everyone has been impacted and translations of public health information has been more important than ever.
In this webinar, Ethnolink will explore the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of language professionals.

Hear from Ethnolink CEO, Costa Vasili, as he explores:
  • how COVID has affected CALD communities
  • strategies that Ethnolink employs to deliver translations
  • best practice tips for COVID-19 CALD communication campaigns
  • new research and data that informs CALD communication strategies.
 

9. VIC | VEOHRC | CALLING | To make human rights real this International Human Rights Day | 10 December 

On 10 December 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Every year in December, the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) recognises and celebrates this day through a week of events, connection, and advocacy. 

During Human Rights Week, VEOHRC invites all Victorians to engage in activities and start and continue conversations about human rights.

This year, they will be hosting a week of action to make rights real. You are invited to sign up to a week of small daily tasks. Each day, you will receive a small action you can take to help make human rights real.  

10. 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. 

11. AUST | AHRC | HEARING | Your Say on National Anti-Racism Framework | submissions closing Wednesday 15 December 2021 | 5pm 

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.  

12. AUST | GOV | HEARING | Your say: Care and support sector consultations Stage 2 | submissions closing 17 December 2021

The Australian Department of Health is seeking feedback from consumers, families, carers, workers, providers and the broader community on aligning regulation across the NDIS, disability services, aged care and veterans’ care, as well as developing a common code of conduct across the care and support sectors.

To make a submission on the Consultation Paper and the draft Code of Conduct or to register for an upcoming workshop, visit the Ageing and Aged Care Engagement Hub. 

13. MELB | BAHO | RAISING | Support and Funds to Give the Gift of Joy, Pride and Support to Clients this Christmas

The impact that we have all felt from the pandemic has been enormous. The cancellation of the Bayley House(BAHO) Christmas Concert is, perhaps, the most significant impact for our clients. This is because it means so much to them. We see how much they look forward to this event and unfortunately, every day, we now see the disappointment that the cancellation has caused.

We know that the sense of pride, achievement and joy that the clients get from performing in front of a large crowd at the concert is almost impossible to re-create.

Give the Gift of Joy, Pride and Support to our Clients. This Christmas, we are hoping that you can show your support for our clients by helping us virtually fill Australia’s largest seated theatre, The Palais. 

Donate a single seat, seats for your family, or a whole row to share with friends.

Secure a ‘virtual seat’ today with a $30 donation to Bayley House. With 2,894 virtual seats to fill, please consider your friends, family, colleagues and others by buying as many seats as possible. If we reach our target, our clients will feel an overwhelming sense of support, knowing that the community has rallied behind them.

Even better, all proceeds will go directly to providing creative arts projects for current and future clients.

So, please, if you can help us fill The Palais by purchasing your virtual tickets and encouraging those around you to give the gift of joy for our clients.

All virtual seats are 100% tax deductible and will be greatly celebrated and appreciated by everyone at Bayley House. 

If you would prefer to support the Concert of Dreams via telephone, please call (03) 9982 1500. 

14. AUST | GOV | HEARING | Your say: Disability employment support program | submissions close 4 January 2022 

The Department of Social Services (DSS) is running a public consultation on a new disability employment support program starting in July 2023, following the end of the current Disability Employment Services program on 30 June 2023. Individuals and organisations are invited to share their experience and help create the next disability employment support model. An accessible consultation paper has been developed to help guide submissions. Auslan translations and an Easy English guide have also been published. 

15. 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. 

16. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Multicultural communities for priority response during coronavirus (COVID-19)

The CALD Communities Taskforce is working in partnership with organisations to develop locally delivered solutions to help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Applications for funding through the Priority Response to Multicultural Communities during Coronavirus (COVID-19) phase 3 (PRMC 3.0) program are now open.

The program will ensure organisations can respond to the current health crisis and the impacts on multicultural and multifaith communities most in need while operating in a COVIDSafe way. It will also promote the capacity building of local community networks and organisations. 

17. 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. 

18. VIC | GOV | CALLING | For Participants to Boards Victoria

The Victorian Government is encouraging people from a range of diverse communities to join public boards, to ensure that government boards and committees reflect the rich diversity of the Victorian community. 

Applications from people with a disability are encouraged.  

19. VIC | GOV | CALLING | Nominees for the 2021 Volunteering Awards | nominations close 14 January 2022

Victorians have pulled together like never before over the past two years to support each other through COVID-19. Now is the time to say thank you to the thousands of volunteers, organisations and leaders who have made a difference.

For the first time, the 2021 Volunteering Awards are being combined with the Premier’s Volunteer Champion Awards to recognise and honour the thousands of people across our state who give their time, energy, and skills to support others.

These awards recognise and celebrate volunteers, volunteer-involving organisations, and leaders of volunteers across the state, and thank them for building services and connections.

Anyone can nominate a team, leaders or individuals doing great work – and it’s quick and easy.

VMC Chairperson Viv Nguyen will be serving as a judge for the awards.  

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

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.  

21. VIC | CFA | ADVISING | Time to start preparing for fire season

Who in your household is going to take on preparing your property for fire season?
With fire season around the corner now is the time to start talking about what you need to do and here is a start!
  • Keep your grass cut to less than 10cm
  • Remove flammable items from decks and verandahs
  • Move woodpiles away from your home
For more preparation advice, please visit Country Fire Authority's website.

Sign up to MyCFA to get local information on how to plan and prepare for fires and other emergencies in your area. 

22. VIC | POLICE | ADVISING | How to Report Prejudice Motivated Crime

Victoria Police has launched new resources to help diverse Victorians understand how to report prejudice motivated crime (PMC).
PMC is any crime motivated by prejudice or hatred towards a person or a group because of a characteristic such as race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. These crimes can include harassment, threats to kill, verbal abuse, destroying or damaging property, and in more serious cases, physical violence. These crimes not only impact the victim’s sense of safety, but also the broader community.

The new resources, available for download from the Victoria Police website, are an animated video (2 min) and poster. The resources are available in English, Arabic, Chinese (Traditional and Simplified), Hindi, Korean, Persian, Punjabi, Somali, Urdu and Vietnamese.  

23. AUST | GOV | OFFERING | Disability Gateway Service

The Disability Gateway provides free information and services to help people living with disability, their families, friends and carers in key areas including finance, employment, health and equipment. Translated fact sheets and videos are available in Arabic, Greek, Italian, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese and Vietnamese. To access these or for other services visit the Disability Gateway website or call 1800 643 787 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm AEDT). 

24. AUST | AHRC | SUPPORTING | IncludeAbility: employment for people with disability 

IncludeAbility is an initiative of the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), designed to support employers who want to create meaningful employment opportunities for people with disability, and people with disability seeking employment, developing a career or considering self-employment. The hub offers resource guides, factsheets and an employer network. 

25. COPP | GOV | REDUCING | Impact of ageism with Framing Age Message Guide

What is the Framing Age Message Guide?
To reduce the impact of ageism in the community a consortium of multi-agency Elder Abuse Prevention Networks (EAPNs) led by Southern Melbourne Primary Care Partnership engaged Common Cause Australia to develop the Framing Age Message Guide. The research and resulting tips will help everyone better understand how to communicate about age, ageing and issues affecting older people in a way that reduces ageist attitudes, stereotypes and behaviours.

The guide details research conducted by Common Cause Australia using their unique approach to community engagement. It identifies ways of communicating to shift persuadable audiences to a more supportive mindset.

​Based on this research, six ‘Top Tips for Messaging’ have been outlined, including practical ‘before’ and ‘after’ examples. Details on how to structure a persuasive story are also included.

There’s even a ‘cheat sheet’ at the end so you have the most important information all in one place! 

26. VIC | GOV | ANNOUNCING | Victorian Honour Roll of Women – 2021 inductees

Women leading their communities through disaster, helping address cybercrime and lifting-up vulnerable communities are some of the 23 remarkable inductees to the Victorian Honour Roll of Women this year.

Minister for Women Gabrielle Williams last week announced the 2021 Victorian Honour Roll of Women. Inductees included women from all walks of life who have made outstanding contributions to Victoria.

Two new categories were also introduced this year, to recognise young women in the early stages of their career and acknowledge women’s leadership in bushfire and COVID-19 response and recovery.

The youngest ever inductee – Yasmin Poole, 22 (above) – is a national ambassador for Plan International Australia and a passionate advocate for young women being included in Australia’s political conversations. There were many other inductees from multicultural communities as well. Click the button below to learn more about their contributions.  

27. VIC | GOV | AWARDING | Victoria’s outstanding seniors

For more than 25 years, the Victorian Senior of the Year Awards have recognised the volunteer work and community contributions of older Victorians. This year’s awardees highlight the resilience, compassion and commitment of senior Victorians, particularly during the pandemic. 

Local leader John Thuy from Ashburton received the 2021 Promotion of Multiculturalism Award for his volunteer work to strengthen social connections and increase belonging among Vietnamese seniors, including through weekly online singing get-togethers during the pandemic.

First Nations Elders were also honoured. Warrnambool local and proud Gunditjmara man Uncle Locky Eccles received the Healthy and Active Living Award for his intergenerational leadership, sharing language, culture and his passion for sport with the community.

Aunty Frances Gallagher received the Ageing Well Award for her highly respected work supporting and mentoring young people and advocating and caring for fellow Elders, particularly those who are isolated or dealing with health issues.  

28. AUST | DRC | RELEASING | New reports on disability

Earlier this month, the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (DRC) released two new reports that provide historic insights into the experiences of people with disability in Australia. 

The ‘Disability in Australia – Shadows, struggles and successes’ report looks at different cultural and social factors that have impacted the lives of people with disability over time. The ‘Agents of our own Destiny – Activism and the road to the Disability Royal Commission’ report is about the disability rights movement and the history of disability activism and advocacy in Australia. 

29. AUST | NDIS | RELEASING | Annual Report 2020-21

The NDIS Annual Report 2020-21 is now available. The report gives a summary of the NDIS performance and operations for the 2020-21 financial year. It includes a summary of the Annual Financial Sustainability Report 2020-21, which outlines the sustainability pressures facing the Scheme and has been reviewed by the Australian Government Actuary. The report is available in PDF and accessible formats on the NDIS website. 

30. VIC | ECCV | REVIEWING | COVID-19 Information Session

On Wednesday 17 November, Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) hosted an information session for people from migrant and refugee backgrounds living with disability and their carers on COVID-19 vaccines, COVIDSafe practices and how to best protect our communities from the coronavirus.  

31. 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.


32. AUST | Helpers and Reliable Sources Along the Way

     

    33. 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.

    34. 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.

    35. Self-Isolators, Non-Essentials And The Homebound

    Meanwhile, if with a surplus of time, this and the following 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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