Message from the Chairperson
We're heartened by the feedback we've received about our recently released State Election Platform 2022. The Platform sets out our vision and priorities for the next four years across a wide range of key areas, including mental health, emergency management, employment, disability, aged care and anti-racism. The recommendations we've put forward support a stronger, more resilient and inclusive Victoria, and we're pleased to have had the opportunity to discuss the Platform with the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Ros Spence, as well as MPs from across the political spectrum.
At the heart of the Platform is our call for a co-designed Multicultural Strategy that takes a whole-of-government approach to engaging and supporting Victoria's migrant and refugee communities. It’s time to recognise and value the tireless contributions of the underfunded multicultural sector. We need cross-party support for greater sector consultation and participation in the co-design of policies and services to help ensure they are inclusive, culturally responsive and equitable.
We were pleased to participate in an Ageing Well consultation organised this week by the Commissioner for Senior Victorians to hear from older people from multicultural and multi-faith communities about the issues that matter most to them. Digital literacy has been emerging as a key concern, with the shift online leaving people behind, and we heard the need for more face-to-face events and services to counter the increased loneliness being reported by seniors since the pandemic.
The fallout from the recent Optus cybersecurity breach has also been a timely reminder of the importance of the digital literacy and inclusion measures outlined in our platform to help protect our communities.
We're passionate about the ideas in our Platform, and we hope you are too. You can read it here, or better yet, come along to our State Election Member Forum on 20 October. The Forum will be an opportunity to engage more deeply with the issues and recommendations raised in our Platform, and chat directly with MPs ahead of the election in November. Joining us on the night will be Sheena Watt MP from Labor, David Davis MP from the Liberals, Samantha Ratnam MP from the Greens, and Fiona Patten MP from Reason. We look forward to a riveting discussion.
At the heart of the Platform is our call for a co-designed Multicultural Strategy that takes a whole-of-government approach to engaging and supporting Victoria's migrant and refugee communities. It’s time to recognise and value the tireless contributions of the underfunded multicultural sector. We need cross-party support for greater sector consultation and participation in the co-design of policies and services to help ensure they are inclusive, culturally responsive and equitable.
We were pleased to participate in an Ageing Well consultation organised this week by the Commissioner for Senior Victorians to hear from older people from multicultural and multi-faith communities about the issues that matter most to them. Digital literacy has been emerging as a key concern, with the shift online leaving people behind, and we heard the need for more face-to-face events and services to counter the increased loneliness being reported by seniors since the pandemic.
The fallout from the recent Optus cybersecurity breach has also been a timely reminder of the importance of the digital literacy and inclusion measures outlined in our platform to help protect our communities.
We're passionate about the ideas in our Platform, and we hope you are too. You can read it here, or better yet, come along to our State Election Member Forum on 20 October. The Forum will be an opportunity to engage more deeply with the issues and recommendations raised in our Platform, and chat directly with MPs ahead of the election in November. Joining us on the night will be Sheena Watt MP from Labor, David Davis MP from the Liberals, Samantha Ratnam MP from the Greens, and Fiona Patten MP from Reason. We look forward to a riveting discussion.
Eddie Micallef, Chairperson
GATHERING | State Election Platform 2022: Member Forum | Thursday 20 October 2022 | 6.30-8.30pm AEDT
ECCV is hosting a State Election Member Forum on 20 October exploring the ideas and recommendations put forward in our State Election Platform. Taking place at Brunswick Town Hall, the Forum will be an opportunity to speak directly with MPs about their vision for addressing the needs of Victoria's multicultural communities. Everyone is welcome.- Where: Brunswick Town Hall, 233 Sydney Road, Brunswick VIC 3056
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: register online through Eventbrite
LAUNCHING | New joint report on emergency management
Insights from the award-winning Multicultural Resilience Program led by ECCV and VCOSS are highlighted in a new joint report on improving emergency management outcomes in Victoria. The report outlines why it is critical to engage multicultural communities, government and emergency services to make the emergency management sector more diverse and inclusive.SPOTLIGHTING | ECCV COVID-19 response
ECCV has been invited to showcase our COVID-19 multicultural community engagement and health promotion work at a Community Capacity Building Workshop run by the Victorian Department of Health on 3 October. The workshop will be an opportunity to share challenges, ideas and learnings for future programs and partnerships to support our state's migrant and refugee communities.ASSISTED | COVID-19 outreach with Italian seniors
Earlier this month, our COVID-19 Multicultural Outreach team conducted a successful session with an Italian seniors group at Coburg Library. The team consulted with group members about their needs around navigating the pandemic, and also distributed free face masks, hand sanitiser and RAT kits.ATTENDED | On Country with Reconciliation Victoria
ECCV CEO Emiliano Zucchini was honoured to attend an On Country event hosted by Reconciliation Victoria (RV) in Boort, on the lands of the Dja Dja Wurrug Peoples. As well as being invited to yarn with Traditional Owners, guest were treated to a guided walk around Lake Boort, plus weaving and jewellery-making workshops. ECCV is proud to work with RV in shaping our Reconciliation Action Plan.COLLABORATED | Self-care session for Muslim women carers
As part of our Recognising and Respecting Carers project, ECCV held a well-attended workshop on self-care this month for the Al-Emaan Muslim Women's Support Group. The workshop was delivered by an educator from Carers Victoria, who discussed self-care strategies and the importance of self-care for carers.GATHERING | 10th Annual Walter Lippmann Memorial Oration
Join us on Thursday, 13 October at the Wheeler Centre for the 10th Walter Lippmann Oration. This year's eminent speaker is The Honourable Tony Pagone AM QC, a former Federal Court judge and lifelong multiculturalism advocate who has made significant contributions to Australian public life throughout his distinguished career. Tickets are limited, so registration is essential.HIRING | Job opportunity: Executive Assistant | applications close 10 October 2022
ECCV is recruiting for an experienced and talented Executive Assistant to join our team on a part-time basis. We are currently seeking a driven professional to manage our executive services, and work with the Board and Leadership Team to ensure ECCV delivers on its strategic operational priorities and plans.SUPPORTING | Power Saving Bonus program
ECCV's bicultural worker team is assisting people from migrant and refugee communities to apply for the Victorian government's Power Saving Bonus program. The Bonus is a one-off payment of $250 to all Victorian households, including concession card holders who previously claimed the Bonus under an earlier phase of the program.MORE:
Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV)
Address: Suite 101, 398 Sydney Road, Coburg Vic 3058
Tel: (03) 9354 9555
Email: eccv@eccv.org.au
Website: https://eccv.org.au