It's an action-filled week as we head towards the end of 2021.
Message from the Chairperson
Please take a couple of minutes to familiarise yourself with the changes to isolation requirements for people exposed to COVID-19.
It is great to see many community activities taking place and to meet many of you in person. Please do take care and stay COVID-safe. The VMC forums continue to be a great source of knowledge, updates and hearing your feedback so please continue to join and take part in these lively discussions. It is through these types of partnerships that collaboration and progress occurs. The next session is Thursday 2 December - please register here.
Today we launched the Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll. The partnerships and collaborative efforts in our multicultural communities should be recognised publicly - please nominate those who have been doing amazing work in your circles by visiting our website.
Take care and stay safe.
Viv Nguyen AM, Chairperson
Multicultural Community Infrastructure Fund | applications are now open and close on Monday 31 January 2022
The 2021–22 Multicultural Community Infrastructure Fund (MCIF) offers grants to Victoria’s culturally diverse communities to help upgrade, renovate and maintain community infrastructure.
Having safe and secure places to celebrate and share cultural history and traditions ensures Victoria's multicultural communities continue to build connections and celebrate diversity.
MCIF is for infrastructure projects that are ready to proceed and can be completed by 1 May 2023. Projects must:
- Support the community to celebrate and share their history and traditions
- Build community connections and networks to foster a more inclusive society.
VMC and Dept of Health COVID-19 briefing | Thursday 2 December 2021 | 7pm
The latest COVID-19 briefing hosted by the VMC and Department of Health will provide information for multicultural communities on the latest issues related to the pandemic, including policy changes and vaccine compliance.
Afghan-Australian Community and Settlement Support Grant Program Q&A | applications closing for Grant round one on Thursday 23 December 2021
The Afghan-Australian Community and Settlement Support Grant Program supports Afghan-Australian and other community and grassroots organisations undertaking critical work to welcome and support people recently evacuated from Afghanistan.
Through an open competitive process, the program provides grants to organisations to facilitate positive settlement outcomes for newly arrived Afghan people.
Two grant rounds will be held between November 2021 and June 2023.
Join one of the information sessions to have your questions about the application process, deadlines and assessment criteria answered.
Changes to COVID-19 contact tracing rules
There have been changes to the isolation requirements of people exposed to COVID-19. Contacts have now been sorted into differing groups, which have specific isolation and testing requirements.
Please see the new definitions below:
- Household contacts
If you live with someone who has COVID-19 or have spent more than four hours with them at a private residence, accommodation or care facility.
- Social contacts
If you know and spent time with someone who has COVID-19, and you aren't a household contact. They have informed you that you are a social contact.
- Workplace contacts
If you’re a worker (including subcontractors) who has spent time indoors with another worker who had COVID-19. Your work has informed you that you are a workplace contact.
- Education contacts
If you or your child went to school or childcare (including early childhood education) and spent time with someone who has COVID-19. Your education facility has informed you or your child is an education contact.
LAUNCHING | New book details the stories of Greek women and their friends | Sunday 12 December 2021
A new book by Varvara Athanasiou-Ioannou that presents personal stories from many Greek Australian women is now available.
Her Voice, Greek Women and Their Friends, brings together the voices of over 40 women who bravely detail the difficulties and triumphs they have met in living and succeeding in different worlds.
Her Voice features stories from women from all walks of life and fields, including, artists, academics, educators, entrepreneurs, councillors, journalists, lawyers, scientists, politicians and public servants.
'This collection of stories from relatable role models speaking about strength and resilience will inspire many generations of future Greek women and their friends to come,' said Athanasiou-Ioannou.
- Attend the launch at Andrianakos Centre, Alphington Grammar School
REMINDING | Contributors to the Victorian Government's Anti-Racism Strategy | submissions are anonymous and close 6 December 2021
The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) and Anti-Racism Taskforce are inviting Victorians to anonymously share their experiences of racism, to inform 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.
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