This month we have observed Ramadan, Passover, Easter and Baisakhi along with many New Year and cultural celebrations such as Songkran, Sinhalese New Year, Puthandu, Theravada, Khmer New Year and Kha b-Nisan.
Message from the Chairperson
I hope we can all recognise and appreciate the significance of the rich cultural and religious celebrations that have taken place. There is so much that binds us here in our multicultural and multifaith state. It is this common thread that has helped us to look out for one another, support each other and keep us all informed of public health directions.I am proud to be part of this common thread. I hope you are too.
Whilst we embrace these celebrations and festivities, we are mindful of the difficult situation in Ukraine that has not improved. We have seen and heard this from many faith leaders throughout Victoria. I invite you to join the Ukrainian community in their fundraising appeal, Concert for Ukraine, on Saturday 7 May at the Melbourne Town Hall. You can find more information on this event in the newsletter below.
As we have seen during the pandemic, looking out for one another is what keeps our ties strong. Whether during hardship or celebration, I am always inspired to see the strength of these ties.
Take care, and keep up the COVID safe measures.
Viv Nguyen AM, Chairperson
ROTARY | RAISING | Funds and Concert for Ukraine | Saturday 7 May 2022 | 3pm
The Rotary Club of North Melbourne, in collaboration with the Association of Ukrainians Victoria, is hosting a fundraising event to support the efforts underway to address the crisis in Ukraine.Come and enjoy Ukrainian song and dance, and hear keynote speakers share insights about the crisis and how you can help.
Proceeds will be donated to The Rotary Foundation to provide relief to victims including food, medicine and clothing.
The concert will be held at Melbourne Town Hall.
CALLING | Photographers to enter Capturing Culture Photography Competition | submissions now open until Monday 25 April 2022!
The vibrance of Victoria’s multicultural communities is something to be captured and celebrated. That’s why we are so excited to be receiving submissions in Victoria's new photography competition; Capturing Culture: Multicultural Victoria in Focus.Capturing Culture will recognise the resilience and lived experiences of multicultural communities and capture their vibrancy and connectedness.
If you are an emerging or established photographer - or just take great photos as a hobby - submit your entry today.
CALLING | Aspiring filmmakers to enter the Multicultural Film Festival | submissions due by 20 June 2022
Entries are open for the 2022 Multicultural Film Festival, run by the VMC in partnership with Swinburne University.We are seeking creative, original, non-formulaic short films about cultural diversity created by Australians with a multicultural background or filmmakers of any background who produce films that explore multiculturalism and promote social cohesion.
Select films will be shown at the premier screening at ACMI Cinemas in Melbourne
HEALING | Refugee Week | 19-25 June 2022
The theme of this year's Refugee Week is Healing.The importance of human connection has been underscored by the COVID-19 pandemic, and these lessons can help our communities in so many ways.
During this week, communities across Victoria are encouraged to draw upon shared hardship to heal, learn from each other and move forward together. Healing can occur through storytelling, through community and honouring our interconnectedness as individuals.
To join us in observing Refugee Week we encourage organisations, schools, businesses, local government and individuals to visit the Refugee Council of Australia website for further information, resources and events.
Recognition Matters | nominations close on Thursday 28 April 2022
The Australian Honours and Awards system includes awards such as the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), and recognises the outstanding services and contributions of Australians.Recipients come from all states and cultural backgrounds, but only 30% of nominations are for women. Recognition Matters is a Victorian campaign that seeks to change that.
The campaign features our Chairperson Viv Nguyen, who reflects on her contributions to our community and how you can't be what you can't see.
There are so many women with unique skills and experience enriching multicultural communities across Victoria. Acknowledging their contributions would place their achievements on the public record and create more visible role models.
We encourage you to elevate the impact and influence of an outstanding woman in your life by nominating her for an Australian Honour and make a difference today.
GRANTING | Support our Afghan-Australian Community Round Two | closing Friday 6 May 2022
The Afghan-Australian Community and Settlement Support grant program supports community and grassroot organisations undertaking critical work to welcome and support people recently evacuated from Afghanistan.Through an open process, the program provides grants to organisations to facilitate positive settlement outcomes for newly arrived Afghan people. This program is administered by Migration Council Australia.
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