Thoughts and prayers are with the people of Ukraine and the Ukrainian diaspora here in Victoria.
Message from the Chairperson
We are having many conversations with community and faith leaders to ensure they feel supported.Next Tuesday is International Women’s Day, and many community organisations are holding events, seminars and panel discussions to understand where we are at with the gender equality agenda.
We will be asking important questions next week, like what does the leadership and representation landscape look like in 2022? What are the legislative frameworks to BreakTheBias and celebrate achievements? What is the state of the gender pay gap?
Please also stay tuned for my first ever podcast, which will feature Dr Niki Vincent, Victoria and Australia’s first Commissioner for Gender Equality in the Public Sector.
Take care,
Viv Nguyen AM, Chairperson
COMMENCING | Multicultural Communities Leadership in Action Program
The VMC's Multicultural Communities Leadership in Action Program has finalised placements and the first sessions of the youth, women and generalist streams have been held.The future is looking bright, with many inspired, promising multicultural leaders taking part in the sessions.
The sessions received great feedback, with many participants praising the course's content and the expertise of the facilitators. Some of the emerging leaders in the program shared their reflections after their first session – you can find what they said were the most valuable lessons so far below:
- The importance of knowing the background of the stakeholders you meet with very well and being able to leverage that information.
- Understanding how you can make a difference through small words and actions.
- To live, breathe and be confident in your skin and the passion you have for advocating.
CALLING | For nominations to Refugee Awards | nominations close on 12 April 2022
The Victorian Refugee Awards recognise and promote the achievements and contributions of Victorians who arrived as refugees or asylum seekers.Proudly coordinated by the VMC, these annual awards recognise those who have excelled through their study, work, entrepreneurship, or volunteering.
If you know a person, business or organisation that deserves recognition, please visit our website to nominate them for a Victorian Refugee Award.
GRANTING | Economic Pathways to Refugee Integration program open for applications | applications close 9pm AEST on Monday 11 April 2022
The Australian Government is inviting organisations to apply for the Economic Pathways to Refugee Integration grant program.The new program seeks to increase the rate of employment for refugees and humanitarian entrants with lower skill levels and low English language proficiency.
The program will, in creating economic opportunity for refugees, support refugees to successfully integrate into life in Australia.
A total of $15 million is available for this grant opportunity. Eligible applicants can apply for grants of between $50,000 and $1 million per annum over 3 years.
CALLING | Photographers for Capturing Culture: Multicultural Victoria in Focus | entries submitted by 17 April 2022
The resilience of Victoria’s multicultural communities is something to be celebrated and remembered. If you are an emerging or established Victorian multicultural artist, we are excited to launch this new photography competition; Capturing Culture: Multicultural Victoria in Focus.Capturing Culture will recognise the resilience and lived experiences of multicultural communities during the COVID-19 pandemic and create a visual record of a unique time in Victoria's history. It will also capture the vibrancy, significance and connectedness of multicultural communities that existed before the pandemic, and which will prevail long afterwards.
RECRUITING | Candidates to Join the Victorian Children's Council | applications close Tuesday 15 March 2022
Expressions of interest are being sought from suitable candidates to become members of the Victorian Children’s Council.Suitable candidates will have expert knowledge of policies and services that enhance the health, wellbeing, development and safety of children, including:
The Council meets every two months or as required, either in person in Melbourne CBD or remotely via videoconference.
RECRUITING | Community Member to Join the Youth Parole Board | closes Sunday 6 March 2022
The Youth Parole Board is seeking to recruit a community member to appoint to the Board.The Youth Parole Board makes decisions regarding the management of young people under sentence, including release to parole, cancellation of parole and transfer to prison.
The community member will have:
- expertise working with young people involved with the youth justice system and have a sophisticated level of knowledge regarding the developmental needs of young people
- an appreciation of issues affecting young people and the passion and commitment to effectively influence positive change
- a demonstrated ability to empathise with diverse cultural and individual needs, act with impartiality, and adhere to the operational framework of the Board.
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