As we begin the month of July, we are unfortunately seeing waves of illness continue to impact communities across our state - from COVID-19 to the flu.
Message from the Chairperson
It's vital during this time that we stay up-to-date with the latest health advice to ensure we are keeping each other safe.To stay informed, I warmly invite you to join the latest VMC briefing, tomorrow Wednesday 6 July from 7pm-8pm. We will hear from Acting Chief Health Officer, Professor Ben Cowie on the latest developments of new COVID-19 strains and various health challenges across the state.
The best way you can protect your friends and family this winter is to remain informed and prepared. We hope to see you there.
On a lighter note, I'd like to draw your attention to the Multicultural Awards for Excellence, to be held on 25 October 2022. We are pleased to announce that nominations for the Awards will open next week.
The Multicultural Awards for Excellence have now been running for over 20 years and is a platform to amplify and elevate the great work of multicultural and multifaith communities in Victoria. We are committed to ensuring this visibility and representation will continue for many years to come.
I encourage all of you to take the time to nominate someone you know, and please follow us on social media for more updates. This year, to account for a shorter nomination period, we ask that you submit your nominations as soon as possible.
Until we next meet, take care and stay safe.
Viv Nguyen AM, Chairperson
VIC | VMC | WEBINAR | COVID-19 briefing | Wednesday 6 July 2022 | 7-8pm
Please join the VMC COVID-19 briefing hosted by Acting Chief Health Officer for the Department of Health, Professor Ben Cowie.Professor Cowie will explain the latest developments of new COVID-19 strains in our state and the challenges this winter in the face of these new strains.
Please register in advance for the meeting, which will take place online on Zoom.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. We look forward to seeing you there.
VIC | VMC | CALLING | Nominees for Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence | applications open soon!
The Awards are proudly coordinated by the Victorian Multicultural Commission and recognise the outstanding achievements of people and organisations who strengthen multicultural communities across multiple categories.The categories this year are: Arts, Business, Community Innovation, Education, Emergency Services, Health, Justice, Local Government, Media, Police, Refugee Advocacy, Sport, Youth Leadership, and the Premier’s Award for Community Harmony.
Please start thinking of outstanding people and organisations to nominate when they open next week, and visit our website to learn more about each category and our previous winners.
VIC | GOV | CALLING | Nominees for Victorian African Communities Committee | applications close 18 July 2022
The Victorian African Communities Committee is a new advisory body that will report to the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, tasked with providing advice on issues impacting Victoria’s various African communities.Expressions of Interest are now open for 12 general members of African heritage who will represent a diverse range of lived experiences and skillsets. Members will work together to influence and shape the development of key projects, policies, and strategies.
Passionate Victorians of African backgrounds from across the state are encouraged to apply. The selection and recruitment process will consider the need for a balance of skills, experiences, expertise, and diverse representation.
VIC | VEOHRC | HEARING | Your say: equal pay for small businesses | survey submissions close Monday 11 July 2022
In 2020 the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) was funded by the Victorian Government to research the gender pay gap in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). An SME is a business of 2-50 people.The research culminated in a report, Equal Pay Matters, and the Commission is now delivering practical education materials to help support SME businesses to become leaders in equal pay.
The educational materials developed include three short videos, supported by interactive activities and e-learning modules. The Commission is now conducting a survey into the effectiveness of these learning materials.
If you currently work for or lead an SME, we encourage you to complete this survey.
VIC | GOV | CHANGING | COVID-19 food relief | from 1 July
The recent changes to COVID-19 isolation requirements have resulted in a reduction in demand for the dedicated COVID-19 food relief system. Therefore, from 1 July 2022, there will be changes to how food relief is being delivered.The changes will connect people to food relief providers and local health services that can become a part of an individual or family’s ongoing support network.
Once you have registered your positive COVID-19 result, you will be asked to complete a short survey on your care and support needs. Based on the survey response, you may receive a text message from the Department of Health that will allocate you to the COVID Positive Pathway program.
This program will connect you with the support you need to manage COVID-19 isolation, including access to food relief if eligible.
VIC | GOV | LAUNCHING | Ageing Well - Victorian Government Action Plan
The Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Colin Brooks has launched a four-year action plan, ‘Ageing well in Victoria: An action plan for strengthening wellbeing for senior Victorians 2022-2026'.The plan outlines the Victorian Government’s vision to support older Victorians from all backgrounds to connect socially and live healthy, active, and purposeful lives.
The plan is informed by the lived experience and expertise of almost 5000 participants in a 2019 survey by the Commissioner for Senior Victorians for the 2020 report, Ageing well in a changing world, and over 1000 older people who participated in in-person consultations with the Commissioner in 2021.
AUST | GOV | ADVISING | Middle East Respiratory Syndrome - info for travellers
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a disease that can cause a rapid onset of severe respiratory disease in people. It’s thought to be caught from contact with camels, camel products, or from another person with MERS.If you are traveling to an area affected by MERS, there are many ways you can protect yourself or others by learning about the signs of infection.
People with existing health conditions related to respiratory illness may be at a higher risk of becoming very unwell.
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