Message from the Chairperson
As May comes to an end, I hope you've had time to reflect on this month, which included several important political events - our state budget and our federal election. It was great to see that 100 of the candidates running for the House of Representatives were from multicultural backgrounds, and we hope to see this number greatly improve in future elections.We know from our consultation with leaders in the community that representation is so important for our democracy and for inclusion. I was excited to see this representation in action over the last week, as I attended several of our Regional Advisory Council meetings.
In one of these meetings, we heard from Professor Yin Paradies on the racism experienced by First Nations people. He educated us on the 60,000-year history of this country we proudly call home, and advocated for the implementation of recommendations in The Uluru Statement. I encourage you to read about this statement when you have the chance.
We also heard from Interim Chair Jim Williamson on the implementation of the Mental Health Royal Commission Report. There are some promising initiatives that will arise from this very important reform, summarised in these factsheets.
At a very different community event this week, I am excited to be attending the Cultural Diversity in Ageing Excellence Awards on Friday. These awards recognise and showcase initiatives that promote excellence in the provision of culturally inclusive aged care services across Australia. I look forward to honouring the award winners who are leaders in their industry.
I look forward to seeing you at a community event or celebration soon.
Until then take care, and keep up the COVIDsafe measures.
Viv Nguyen AM, Chairperson
This greatly anticipated event celebrated Victoria’s cultural diversity with an evening of fine dining, cultural entertainment and networking.
You can now relive (or experience!) this exciting night through the highlight reel, now available on our website and YouTube channel.
To those who were there, thank you for joining us for a night full of life, magic and joy where we proudly joined as Victorians and helped to build an even better Victoria.
To those who couldn’t make it, we hope to see you next year!
This workshop has been designed for community service providers. This may include professionals working in community health, case management, community engagement, settlement services, neighbourhood and housing services, and community centres.
Viv Nguyen AM, Chairperson
Victorian Multicultural Gala Dinner - Highlight Reel
On Saturday 19 March 2022, the VMC hosted an unforgettable night, bringing together Victoria's vibrant multicultural community at the annual Victorian Multicultural Gala Dinner.This greatly anticipated event celebrated Victoria’s cultural diversity with an evening of fine dining, cultural entertainment and networking.
You can now relive (or experience!) this exciting night through the highlight reel, now available on our website and YouTube channel.
To those who were there, thank you for joining us for a night full of life, magic and joy where we proudly joined as Victorians and helped to build an even better Victoria.
To those who couldn’t make it, we hope to see you next year!
- Watch Highlight Reel (2 mins)
- Read more
ICV | WORKSHOP | Supporting Muslim clients impacted by Racism and Islamophobia | 2 June 2022 | 10am-1.30pm AEST
The Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV) is hosting a highly interactive and thought-provoking workshop to discuss strategies to better understand Muslim clients who experience racism and Islamophobia.This workshop has been designed for community service providers. This may include professionals working in community health, case management, community engagement, settlement services, neighbourhood and housing services, and community centres.
- Where: Islamic Council of Victoria, Level 2, 66-68 Jeffcott Street, West Melbourne, VIC 3003
- Cost: free.
- Bookings: online via Eventbrite
Free Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) for people with disability
As winter nears, it’s time to ensure everyone with disability has access to enough rapid antigen tests. Early detection of COVID-19 helps protect our community from outbreaks of serious illness by ensuring earlier diagnosis and treatment.Until 30 June 2022, Victorian NDIS participants, disability support pensioners or people with disability who receive a TAC benefit can access up to 20 free rapid antigen tests by visiting their local state-run testing site. Carers can also pick up tests on behalf of someone with disability.
Only state-run testing sites are providing free rapid antigen tests to people with disability.
- If you are unable to attend a site, you can contact a Disability Liaison Officer for assistance.
- Learn more
Get involved - Victoria's mental health and wellbeing system
We know that people across and beyond the mental health and wellbeing sector are eager to participate in the design and delivery of the reformed mental health and wellbeing system in Victoria.In response to community feedback, the Department of Health has produced a calendar of upcoming engagement opportunities including workshops, expressions of interest, tender processes and other chances to contribute to statewide mental health and wellbeing system reforms.
The calendar is updated monthly, with events for June 2022 now available.
CALLING | Aspiring filmmakers with a multicultural background to enter Multicultural Film Festival 2022 | submissions closing 20 June 2022!
Do you produce short films that explore multiculturalism and promote social cohesion?If any of the above applies to you, then consider entering your film for the 2022 Multicultural Film Festival, run by the VMC in partnership with Swinburne University.
Select films will be shown at the premier screening at ACMI Cinemas in Melbourne in August.
We'd like to extend a special thanks to our sponsors for this event, Commonwealth Bank, Segmento and Jobs Victoria.
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