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GEIFN | CONSOLIDATED | Information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) | Monday 1 August 2022

Fast Facts: COVID-19 Victoria & Australia

  1. VIC | GOV | UPDATING | Pandemic Response
  2. VIC | GOV | CHANGING | COVID-19 food relief | from 1 July
  3. AUST | GOV | ADVISING | Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) - information for travellers
  4. VIC | GOV | TRANSLATING | How to Stay Well This Winter - health advice
  5. VIC | GOV | ADVISING | Install additional smoke alarms in your home
  6. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Multiple Victorian government grants available | apply today!
  7. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Living Local Fund for local communities | applications close Sunday 14 August 2022
  8. AUST | SCFO | GRANTING | Scanlon Foundation Annual Community Grants 2022 | applications close Friday 16 September 2022
  9. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | 2022 Universal Design Funding | funding round closes 2 September 2022
  10. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | 2022 Changing Places funding | funding round closes 2 September 2022
  11. VIC | VEC | SAVING | On your energy bill
  12. VIC | GOV | HIRING | Mental Health and Wellbeing Commissioners | applications close Monday 1 August 2022
  13. MELB | VTMH | HIRING | 2 Members to Join the Team
  14. VIC | BACA | CASTING | for TV adaptation of award-winning novel - filming from August 2022
  15. CoPP | PHAAA | CALLING | Artists to Join Our Upcoming Youth Healing Workshops
  16. VIC | VMC | CALLING | Nominees for Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence | nominations closing 7 August!
  17. MELB | VMC | SHOWCASING | Photography Exhibition extended | closing August 2022
  18. CoPP | PHAAA | CALLING | Artists for ‘Healing the Youth’ Art Exhibition | submissions open now
  19. CoPP | S2B | TRAINING | The Art of Repair – Visible Mending Workshops
  20. VIC | VOLV | TRAINING | National Standards of Volunteer Involvement | 17 August 2022
  21. VIC | EEON | GATHERING | Inclusion & Diversity Summit | Wednesday 17 August 2022 | 8.30am-5.30pm AEST
  22. VIC | CMY | WORKSHOP | Working with young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds | Thursday 18 August 2022 | 9.30am-4pm AEST
  23. VIC | PPCfR | ENGAGING | Reconciliation Writing Competition 2022 | entries open, closing Friday 9 September 2022
  24. CoPP | PHAAA | ANNOUNCING | 2022 Planetary Healing Artists Peace Festival | Sunday 18 September 2022
  25. AUST | EQPR | ENGAGING | Australia's 5th National LGBTIQ+ Conference: Better Together 2023 | 17-18 February 2023
  26. AUST | GOV | HEARING | Your say: transport reform | submissions close 9 August 2022
  27. AUST | GOV | HEARING | Your say: Australia's Humanitarian Program | public submissions for 22/23 paper now open, closing 12 August 2022
  28. VIC | GOV | HEARING | Your say: Victorian Ageing Well Survey
  29. AUST | CUIN | UPDATING | How the world's largest and most inclusive cultural calendar was created, and more | July 2022
  30. VIC | ECCV | ISSUING | eBulletin #25 | July 2022
  31. AUST | YFSN | ADVISING | How to report racism for African-Australian communities - video
  32. AUST | AHRC | ADDRESSING | Racism: It stops with me
  33. AUST | GOV | TRANSLATING | Domestic and family violence and your visa
  34. AUST | SHA | DISCUSSING | Spirituality & Diversity Project
  35. VIC | GOV | LAUNCHED | Ageing Well - Victorian Government Action Plan
  36. VIC | WWP | LAUNCHED | Health and Wellbeing videos - The Water Well Project
  37. MELB | SIWO | LAUNCHED | New SisterWorks Hub in Abbotsford
  38. CoPP | GOV | UPDATING | Community Sector News | July 2022
  39. VIC | GOV | LAUNCHED | AskVic chatbot - access the information you need in your own language
  40. AUST | ATO | TRANSLATING | Resources for your Tax return
  41. WORLD | PWR | UPDATING | 2023 Parliament & More
  42. AUST | Coronavirus hotline
  43. AUST | Helpers and Reliable Sources Along the Way
  44. Acknowledgment to Sources
  45. Bye bye to Essentialists
  46. Self-Isolators, Non-Essentials And The Homebound


1. VIC | GOV | UPDATING | Pandemic Response

New COVID-19 variants are once again causing disruptions for our state, but there is a lot that we can do as individuals and as a collective to stop this spread.

Stay up to date on the latest health advice and please consider both the COVID-19 and flu vaccinations if eligible. If you need access to food or financial relief, there is information available for how to get this support.

Ongoing from 11.59pm Friday 24 June 2022:
  • 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.


Home Based Care Easing Pressure On Our Hospitals
Tens of thousands of Victorians are taking up the home-based care programs across the state – easing pressure on the health system – with nearly 56,000 people receiving care from the comfort of their home since Better at Home started last year.


Free RATS Program For People With Disability Extended
People with disability in Victoria can continue to access 20 free rapid antigen tests per visit from state-run testing sites and from Disability Liaison Officers, with the program extended until the end of September.

People unable to attend a state-run testing site can contact a Disability Liaison Officer who can help.  


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.  

2. 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.  

3. AUST | GOV | ADVISING | Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) – information 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. 

4. VIC | GOV | TRANSLATING | How to Stay Well This Winter - health advice

As Victorians return to normal activities after two years of closed international borders and staying at home, 2022 has been a challenging flu season for the state. 

You can protect yourself, your family and your friends by staying up to date with your COVID-19 and flu vaccination, and by knowing where to get help.

The Better Health Channel now has health information regarding COVID-19 and flu vaccinations available in more than fifteen languages. 

By staying informed this winter, you can keep your loved ones safe and ease the pressure on our healthcare system.  

5. VIC | GOV | ADVISING | Install additional smoke alarms in your home

72% of fatal fires start in bedrooms and living areas, between the hours of 9pm and 6am.

Fires spread extremely quickly and if a fire does take hold, you could have just seconds to escape.

Additional smoke alarms in your home – including bedrooms – will provide those precious seconds, when you need them most.

The Country Fire Authority and Fire Rescue Victoria recommend your smoke alarms are tested regularly, that batteries are replaced once a year, and smoke alarm units are replaced every 10 years.  

6. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Multiple Victorian government grants available | apply today!

There are multiple grants available to support multicultural communities, and applications are now open. 

Grants are available for priority responses to COVID-19, creative projects, food relief and multicultural festivals and events. 

You can find more information about each program, including eligibility, criteria and closing dates for applications (many close in August) via the below links: 

7. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Living Local Fund for local communities | applications close Sunday 14 August 2022

Local community groups can apply for grants of up to $200,000 to support projects in suburban neighbourhoods and shopping strips, through the Victorian Government’s recently launched Our Suburbs:Living Local Fund.

Grants of up to $200,000 are also available for community organisations for infrastructure projects such as community gardens, community hall upgrades, public art and outdoor gyms. Additional community grants of up to $20,000 are available for minor upgrades and maintenance to existing facilities. 

The Government is giving priority to projects in areas most impacted by COVID-19. 

8. AUST | SCFO | GRANTING | Scanlon Foundation Annual Community Grants 2022 | applications close Friday 16 September 2022

Applications are now open for the Scanlon Foundation (SCFO) Annual Community Grants 2022. The grants will support projects that contribute to social cohesion by:
  1. Building pathways to employment; or
  2. Increasing applied English literacy.
Grants will provide funding up to a maximum of $30,000 for a 12 month project (implementation from January to December 2023).  

9. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | 2022 Universal Design Funding | funding round closes 2 September 2022

The 2022 Universal Design Funding Round aims to improve access via small renovations to existing community facilities. The goal is to enable more people, including people with disability and dementia, to participate in community and social activities.

Local and state government entities, and community not-for-profit organisations who manage community facilities and public spaces are encouraged to apply.

Eligible organisations can apply for grants valued between $10,000 to $100,000 for minor fit outs or upgrades to existing community facilities and public spaces. 

10. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | 2022 Changing Places funding | funding round closes 2 September 2022

Grants of up to $180,000 are available to build thirty new Changing Places across Victoria.

Changing Places provide suitable facilities for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets, and allow those with high support needs to fully participate in the community. This may include people with an acquired brain injury, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, and motor neurone disease, as well as many other people with a disability.

The grants are open to Victorian local government, not-for-profit and community organisations.  

11. 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.  

12. VIC | GOV | HIRING | Mental Health and Wellbeing Commissioners | applications close Monday 1 August 2022

Expressions of interest are now open for four Commissioners of the new Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission.

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission will provide oversight of the mental health and wellbeing system in Victoria, hold the government to account for ensuring it improves people’s experiences of this system and uphold the rights of people with lived experience including their families, carers and supporters.

A Chair Commissioner and three Commissioner roles have been created - and at least one of these positions will have a person with lived experience of mental illness or psychological distress, and one who identifies as a family member, carer or supporter. 

13. MELB | VTMH | HIRING | 2 Members to Join the Team

Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH) is on the look out for talented people to join their team. Two vacancies have been posted on the St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne website.
  • A part time position as a Carer Consultant
  • A part time position as an Evaluation, Monitoring and Research Consultant.
 

14. VIC | BACA | CASTING | for TV adaptation of award-winning novel - filming from August 2022

Filming will shortly commence for the TV adaption of Trent Dalton's award-winning novel, Boy Swallows Universe.

Barrett Casting (BACA) are looking for a boy of Vietnamese heritage aged 12-16 years in a feature role for the series. No acting experience is necessary.
  • To apply, email one photo where your face can be seen clearly (no filters or sunglasses) with your name, age, location and contact number to general@barrettcasting.com.au. 
 

15. 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 
 

16. VIC | VMC | CALLING | Nominees for Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence | nominations closing 7 August!

The 2022 Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence are now open for nominations! These awards formally recognise the people and organisations in our community who build cross-cultural understanding and support those with migrant, refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds.

This year’s categories 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.

Each of the 14 categories can have multiple winners and highly-commended nominations. All will be honoured at a ceremony at Government House in October.

 

17. MELB | VMC | SHOWCASING | Photography Exhibition extended | closing 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
 

18. 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.  

19. CoPP | S2B | TRAINING | The Art of Repair – Visible Mending Workshops

Come along to Space2b Social Design (S2b) and learn the Art of Visible Mending, through stitching and fixing your beloved woollen knits or an old pair of jeans. 
Join fantastic Japanese sewer Maoko Carroll to be more sustainable, save money and enjoy meeting new people, whilst having fun!Places will sell out fast, so be sure to book your spot!
Kindly supported by The City of Port Phillip, as part of our 'We Are Connected' Workshops.


20. 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.
 

21. VIC | EEON | GATHERING | Inclusion & Diversity Summit | Wednesday 17 August 2022 | 8.30am-5.30pm AEST

The Equal Employment Opportunity Network (EEON) 2022 Enabling Inclusion and Diversity Summit (Learn, Think & Do!) will bring together people and organisations from across Australia who truly value diversity and inclusion.

This summit will be an amazing opportunity to build your reputation and brand as well as learn and forge new partnerships. Conversation leaders will guide discussion to ensure everyone has a plan to take away from the event.

Themes that will be discussed at the event this year include anti-racism work, menopause and the workplace, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and dismantling power and privilege.  

22. VIC | CMY | WORKSHOP | Working with young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds | Thursday 18 August 2022 | 9.30am-4pm AEST

In this training program, the Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY) explores the essential skills and knowledge required for effective work with young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds. 

The training modules are designed to be applicable across a broad range of sectors and for work with young people from any community. Participants will improve their confidence and capacity to provide a culturally inclusive and responsive service for young people.

The two modules are Culturally Responsive Practice and Young People and Settlement. Both modules will be completed in person at the Centre, and on the same day. A light lunch will be provided.  

23. 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.
 

24. 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.
 

25. 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. 

26. 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).  

27. AUST | GOV | HEARING | Your say: Australia's Humanitarian Program | public submissions for 22/23 paper now open, closing 12 August 2022

Each year the Australian Government publishes a discussion paper to inform and seek the views of the Australian public on the management and composition of Australia's Humanitarian Program, which includes details of Australia's refugee resettlement efforts.

The 2022-23 Program Discussion Paper: Australia’s Humanitarian Program 2022-23 is now available on the Department of Home Affairs' website.

All interested people and organisations are invited to make a written submission to humanitarian.policy@homeaffairs.gov.au. 

28. VIC | GOV | HEARING | Your say: Victorian Ageing Well Survey

All Victorians aged 60 and over and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victorians aged 50 and over are encouraged to take part in the survey. 

The 15-minute online survey gives you the chance to raise important issues, share your experiences of ageing and highlight the support you need to age well. All survey responses are anonymous.

The findings of the survey will inform the Commission for Senior Victorians' ongoing advocacy on behalf of older Victorians. By sharing your views, you can contribute to the big picture and make a difference for all older Victorians. 


 

29. AUST | CUIN | UPDATING | How the world's largest and most inclusive cultural calendar was created2, and more | July 2022

Counting Days: 3500 Ways to Celebrate Culture
Cultural Infusion (CUIN) announced that the Diversity Atlas Cultural Events Calendar is now live! We are proud to present our comprehensive report surveying the 2022 TechDiversity Awards and announce our partnership with the TechDiversity Academy.  We are also pleased to share that Voices of Culture has adopted Diversity Atlas as best practice in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) space, share our participation in Amazon Web Service's Innovate for Impact conference and deliver a new product update. 

Diversity Atlas Cultural Events Calendar
We are immensely proud to launch the Diversity Atlas Cultural Events Calendar, the result of many months of research, writing, data entry and editing. 
We have created the world's most comprehensive cultural events calendar – which compiles not only dates and event names, but also historical, mythological, religious and political facts and knowledge. 

The events curated here, while by no means exhaustive, are intended to serve as a starting point in learning about many cultural, religious and political observances, and for us all to realise the common humanity we share. 

This is reflected here in the richly diverse ways we choose to commemorate and celebrate life's immense variety and vibrancy.

We would like to extend our thanks to Marc, Rezza, Tahlia, Sonia, Michelle, Catherine, Adrian and Jane for their hard work on this very ambitious project.

We will soon also publish a best practice guide on how to use our cultural calendar within an ethical and productive framework for your company's diversity needs.
Diversity Atlas is proud to introduce a suite of 15 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Change Programs.
As the world becomes more uncertain, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is now a business imperative, contributing to better workforce and community outcomes and stronger performing organisations.

To help fully realise it’s value and to produce better outcomes, the Diversity Atlas Programs are a suite of professional development and capacity building programs. Expertly designed to deep dive into contemporary discourse, scholarship and practice in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), our programs provide the foundation for excellence in DEI practice. 

Across the three streams of Data, Context and Transformation, our programs support organisations to a) become data literate, turning data into meaningful and effective strategies and action plans, b) increase understanding of the complex contextual elements that ensure that our work reflects global standards and c) build strategic, cross-organisational engagement and lasting impact.

These self-paced programs are designed for:
  • CEOs and Executives
  • Executive Sponsors and Champions and Steering Committees
  • Hiring Managers
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Units, Human Resources, People & Culture, Learning & Development Departments
  • Employee Reference Groups and Networks,
  • People seeking to deepen their understanding the unique and lived experiences of employees of diverse backgrounds 
  • On boarding specialists and Diversity Atlas Platform Users
The change programs will be offered in September 2022 and will help you to:
  • Discover the richness and infinite diversity that is hidden
  • Embrace and engage diversity beyond a narrow, limited focus
  • Understand your workforce, workforce data and to develop strategies that work
  • Gain better intercultural understanding and understand your employees
  • Raise consciousness, build competencies and build professional interactions
  • Create a safe and inclusive environment free from discrimination and exclusion
To find out more and see how these programs can help your journey of realising the value of difference in your organisation, please get in touch with veronica.p@culturalinfusion.org.au

Diversity Atlas has reached new milestones this month in our mission to measure the diversity of organisations through meaningful data collection.
The number of people who have experienced Diversity Atlas has grown exponentially. Every month, we see a growth of at least 5 percent, reaching new people, countries and organisations every day. 

We have rolled out Diversity Atlas in 22 countries and overall, over 200 thousand people have contributed to and participated in in our platform. 
"We had been looking for a tool to help us map and capture our diversity. The results have not only helped us identify some previously unknown blind spots but will also now help us develop future DEI strategies" Beth Pertiller, Senior Director of Operations Salzburg Global Seminar


TechDiversity Awards Attendee Mapping
We are thrilled to have mapped the diversity of attendees at the TechDiversity Awards event, both in the room and online, whilst also achieving a Merit Award in the Business category. A comprehensive report created by the Diversity Atlas team, using data obtained from over 270 survey participants, revealed vast cultural and statistical insights from the event.

The data uncovered findings that range from gender, age, language, country, worldview, ethnic background, ancestry, and personal identities, among others. These attributes were recorded anonymously, so as to assist organisations, such as TechDiversity, in understanding and empowering their audiences. Our results indicated that the audience represented over 40 countries, 86 cultural heritages, 18 worldviews as well as the fact that 70 languages were spoken amongst participants. 

We are also pleased to announce that Cultural Infusion is a partner of the new TechDiversity Academy. This community driven initiative exemplifies workforce diversity and inclusion through workshops, leadership sessions, mentoring and more. 
Voices of Culture
Diversity Atlas has been adopted as best practice by Voices of Culture for their collection of audience data for cultural institutions in Europe.

Voices of Culture is a joint initiative of the European Commission and the Goethe-Institut. Their publication of the Brainstorming Report provides guidelines and recommendations to the European Commission and cultural practitioners around the world.

On page 49, Diversity Atlas is recognised for using a data-driven approach to unlock the value of diversity. Diversity Atlas analyses immense data across various employee profiles in the workplace, using an intersectional approach. Voices of Culture recognises this as a key opportunity to foster the connection and unity of team members and communities.
Amazon Web Service (AWS) Innovate for Impact
Diversity Atlas’ CTO, Rezza Moieni and Chief Experience Officer, Michael Walmsley spoke at the Amazon Web Service (AWS) Innovate for Impact event.  

The accelerated implementation of Cloud technology creates key challenges and opportunities faced by non-profit organisations. As business partners of AWS, Cultural Infusion's Rezza and Michael shared Diversity Atlas’ journey in achieving outcomes through Cloud technology. 

Diversity Atlas uses a unique and secure analytics platform to track the diversity of the workforce across multiple cultural pillars. Cultural Infusion’s overarching goal is to improve the DEI space by providing workforces with a unique scalable platform that creates an engaging user experience and instant access to real-time insights. Facilitated by our implementation of AWS technologies and customer- centric practices, our digital platform assists the development of inclusive engagement strategies to drive business performance and social equity towards a culturally harmonious world.

Working with AWS, the world's most customer-centric organisation, Diversity Atlas supports the development of inclusive and engaging strategies to drive social equity, reach targets and improve business performance. 


What's in a name?
Well, far too much for anyone’s liking when it comes to the collection of sensitive information.

It seems like a moot point to mention in a product update piece that we are removing a field from our survey that no customer ever wanted or used, but here we are. Our core survey has 30 questions in total, but the first two (optional) were:
  • First Name, and
  • Last Name
These have been removed even as an option for multiple reasons.

Firstly, even though we offered the option for customers to include this field, the ‘results’ of the question would reveal nothing other than (for example) Peter Petersen filled out a survey. There was never an option to find out what Peter Petersen, even if he put his name in, answered for any other question. Further, it was never a compulsory field even if the customer included it. Peter Peterson and everyone else were also given a clearly stated ‘I wish to remain anonymous’ option. 

Secondly, what would be the advantage of Peter Petersen even putting his name in?  Well, it would, in theory, make it slightly easier for him to have his survey removed if at any time he wished it. He could contact his administrator and say, 'Please remove my survey' and it could be done by the customer. Having said that, to meet GDPR and other global privacy law parameters, at the end of the survey we offer an (optional) unique link anyway to have your survey removed or edited, and that’s in the hands of each participant themselves.

Thirdly, we have had more than 200,000 people participate in Diversity Atlas to date and here is a numerical representation of how many of those people wanted to put their names in: 0. As it should be. We believe everyone should be counted, we believe everybody should be able to find their unique cultural and/or social identity in our massive datasets, but do we believe any one person should or could be identified?  No. Not ever. We are counters of identity, we are revealers of group identity, we map and measure diversity across a range of metrics and provide intersectional analysis but we are also protectors of anonymity, and have spent countless hours (and dollars) solidifying our data-gathering practices so that we meet this privacy standard, and more so, exceed that standard with a multitude of safeguards and prevention methods.

So, ‘First Name’ and ‘Last Name’ fields as an option have been permanently removed from the platform as of June 2022. Sometimes, when a feature falls away from a product there’s a sense of nostalgia around it's retirement, but not this time. 

Our core survey now has 28 questions, and they are designed to allow the participant to find and define their cultural identity for group analysis, but not one of these questions or the ways by which we gather that data will ever reveal who any one participant is.


What is the 'S' of ESG?
There is a growing expectation for corporations to protect the environment, encourage social progress and improve their own governance. These domains are known as ESG and specialists in cultural diversity have the role of upholding and strengthening the ‘S’ocial element in their organisation. 

A diverse workforce has become a critical success factor for companies and public organizations, creating space for individuals to collaborate despite their different beliefs, opinions and backgrounds. Having a common goal, broadly speaking, like the success of the organisation, employees are able to look past these differences. In doing so, we become familiar with the other person, which eventually leads to acceptance. 

The numbers tell the story: According to a report from Deloitte, organizations with diverse and inclusive cultures are six times more innovative and more likely to anticipate change and react quickly. A study by McKinsey & Company also reveals they are 35 times more likely to perform better and to have an improved return on investment. 

The business case for diversity is clear - diversity leads to innovation, improving the flow of ideas, and therefore improves profitability. Productivity is improved by the inclusion of employees from different backgrounds, races, sexual orientations, and religious and political views. 

The more ideas, experiences and perspectives circulate from a more diverse workforce, the greater employee engagement and the lower personnel turnover. DEI initiatives engage the organisation, and should provide effective, data-driven approaches to improving the diversity, equity and inclusion of the workforce.

Our Diversity Atlas platform is used by organisations to unlock the diversity of their people. They are able to assess the complex and nuanced frame and draw upon it to make a bigger difference to their own diversity and inclusion strategies. Most importantly, using this tool and this approach, enables taking an intersectional approach to DEI across cultural fields such as ancestry, race, cultures, gender, sexuality and disability. 


Diversity Atlas has implemented CIAM (Client Identity Access Management) to further protect our participants.
The security of an organisation's data in Diversity Atlas is directly related to the security of "access" to the system and data in it. Whenever an admin of an organisation wants to access their data, we try to ensure the security of this connection is well considered including features like complex password policies, Two Factor Authentication and Auto Logout.

However, with the advancement of CIAM, more and more organisations are moving towards passwordless processes through Identity and Access Management systems when accessing the Diversity Atlas dashboard.

We have now implemented an Outside Authorization based SSO (Single Sign On) solution to make this possible. We value the anonymity, protection and security of our participants and will continue to update our platform to ensure this.


Three New Countries and a New Continent.
Our definition of a ‘country’ in our database has caused some consternation over the time we have deployed Diversity Atlas. The database we started with was sourced from the United Nations, which seems as good as any source. One problem it caused was that our English and Scottish customers (for instance) started sending us terse emails, demanding to know why their country was not listed, to which our answer was, well, the UN has you down as United Kingdom.. take it up with them!

Then of course we have people living in ‘dependent territories’ (eg: Gibraltar) who wanted to be able to express this, and so our criteria broadened to include these geographical locations. But what of Taiwan? Kosovo? Well, our CEO gave this much thought and after consultation with various SME's and consultants, we expanded our criteria to include countries that are self-governed, have their own currency or that of a UN Member State, and are acknowledged by two or more UN member states. It was in this fashion Taiwan was added to our ‘country of birth’ list.

This did not help the English or the Scottish though, or the people born in (what was then) Yugoslavia. Or those born ‘at sea’, or those that did not know what country they were born in, or for reasons wide and varied, did not want to share their country of birth. The problem is that on our survey, the question is compulsory.

Therefore, we have created three new countries for release next month and they are:
  • Not Listed
  • Unknown
  • Prefer not to Say
…and these are all coded as belonging to the continent ‘Unknown’ (some of us at Diversity Atlas wanted to be more imaginative with the continent naming and come up with something snappier, like ‘Middle Earth’, but we played it safe in the end). 

One of our internal mantras is that “we do cultures, not politics”, but politics often comes knocking at our door, demanding an audience. We say to Politics: “We are just counters of things, not arbiters,” but the more we think about it, we are making judgements. We have a list of ‘countries’ and our own definition of what constitutes a ‘country’ and each participant in our survey is restricted by our definition, and quite often, one’s connection to their country of birth is incredibly important and if we get it wrong, we can upset people. 


30. VIC | ECCV | ISSUING | eBulletin #25 | July 2022

With a record-breaking 900-plus attendees, FECCA 2022: Advancing Multicultural Australia was a resounding success.
As conference co-hosts, Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) were thrilled to see community leaders, policymakers, sector specialists, academics and lived experience advocates come together in Melbourne to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing our migrant and refugee communities, from solidarity with First Nations communities to COVID-19 recovery, from institutional racism to gendered violence, and more. If you weren't able to join us, you can watch a wrap-up of the conference here.

We would like to thank the First Nations leaders, both young and old, who shared their knowledge and insights at FECCA 2022. It was a privilege to learn from the team behind The Uluru Statement from the Heart, and reflect on how multicultural communities can walk alongside First Nations communities on the path to Voice, Treaty, Truth.

We would also like to extend our gratitude to our generous sponsors. We would not have been able to execute such an ambitious and impactful event without your support. In particular, we would like to thank the Victorian Government, City of Melbourne, VicHealth, SBS, SSI, Polaron Language Services, 2M Language Services, and Cornerstone Alliance.

Those who attended the closing plenary session of the conference would be aware that Carlo Carli has been elected as the new Chairperson of FECCA. We would like to warmly congratulate Carlo, and look forward to working closely with him and the newly elected FECCA Board. Thank you to outgoing FECCA Chairperson, Mary Patetsos, for her years of leadership and dedication to amplifying the voices of multicultural Australia.

Last but not least, we are pleased to welcome Dr Medha Gunawardana as the newest member of the ECCV Board of Directors. Dr Gunawardana has decades of experience in academia and project management, and is passionate about developing culturally tailored strategies to addressing issues such as social isolation and elder abuse while promoting a positive view of ageing.

Eddie Micallef, Chairperson

ECCV staff support Uluru Statement
One of the many FECCA 2022 highlights was hearing from the team behind the Uluru Statement from the Heart, who not only gave powerful presentations and keynote speeches but also held a stall where they yarned with attendees. We recorded a video of our staff proudly showing their support for the Uluru Statement in their home languages: Arabic, Croation, Hindi, Italian, Punjabi and Turkish. 
Congratulations, Rosita!
ECCV's Director of Regional Affairs, Rosita Vincent, was inducted into the inaugural Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll last month. Rosita has an long record of community service with more than 25 years' experience in supporting newly arrived migrants and refugees to settle and establish community connections across regional Victoria. 
New literature review on elder abuse
To mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, ECCV published our literature review on elder abuse within migrant and refugee communities, which builds on our Raising Awareness of Elder Abuse project. The review concludes that elders from multicultural backgrounds experience multiple and unique forms of disadvantage with greater risk of abuse. 
Bystander intervention training for sports clubs
This week, ECCV facilitated an online anti-racism workshop in partnership with Football Victoria as part of our All One Together anti-racism project. In attendance were staff from AFL and Professional Footballers Australia, as well as from non-sporting bodies such as SSI. Workshop attendees took part in bystander intervention training, which builds people's capacity to respond as an ally when they witness racism.


Budget Analysis of Victorian State Budget 2022-23 
Last month, ECCV released our analysis of the 2022-23 State Budget, which expands upon the themes covered in our initial response. The analysis offers an overview of key spending areas as well as a breakdown of how funding will affect multicultural communities. Read it here. We also look forward to sharing our State Election Platform in the coming months.
Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing webinar 
ECCV's Carer Capacity Building Project Coordinator, Hayat Doughan, presented at a webinar hosted by the Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing (CCDA) last week. The webinar explored the importance of equal and mutually beneficial partnerships between aged care providers and multicultural and ethno-specific community organisations, and how these partnerships can be implemented in policy and practice.


Hot off the press: new edition of Golden Years
We are pleased to announce that the new winter edition of Golden Years, ECCV's quarterly eMagazine for and about the multicultural aged care sector, is out now. The latest Golden Years features articles discussing the challenges facing LGBTQIA+ seniors from multicultural and multifaith backgrounds, the newly launched Victorian Ageing Well Action Plan, and more. 
Evidence review on diversity and inclusion
As part of our All One Together (AOT) anti-racism project, ECCV commissioned Victoria University to conduct an evidence review of anti-racism, and diversity and inclusion research. Launched at our Anti-Racism Symposium, the review offers suggestions for how anti-racism, and diversity, equity and inclusion principles can be implemented in organisational settings.  

31. AUST | YFSN | ADVISING | How to report racism for African-Australian communities - video

Youth and Family Support Network (YFSN) is funded by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing to deliver activities and initiatives that empower local African-Australian communities to tackle racism and support social cohesion.

The Network has developed a video in partnership with Sketch Group to raise awareness of racism, discrimination, microaggressions and build confidence and capacity of community members to report racism to authorities or trusted community leaders and organisations.

We invite you to share the video with your networks on Facebook. It's our collective responsibility to address racism, and contribute to a fairer society. 

32. AUST | AHRC | ADDRESSING | Racism: It stops with me

The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) have continued their national campaign: Racism. It Stops With Me.

The campaign provides tools and resources to help people and organisations learn about racism and take action to create change.

Racism is more than just harmful words or individual actions. It includes biases in our society, its laws, institutions and ways of thinking.

No matter how challenging the conversation, we need to talk about racism and the causes of inequality. By taking a stand against racism, we can build a fair and equal society – for all. 

33. AUST | GOV | TRANSLATING | Domestic and family violence and your visa

The Department of Home Affairs has recently updated their Domestic and family violence and your visa web page. 

Their help page includes two key documents that have now been translated into 23 community languages. 

You can also complete the Relationships Cessation Form, an online form that you can use to tell the Department if your relationship has ended.

34. AUST | SHA | DISCUSSING | Spirituality & Diversity Project

Spiritual Health Association (SHA) in partnership with Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH)  has been running The Spirituality & Diversity Discussion Project since 2019.  

As part of this project, reflective peer group sessions have been facilitated for mental health practitioners to integrate spiritual themes into their practices.  

Over the past months, 3 sessions were held with the specific topics:
  • Psychiatry and spirituality: Why are they such uncomfortable bedfellows?
  • Mental Health Recovery: Where is the healing, humility, and hope?
  • A crisis of meaning: Spiritual emergence or spiritual emergency?

35. VIC | GOV | LAUNCHED | 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.  

36. VIC | WWP | LAUNCHED | Health and Wellbeing videos - The Water Well Project

The Water Well Project works with people with migrant, refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds to provide health education to improve health and wellbeing.

They have recently released a series of simple but informative videos on health and wellbeing topics including COVID-19 vaccination, mental health for kids, and preventative healthcare.

You can watch all Water Well Project videos on their YouTube channel and share the videos with your networks via email or social media. 

37. MELB | SIWO | LAUNCHED | New SisterWorks Hub in Abbotsford

SisterWorks is a not-for-profit social enterprise, empowering migrant and refugee women by connecting them with entrepreneurship and employment opportunities.

We were recently proud to honour SisterWorks as a 2022 Victorian Refugee Award recipient. 

SisterWorks has now opened a new Empowerment Hub in Abbotsford - the new, expanded site means more support for women from migrant, refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds in the community. 

Empowerment Hubs are workplaces and training centres. They provide opportunities for women to share their experiences with other women and develop pathways to education, employment, entrepreneurship and leadership. 

38. CoPP | GOV | UPDATING | Community Sector News | July 2022

Building capacity of the community services sector in Port Phillip.

LAUNCHED | City of Port Phillip (CoPP) Community Directory
It is well known that meaningful connections between people supports good health and wellbeing. The new City of Port Phillip Community Directory is a resource designed for people looking to engage in social and recreation activities and programs in the local community, and will be an excellent go to tool for local service providers.

With over 220 listings, the Community Directory supports our community with up to date information about social and learning opportunities, local service providers and community groups. The Community Directory also includes referral resources and networking opportunities.   

The Community Directory was funded through the Victorian Government’s Community Activation and Social Isolation (CASI). The CASI initiative aimed to help people who experienced loneliness or lost their regular social/support networks due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The project was led by the Community Building Team who worked collaboratively with the Digital Communications and Design Team and Digital and Technology Services to design and develop the Directory.

The Community Directory was launched on the City of Port Phillip website on Thursday 14 July. The directory is easy to navigate with useful filter functions so community members and service providers can explore activities and programs that harness social connectedness.  

The Community Directory will be maintained and updated regularly by the Community Building team as an ongoing valuable community resource. 


TRAINING | Grant Writing Workshops
These workshops are part of the City of Port Phillip Community Training Calendar.

ONLINE | Grant Writing Workshop | Thursday 4 August 2022 | 6-8.30pm
This free grant writing training session will cover all aspects of grant writing from where to find grants, understanding the guidelines and selection criteria, working through an application and budget and how to frame your project. Presented by Debby Maziarz.IN PERSON | Community Grants Information Session Two | Tuesday 2 August 2022 | 10-11am
These information sessions will support applicants to understand the Community Grants Program guidelines and application process. All potential applicants are encouraged to attend one of the information sessions.
  • Where: Community Training Room, St Kilda Town Hall, 99A Carlisle Street, St Kilda VIC 3182 (Enter via Carlisle Street and please wait in the foyer to be collected)
  • Bookings: essential. https://www.trybooking.com/CAUWX
  
CoPP | GOV | GRANTING | Council's Annual Community Grants | now open and close 15 August 2022
Applicants can find the City of Port Phillip (CoPP) community grant categories and applications online through the Smarty Grants website.

GRANTING | Council's 2022/23 Cultural Development Fund (CDF) Grants | opening Monday 25 July
The City of Port Phillip  Cultural Development Fund arts and festivals grant rounds are opening on Monday 25 July:
  • 2022/23 CDF-Projects | submissions open Monday 25 July 2022, close 5 September 2022.
    Who can apply? Individual artists with an auspice organisation, and arts, cultural or community organisations living or working in the City Port Phillip for arts based projects.
  • 2022/23 CDF-Festivals and Events - round 1 | submissions open Monday 25 July 2022, close Monday 22 August 2022
    Who can apply? Not-for-profit organisations and community groups to develop local neighbourhood festivals or events that celebrate the City’s community spirit, identity, arts and culture.
Links to more information and guidelines will be available soon on the Funds grants and subsidies webpage
A free Grant writing workshop for Creatives will be held on the 10th of August. Please look at the Community Training Calendar for more information.

You can find more funding opportunities and Council subsidies on Funds, grants and subsidies webpage.


LAUNCHED | Unplugged | Thursday 7 July 2022 | 7-11pm
Join the St Kilda Historical Society to celebrate and re-live the excitement of St Kilda’s music scene of the 70s, 80s and 90s as they launch their Unplugged St Kilda podcast series.  

Some of the musicians featured will be there to share their memories and Matt Thomas from The Mavis’s will play at the launch.
 
The Unplugged in St Kilda podcast series documents what it was like living and performing in St Kilda during those decades, featuring interviews with Fiona Lee Maynard, Nick Barker, Jack Howard, Tim Rogers, Tex Perkins, Dave Graney & Clare Moore, Genevieve McGuckin, Matt Doll Thomas, Paulie Stewart, Phill Calvert, Neil Wedd and jazz venue operator, Alan West.

There will be 12 episodes overall, with the first two episodes live at the end of the month, and two available each week thereafter. 
  
Unplugged in St Kilda was produced with funds from the City of Port Phillip’s Cultural Development Fund Recovery Grant and supported by the St Kilda Historical Society. Sally Moore, Society committee member and the lead on the Unplugged project, will host the launch.
 
There will be food and drinks available for purchase on the night.
CELEBRATED | NAIDOC week in Port Phillip 
NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The week is a great opportunity for people from all walks of life to participate in a range of activities that celebrate and support our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee, which was the group in the 1990s that organised national celebrations marking a week of remembrance for Australia’s First People and their heritage. The group's acronym has since become the name of the week itself which is commemorated by Councils and local communities throughout Australia.

The National NAIDOC Theme for 2022 is Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!


ADVISING | Free Community Space at the South Melbourne Market
Did you know South Melbourne Market has a dedicated Community Space? It's free of charge for charities, not-for-profits or any of our Council departments. 

The market is one of the most visited destinations in our City, so it’s a great way to reach the community for Have Your Say or to promote what Council officers are working on. It’s available on any Market day (Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday) and can be booked for a few hours or a few weeks!


REPORTING | Useful 2021 Census Data available for Port Phillip 
The 2021 Census revealed that 101,942 people usually reside in Port Phillip, this is an increase of 1% since 2016 (100,863). The largest age cohort living in the City of Port Phillip is 25 – 45 year olds although the proportion of residents in this age group declined in 2021 (41%, down from 44% in 2016). Weekly median individual and family incomes increased significantly over 2016 figures (up 19% and 20% respectively). The top languages spoken at home (other than English) remain: Greek, Mandarin, Spanish, Italian and Russian (as per 2016) and the Indigenous population increased from 393 to 514 people.

The proportion providing unpaid assistance to a person living with a disability increased from 8.7% to 12% however the proportion formally volunteering in the past 12 months declined (from 20% in 2016 to 16.5% in 2021). Furthermore, the proportion of lone households continues to grow (up from 39.5% to 43.8%) as does the proportion of flats or apartments (up from 65.8% to 66.6%).

Council has produced a quick stats summary document that captures the released data in an easy to understand format.

If you would like to explore the last 10 years’ worth of ABS data please find the below the links to year 2011, 2016 & 2021.
OFFERING | Port Phillip Library Service
The Port Phillip Library Service offers a range of services to the community such as bookable PCs, printing, free WIFI, study spaces and much more. The service has five branches open to the public across the city of Port Phillip. Each location offers collections, services and facilities for our diverse communities.

One well received service for 120 community members is the Home Library Service. It is an outreach program that offers library collections to those in the community currently unable to attend our physical library locations (eligibility check required).

The Library Service plays an active role in providing many weekly activities and events for different groups and the public. You can find more information on their What's On page. You can also subscribe to their newsletter for updates.


39. VIC | GOV | LAUNCHED | AskVic chatbot - access the information you need in your own language

AskVic is a chatbot launched by the Victorian government to support multicultural communities to access the information they need, when they need it. The chatbot is hosted on WhatsApp and can communicate in up to seven languages. 

AskVic can answer questions and direct Victorians to information on a range of topics including COVID-19, jobs and careers, business, housing, transport and social support. 

To use AskVic, 
  • you need to have a WhatsApp account and the WhatsApp application downloaded on your mobile phone or device.
  • Open WhatsApp on your phone or device, add +61 480 032 278 to your contacts and text 'hello'.
  • Learn more
 

40. AUST | ATO | TRANSLATING | Resources for your Tax return

To help you prepare and lodge your tax return, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has put together a number of resources in languages other than English.

This includes resources for completing your first tax return if you are new to Australia.

In addition to fact sheets that can be downloaded from their website, you can watch the Community Voices video series, in which people share their own personal experiences with lodging their first tax return or setting up a business in a new country. 

The ATO also has a monthly podcast for listeners to keep up to date with tax and super information. The podcast is available in English, Arabic, Korean, Mandarin and Vietnamese. 

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

CELEBRATING | The UN Recognition of “The Right to a Healthy Environment” as a Basic Human Right 
The Parliament of the World’s Religions (PWR) celebrates the historic adoption by the United Nations General Assembly of a resolution recognizing “The Right to a Healthy, Clean, and Sustainable Environment” as a basic and universal human right. The resolution was adopted on 28 July 2022 by a vote of member states with 161 in favor, 8 abstaining, and no opposition, with over 100 states co-sponsoring the resolution. The UN Human Rights Council had previously affirmed “The right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment” in October 2021. A General Assembly resolution is not legally binding but has immense political importance as a statement of principle and values.

This resolution is applauded by both human rights experts and advocates on climate change and sustainability as a monumental step forward in addressing the environmental crisis – affirming the indivisibility of human rights and of the well-being of humans and nature.
EXPLORING | The New Parliament Website 
The Parliament of the World's Religions is excited to announce the launch of its new website. The revamped website offers a user friendly and dynamic platform for the work of the world's premier interfaith convening organization.
JOINING | Nuclear Prayer Day 2022
On 6 August 1945 at 8.15am, the first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan. This 6 August 2022, on the 77th anniversary of that horrific tragedy, people around the world will be joining in prayer for a future free from the threat of nuclear weapons.

The Parliament of the World’s Religions is one of the co-sponsors of Nuclear Prayer Day 2022, organized by our colleagues at Voices for a World Free of Nuclear Weapons (URI).
JOINING | The Parliament in #ACommunityThrives Campaign 
The Parliament of the World’s Religions is one of the non-profits participating in A Community Thrives, a program that supports community improvement ideas with grants up to $100K.

To qualify for a grant, the Parliament needs to meet a fundraising goal of $6,000 with support from the global interfaith movement. Please support the Parliament in our bid to receive A Community Thrives grant.
ISSUING | Statement on Shooting in Highland Park, USA
The Parliament of the World's Religions joins the Highland Park community in mourning the seven lives lost and dozens injured at the 4 July 2022 shooting that took place in Highland Park, IL, USA; just north of Chicago where the Parliament calls home. We stand resolute with the wounded victims, their loved ones, and the families of those who lost their lives.
ISSUING | Statement on the Recent U.S. Supreme Court Decision 
The Parliament of the World’s Religions is deeply disturbed by the United States Supreme Court's ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.

As a multi-religious society and world, it is important that no religious tradition impose its moral or ethical values on others' religious beliefs through the agency of the government.
WATCHING | Preserving Life on Land
On Monday 11 July 2022, the Parliament of the World's Religions joined the Episcopal Church, IRI Colombia, and the World Council of Churches for a parallel event on the margins of the UN High-Level Political Forum on the SDG's discussion on Goal 15: Life on Land.
CALLING | Presenters for Program Proposals at 2023 Parliament of the World's Religions | submissions open now until 3 October 2022
Civic, spiritual, and grassroots changemakers from around the world are invited to submit program proposals for the 2023 Parliament of the World's Religions (PWR) taking place in-person in the city of Chicago 14-18 August 2023.

The Parliament is accepting proposals for panels, presentations, workshops, performances, religious observances, art exhibits, and films that work towards a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world.
Important Dates to Note
  • Proposal Deadline: 3 October 2022
  • Decision Sent: 9 December 2022
  • Confirmations Due: 15 February 2022
About the Call for Programs
Programming for the 2023 Parliament will focus largely, but not exclusively on:Inspire and Engage Participants, Submit a Proposal!

As you consider your proposal be sure to note the following:
  1. Each program type has a unique proposal form, be sure to read the session information carefully
  2. The proposal form must be completed by one individual, the primary presenter or contact person, on behalf of all co-presenters in the proposed session
  3. Lecture-style presentations with only one presenter will not be accepted but individuals may apply to be placed on a panel with other presenters

Register and Save Today
Make a stand for freedom and human rights at the 2023 Parliament Convening.

Register today with the Early Bird Rate and save over 40% off general admission.
EXPLORING | The City of Chicago
Between 14-18 August 2023, thousands will meet in-person in answer the 2023 Parliament of the World's Religions' call to conscience at the McCormick Place Lakeside Center, Chicago
The 2023 Convening is a celebration of people of faith, spirituality, and goodwill in the birthplace of the modern interfaith movement.

The scope of the 2023 Parliament Convening is not limited to the Convention Center, join us in celebrating the City's legacy in the the global interfaith movement by exploring the historic offerings in the city and the surrounding suburbs.

Visit the Swami Vivekananda plaque at the Art Institute of Chicago, take a walk through the site of the 1993 Sacred Music Night at Grant Park, celebrate the sacred beauty of the Great Lakes at the Chicago River Walk.

Explore historic religious sites like the only Bahá'í House of Worship in North America, the Zen Buddhist Temple, or the Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica; only a few public transportation stops away.
HIRING | Administrative, Communication and Outreach Positions
The Parliament of the World's Religions is currently hiring.
MAKING | The work of the Parliament possible with the support from individuals like you.
The Early Bird Rate saves you 40% off general admission for the 2023 Parliament of the World's Religions. Don't miss the world's premier interfaith Convening in the city of Chicago. 

42. 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.


43. AUST | Helpers and Reliable Sources Along the Way

     

    44. 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.

    45. 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.

    46. 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.

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