NAVIGATION

HOME | CONTACT | ABOUT US | GATHERS | RESOURCES

GEIFN | CONSOLIDATED | Information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) | Friday 1 July 2022

Fast Facts: COVID-19 Victoria & Australia

  1. VIC | GOV | UPDATING | Pandemic Response
  2. VIC | GOV | MAKING | Headway - the free small business wellbeing initiative
  3. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Up to $80,000 Victorian Volunteer Strategy
  4. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | New community volunteering grants | applications closing Monday 18 July 2022
  5. COPP | RBFVAF | GRANTING | 2022 Rupert Bunny Foundation Visual Arts Fellowship | applications now open, closing Monday 18 July 2022
  6. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Promoting regional startups | expressions of interest close 21 July 2022
  7. CoPP | PATH | GRANTING | Palais Theatre Community Fund - Round 7 | applications now open
  8. AUST | CALD2LEAD | GRANTING | Scholarship for the Diploma of Governance
  9. VIC | GOV | REBATING | Small Business Digital Adaptation Program | open until 18 July 2022, or until rebates have been exhausted
  10. VIC | VEC | SAVING | On your energy bill
  11. VIC | GOV | HIRING | Victoria Police Diversity Recruitment Program
  12. VIC | GOV | HIRING | Sheriffs – officer jobs available
  13. VIC | GOV | HIRING | Metro Tunnel train drivers
  14. VIC | GOV | CALLING | Nominations for Senior of the Year Awards | nominations close Friday 29 July 2022
  15. VIC | GOV | CALLING | Members for South Sudanese Australian Youth Justice Expert Working Group to be established
  16. MELB | ASRC | CALLING | Members to join the ASRC Grants Program Fund's Governance committee
  17. CoPP | PHAAA | CALLING | Artists to Join Our Upcoming Youth Healing Workshops
  18. CoPP | SEFE | CALLING | For entries in Port Phillip Writes: Seniors’ Festival Writing Awards 2022 | submissions closing Friday 29 July 2022
  19. CoPP | LRC | TALKING | Lifeview Residential Care Information Sessions | 20 July 2022
  20. GEELONG | TCC | YARNING | Racism: Raw & Real Forum | Friday 29 July 2022
  21. MELB | VMC | SHOWCASING | Photography Exhibition extended | now open until August 2022
  22. CoPP | PHAAA | CALLING | Artists for ‘Healing the Youth’ Art Exhibition | submissions open now
  23. VIC | VOLV | TRAINING | National Standards of Volunteer Involvement | 17 August 2022
  24. VIC | PPCfR | ENGAGING | Reconciliation Writing Competition 2022 | entries open, closing Friday 9 September 2022
  25. CoPP | PHAAA | ANNOUNCING | 2022 Planetary Healing Artists Peace Festival | Sunday 18 September 2022
  26. AUST | EQPR | ENGAGING | Australia's 5th National LGBTIQ+ Conference: Better Together 2023 | 17-18 February 2023
  27. AUST | AGMC | HEARING | Your say: on end-of-life care for the multicultural LGBTQIA+ community | submissions close Friday 15 July 2022
  28. VIC | GOV | HEARING | Your say: Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games | submissions closing Sunday 31 July 2022
  29. VIC | GOV | HEARING | Your say: reforming Victoria's mental health and wellbeing system
  30. AUST | GOV | HEARING | Your say: transport reform | submissions close 9 August 2022
  31. VIC | GOV | MESSAGING | Play Learn Grow - Free tips from early childhood experts
  32. VIC | GOV | INTRODUCING | Changes to senior secondary education in Victoria
  33. VIC | CCV | OFFERING | New bowel cancer screening for linguistically diverse people
  34. AUST | NEMBC | TRANSLATING | Audio explainers for COVID-19 and flu vaccinations
  35. VIC | MHC | TRANSLATING | Professional health advice in your language
  36. VIC | CSV | TRANSLATING | How to Report a crime - videos in 11 languages
  37. VIC | VEOHRC | ENABLING | Reducing Racism in Victoria - The Anti-Racism Race video
  38. VIC | FCP | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds for Love in Full Colour
  39. AUST | CUIN | UPDATING | Diversity Atlas, Who are we now? Mapping the Tech Industry in 2022
  40. AUST | ETHN | LAUNCHING | Ethnolink bespoke interpreting service
  41. AUST | ABS | REPORTING | Results from the 2021 Australian Census
  42. WORLD | PWR | UPDATING | 2023 Parliament & More
  43. AUST | Coronavirus hotline
  44. AUST | Helpers and Reliable Sources Along the Way
  45. Acknowledgment to Sources
  46. Bye bye to Essentialists
  47. Self-Isolators, Non-Essentials And The Homebound


1. VIC | GOV | UPDATING | Pandemic Response

At 11.59pm Friday 24 June 2022, COVID-19 related restrictions eased.

Masks must still be worn on public transport, taxis, ride shares, and planes – but in line with the recent AHPPC statement, will no longer be required at airports. Masks are also still required in sensitive settings such as hospitals and care facilities.

Positive cases must still isolate for seven days from the day they took their test but may now leave home to drive a household member directly to or from education or work without leaving their vehicle. They can also leave home to get medical care, a COVID-19 test, or in an emergency, including the risk of harm.

Workers who interact with a vulnerable person will still require three COVID-19 vaccine doses. This includes residential aged care and disability care, healthcare, and custodial and emergency services, including police.

Government imposed third dose mandates in education, food distribution, meat and seafood processing and quarantine accommodation sectors will be lifted. In line with other jurisdictions around Australia, vaccination policies will be the responsibility of individual workplaces.

As almost 95 per cent of Victorians 12 and older have had two COVID-19 doses, rules requiring general workers to work from home, unless they are double-vaccinated are lifted. Employers will still be able to set their own workplace conditions.

Visitor caps to care facilities, including residential aged care and disability are removed, with residents able to see any number of people as long as they test negative on a rapid antigen test that day. If a test is unavailable, a person can only be present for limited reasons such as end-of-life visits. Centres may introduce their own visitor rules to respond to local risk.

To learn in other ways about Victoria's responses:
Additionally
  • You can leave home if there is an emergency.
  • You can leave home if there is family violence or violence by another person in the home, and you are at risk. If you are stopped by police, tell them you are feeling unsafe at home and they will help you. Safe accommodation and support for family violence is available. Call safe steps on 1800 015 188 or email safesteps@safesteps.org.au for help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
 
Other ways to stay safe
  • Always wash your hands before you leave, and when you return home.
  • Keep at least 1.5 metres between yourself and others.
  • Never, ever go out if you are unwell unless it is to get tested.
  • After you get tested, return straight home.
  • Remember that the most important thing you can do is get tested, even if you have the mildest of symptoms.
  • Get vaccinated.
 
Relief and Community Support links:
Updated COVID-19 communication resources for community stakeholders
The Victorian Government has developed resources in multiple languages with information about how you can stay COVIDSafe and get support if you need it.

This includes stakeholder packs with in-language, up to date material on:
  • Rapid Antigen Tests
  • What to do if you test positive
  • What to do if you are a household contact
Find more translated resources at the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing website.
Spread the word: help protect our communities
With winter around the corner, it's more important than ever that the most vulnerable in our communities are up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccinations. Consider sharing these Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) videos in 'Protecting Our Communities' series which features inspiring stories of how community leaders overcame misinformation and hesitancy to support seniors during the pandemic. 
Free Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) for people with disability | until 30 June 2022
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.

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. 

2. VIC | GOV | MAKING | Headway - the free small business wellbeing initiative 

Business Victoria is supporting small business owners, their employees and trusted advisers with helpful tools and services through Headway – a wellbeing initiative for small businesses.

A range of free services are available including business advice, financial counselling, and mental health and wellbeing support.

If you know a small business owner, or are one yourself, get your free advice today!

   

3. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Up to $80,000 in Victorian Volunteer Strategy | applications now open

The newly launched Victorian Volunteer Strategy includes an action plan to promote, build, support and celebrate all forms of volunteering. It outlines how the State Government will support the volunteering sector to be more accessible, flexible, safe, effective and enjoyable, so more Victorians can get involved. 

To further support the volunteer community, the State Government is investing $1.3 million to re-engage volunteers and attract new people to volunteering.  

Applications for grants of up to $80,000 will open in June to support local partnerships and innovation projects to re-engage volunteers, broaden the volunteer base, and strengthen volunteering in local communities. 

4. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | New community volunteering grants | applications closing Monday 18 July 2022

Applications are now open for the $1 million Emerging Stronger Community Grants Program which will support volunteers to build stronger, more resilient and inclusive communities.

Applications for grants of up to $80,000 are open for projects to re-engage volunteers, broaden the volunteer base, and strengthen volunteering in local communities.

The program is a key component of the Victorian Volunteering Strategy launched in May, which encourages people to give volunteering a go, or get back into it, after a significant decline in volunteering when the global pandemic hit in 2020.

Successful applicants will be announced in August. 

5. COPP | RBFVAF | GRANTING | 2022 Rupert Bunny Foundation Visual Arts Fellowship | applications now open, closing Monday 18 July 2022

The Rupert Bunny Foundation Visual Arts Fellowship (RBFVAF) is awarded to a single recipient once every two years.  The Fellowship aims to support a contemporary visual artist with a commitment to excellence.

The City of Port Phillip (CoPP) invites applications for an acquisitive award of $30,000 in support of professional development and excellence in contemporary visual art.

2022 Rupert Bunny Foundation Special Project Grants: applications now open
The City of Port Phillip invites applications for visual arts projects of up to $10,000 to be undertaken within the City of Port Phillip. 

6. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Promoting regional startups | expressions of interest close 21 July 2022

Expressions of interest are now open with grants of up to $300,000 on offer for programs that promote startup entrepreneurship to regional Victorians.

Local councils, business chambers and regionally based innovation hubs are encouraged to apply with the aim of creating more startup activity in regional communities.

The programs should champion regional innovation, consider the challenges and opportunities that exist for regional startups and also look at ways to build and connect with local communities. 

7. CoPP | PATH | GRANTING | Palais Theatre Community Fund - Round 7 | applications now open

The Palais Theatre (PATH) has established a Community Fund to provide support to enhance a vibrant and creative St Kilda and City of Port Phillip community. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to support community infrastructure, activities and residents within the City of Port Phillip.

The Fund is open to charities and not-for-profit organisations who are registered with the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profit Commission (ACNC). The project must be in St Kilda or the wider City of Port Phillip and benefit the City of Port Phillip residents.

If you are an individual or unincorporated organisation you may be able to seek funding from the Palais Theatre Community Fund by using an auspice, provided the project meets all the other eligibility requirements.  

8. AUST | CALD2LEAD | GRANTING | Scholarship for the Diploma of Governance

Founded in 2019, CALD2LEAD works with culturally and linguistically diverse communities to award emerging and existing leaders with high calibre leadership development program scholarships.

Currently, CALD2LEAD along with the Institute of Community Directors are offering a part-scholarship to complete the Institute's Diploma of Governance. 

The Diploma of Governance is a nationally recognised course offered entirely online. Students receive first-class governance training specifically tailored for the not-for-profit sector.  

9. VIC | GOV | REBATING | Small Business Digital Adaptation Program | open until 18 July 2022, or until rebates have been exhausted

The Small Business Digital Adaptation Program will provide $1200 rebates so small businesses can access a range of digital business tools.

The Victorian government has partnered with 14 suppliers to help businesses build or upgrade their website, improve cash flow, start online marketing, manage jobs or projects and keep better track of stock.  

10. VIC | VEC | SAVING | On your energy bill

From 1 July 2022, you can visit the Victorian Energy Compare (VEC) 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.  

11. VIC | GOV | HIRING | Victoria Police Diversity Recruitment Program

The Victoria Police Diversity Recruitment Program seeks to increase the representation of people from under-represented cultural communities in the police force.

This includes First Nations Peoples of Australia applicants, Maori or Pasifika applicants and applicants who are of Middle Eastern, East Asian, South Asian, South American and African heritage.

To apply for the Program, you will first need to meet the selection criteria. Applicants will later be assessed on criteria relating to the role applied for.  

12. VIC | GOV | HIRING | Sheriffs – officer jobs available

Step into a new career as a sheriff's officer!

The Department of Justice and Community Safety is now recruiting sheriff's officers to work in dedicated local areas across metropolitan Melbourne.

A sheriff's officer is responsible for enforcing warrants and orders issued by the courts, making members of the public accountable for unpaid fines and contributing to a safer Victoria. 

To gain a better understanding of the role, you can register for an online information sessions.  

13. VIC | GOV | HIRING | Metro Tunnel train drivers

More than 100 new drivers are now being recruited to operate additional train services when the new Metro Tunnel opens a year ahead of schedule in 2025.

Up to 120 new drivers will undergo an intensive 44-week training program to ensure they’re ready to operate the 65 new and bigger trains that will run through the Metro Tunnel.  

Training includes a mix of classroom, practical and on-the-job training, where the trainee drivers are accompanied by a trainer while operating passenger services. 

14. VIC | GOV | CALLING | Nominations for Senior of the Year Awards | nominations close Friday 29 July 2022

Nominations are now open until the end of July for the Victorian Senior of the Year Awards.

For more than 20 years, the awards have highlighted the role of seniors who inspire others as mentors, educators, role models, leaders – as well as their impact in supporting diverse causes and communities across the state.

This year, Victorians are encouraged to nominate those aged 60 and above and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victorians aged 50 years and above.

Categories include the Promotion of Multiculturalism Award for promoting the benefits of cultural diversity. 

15. VIC | GOV | CALLING | Members for South Sudanese Australian Youth Justice Expert Working Group to be established

Creating an Expert Working Group is part of the Youth Justice Strategic Plan 2020-30, and will work in close partnership with the South Sudanese Australian community to find ways to:
  • prevent young people from entering the youth justice system
  • divert young people from progressing further into the youth justice system
  • address underlying causes for offending among young people. 
The Expert Working Group will start in 2022 and will operate until 30 June 2025. Community engagement activities will start later this year. 

If you would like to be involved, please send your details in an email to SSAyouthjusticeEWG@justice.vic.gov.au.  

16. MELB | ASRC | CALLING | Members to join the ASRC Grants Program Fund's Governance committee

The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre is looking for people with lived experience of forced displacement to volunteer as members of the Grants Governance Committee for their new Refugee Leadership and Capacity Building Fund.

This committee will assess the ranked applications for the Refugee Leadership and Capacity Building Fund and make recommendations to the ASRC Board for the disbursement of funds.

The fund will support ambitious Refugee-Led Organisations to grow in maturity and deliver results by providing them with leadership coaching and training to improve service delivery and impact.  

17. CoPP | PHAAA | CALLING | Artists to Join Our Upcoming Youth Healing Workshops

‘The young do not know enough to be prudent, and therefore they attempt the impossible, and achieve it, generation after generation.’
– Pearl S. Buck
Join Planetary Healing Artists Association of Australia (PHAAA) in a series of workshops to be facilitated by our secretary and fellow artist Caroline Proctor.

Each session encourages participants to focus and meditate together on a new vision for Youth. 

Paint and draw using collage, mandala, symbols, and the written word to describe our future desired outcomes and visions. 
  • Where: Mary Kehoe Community Centre, 224 Danks Street, Albert Park VIC 3206
  • Considerations: Creations can be presented at our Healing the Youth exhibition on 18 September or you can join the group artwork.
  • Bookings: places are limited. Register online through Eventibrite 
 

18. CoPP | SEFE | CALLING | For entries in Port Phillip Writes: Seniors’ Festival Writing Awards 2022 | submissions closing Friday 29 July 2022

Tell a story…you can submit fictional stories or poems on any topics, or a non-fiction piece about life in the City of Port Phillip (CoPP) Seniors Festival (SEFE).

Get writing and share your story or poem

Open to all City of Port Phillip residents, workers and Library members aged 55 years and over.

All entries will be published in the Port Phillip Writes publication. Entrants will receive a certificate and two copies of the publication. Outstanding entries are eligible for an award!

Participants will be advised as to how we can celebrate the Port Phillip Writes Awards in October 2022. We will be able to update this at the beginning of September 2022. 

19. CoPP | LRC | TALKING | Lifeview Residential Care Information Sessions | 20 July 2022

Live in City of Port Phillip (CoPP) and want to know more about aged care? Learn about services and supports available to you, how to use My Aged Care, and other general guidance for both home and residential care, with Gill from our Foundation Partner, Lifeview Residential Care.

Gill will be at the Victorian Pride Centre, 79-81 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda, offering chats over a coffee. All discussions are confidential and without obligation. Simply drop by the Pride Centre lobby for a chat, or book in advance by calling Narelle on (03) 9572 9600.


20. GEELONG | TCC | YARNING | Racism: Raw & Real Forum | Friday 29 July 2022

Racism: Raw & Real is the first forum of its kind in the Geelong region. With an outstanding lineup of speakers, this is a rare opportunity to engage in a meaningful dialogue about racism with people who have lived it and continue to experience it everyday.

This all-day forum facilitated by Track C Consulting (TCC) includes networking opportunities, a Yarning Circle and a keynote speech from Claire Coleman. The purpose of the day is for participants to make a commitment to be an active voice in addressing systemic racism.

It’s time to yarn about racism, openly and honestly.
The forum will be held at the Geelong Culture and Heritage Centre.  

21. MELB | VMC | SHOWCASING | Photography Exhibition extended | now open until August 2022

VMC announced that the photography exhibition, Capturing Culture: Multicultural Victoria in Focus, has been extended until August thanks to the Immigration Museum.

Capturing Culture recognises the resilience and lived experiences of multicultural communities during the COVID-19 pandemic and creates a visual record of a unique time in Victoria's history.

We are very proud to announce that the winner of our Capturing Culture People's Choice Award is Irihipeti Waretini (@irihipeti_waretini), for her work 'Kaitiaki' submitted in the Resilience Category! Close to 1,400 people casted their vote for this award - congratulations to Irihipeti and thank you to all those who voted.
  • Where: Atrium of the Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
  • Cost: free to view
  • More about the exhibition
 

22. CoPP | PHAAA | CALLING | Artists for ‘Healing the Youth’ Art Exhibition | submissions open now

Planetary Healing Artists Association of Australia (PHAAA) is inviting artists to exhibit on themes to inspire youth with hope of a future to make their dreams come true and follow their hearts. Through this exhibition, we wish to bring in light to give chances and a voice for a brighter future – to be who they aspire to be.

The Exhibition will open at the Peace Festival that takes place on 18 September. We welcome community to come together in unity for peace and celebrating International Day of Peace. Participating artists will be invited to speak about their artwork if they wish. 
The Exhibition will run 18/9/22-18/10/22.  

23. VIC | VOLV | TRAINING | National Standards of Volunteer Involvement | 17 August 2022

Volunteering Victoria (VOLV)'s workshop guides participants through the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement (2015), Australia’s best practice roadmap for volunteering professionals.

Topics covered include: developing and reviewing of organisational policies, attracting and retaining volunteers and how to gain recognition and commitment to volunteering across the broader organisation.
  • Where: online
  • Cost: FREE (supported by VMA funding)
  • Bookings: essential via Volunteering Victoria events calendar.
 

24. VIC | PPCfR | ENGAGING | Reconciliation Writing Competition 2022 | entries now open, closing Friday 9 September 2022

Port Phillip Citizens for Reconciliation (PPCfR) is calling all Victorian adults and students in Years 9-12 are invited to submit entries - fact, fiction or poetry.
1500 words for adults, 600 for students or 50 lines of poetry for all, referencing this year’s NAIDOC theme, Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! 

Prize money of $1000, $600 and $300 will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd placegetters in each category. 

Entries close Friday 9 September, so there is lots of time to start writing. 
  • If you would like more information about this Competition, please email Deb Stewart.
 

25. CoPP | PHAAA | ANNOUNCING | 2022 Planetary Healing Artists Peace Festival | Sunday 18 September 2022

Planetary Healing Artists Association of Australia (PHAAA)'s announced the Date 18 September 2022 for this year's Peace Festival. Past participants and volunteers of previous events held over the last 11 years are encouraged to be involved.
  • Where: Mary Kehoe Community Centre, 224 Danks Street, Albert Park VIC 3206.
 

26. AUST | EQPR | ENGAGING | Australia's 5th National LGBTIQ+ Conference: Better Together 2023 | 17-18 February 2023

Since 2018, The Equality Project (EQPR)'s Better Together has created space for LGBTIQA+ communities, organisations, and advocates to gather for a unique 2-day experience.
Attendees have described as "an extremely valuable and irreplaceable platform for LGBTIQA+ people and a "wonderful space for debate and critical thinking".

Our 5th National LGBTIQ+ Conference, Better Together 2023, will be back in Adelaide at the Adelaide Convention Centre on 17-18 February 2023.

We warmly invite you to join us for our biggest conference yet ahead of Sydney WorldPride!

Dedicated to The Equality Project's mission of bringing our diverse communities and allies together to share our ideas and experiences; Better Together is about creating opportunities for meaningful connections so we can learn from each other, forge alliances, and advance the LGBTIQ+ movement to create positive lasting change.We're now inviting impactful individuals and organisations to be part of the conference by submitting their innovative and impactful ideas.

We invite advocates, leaders, educators, artists, social workers, researchers, and others in the community to attend and run workshops, host panel discussions, or take part in our new initiative Better Think.

Better Think
Introducing a new format: Better Think is a showcase of speakers presenting impactful and well-formed ideas that will help us “think better”.

Inspired by the short and powerful format of the TED Talk, the aim of Better Think is to share great ideas in under 20 minutes!

Do you have a new and surprising idea that we have not heard about? Or a basic idea but with a compelling new argument behind it that challenges beliefs and perspectives?

If this sounds like you, we’d love you to be part of Better Think.

Propose A Session
Submit a proposal to run a session with the aim of exploring the current issues facing the LGBTIQ+ movement in Australia.
Register Early And Save!
Do You Need A Scholarship?
Up to 47% of conference delegates attend on a full or partial scholarship. If you need help with your 2-day conference ticket, we encourage you to apply.
We're passionate about this work and we'd like you to join us. 

27. AUST | AGMC | HEARING | Your say: on end-of-life care for the multicultural LGBTQIA+ community | submissions close Friday 15 July 2022

A survey delivered by the Australian GLBTIQ Multicultural Council (AGMC) and Palliative Care Victoria seeks to learn how they can improve their services to support clients, families, carers and communities during end-of-life care. 

End-of-life care is a time and a service that creates extra anxiety and sadness for multicultural & multifaith (MCMF) LGBTQIA+ people. Many people feel existing services do not understand their needs, concerns, and how to support their various overlapping identities.

Multicultural and multifaith LGBTQIA+ people who are receiving or thinking about end of life care, as well as providers of care to these communities, are encouraged to complete the survey. 

28. VIC | GOV | HEARING | Your say: Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games | submissions closing Sunday 31 July 2022.

Along with Commonwealth Games Australia, the State of Victoria has been confirmed as the host of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Local communities across Victoria will be asked for ideas to showcase their region through a cultural program, Indigenous engagement or by hosting sporting heats and training.

An Expression of Interest process is now open for registrations, to capture ideas from local councils, peak bodies, Traditional Owners, cultural organisations and businesses - ensuring that every part of Victoria benefits from the Games. 

29. VIC | GOV | HEARING | Your say: reforming Victoria's mental health and wellbeing system

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 July 2022 now available.  

30. AUST | GOV | HEARING | Your say: transport reform | submissions close 9 August 2022

The Australian Government is seeking feedback on proposed reforms of public transport standards. The Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 (Transport Standards) require all of Australia's public transport networks and infrastructure to be fully accessible by the end of 2022 (2032 for trains and trams).  

31. VIC | GOV | MESSAGING | Play Learn Grow - Free tips from early childhood experts

Play Learn Grow is a free text message program that supports parents and carers of children aged two and three with their child’s wellbeing, learning, and development at home.

Developed by the Victorian Government in partnership with early childhood parenting experts, the program provides parents and carers with practical information, advice, and support. It also includes fun and easy activity ideas to do at home!

Participants will receive three personalised text messages a week, developed by early childhood education experts. Text messages will cover reading, playing, talking, and self-care, and will be available in six languages – English, as well as Arabic, Dari, Farsi, Simplified Chinese and Karen.
  • Participants can opt-in and opt-out at any time.
    • To opt-in, text PLAY to 0428 606 027 to subscribe – it’s free!
    • Learn more
     

    32. VIC | GOV | INTRODUCING | Changes to senior secondary education in Victoria 

    From 2023, a new VCE Vocational Major will replace Intermediate and Senior VCAL. This means that the VCE will recognise different students equally.

    As a result, students will have more education choices, a higher-quality curriculum and better workplace experiences – preparing them for further study, training at TAFE or work.

    Teachers and careers counsellors are available to answer questions and to support students as they make decisions about their final years at school.  

    33. VIC | CCV | OFFERING | New bowel cancer screening for linguistically diverse people

    Cancer Council Victoria (CCV) has developed new online resources in simple English to support linguistically diverse Victorians learn about bowel cancer screening.

    The resources were developed to target people with low English language proficiency and people who speak English as a second language.

    One of the resources is a 10-minute video, uploaded to the Cancer Council YouTube channel. You can watch the video now, to learn from experts about bowel cancer screening tests. 

    34. AUST | NEMBC | TRANSLATING | Audio explainers for COVID-19 and flu vaccinations

    The National Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcasters' Council (NEMBC) has published translated audio explainers of COVID-19 and flu vaccinations on SoundCloud.
    This winter it’s important to stay up to date with your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. More travel and more socialising means that the flu as well as COVID-19 is circulating in the community.

    The best way to protect your family and your community this winter, and help give your immunity a boost, is to get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 as soon as possible.

    Translated audio available includes Arabic, Cantonese, Dari, Dinka, Hindi, Mandarinand Vietnamese.  

    35. VIC | MHC | TRANSLATING | Professional health advice in your language

    Multicultural Health Connect (MHC) is a hotline that can be used to find health services such as doctors, hospitals, and community health centres.

    You can get free health advice from a nurse, and learn more about COVID-19 including managing the virus and isolating.

    All health advice will be provided in your language and from staff who understand and respect your culture.
    • The hotline is available 11.30am-8pm, 7 days a week - including public holidays.
    • Call the hotline on 1800 186 815. 
    • Learn more
     

    36. VIC | CSV | TRANSLATING | How to Report a crime - videos in 11 languages

    Crime Stoppers Victoria (CSV) is proud to share a video on how to report a crime, now available in our 11 priority languages: Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Dinka, Farsi, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Punjabi, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

    The How-To Report Videos have been developed through Ethnolink, a third-party multicultural translation service. 

    Crime Stoppers Victoria is committed to accessibility, and will continue to provide accessible safety advice and crime prevention tips to multicultural communities.  

    37. VIC | VEOHRC | ENABLING | Reducing Racism in Victoria - The Anti-Racism Race video

    The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) has partnered with Cinespace to deliver a fictional short film that tests contestants on their knowledge of racism.

    We encourage you to watch and share this thought-provoking 6 minute video which has been created to spread awareness of how to report racism in Victoria through VEOHRC.

    Visit the Reducing Racism information hub, to understand your rights, know the options available to report your experiences, and obtain help. 

    38. VIC | FCP | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds for Love in Full Colour

    The Full Colour Project (FCP) aims to tackle the disproportionately high rates of suicidality amongst the LGBTIQA+ community, particularly young people. 
    We want to see mandatory programs and policies embedded in schools and workplaces to ensure that LGBTIQA+ people are consistently safe, respected and included.
    We know that being queer doesn’t cause mental health challenges – but being excluded and discriminated against sure does.
    Filmaker Suzi Taylor says "creating the Full Colour Project is a culmination of many of my own experiences in work and life. Before working in journalism, I was a teacher and loved working with young people - so safe, inclusive education is close to my heart. I’ve also lost loved ones to suicide. As those who’ve seen Love in Full Colour will know, one of our participants in that film tragically took his own life also. For the last few years, I’ve worked as an activist and filmmaker in the union movement, and have had the privilege of collaborating with some of the most effective and innovative change-makers in the country."

    Schools and workplaces have a duty of care to LGBTIQA+ folk, and lives are at stake when that care is not taken. 
    Other ways to support the project
    If you’re not in a position to donate, there are other valuable ways you can show your support…
    • Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and share our posts. The more interaction we get, the greater our reach. That helps us increase our community of supporters. 
    • Email your friends and family with a link to sign up to this newsletter. It means they will receive a free link to watch the first film, Love in Full Colour and can keep in touch with our news. And again, it will help us build up our grassroots community around the project. 
    • Approach the people in your life who might be in a position to donate and tell them what this project means to you. That could also be your employer - we're open to teaming up with well-aligned partners. 

    Take a sneak peek behind the scenes!
    In big news, Suzi and The Full Colour team have just spent eight wonderful days filming our first round of interviews with our Full Colour participants - catching up on 10 years of stories and experiences. There have been big belly laughs, huge surprises and a few tears. Also some delicious catering from Liz and Andy (my folks) which kept our spirits and energy levels up no end. We travelled from Tullamarine to Warrandyte, Hawthorn to Footscray, turning living rooms upside down and bemusing at least four different cats as we filmed ‘master’ interviews. These have been funded through Script Development grants from Screen Australia and VicScreen.

    The next step is to cut a trailer from what we’ve shot, and draft a script treatment that persuades the screen agencies to cover the costs of the rest of production. That’ll allow us to travel to Townsville to film Steph and Wodonga for Erin, and to cover things like a certain wedding this September, and other key events in people’s lives over the next 12 months. 

    In the next newsletter, I'll introduce some of our talented crew, including DOP Waqar Ali, our Executive Producers Sue Maslin and Diana Fisk, and our production co-ordinator Sam Kwan - among others. As always, we'll post updates on the socials. 

    39. AUST | CUIN | UPDATING | Diversity Atlas, Who are we now? Mapping the Tech Industry in 2022

    Who Are We Now? Mapping World Food, World Forums and the World in a Room
    May was monumental for the Cultural Infusion (CUIN) team at Diversity Atlas, with unprecedented advances in live diversity analytics tracking, recognition at multiple award ceremonies and globally significant partnership agreements. All this and more, in our latest issue of the Diversity Atlas newsletter.

    2021 Global Business & Interfaith Peace Awards
    We are honored to share that Diversity Atlas has achieved two awards; the Global Business & Interfaith Peace Silver Medal Award and a merit award from TechDiversity, where Diversity Atlas successfully mapped the attendees of that event in real time. We are also ecstatic to announce our partnership with the United Nation's World Food Programme, recap our CTO Rezza Moieni’s keynote presentation at the Global Inclusion Online Forum and introduce a product update to the Diversity Atlas platform.

    On behalf of Cultural Infusion and Diversity Atlas, CEO and Founder Peter Mousaferiadis, received the Silver Medal for the 2021 Global Business & Interfaith Peace Awards in Washington, D.C. The Religious Freedom & Business Foundation and the UN Global Compact jointly presents the award to executive figures for their contributions towards embracing and promoting peaceful and inclusive societies. 

    Peter was recognised for his work as a pioneer in using cultural and artistic expression as a means of promoting interfaith understanding and intercultural harmony. He travelled to Washington D.C. this week, where he was presented with the Silver Medal Award. Peter’s mission statement is to strengthen the community by inspiring tolerance, respect, and mutuality. He is dedicated to promoting equitable outcomes and religious cohesion, recognising the importance and impact that faith and religious freedom, including those with no religious beliefs, can have on business, the economy and flow on benefits to the community.
    "One’s religious or spiritual background is an integral pillar to how we understand cultural diversity. It also shapes and gives meaning to one’s daily life. How we create cultural safety needs to extend to this important dimension of diversity and one’s identity. 
    These awards serve as a reminder that we all need to work towards creating spaces where fellow human beings feel safe to bring their whole self to work. By doing so, we create better businesses. What’s good for business is good for society. What’s good for society is good for humanity."
    Peter Mousaferiadis, CEO & Founder 

    2022 TechDiversity Awards
    Diversity Atlas is honoured to be recognised in the 2022 TechDiversity Awards. For the first time ever, our surveying tool mapped the diversity of the event in real time. 

    The event hosted over 500 practitioners and DEI professionals who came together to support and recognise organisations and projects promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Diversity Atlas achieved two award nominations and a merit award. 

    The event was a landmark moment for Diversity Atlas as it was the first time the platform’s surveying tool was used to map a live event. The broad majority of attendees contributed to the survey results and from this data, our Cultural Attaché Quincy Hall and Cultural Ambassador Kubashanie Pather, delivered a presentation demonstrating the immense diversity and cultural vibrancy present in the audience, both in the room and online. 

    This is an unprecedented accomplishment in terms of recognising and representing the key stakeholders and communities of the tech industry as well as highlighting their accomplishments in the DEI space.

    Featured in an article by Innovation Australia, TechDiversity director Luli Adeyemo highlighted the Diversity Atlas platform.
    “Beyond age, [companies] don’t really understand the true diversity within the organization. Because until we can truly understand who we currently are, how can we define and determine who we want to be? I think unless we approach this as an industry, we have a clear understanding of who we are and who we want to be. And we’re never going to get the incremental change and impact as needed.” -
    Luli Adeyemo, Innovation Australia

    United Nations World Food Programme
    Cultural Infusion is proud to announce our partnership with the United Nations World Food Programme, the leading organisation tackling world hunger by providing urgent humanitarian support. The organisation supplies food, water, and directs funds and donations to underprivileged communities across the world. 
    "It is with great pleasure that we announce our long term agreement with the United Nations World Food Programme to measure, map, report and advise their global team. 

    With more than 20,000 staff working in 120+ countries, the "World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change."

    We would like to express our gratitude to the organisation for the work that they perform, and we are both humbled and excited to assist their mission with quality diversity data in the years to come."
    Quincy Hall, Cultural Attaché 

    Global Inclusion Online Forum's annual meeting
    This month, Cultural Infusion's CTO, Rezza Moieni, spoke alongside the top global leaders of the DEI space at the Global Inclusion Online Forum's annual meeting, a digital platform promoting diversity and inclusivity for advocates and practitioners in the corporate world.

    Rezza’s presentation was titled ‘Analysis of Cultural Diversity in Different Countries Using Data Driven Methodologies’ and explored how Diversity Atlas’ sophisticated measurement process can unlock insights into integral aspects of human identity. 

    The captured data can be harnessed to measure, map and benchmark diversity, to highlight misrepresentation, bolster productivity and address disparities within the workplace.   
    "The conference was a fantastic opportunity to share our data-driven approach in the Diversity and Inclusion domain. There was great passion in the virtual room and many people wanted to know more about how technology can help DEI strategies. 

    Since the event, I have had the chance to connect with many professionals to continue the conversation. I am so glad to see the new tech-driven approaches in this space."
    Rezza Moieni, CTO

    Is Gender Non-Confirming A Gender?
    Part of the process of survey preparation on the Diversity Atlas platform is considerate examination of the community we seek to represent. In this product update, Diversity Atlas’ Cultural Attaché, Quincy Hall, details that our aim has always been to offer the world’s most inclusive dataset of humanity.

    The addition of Gender Non-Conforming to our extensive list of gender identities ensures the depth of life experiences and perspectives is represented and recognised. The National LGBT Health Education Centre (US) defines Gender Non-Conforming as: 
    “People who express their gender differently than what is culturally expected of them. A gender non-conforming person is not necessarily transgender (for example, a woman who dresses in a masculine style but who identifies as female; a boy who likes to play with girl dolls but identifies himself as a boy, etc.).”
    Other database additions this month also include:
    • Black British as a cultural group (as distinct from British)
    • Black African as a cultural group (as distinct from  African)
    • Hermetism (standalone) and Hermetecism (occult) as Worldviews
    • Sahrawi as the correct term for the majority Western Saharan ethnic group

    As we continue to deploy our survey around the globe, more suggestions will be brought to our attention, and we look forward to these recommendations and insights.

    If you’d like to take a tour of the Diversity Atlas Survey, Quincy can be reached via email 

    40. AUST | ETHN | LAUNCHING | Ethnolink bespoke interpreting service

    Leading Australian multicultural communications agency, Ethnolink, has appointed Karine Bachelier to lead its newly created interpreting services division.

    After a six-month pilot period which included extensive stakeholder engagement, the decision was made to officially launch Ethnolink’s interpreting service comprising on-site, video, telephone, and conference interpreting solutions.

    Interpreting bookings will be offered for a range of settings including, but not limited to, courts, legal, medico-legal, healthcare, business, and conferences. 

    41. AUST | ABS | REPORTING | Results from the 2021 Australian Census

    Today the Australian Bureau of Statistics released data from the 2021 national Census. 

    The Census provides a valuable snapshot of information about Australians that reflects our community at the time the Census was undertaken. The Census was conducted on 10 August 2021.

    The ABS said the data reveals a "fast-changing, growing and culturally diverse nation" of 25 million people, where more than half of all Australians are now first or second-generation migrants. 

    From 2017 to 2021, over one million people arrived in Australia, and India has now become the third-largest country of birth behind Australia and England.  

    42. WORLD | PWR | UPDATING | 2023 Parliament & More

    Resisting Despair, Addressing Extremism and Recommitting to Non-Violence
    The Parliament of the World's Religions (PWR) joins in mourning the lives lost in Laguna Woods, Buffalo, and Uvalde; we stand resolute with the wounded victims, their loved ones, and the communities most affected...

    Now more than ever the Parliament urges the interfaith movement around the world and all individuals of faith, conscience, and goodwill to commit to action against supremacist ideology, hate speech, violence, and extremism.

    Furthermore, we implore political leaders and law enforcement officials to acknowledge the systemic threat of gun violence, racism, and violent extremists against the most vulnerable in their communities. We call on the United States Congress to reform the laws around access to assault weapons. If we cannot protect our children, who can we protect? The time for change is NOW. There is no justifiable excuse for inaction on this issue.
    ENDORSING | Call to Recognize the Right to a Healthy Environment as a Basic Human Right at the United Nations
    In observance of World Environment Day 2022, the Parliament of the World’s Religions honored our commitment to sustainability by standing with the UN Human Rights Council in calling for the UN General Assembly to adopt the right to a healthy environment as a basic and universal human right.

    We recognize the interdependence of all human rights and assert that the Right to a Healthy Environment is fundamental to all others.
    WATCH NOW | Parliament Inaugurates It's Time to Talk
    On Tuesday 24 May 2022, the Buddhist-Catholic Dialogue on Climate Change hosted the official launch of It's Time to Talk, a social media campaign that very simply asks: What is it of your Buddhist or Catholic tradition that compels you to confront the climate crisis?

    The It’s Time to Talk initiative incorporates social media to inspire Buddhists and Catholics to join an ongoing dialogue that manifests the prophetic voices of these traditions and that nurtures the courage to act

    Join the conversation, watch the official campaign video and host your own conversation using the hashtags #ItsTimetoTalk and #BuddhistCatholicDialogue

    Did you miss the official launch of It's Time to Talk? Want to explore resources, the latest community videos from the campaign, and register for the monthly dialogues?
    WATCH NOW | Ukraine and the World: Balancing Global Compassion
    On 26 May 2022, Parliament Vice Chair Rev. Dr. Scott Stearman, who represents the Baptist World Alliance to the United Nations, hosted a special webinar for the Center for Ecumenical and Interreligious Engagement at Seattle University sharing about how the invasion of Ukraine stresses food insecurity, access to international funding programs, and sustained advocacy across the world.
    WATCH NOW | STHLM+50 Climate Hub ft. Kehkashan Basu
    On 5 June 2022, Parliament Trustee Kehkashan Basu had the opportunity to interview Inger Andersen, the Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme at the STHLM+50 Climate Hub. The Climate Hub was hosted as part of the Stockholm+50.
    Parliament Executive Director Joins Inauguration of Home of Harmony
    On 21 May 2022 the Parliament's Executive Director, Rev. Stephen Avino, joined the Vivekananda Vedanta Society of Chicago and representatives of the world's religions for the inauguration of the Home of Harmony, a new place for cultivation of the interfaith movement. 
    The inauguration kicked off with a peace walk led by a banner that read, "Come, Let Us Make This World a Heaven" and was followed by speeches inspired the theme of "messages of harmony" from their respective traditions delivered to over 300 attendees.
    #InterfaithNow
    The work of the Parliament is only possible with the on-going support from generous individuals like you. 

    43. AUST | Coronavirus hotline

    • Coronavirus hotline: If you are concerned, call the coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 (24 Hours).
    • Coronavirus in-language information
    • If you are an NDIS participant you can also call the national hotline on 1800 020 080.
    • Information and referrals for people with disability and their supporters about Coronavirus: Contact the Disability Information Helpline on 1800 634 787. 
    • If you are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can also call the National Relay Service on 133 677.
    • Interpreting service: If you need an interpreter, call TIS National on 131 450.
    • Testing locations: Find a testing location near you.
    • Call-to-Test-at-Home service, providing in-home coronavirus testing to Victorians who would otherwise be unable to get tested, call the DHHS Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.
    • Triple Zero: Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.


    44. AUST | Helpers and Reliable Sources Along the Way

       

      45. Acknowledgment to Sources

      This is a consolidated account of information current at time of issuance, sourced, collated and provided by Victorian Multicultural Commission, Victorian Jewish Community COVID-19 Taskforce, Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria, various Government Authorities, community organisations, public domain and individuals, received with gratitude.

      46. Bye bye to Essentialists

      Us non-essentialists will endeavour to manage our expection of miracles and do our best to follow rules while staying out of the way. 

      Contact your closest friendly non-essentialist if you need anything that can be done remotely. Bye bye to Essentialists for now, please leave to attend to the essential work. That is all from GEIFN Caretaker at this time.

      47. Self-Isolators, Non-Essentials And The Homebound

      Meanwhile, if with a surplus of time, this and the following is offered. Discuss with sincerity. Deny untruth. Dismiss unuseful. Accept useful. Adapt to change. Adopt least effort most benefit. Adept with sharing. Enjoy throughout. As each case may be. Round about. And again. Or not.