Message from the Chairperson
Eid Mubarak!
On behalf of the Victorian Multicultural Commission, I'd like to wish our Muslim communities in Victoria a blessed Eid. Eid al-Fitr welcomes the new month of Shawwal, and is a time to exchange sweets, food and gifts. We hope all those celebrating enjoy this important day of prayer and being with loved ones.The many cultural and faith celebrations of the last month has shown us the importance of staying connected. As we connect with each other, it's also important to stay COVID safe. The VMC briefings are a great way to discuss the latest COVID-19 updates, and I invite you and your communities to join us on Zoom next Tuesday 10 May. You can find more details about this information session below.
I am constantly impressed with the level of care and diligence displayed in the organisation of the in-person community events we can now attend. These gatherings are not just a great way to connect - they are opportunities to share and deepen understanding and respect. It has been a pleasure to observe this throughout this year.
Until our next meeting, take care, and keep up the COVIDsafe measures.
Viv Nguyen AM, Chairperson
WEBINAR | Online COVID-19 briefing | Tuesday 10 May 2022 | 7-8pm
The Multicultural Commission's next COVID-19 briefing will be held to discuss the latest changes within the Department of Health, COVID-19 updates in school settings and other developments.This session will be held in partnership with Victoria's Department of Health and the Department of Education and Training.
Once you have registered to attend, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions for how to join the meeting.
CELEBRATING | Eid al-fitr and keeping our loved ones safe
As we come together to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, please remember to stay COVIDSafe.That means meeting and greeting outside when possible, keeping homes well ventilated with windows and doors open, and getting tested if you have any symptoms.
VIctoria is proud to be home to a strong, kind and compassionate Muslim community, and we hope Eid brings you and your family health and prosperity.
CALLING | Aspiring filmmakers to enter the Multicultural Film Festival | submissions are 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 in August.
WEBINAR | Multicultural Rental Rights Forum | Wednesday 11 May 2022 | 7-8.15pm
Tenants Victoria is the state's peak body to promote and protect the rights of all tenants in Victoria.This month, Tenants Victoria's expert lawyer Ben Cording will be hosting a helpful forum to explain rental rights to multicultural communities. You will have the chance to ask questions, learn about your rights, understand how to challenge a rent increase and minimise your costs.
People from all multicultural communities are welcome to attend , including renters whose first language is not English, new arrivals to Victoria, and international students.
CONFERRING | 2022 Welcoming Australia Symposium | 10-11 May 2022
The Welcoming Australia Symposium brings together international, national and local practitioners, policy-makers, researchers, business innovators and civic leaders to share and discuss the challenges, benefits and opportunities of migration, settlement, cultural diversity and inclusion.The Symposium will be held in Canberra over two days from 10 - 11 May 2022 and features guest speakers, including Victorian Multicultural Commission Deputy Chairperson, Bwe Thay.
Tickets are now available.
HIRING | 100,000 jobs available
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) will be employing 100,000 people across Australia for the federal election on Saturday 21 May.Available jobs include working in polling places on election day and at early voting centres, counting votes and managing election materials.
If you would like to be considered for these jobs, you can submit an online registration of interest. The AEC will assess your registration and contact you if suitable opportunities become available.
SPEAKING | 2022 Tamil language competition | applications close 12 June 2022
The Australian Society of Graduate Tamils (ASGT) will be holding their 28th Tamil language competition this year. More than 600 students participate every year.The competition is held annually to encourage young people to learn the Tamil language and celebrate the culture.
State and national language competitions will be held, with competitor age groups ranging from 4-25 years old. Prizes are available for all participants at a state level, along with medals awarded to the top ten competitors nationally.
WATCHING | Fired Up
In partnership with the Australian Islamic Centre (AIC), Human Appeal and Blueprint Studios, the Australian Federal Police has co-produced an award winning short documentary.Fired Up tells the story of AIC volunteers who travelled to areas impacted by the devastating 2019-2020 bushires to provide essential supplies to communities in critical need.
The film is about breaking down barriers and building relationships with multicultural communities around Australia, a key priority for the Federal Police.
- Watch Video (36 mins)
SAVING | On your energy bill
From 1 July 2022, you can visit the Victorian Energy Compare website to seek out a better energy deal and receive a $250 bonus payment.The Victorian Energy Compare website is the only free and independent online energy price comparison service available to all Victorian energy consumers.
User data shows that seven out of every ten users can save money by switching energy offers, with a typical annual saving of $330 in the first year.
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