It's the first day of the month and also the first day of the Lunar New Year! Wishing each and every one of you a safe, healthy and prosperous Lunar New Year, or Tết in Vietnamese. Happy New Year – Chúc mừng năm mới (chook mung nam moi).
Message from the Chairperson
Celebrating cultural events together and learning new things about each other is yet another advantage of living in a multicultural, multifaith society like Victoria.For those of you who work in schools or have children attending school, stay tuned for details on the VMC forum with the Department of Education next week. It will be an opportunity to exchange information, share feedback and support each other as schools reopen in a time of high COVID-19 cases.
Once again, if you haven't already, please book your third dose of the COVID-19 vaccination to give yourself and your community the best protection from the virus.
Take care and stay safe.
Viv Nguyen AM, Chairperson
Board recruitment for Victorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing | closing 8 February 2022
Be at the forefront of transformational change of Victoria’s mental health and wellbeing system.Expressions of interest are now open for the governance board of the Victorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing.
The Minister for Mental Health is seeking candidates who are committed to building a new mental health and wellbeing system. Importantly, this includes people with consumer and carer lived experiences. Candidates will also require the skills to set the strategic direction of the Collaborative Centre in its infancy and into the future.
Queensland fruit fly alert for people who grow fruit and vegetables at home
If you grow fruits and vegetables at home, you should be looking out for signs of Queensland fruit fly.It attacks many fruits and fruiting vegetables, including tomatoes, nectarines, figs and lemons, making them inedible.
COVID-19 vaccines are available to everyone aged five years and over
COVID-19 vaccines are available for children aged 5 to 11.Book at your local GP or pharmacy, or get your child vaccinated at your nearest state-run vaccination centre by booking online or calling the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398 between 8 am and 8 pm, 7 days a week.
By vaccinating your children, you can:
- Reduce the spread of COVID-19
- Protect them from getting sick from COVID-19
- Keep schools open, so children can have more face-to-face learning and playtime with their friends.
Some children are already eligible for vaccination, while others will turn 5 during the year. Families should book their children in for vaccination as soon as possible after their fifth birthday.
All parents and guardians should aim to have their children aged 5 years and over vaccinated with one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by the start of Term 1.
Some families have been enquiring about third doses for children. Third doses are only recommended for people aged 18 years and over at this time.
Family-friendly vaccination centres
Children can receive additional support through vaccination centres, specialised centres and hospitals if they have needle distress, a disability, behavioural difficulties or other needs.
You can get your children vaccinated at family-friendly vaccination centres across Victoria. Book online or call the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398.
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
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Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)
Address: Level 3, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9651 5901
Email: contact@vmc.vic.gov.au