While the calendar is telling us that 2021 is coming to a close, the activities and face to face connections certainly aren't!
Message from the Chairperson
This also means that we will, from time to time, receive notifications from the Department of Health asking us to get tested. Please do so as soon as possible and isolate until notified of a negative result. The results are usually returned in less than 24 hours. This is part of what living with COVID means.Whatever you do, please take some time to nominate someone for the Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll. I am sure we all know someone who deserves recognition. This is an important way to show the strength of our multicultural communities.
The VMC hosted our End of Year Reflections event yesterday, a hybrid event held at the Pride Centre in St Kilda and online. We heard from the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, the Hon. Ros Spence MP, and the Secretary of the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, Sandy Pitcher, where the VMC sits administratively.
Thank you to both of these leaders for all their work, compassion and support of multicultural communities and the VMC.
If you haven’t visited the Pride Centre, please check it out. It is an important meeting place with stunning architecture too.
As some of our community members take well-deserved breaks in the coming weeks, I would like to wish a merry Christmas to those who celebrate it, and I hope everyone can take some time to relax and be with friends and family.
Take care and stay safe.
Viv Nguyen AM, Chairperson
Multicultural Communities Leadership in Action Program 2022 | applications now open
The Multicultural Communities Leadership in Action Program builds the capability of multicultural and multifaith community leaders to engage effectively with the government and their own communities.
It provides leaders with the tools and information to more effectively mobilise their communities, which is especially important in times of crisis and emergency; such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Developed and delivered using a genuine co-design approach with community, the program runs dedicated streams for women and young people, as well as a generalist stream. Participants complete two half-day sessions and are invited to a graduation event where they can build on their new network of hundreds of fellow participants and government stakeholders.
Participants will learn how to:
- become influential and informed community advocates
- navigate and collaborate with government
- be more able to mobilise and educate their communities
- strengthen their civic and community engagement capability.
- join a network of hundreds of like-minded cultural and faith leaders
- develop great potential to create collaborative partnerships and projects
- be connected with government representatives
- be more likely to hold future roles in senior community service and on government boards and committees.
Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll | nominations open until 16 January 2022
The first ever Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll will recognise the efforts of individuals who have made exceptional and lasting contributions to multiculturalism in Victoria.This program will focus on local champions of diversity, recognising the vital role that multicultural individuals have played to keep our communities safe and connected.
The Honour Roll replaces the Meritorious Service to the Community category from the Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence, which was held at Government House last week.
Watch two MFF winning short films
As part of Human Rights Week, the VMC has released two Multicultural Film Festival winning films that explore human rights issues. You can now watch them online.First up is La Tansouna, which translates to 'Don't Forget Us'. La Tansouna is an Arabic short film following the life of newly arrived refugee Nour, who seeks asylum in Australia.
- Watch La Tansouna (7 min)
HEARING | Your say on the National Anti-Racism Framework | submissions closing soon
What can Australia do, as a country, to address racism? The Australian Human Rights Commission (the Commission) wants to hear your thoughts about what should be included in a national plan to make Australia free from racism.The Commission invites you to make a submission to share your vision of a future where all Australians are treated equally, and with dignity and respect.
The Commission will analyse submissions and consider all the feedback it receives. This feedback will inform a conversation and consultation report and a revised Framework Concept Paper. This Report and revised Framework Concept Paper will be provided to government for consideration in mid-2022 and will be publicly released.
SLOWING | Down to save Australian wildlife
As we all take some well deserved time off and see what Victoria has to offer, remembering to slow down and stay alert can save lives. Because you’re not just on the road – you’re in the home of Australian native animals.Slow down particularly between dusk and dawn when you drive through regional areas.
Please call 03 8400 7300 if you have or see a wildlife collision. You won’t get into trouble.
A safe drive saves Australian native animals.
Check fire warnings before heading to the regions
With students and teachers closing the textbooks this week to mark the start of school holidays, Victoria’s fire services are urging holidaymakers to monitor emergency warnings before hitting the road.When visiting unfamiliar territory over summer it is very important that visitors learn which fire district they are in and monitor the Fire Danger Ratings.
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