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GEIFN | CONSOLIDATED | Information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) | Saturday 1 October 2022

Fast Facts: COVID-19 Victoria & Australia

  1. VIC | GOV | UPDATING | Pandemic Response

     GRANTING 
  2. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Multicultural Communities and People with Disability COVID-19 Grants Program | applications close 3 October 2022
  3. VIC | GOV | GIVING | Cash back - Victorian Dining and Entertainment Program
  4. AUST | NUEN | GRANTING | IAP2A Australasia Certificate in Engagement scholarship program | applications now open
  5. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | 2023 Interpreter Scholarship program | applications now open, closing 30 November 2022

     HIRING 
  6. VIC | GOV | OFFERING | Social Services Jobs Guarantee program - Diploma of Community Services graduates
  7. VIC | GOV | HIRING | Young Multicultural Victorians as Paid Internships | apply today
  8. MELB | ECCV | HIRING | Job opportunity: Executive Assistant | applications close 10 October 2022
  9. VIC | GOV | HIGHLIGHTING | Making a difference in a job that matters
  10. VIC | GOV | ADVISING | Volunteer opportunities available – find one today!

     ENGAGING 
  11. COPP | PPCG | OFFERING | Free Tax Help Program | Concludes October 2022
  12. COPP | CELEBRATING | 2022 Seniors Festival | 1-16 October 2022
  13. COPP | SKCC | WELCOMING | Pets for Blessing Day | Sunday 2 October 2022 | 2-2.30pm
  14. VIC | VALS | WEBINAR | Celebrating Older LGBTIQA+ People - Providing Inclusive Events & Activities | Tuesday 4 October 2022 | 2.30-4pm
  15. AUST | AMES | LAUNCHING | Book Refugee Heroes | Wednesday 5 October 2022 | from 5pm
  16. VIC | CAVI | WEBINAR | Carers Sector Seminar Series | 5 October until November 2022 | 1.30-3.30pm
  17. AUST | SGSA | GATHERING | 2022 Social Good Summit Australia – Reconnect. Rethink. Restart | Saturday 8 October 2022 | 10am-4pm AEDT
  18. MELB | ECCV | COMMEMORATING | 10th Walter Lippmann Oration | Thursday 13 October 2022 | from 6.30pm
  19. MELB | AfriAus | Changing Narratives: Girlforce Interactive Expo | Saturday 15 October 2022 | 2-4.30pm
  20. AUST | GiveOUT | CALLING | Organisations for GiveOUT Day | Thursday 20 October 2022 | applications now open
  21. VIC | ECCV | GATHERING | State Election Platform 2022: Member Forum | Thursday 20 October 2022 | 6.30-8.30pm AEDT
  22. VIC | ANTAR | CALLING | For Submissions to ANTaR Film Competition | entries close 31 October 2022
  23. COPP | TRVI | TRAINING | LGBTQIA+ & Transgender Diverse Awareness | Tuesday 1 November 2022 | 9.30am-12.30pm
  24. COPP | TRVI | TRAINING | LGBTQIA+ & Transgender Diverse Awareness | Friday 4 November 2022 | 9.30am-12.30pm
  25. VIC | FCCV | CALLING | Registrations to 2022 Victorian Interfaith Networks Festival | Sunday 13 November 2022 | 12noon-4.30pm AEDT
  26. AUST | EQPR | ENGAGING | Australia's 5th National LGBTIQ+ Conference: Better Together 2023 | 17-18 February 2023
  27. ASIA-PACIFIC | EAF | ANNOUNCING | 2023 Queer Displacements Conference | February 2023

     COLLECTIVISING 
  28. AUST | CHUFFED | RAISING | Awareness, Donations and Sponsors for a Manus or Nauru refugee to resettle in Canada
  29. AUST | GiveOUT | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds with $60,000 in Match Funding for GiveOUT Day | Thursday 20 October 2022
  30. VIC | MESH | CALLING | Men of all ages to join a Men's Shed in regional Victoria
  31. VIC | VMC | INVITING | You to join a VMConnect Group
  32. VIC | GOV | HEARING | Your say: Culturally Diverse Communities and Individuals with Lived Experience of Mental Health
  33. VIC | GOV | HEARING | Your say: Disability Inclusion in Victoria | consultations now open, closing 31 October 2022
  34. COPP | LILO | LOOKING | For Local Multicultural Music Acts

     ANNOUNCING 
  35. AUST | CUIN | UPDATING | Inclusive and innovative events attended, discuss new articles and provide an update for Diversity Atlas | 1 September 2022
  36. SUNSHINE | WPARC | OPENING | New Prevention and Recovery Centre for women in North-West Melbourne
  37. VIC | VEOHRC | LAUNCHING | Equal pay matters – educational resources for organisations
  38. VIC | ECCV | LAUNCHING | With VCOSS a joint report on emergency management
  39. VIC | REVI | OFFERING | Free parenting courses
  40. WORLD | PWR | UPDATING | 2023 Parliament & More

     SUPPORTING 
  41. AUST | Coronavirus hotline
  42. AUST | Helpers and Reliable Sources Along the Way

     ACKNOWLEDGING 
  43. Acknowledgment to Sources
  44. Bye bye to Essentialists
  45. Self-Isolators, Non-Essentials And The Homebound


1. VIC | GOV | UPDATING | Pandemic Response

From 11.59pm Thursday 22 September 2022, face masks are no longer required on public transport or in taxis, rideshare services or tourism vehicles and will instead be strongly recommended, in line with the existing indoor mask recommendations.

Masks continue to be strongly recommended in indoor settings, in situations where people can’t physically distance, for people who have any COVID symptoms and for anyone who may be immunocompromised or vulnerable to COVID.

The requirement to wear face masks will remain in some circumstances – like visiting a hospital, care facility or any other indoor space that is publicly accessible in a healthcare setting, including allied health providers.

With more Victorians becoming eligible for their fourth dose of the COVID vaccine, it is important that people continue to stay up to date with their vaccinations to help protect themselves and the community.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.

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.

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. 
VIC | GOV | CHANGING | COVID-19 food relief | from 1 July
Effective 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 | ADVISING | Eligibility for COVID-19 medication
People with a high risk of getting very sick with COVID-19 can get medicine to help them stay well. There are medicines to:Only people most likely to need hospital care can get COVID-19 medicines. This includes people who:
are aged 70 and over
  • are aged 50 and over with certain health conditions (or 30 if they're Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander)
  • have a weakened immune system, disability or are born with heart disease.
Most other people can manage COVID-19 safely at home without these medicines. COVID-19 medicines do not replace vaccination.
COPP | PPCG | DISTRIBUTING | Free KN95 Masks and Hand Sanitiser for Community Groups or Schools
Are you a community organisation or school?  

The City of Port Phillip, in partnership with Port Phillip Community Group, have on offer free packets (of 10) KN95 masks and 500ml of hand sanitizer.
  • Please call Lou on 0408 307 997 to arrange an order and collection time. Collections are on Mondays and Wednesdays. 
 

 GRANTING 

2. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Multicultural Communities and People with Disability COVID-19 Grants Program | applications close 3 October 2022

This program offers grants for eligible not-for-profit organisations to support their communities in protecting themselves from COVID-19 through:
  • Getting vaccinated
  • Wearing a face mask
  • Staying home if unwell
Activities funded through the Program must support people with disability or those with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Grants of up to $50,000 are available, and funded projects must be completed by 31 December 2022. 

To confirm your eligibility to apply, or for any other questions relating to the grants program, please email. 

3. VIC | GOV | GIVING | Cash back - Victorian Dining and Entertainment Program

The Victorian Dining and Entertainment Program is back! You can now claim 25% cash back when you spend $40 or more, anywhere in Victoria, any day of the week. You can make multiple claims until you reach a combined total of $125 cash back.
Claiming is easy – all you need is a receipt and your bank account details.



4. AUST | NUEN | GRANTING | IAP2A Australasia Certificate in Engagement scholarship program | applications now open

Nurture Engagement (NUEN), a partnership program offering scholarships for virtual training, has been established by the IAP2 Australasia Board to support small not-for-profits by offering their staff and directors the opportunity to complete the IAP2 Australasia Certificate in Engagement. The Program is open to charities and not-for-profit organisations who meet the specified criteria and that are accepted as program partners.

How to apply?


5. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | 2023 Interpreter Scholarship program | applications now open, closing 30 November 2022

The Victorian Government is offering scholarships for people wanting to study interpreting at RMIT University in 2023.

The scholarships aim to increase Victoria’s number of qualified interpreters so that non-English speakers have better access to crucial government services, such as health care and housing support.

Since 2003, the Victorian Government has offered scholarships for students undertaking a range of translating and interpreting courses at RMIT University and have helped more than 500 people gain certification with NAATI. 

 HIRING 

6. VIC | GOV | OFFERING | Social Services Jobs Guarantee program - Diploma of Community Services graduates

The Social Services Jobs Guarantee is an employment program for people graduating from the Diploma of Community Services between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2024.

Once you have registered, for this program, you will be notified if you match with a role available in the community services sector.

Roles could be in industries that include:
  • child protection and family services
  • disability and aged care
  • housing and homelessness, and
  • other in-demand social services roles.

Extra support is also available for those who register, such as mentoring and career counselling.  

7. VIC | GOV | HIRING | Young Multicultural Victorians as Paid Internships | apply today

Paid internships are now available through Jobs Victoria for 60 young people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

In partnership with the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Youth Activating Youth, this program offers internships to young people finding it difficult to secure their first job. Participants will be paid to gain valuable work experience, learn new skills and make contacts that could lead to a job.

The internships are offered across many different industries, and will last for up to eight weeks. Free pre-employment training and up to 12 weeks of post-internship support will also be provided.

The program will commence in October and roll out across Victoria over the next 12 months. 

8. MELB | ECCV | HIRING | Job opportunity: Executive Assistant | applications close 10 October 2022

Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) is recruiting 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.  

9. VIC | GOV | HIGHLIGHTING | Making a difference in a job that matters

The Jobs that Matter campaign highlights a range of roles available across the community services sector.

These jobs make a real difference to the lives of the most vulnerable in our communities, including children and family, disability, family violence, homelessness and ageing services.

Start your career today in a job that matters, and contribute to a better Victoria. 



10. VIC | GOV | ADVISING | Volunteer opportunities available – find one today!

Volunteering is a great way to connect with like-minded people, support important community projects and contribute to social change.

It can also be an effective way to learn new skills or find a pathway to a new job!

Volunteering can be one-off or something more structured and regular, local activities done in community or delivered through not-for-profit organisations. And whether its online, face-to-face, outside or close to home – all contributions deliver great benefits.

Learn more about volunteering today, and have an impact on your community!  

 ENGAGING  

11. COPP | PPCG | OFFERING | Free Tax Help Program | Concludes October 2022

Port Phillip Community Group runs a Free Tax Help Program for eligible residents of the City of Port Phillip. If you earn under $60,000, do not have your own ABN or receive income from investments, then you may be eligible for assistance.

PPCG has volunteers offering face-to-face appointments on Tuesday and Wednesday morning, as well as remote appointments on Tuesday evenings. 

Volunteers are trained and supported by the Australian tax Office and the program is proudly supported by the City of Port Phillip.
  • Get in touch to book your appointment on Tel: 8598 6600; email or visit website
 


12. COPP | CELEBRATING | 2022 Seniors Festival | 1-16 October 2022

Look forward to a City of Port Phillip festival (COPP) full of inclusive, free, informative and celebratory events and activities. The full festival program will be available in mid September 2022. The following events are currently accepting bookings:

LAUNCHING | Seniors Festival and Celebrating 22 Years of the Older Persons Advisory Committee (OPAC) | Ageism Awareness Day | Friday 7 October 2022 | 2-5.30pm
Celebrate positive ageing with an Afternoon Tea-dance, Musical Entertainment, Cabaret and Disco. This event is a recognition of City of Port Phillip’s Older Persons Advisory Committee (OPAC) 22nd Year.

David Sharples (DK, Soul DJ) is an entertainer and radio presenter with years of experience in England and Australia. Join DK, Soul DJ for a fun afternoon of Musical Entertainment, Cabaret and Disco. This event will feature the U3A Port Phillip Male Voice Choir, Ballroom Dancing ensemble and a disco including all your favourite Motown, Soul and Pop from the 60s, 70s, and 80s.
  • Where: Port Melbourne Town Hall Auditorium 333 Bay Street, Port Melbourne
  • Cost: Free but bookings essential 
  • Bookings: essential, contact Simone Jamieson Tel: 03 9209 6260, Mob: 0403 904 092 or email

HARMONISING | Bring It Home | Thursday 13 October 2022 | 1pm for 1.30-3pm
This event is presented in partnership with The Victorian Seniors Festival, the City of Bayside, City of Glen Eira, City of Port Phillip and City of Stonnington councils.

Bring it Home flier (PDF 724 KB)

Bring it Home encourages older people to dress up to the nines and step out to have a great time. Bring it Home features high quality live music, special guests, stories, belly laughs, sing-along, dancing, radio plays, interviews and more.

Bring it Home is social and participatory and there will be invitations to participate through harmony singing, dancing, or joining the band to play the famous pig-o-phone. Audience members can be as visible and involved as they choose, or simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the party atmosphere! The Bring it Home Line up for this event is: Karen Davitt, Boris Conley, Steve Grant, Pete Slipper, Wilbur Wilde, Rebecca Barnard, Alison Ferrier, Patrick Cronin, Valanga Khoza.
  • Where: St Kilda Town Hall, 99A Carlisle Street St Kilda
  • Cost: Free but bookings essential 
  • Bookings: You can book for yourself or for a group. When you book please use the following code: PORT PHILLIP; Mob: 0421 853 266 or email

PRESENTING | Port Phillip Writes: Seniors Festival Writing Awards 18th Year | Sunday 16 October 2022 | from 2-4 pm
Join us for this enjoyable session of literature including the announcement of the Judges Awards. As we celebrate 18 years of local writers, special guests will read from a selection of this year’s entries.
  • Where: St Kilda Library, 150 Carlisle St, St Kilda
  • Cost: Free but bookings essential
  • Bookings: Contact Simone Jamieson  Tel: 03 9209 6260; Mob: 0403 904 092 or email

CELEBRATING | Welcoming Week 9 to 18 September | Thursday 15 September 2022 | 6-7pm
The City of Port Phillip is hosting a Welcoming Week event on Thursday 15 September from 6 to 7 pm at Space2b in St Kilda, featuring a performance from John Wayne Parsons and light refreshments from Flavours of Syria.

Welcoming Week (9 to 18 September) is an annual international campaign that celebrates communities that strive to be more welcoming to all people.

Welcoming Week is an initiative of the Welcoming Cities network which supports councils to build communities where everyone can belong and participate in social, cultural, economic and civic life. 

13. COPP | SKCC | WELCOMING | Pets for Blessing Day | Sunday 2 October 2022 | 2-2.30pm

St Kilda Church Communities (SKCC) warmly welcomes Feathered, Furred and Finned Friends (Photos of pets are welcomed too) for a blessing of the animals event to end the Season of Creation.
All animals must be on leash or carry container and supervised at all times.
  • Where: St Kilda Botanical Gardens - Dickens/ Herbert
  • Cost: Free
 

14. VIC | VALS | WEBINAR | Celebrating Older LGBTIQA+ People - Providing Inclusive Events & Activities | Tuesday 4 October 2022 | 2.30-4pm

Older LGBTIQA+ people face a range of barriers in accessing mainstream support services as they age. In this 1.5-hour event, Val's will provides information focusing on the need to provide LGBTIQA+ inclusive and relevant content, celebrations and activities in mainstream ageing and aged care programs. Providing LGBTIQA+ content and activities is a fantastic step in providing a genuine welcome to older LGBTIQA+ people.

We will provide some ideas and strategies that services can integrate into their existing programs that will be inviting and welcoming to LGBTIQA+ elders as well as other service users, and information about community supports specifically for LGBTIQA+ elders. A resource outlining interesting and relevant activities and celebrations will be provided to each participants.

This interactive sessions is delivered via Zoom - the Zoom invitations will be sent only to registered participants prior to the training session.

This session is funded through CHSP sector support and development, and is for Victorian based staff and is open to a maximum of 4 participants per organisation. 

15. AUST | AMES | LAUNCHING | Book Refugee Heroes | Wednesday 5 October 2022 | from 5pm

Join AMES Australia to celebrate the launch of the new book Refugee Heroes – telling compelling stories of the people who have fled situations of conflict and violence from more than a dozen countries.

It puts a human face to the conflicts, tensions and repressive regimes and explains the political and social factors that have contributed to the unprecedented number of conflicts and humanitarian emergencies around the world.



16. VIC | CAVI | WEBINAR | Carers Sector Seminar Series | 5 October until November 2022 | 1.30-3.30pm

These free Carers Victoria (CAVI) seminars offer opportunities to people working with carers to expand their skills and understanding. Workshops include;See the Carers Victoria website for information and bookings. 


17. AUST | SGSA | GATHERING | 2022 Social Good Summit Australia – Reconnect. Rethink. Restart | Saturday 8 October 2022 | 10am-4pm AEDT

A United Nations-affiliated event that connects individuals, corporations, not-for-profits, government, and grassroots organisations to inspire and discuss solutions for the greatest challenges of our times.
Through powerful speeches from inspiring industry leaders, the Social Good Summit Australia (SGSA) aims to educate and inspire individuals to take action for social good. 
​
The SGSA brings people like you together to discuss ideas, share stories and inspire everyone to actively make the world a better place. 
​
The SGSA is part of a global network of committed citizens from more than 100 countries that meet every year to unlock the potential of individuals, technology and collaboration to make the world a better place.
​
This year’s Summit theme RECONNECT. RETHINK. RESTART will focus on the task ahead of us to fulfil the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in creating a better world.
​
Over the last seven years, the SGSA has inspired many individuals to get involved, get connected and take action. 
 
The SGSA is a non-for-profit run solely by volunteers. We have a great team of friendly, passionate people who work tirelessly to make the summit happen. Our team is made up of mums, dads, working professionals, students and artists who selflessly give off their time, with a shared goal to make a better world by 2030.
  • Where: Storey Hall, RMIT University, Building 16, 336/348 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
  • Cost: Various
  • Inclusions: Inspiration, Coffee & Morning Tea, Lunch, Networking
  • Bookings: online through Social Good Summit Australia
 

18. MELB | ECCV | COMMEMORATING | 10th Walter Lippmann Oration | Thursday 13 October 2022 | from 6.30pm

Join Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) for the 10th Walter Lippmann Memorial Oration taking place at the Wheeler Centre. This year's eminent speaker is The Hon Tony Pagone AM QC, a former Federal Court judge who has made a significant contribution to Australian public life during his distinguished legal career. 
Tickets are limited, so registration is essential. 

This is a free event, thanks to the generous sponsorship of LanguageLoop. Tickets are limited, so we encourage you to book ahead.
  • Where: The Wheeler Centre, 176 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
  • Cost: FREE
  • Booking: essential, online through Eventbrite
 

19. MELB | AfriAus | Changing Narratives: Girlforce Interactive Expo | Saturday 15 October 2022 | 2-4.30pm

You are invited to attend an interactive and fun Expo creating opportunities for young multicultural champions of any gender, aged 8 to 35 years old. 

Register for the event and hear from young advocates who are working to both prevent and reduce family violence, and violence against girls and women

Organised by AfriAus iLEAC, the Expo will be held at the Outlook Community Centre in Pakenham.  

20. AUST | GiveOUT | CALLING | Organisations for GiveOUT Day | Thursday 20 October 2022 | applications now open

Growing the pot of gold under the rainbow as registrations for GiveOUT Day 2022 are now open! 
GiveOUT Day will see 80 LGBTIQ+ organisations and projects from around the country come together to participate in the only national day of giving to LGBTIQ+ communities in Australia.

And the best part? Donations to LGBTIQ+ organisations on GiveOUT Day are doubled by GiveOUT and partners.

What is GiveOUT Day? 
We know that funding to LGBTIQ+ organisations is harder to obtain than ever. Recently released national research Where are the Rainbow Resources? highlights that demand for services from LGBTIQ+ organisations has grown by 30% in the last 12 months, whilst organisations have been forced to cut their services by one third due to lack of resources. 

GiveOUT Day is a chance to celebrate the incredible work of LGBTIQ+ organisations, and a means to raise critical funds when they are needed most.
  • Read more about GiveOUT Day
  • LGBTIQ+ organisations can Sign up here to join GiveOUT Day and double your donations.
  • If you are not an LGBTIQ+ organisation, stay tuned for how you can be involved over coming months. Alternatively, reach out to us at info@giveout.org.au.
 

21. VIC | ECCV | GATHERING | State Election Platform 2022: Member Forum | Thursday 20 October 2022 | 6.30-8.30pm AEDT 

Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) is hosting a State Election Member Forum 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.

22. VIC | ANTAR | CALLING | For Submissions to ANTaR Film Competition | entries close 31 October 2022

ANTaR are having a film competition! It’s open to all ages and films can be between 1-5 minutes.

The theme of the competition is “What does Tomorrow Australia look like, in the context of reconciliation?” 

There will be a public big-screen event for finalists, so don’t miss out on this chance to have your film seen by an audience! Finalists will also get the chance to chat with one or more of our First Nations judges - Minelle Creed (Award winning journalist), Tait Brady(internationally acclaimed filmmaker) and Richard Frankland (award winning filmmaker and musician.) 

23. COPP | TRVI | TRAINING | LGBTQIA+ & Transgender Diverse Awareness | Tuesday 1 November 2022 | 9.30am-12.30pm

This hybrid training is part of the Port Phillip Community Training Calendar. It is delivered in person but also accessible online. 

The first half of this training provides an overview of LGBTIQA+ communities, issues and concerns and the second half delves into more detail about trans and gender diverse communities. We provide recommendations and tips for working with LGBTIQA+ and TGD clients, customers and staff.

This training is delivered by Transgender Victoria (TRVI) and the trainers will be Nicole Shaw (they/them) and Zoe Walder (she/her).
  • Where: Council Chambers, St Kilda Town Hall, 99A Carlisle Street, St Kilda & online
  • Cost: Free
  • Bookings: essential, online through Trybooking
 

24. COPP | TRVI | TRAINING | LGBTQIA+ & Transgender Diverse Awareness | Friday 4 November 2022 | 9.30am-12.30pm

This hybrid training is part of the Port Phillip Community Training Calendar and delivered in person but also accessible online. 

The first half of this training provides an overview of LGBTIQA+ communities, issues and concerns and the second half delves into more detail about trans and gender diverse communities. We provide recommendations and tips for working with LGBTIQA+ and TGD clients, customers and staff.

This training is delivered by Transgender Victoria (TRVI) and the trainers will be Nicole Shaw (they/them) and Zoe Walder (she/her).
  • Where: Council Chambers, St Kilda Town Hall, 99A Carlisle Street, St Kilda & online
  • Cost: Free
  • Bookings: essential, online through Trybooking
 

25. VIC | FCCV | CALLING | Registrations to 2022 Victorian Interfaith Networks Festival | Sunday 13 November 2022 | 12noon-4.30pm AEDT

An annual multifaith festival exploring issues facing young multicultural Victorians
The Faith Communities Council of Victoria (FCCV) Victorian Interfaith Networks Festival is a grass-roots conference which aims to help build the capacity and sustainability of existing multifaith/interfaith networks, bring people up-to-date with current multifaith/interfaith matters and provide networking opportunities.

In 2022, the Festival will focus on young people, with young speakers, facilitators and performers.

Schedule:
  • 11.30am: Registration Opens
  • 12noon-1.25pm: Lunch, networking, faith and community stands
  • 1.30-2.30pm: Honoured guests and keynote speech on 'How young people are negotiating religion, sexuality and diversity'
  • 2.30-3pm: Interactive session on community projects run by young people
  • 3-4.15pm: Workshop on 'Faith, Multifaith and Multiculturalism'
  • 4.15pm-4.30pm: Closing ceremony

For PDF Flyer:
Click here

Travel to Venue:
For more information on how to get to Hawthorn Arts Centre by train, tram or car, click here
  • Where: Hawthorn Arts Centre, 360 Burwood Road, Hawthorn VIC 3122
  • Cost: Free
  • Bookings: limited seating so bookings essential, online through Eventbrite

A collaboration in partnership with Boroondara Interfaith Network and City of Boroondara, proudly supported by the Victorian State Government – Multicultural Affairs, Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH).

 

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. ASIA-PACIFIC | EAF | ANNOUNCING | 2023 Queer Displacements Conference | February 2023

The Queer Displacements conference is the first of it's kind in the Asia Pacific region designed to comprehensively foreground protection and settlement challenges of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) forcibly displaced people.

This conference is a space for awareness raising, solidarity, building alliances and engaging the whole of society in ensuring justice, protection and solutions for LGBTIQ+ people in forced displacement. The theme of the 2023 conference is Leadership, Partnership and Belonging.

The 2023 Queer Displacements is organised in partnership with Equal Asia Foundation (EAF) and will take place in February 2023 in Sydney.  

 COLLECTIVISING 

28. AUST | CHUFFED | RAISING | Awareness, Donations and Sponsors for a Manus or Nauru refugee to resettle in Canada

Chuffed is raising awareness of Operation #NotForgotten – a community-led response providing private sponsorship to Canada for refugees who were detained on Manus Island and Nauru. These refugees have no other viable resettlement option.
In 2019, a group of Australian expats and Canadians living in Toronto came together, appalled by Australia’s indefinite detention of refugees and ready to take action.

Sponsorship applications offer the fastest, most certain route for the refugee and have already been lodged for 150 refugees in offshore processing and 96 separated family members (246 people in all). 

But they need your support to lodge resettlement applications for dozens more refugees.

Behrouz Boochani, a refugee on Manus Island, wrote that what they wanted was, “one thing, and one thing only, and that is freedom.”

Make a donation, sponsor individual refugees or whole families to start anew – to have a real life in Canada, rather than being trapped on Nauru or PNG.


29. AUST | GiveOUT | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds with $60,000 in Match Funding for GiveOUT Day | Thursday 20 October 2022

Growing the pot of gold under the rainbow and changing the way Australians experience gender and sexuality – for the better!
GiveOUT Day (GiveOUT) are thrilled to announce a generous contribution by the Sidney Myer Fund, the first $60,000 donated through the GiveOUT Day platform will be matched dollar-for-dollar by GiveOUT up to $1,500 per organisation or until the funding pool is exhausted (this includes any donations received in the lead up to and including GiveOUT Day).
“The Sidney Myer Fund is proud to support GiveOUT, as a conduit to numerous small, under resourced and yet highly impactful groups and organisations led by and serving the LGBTIQ community. We know that the proportion of the philanthropic dollar reaching LGBTIQ causes and organisations is disproportionately low, and with our support for GiveOUT we want to encourage and boost support from others” - Leonard Vary, CEO
GiveOUT Day are also excited to announce that the platform is now accepting donations! Head to the 2022 Projects page to view and donate to the amazing not-for-profit organisations, projects, and community groups that have already signed up to participate in 2022. 

30. VIC | MESH | CALLING | Men of all ages to join a Men's Shed in regional Victoria

Grants of up to $80,000 have been allocated to 30 Men’s Sheds across the state, including in regional Victoria. 

The funding aims to support men’s sheds where practical and engaging spaces are created to provide a welcoming place where men of all ages can connect, socialise, learn new skills and work on common building projects together.

There are currently more than 360 communities with Men’s Sheds throughout Victoria. 

31. VIC | VMC | INVITING | You to join a VMConnect Group

There are now over 900 members of the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)'s exciting online community, VMConnect, and you're invited to join the conversation!

There are many ways to get involved- you can check out our noticeboard, add a community event to our calendar, list your business on the service directory or join one of our Groups!

VMConnect Groups cover many different identities and interests - including multicultural young people, LGBTIQ+ people, and mental health and volunteering.

Connect with like-minded multicultural Victorians and representatives across the sector today.  

32. VIC | GOV | HEARING | Your say: Culturally Diverse Communities and Individuals with Lived Experience of Mental Health

You can support the mental health and wellbeing of all Victorians by joining a series of community conversations this October. 

The Department of Health would like to hear from people with culturally diverse backgrounds, LGBTIQ+ people and people with disability who have a lived experience of mental illness either as a family member, carer or supporter.

They'd also like to hear from people who work with one of the above diverse communities in health, community, services or related settings.

The group conversations will be two hours long, with online and in-person options available. 

33. VIC | GOV | HEARING | Your say: Disability Inclusion in Victoria | consultations now open, closing 31 October 2022

Victorians are invited to have their say on the proposed Disability Inclusion Bill to make Victoria fairer and more inclusive.

The Bill aims to achieve transformative equality for people with disability and ensures that policy, services and programs are designed with people with disability at the table.

Those interested can register to attend an information session on Monday 3 October at 6.30pm. 

34. COPP | LILO | LOOKING | For Local Multicultural Music Acts

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unique and wide-reaching challenges for our City's live music sector. It is our priority to support musicians, bring audiences back safely, and assist our venues with recovery.

Live n Local (LILO) database of featured artists is a resource to help event organisers program exciting and diverse live music events featuring local talent. Artists featured in the database are eligible to be booked through the Locals Playing Locals: Live Music Support Scheme. 

We're inviting musicians from all genres and levels of experience to list your act by filling out the form and your information and contact details will promoted on our website for potential gigs and bookings.  

 ANNOUNCING 

35. AUST | CUIN | UPDATING | Inclusive and innovative events attended, discuss new articles and provide an update for Diversity Atlas | September 2022

The nations behind the numbers: learning the language of data
August was a monumental month for Cultural Infusion (CUIN) and Diversity Atlas! We reflect on the 2022 Equal Employment Opportunity Network's Fourth Enabling Inclusion and Diversity Summit, discuss an article by our DEI Director covering eight simple DEI exercises, congratulate our business partner, Tali Nates, on receiving an esteemed award, reflect on our participation in the Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing virtual event as part of their Diversity Webinar Series and unpack new features to our website and platform, including upcoming events on our diversity calendar and the translation of our surveying platform into two new languages. 


2022 Enabling Inclusion and Diversity Summit
Cultural Infusion is a proud gold sponsor of the Equal Employment Opportunity Network (EEON). This month, the committee hosted the 2022 Enabling Inclusion and Diversity Summit, creating a space for organisations from all across Australia to come together in the effort of strengthening all aspects of diversity, equity and inclusion.

This year's summit showcased a variety of keynotes from top industry leaders of the DEI sector. Each speech covered important topics such as platforming Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, discussions of equity, anti-racism, menopause, gender-based violence and intersectional approaches to inequality.

The President of EEON, Roman Ruzbacky's heartfelt opening speech is transcribed in the link below. The Diversity Atlas team hosted a booth at the event, to share knowledge, encourage reflection and advocate for diversity in the workplace.

Our CEO and Founder, Peter Mousaferiadis, spoke at the event, discussing how the most effective way to build diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces is by first analysing and understanding the environment. Peter shares personal stories of his heritage and family to highlight the importance of inclusion and understanding of all cultural backgrounds.


Interpreting Diversity Data
In his newest article, Cultural Infusion's DEI Director, Roman Ruzbacky, offers eight exercises designed to interpret diversity data while ensuring we do not forget the human behind the figures.

It can be difficult to analyse diversity data. At times we need to look at other influencing factors or work with missing data. How do we convert data or series of data sets into a succinct action? The integrity of the data and its interpretation is critical if we need to get a true picture or come up with appropriate solutions. 

Each of the eight case studies provide tips to thoroughly analyse dimensions of diversity in the workplace to improve representation and support for all communities. Roman considers how diverse communities intersect and are represented at each level of the organisation. 

He discusses how DEI should be measured over time via longitudinal benchmarks, with an emphasis on awareness in work environments. Roman encourages moving away from a one-size-fits-all strategy through greater personalisation of diversity data, stating that when writing DEI action plans, we must consider a variety of aspects like representation, pay equity and leadership.
2022 Goethe Medal Award to Catalyst for Peace Project
On behalf of Diversity Atlas, we'd like to congratulate Tali Nates on achieving the 2022 Goethe Medal, and are excited for our collaboration with her on our Catalyst for Peace Project.

The Goethe Medal is an official decoration of the Federal Republic of Germany and is regarded as the most important award for the country's foreign cultural policy. It honours public figures from around the world who create meaningful change and development for cultural issues and institutions. 

Tali is the founder and director of the Johannesburg Holocaust & Genocide Centre, where Diversity Atlas has piloted our Catalyst for Peace Project. 

The Catalyst for Peace Project seeks to make sure all audiences and communities are recognised, represented and respected by the cultural centres they visit. 

The project has been launched at the centre where audiences can take part in Diversity Atlas by completing a short survey to map the diversity of all attendees. The results reveal the variety of culture in our communities and help us learn more about what makes us who we are.
Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing
Our CEO and Founder, Peter Mousaferiadis, and Chief Technology Officer, Rezza Moieni, spoke at a virtual event for the Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing as part of the organisation's Diversity Webinar Series. 

Peter and Rezza introduced the Diversity Atlas platform, showcasing the ability to collect and analyse diversity data within aged care organisations. The Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing hosted many DEI leaders, who provided insights into the various ways cultural and diversity data can be used to assist in implementing more inclusive services.
"The webinar was a great opportunity to present our latest achievements with Diversity Atlas, and to meet with so many talented people in the very important area of ageing and cultural diversity. Specifically, we introduced our Mutuality framework and how this minimises the gap between different stakeholders in the aged care sector." Rezza Moieni, CTO

New Features and Updates
Each newsletter, we put the spotlight on just one of the many thousands of entries in our Diversity Calendar. This month, we’re taking a closer look at Nayrouz, which falls on Sunday 11 September this year.

Nayrouz aka Neyrouz marks the start of the Coptic New Year and has been celebrated by the Coptic Orthodox community on around this date for more than 1700 years. 

The Coptic Orthodox Church, based in Egypt and servicing Africa and the Middle East, was established around 42 CE, making it one of the oldest Christian churches in the world. With about 25 million members, it is the largest Christian minority in the Middle East. Coptic music is purely religious, and it is an especially beautiful experience to hear a Coptic children’s choir singing for Nayrouz. There are between 1 and 2 million Copts in the diaspora, most of whom are Coptic Orthodox Christians.
"How Do You Write Jedi Knight in Vietnamese?" – Translation Complexities in Focus.
In this product update, Diversity Atlas’ Cultural Attaché Quincy Hall introduces the two new languages our survey platform is now translated into.

This month sees some great new features for our survey platform participants, most notably, the availability of two new languages – Greek and Vietnamese, which means we now have 12 languages on offer. 

The selection of these two languages in particular came about for a number of reasons. At the very top of the list was taking a fresh look at Australian Census results. Our survey can be taken in languages such as French, Spanish and German, which is great, but we’re an Australian company and we need to take into account not just the global community we both serve and represent, but also our local communities. 

Looking at the ‘Top 10’ we see Vietnamese at 4th and Greek at 7th. Meanwhile, both French and German are not in Australia’s Top 10 most spoken languages. We hope one day to have the whole Top 10 available, but there’s a fair bit of work to be done to lay the groundwork.  

We do in fact already have ‘Chinese – Simplified’ as an option, but one day we’d like to have definitive Cantonese and Mandarin options. Likewise, Hindi and Arabic are the next two on our wish-list, but as Arabic happens to be a right-to-left written language, we first need to create the architecture for this. Once that happens, Hebrew and Persian will be on their way as well. 

And one day … one day in the future … how amazing will it be if we can offer Diversity Atlas in one of the many hundreds of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander languages from Australia? For now, it remains an ambition / goal.

It’s not as easy as just translating questions such as ‘What is your country of birth’ and answers like ‘Yes’ or ‘Bachelor Degree’ or ‘Catholic’ into other languages – we have over 45,000 fields to translate, including our almost 9,000-people-group dataset. What is ‘Wurrundjeri’ in Greek? What is ‘Gender Non-Conforming’ in Simplified Chinese? How do you say Syro-Antiochian Maronite Catholic Church in Vietnamese? Well, our translators can answer all of those questions (thankfully) but they have 45,000 fields to keep their eye on. 

Note to our customers: NEVER trust Google Translate. If you need something properly translated, go to a translator, or give us a call and we can recommend some people. Google Translate is like Wikipedia in that it is awesome, and handy, and incredibly well run, and a beautiful free gift to the world; but would you really stake your reputation on a product that (for instance) once translated ‘Disability’ into one language as “Has no ability”? 

Finally, did the fact that our CEO Peter Mousaferiadis is Greek have any influence on our decision to add Greek? What about our dataset manager My Linh Le being Vietnamese – did that have any bearing on our choice of Vietnamese being added? 

Of course not! Total coincidence! 
Well … somewhat a coincidence. Heh.

PS: Jedi Knight in Vietnamese is Hiệp sĩ Jedi 

United Nation's General Assembly Week and the UN Global Compact’s Private Sector Forum 
This month, our CEO and Founder, Peter Mousaferiadis, will be travelling to New York for the United Nation's General Assembly Week and the UN Global Compact’s Private Sector Forum.

This year marks the 77th session of the UN General Assembly under the theme 'A watershed moment: transformative solutions to interlocking challenges.' 

A critical success factor for companies and public organisations today is greater reporting and transparency for the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The work we are doing at Cultural Infusion’s Diversity Atlas enables organisations to measure diversity in precise and useful ways.

Once organisations gain a deeper understanding of themselves, they are able to develop a range of intervention strategies and policies that support greater equity, inclusion and representation. Stronger organisations make stronger communities, contributing towards achieving global objectives and overcoming challenges.
“Businesses are generating huge benefits for themselves and their stakeholders, however everyone today is expecting more from businesses and organisations"
Peter Mousaferiadis, CEO & Founder of Cultural Infusion


Inclusion Atlas highlights accessibility and inclusive features of buildings and spaces
The University of Melbourne's Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology recently published an article featuring Cultural Infusion's Diversity Innovator and Project Assistant, Saman Akbaryan, who co-developed the accessibility application, Inclusion Atlas. 

Achieving a Masters of Information Technology, specialising in Human-Computer Interaction, and as a wheelchair-user himself, Saman has drawn on personal experience to develop the idea behind this project, finding new and innovative ways to improve the lives of those living with disability. Inclusion Atlas is an application designed to highlight the accessibility and inclusive features of buildings and spaces. 

The unique crowdsourcing platform draws on User Generated Content, allowing users to actively contribute by rating venues, uploading photos and providing up to date information, supporting diverse-ability and cultural needs in the physical world. By drawing on its users' lived experience, this application catalogues the real-time accessibility and inclusive features of venues across the world, ranging from restaurants, to retail, to recreational spaces.

The beta version is set to be launched on  a number of platforms, including a browser based website, Google Play and the Apple App Store. This application helps communities find accessible spaces, where individuals can safely feel welcome, comfortable and included. Inclusion Atlas will launch by the end of 2022.
“Inclusion Atlas is for everyone, not just people with a disability. Everyone can advocate for a friend or family member who requires assistance. All of us can be a part of the solution.”
Saman Akbaryan, Project Manager and UX Specialist for Inclusion Atlas


Intercultural Learning with Sound Infusion
Our Education Strategist, Nisha Feik, discusses her  Intercultural Learning Pedagogy webinar and editorial written for Youthwise magazine on Intercultural Learning with Sound Infusion.

Nisha recently had an extremely positive response to an Intercultural Learning Pedagogy webinar. There were several opportunities for discussion about resourcing music programs and participants provided useful information for each other that complemented the advice provided during the webinar.

The webinar content shared teaching ideas from three cultures: capoeira from Brazil, a song from the Torres Strait Islands and a song from Italy. Participants received the lesson plans that these were based on as well as information about how to book relevant Cultural Infusion presenters. Videos provided context, and one video demonstrated how to arrange music using instruments from Brazil on Sound Infusion. Anecdotes were shared about cultural sensitivity in schools, and the group reflected upon a video featuring a government employee speaking on behalf of a cultural group without introducing them or asking them to talk about their music. This helped everyone to understand about how cultural sensitivity and respect are necessary for intercultural understanding.
"This was such a beneficial webinar and made me think about what I do and how I do it. I loved the capoeira lesson as I have never experienced anything like this- thank you! It was totally worth my time to participate in your interactive and highly motivating webinar."
Stacey Harrell, Teacher at Wingham High School
Nisha has written an editorial for Youthwise magazine about Intercultural Learning with Sound Infusion. This will be published in October 2022. Schools have provided Sound Infusion anecdotes about students sharing stories about their grandparents or parents playing instruments from their cultural heritage and creating musical arrangements on the weekend just for fun, or to explore sounds from previously unfamiliar places. 

Sound Infusion is the ideal blended learning tool to combine with more traditional forms of teaching and help students to empathise with people and cultures from around the world.


Multicultural All Day and Half Day Programs
Celebrate the end of Term 4 with Cultural Infusion's Multicultural All Day and Half Day Programs! 
Our cultural incursions make for the perfect end of school year celebration. Our presenters cater to any year level, producing programs that are interactive, vibrant and memorable. 

There are many programs to choose from, celebrating diversity and culture from around the world.
Choose 3 (half-day) or 5 (full-day) programs, and explore the histories, traditions, music and art forms from the chosen cultures. Each incursion is paired with a complementary lesson plan, giving your students practical activities, intercultural knowledge and the historical context of the culture.  

36. SUNSHINE | WPARC | OPENING | New Prevention and Recovery Centre for women in North-West Melbourne

The North-West Women’s Prevention and Recovery Care centre (WPARC) at Sunshine Hospital in Melbourne is now open.

It will provide vital mental health services to women who need short-term mental health care, supporting up to 150 women each year.

The centre offers around-the clock clinical care, communal kitchen, dining and living areas, and outdoor space for leisure and recreational activities. It is the first purpose-built Prevention and Recovery Care centre for women in the western suburbs.

It will also be the first in the state to provide accommodation for women to stay with their children during recovery and remain connected with their family. 

37. VIC | VEOHRC | LAUNCHING | Equal pay matters – educational resources for organisations

Equal pay - being paid fairly and equally for work of equal or comparable value - is a basic human right. It’s good for workers and it’s good for business.

The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) has launched new educational resources for small-to-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to understand and implement equal pay in their workplaces.

They're accessible, free, shareable and tailored to suit the unique needs of SMEs.

Start your equal pay journey today and be part of a fairer future for workers. 

38. VIC | ECCV | LAUNCHING | With VCOSS a joint report on emergency management

Insights from the award-winning Multicultural Resilience Program led by Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria(ECCV) and Victorian Council of Social Service (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.

39. VIC | REVI | OFFERING | Free parenting courses

Are you having difficulty managing your child's behaviour? Do you feel concerned about the level of conflict in your home? Are you looking to improve the overall wellbeing of your family? 

Relationships Victoria (REVE) offers free 6 to 12 week courses for parents to learn better ways to connect with their children and family in a culturally sensitive way. 

A course for Afghan women and one for Afghan men, called Tuning into Kids, is also being offered in Cranbourne. These sessions will be hosted by a group facilitator fluent in several Afghan dialects. 

Visit the Relationships Victoria website for more information on course registration and other resources for multicultural communities. 

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

PWR | HEARING | Your say: Programs, Parliament and Participation | 2023 Parliament of the World's Religions
The Call for Programs for the 2023 Parliament of the World's Religions is closing on Monday, October 3rd. We want to hear from you! Planning on proposing a program? Still considering a topic? Have a comment on the call for programs? Complete this short 2-minute survey and enter to win a FREE registration to the 2023 Parliament Convening for yourself or a friend.
2023 Parliament Convening Deadlines Fast Approaching, Get Involved Today! 
At the heart of every Parliament Convening are thousands of people together taking in exquisite expressions of art, sacred practices, and learning. More than ever before, the Parliament of the World's Religions calls upon the global interfaith community to act together with courage and compassion in defending freedom and human rights. 

This October marks two critical deadlines for the 2023 Parliament Convening:
  • On Monday 3 October the Call for Programs is closing; marking the final opportunity for individuals to be part of the diverse offerings that make Parliament Convenings life-changing.
  • On Monday 31 October the Early Bird Rate will expire, marking a $100 increase in the general admission rate and increase the registration rate for groups.
Whether you're a first-time attendee or a seasoned interfaith organizer, the 2023 Parliament of the World's Religions will offer something new and exciting. Be sure to mark your calendar and join us for an unforgettable experience!
 
Propose a Program
Join organizers around the world answering the Call for Programs! Proposals for panels, workshops, performances, religious observances, art exhibits, and films must be received by Oct 3rd.Book Your Ticket
Take advantage of the Early Bird Rate before October 31st and save 40% off the regular rate at the 2023 Parliament of the World's Religions.Book Your Exhibit Space
Connect with thousands of global attendees at the heart of the 2023 Parliament Convening, book a booth and become an exhibitor.Want to get involved ahead of the 2023 Parliament Convening? 
Explore volunteer opportunities and learn how you can offer a taste of the Parliament experience in your own community.
New York Pre-Parliament Event Explores Theme of Freedom & Human Rights
On Thursday 8 September 2022 the Parliament of the World’s Religions and the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation hosted a Pre-Parliament event for the August 2023 Convening in Chicago, “A Call to Conscience: Defending Freedom and Human Rights”.
Parliament Joins 59th Annual ISNA Convention
Between 2-5 September 2022, thousands gathered at the 59th Annual ISNA Convention exploring the theme Resilience, Hope, & Faith: With Hardship, Comes Ease.
The Parliament of the World’s Religions was represented by members of the Board of Trustees and Staff who joined local, national, and international organizations in connecting with attendees.
IN MEMORIAM: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
The Parliament of the World’s Religions extends our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Share Insights & Explore Commitment with GE Survey
All members of the public with a general interest in ethics are invited to participate the first-ever Global Ethic Census, now live on our website.
WATCH NOW | The Turning Point
The Turning Point, a visual statement from the 2021 Parliament Convening, is now available to view and share in video form.
WATCH NOW | Listen to the Voice of Creation: An Interfaith Panel Discussion
The Parliament of the World's Religions alongside faith-based co-sponsors and partners Act Alliance, Bhumi Global, the Episcopal Church, ISNA, Islamic Relief, IRI-Colombia, the Temple of Understanding,  the Tzu Chi Foundation, and the World Council of Churches participated in an interfaith panel on the occasion of the Season of Creation, Climate Week NYC, and the UN General Assembly's Opening of the 77th Session.
Global Ethic Census Welcomes Feedback
The Parliament of the World’s Religions’ signature document, Towards a Global Ethic: An Initial Declaration will be celebrating its 30th anniversary next year, and in the run-up to the anniversary celebrations we are asking anew: Who is “the Global Ethic” for? How does “the Global Ethic” foster interfaith collaboration and action? What must our timeless moral traditions now speak into 21st century realities?

All members of the public with a general interest in ethics are invited to partner with us in this important re-evaluation by taking the first-ever Global Ethic Census.
Stay up to date with the work of the Parliament
Visit website

Advancing the mission of the Parliament of the World's Religions is made possible with the support from individuals like you! 

 SUPPORTING 

41. 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.


42. AUST | Helpers and Reliable Sources Along the Way

 

     ACKNOWLEDGING  

    43. 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.

    44. 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.

    45. 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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