Yesterday was International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).
Message from the Chairperson
In recognition of this important day, our Conversations with Commissioners podcast features a conversation between VMC Commissioner Dr Judy Tang and Victorian LGBTIQ+ Commissioner Todd Fernando. We encourage you to listen to the podcast on our YouTube channel!
I'd also like to direct you to the Victorian government's statement today announcing the Rainbow Ready Roadmap. The roadmap supports regional and rural communities across Victoria to ensure all LGBTIQ+ members of their community are included in sporting clubs, health services, businesses, schools, and more.
I am also pleased to share that there has been an important development in the last week towards a more inclusive Victoria - namely, the Summary Offences Amendment (Nazi Symbol Prohibition) Bill 2022 which has been introduced into Parliament.
The Bill recognises the continued significance of the swastika as a symbol of peace and good fortune for the Buddhist, Hindu, Jain, and other faith communities. It recognises that the Hakenkreuz is a distorted version of this symbol.
The VMC is proud to continue to work with the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner Ro Allen and the Department of Justice and Community Safety to support the inclusion of Victoria’s multi-faith community.
If I can end on a note regarding community support and safety, I'd like to remind all of you that the flu vaccine for this winter is now available and is free to select groups of Victorians. I hope you are considering the flu vaccine, to protect yourself and those around us. You can find more information on the Department of Health website.
Until our next meeting, take care, and keep up the COVIDsafe measures.
Viv Nguyen AM, Chairperson
WEBINAR | Free small business wellbeing forum | Monday 23 May 2022 | 9.55am for 10am-11am
Business Victoria, in partnership with Mindarma, is hosting a special webinar for small business owners and their employees with a focus on culturally and linguistically diverse perspectives.
An expert panel will share their unique experiences of wellbeing and discuss the available support for both business owners and employees.
This free event is part of Business Victoria’s Headway initiative. Headway brings together key support programs that are free for small business owners, their employees, and trusted advisers, including business advice, financial counselling, and mental health support.
CALLING | Nominations for Victorian Public Healthcare Awards 2022 | nominations close on 27 May 2022
The Victorian Public Healthcare Awards present an opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge the achievements of our healthcare workers and public health services.
There are 20 award categories, including the Premier's Health Service of the Year Award and others to recognise volunteers.
All organisations and individuals delivering public health services and programs are encouraged to share their stories of innovation, excellence and achievement.
GRANTING | Victorian Rural Women's Leadership Program | applications close 29 May 2022
Women founders, entrepreneurs and business owners from rural areas face a range of societal, geographical and cultural barriers to accessing capital, networks and resources to support their business.
The Victorian Rural Women’s Business Leadership Program responds to these challenges, with a $50,000 investment to support 16 rural women of all backgrounds and identities to gain access to support, networks and training to start or grow their own business or entrepreneurial activity.
Applications from culturally diverse women, Aboriginal women, and women with a disability across rural and regional Victoria are strongly encouraged, recognising the additional challenges diverse women may experience in building a business.
Recipients will also access the Victorian Government’s ‘Business Victoria’ initiative, which offers free online business advice sessions to help Victorians to start or grow small business.
CALLING | Aspiring filmmakers with a multicultural background to enter Multicultural Film Festival 2022 | submissions close 20 June 2022.
Are you an aspiring filmmaker with a multicultural background? 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, Segemento and Jobs Victoria.
Translated guides helping us go back to public transport
It's great to be back and doing the things we love.
No matter where you need to go across Melbourne or Victoria - the train, tram or bus can get you there.
Visit family and friends, return to work, and be part of our community.
The Public Transport Victoria website can help you plan your journey, with written guides and videos to help set up your myki card. The guides are available in 15 languages.
Wear a face mask for you and them
All Victorians must wear a fitted face mask when using public transport. This is for the safety of you, your loved ones and your community.
By wearing a fitted face mask you can help lower the spread of COVID-19.
You can find out more information and access translated resources on the Public Transport Victoria website.
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