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CoPP | GOV | UPDATING | Community Sector News | November 2022

[Edited extract from public address]

November in City of Port Phillip (CoPP) features the Mayor's Community Group Forum, great learning opportunities for Cultural Competency, Menopause Awareness and voting information for people living in residential aged care. Read about special events like the Port Phillip Remembrance Day and Port Phillip Guided Walks. 


 Training and Professional Development 

CoPP | WEBINAR | The Mayor's Community Group Forum | Thursday 3 November | 6-7pm

The Mayor is holding a community forum specifically for community groups, to provide an update on what’s currently happening in Council, consultations coming up and where the focus is for the next six months. It is also an opportunity to provide feedback on Council’s performance and ask any questions you may have.

This is a great opportunity for your club or community group to get an update directly from the Mayor.

TRANSV | TRAINING | LGBTQIA+ & Transgender Diverse Awareness | Friday 4 November 2022 | 9.30am-12.30pm

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 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 via Trybooking

CAVI | WEBINAR | Marketing Your Project to find Hidden Carers | Wednesday 16 November 2022 | 1.30-3.30pm

Join Carers Victoria (CAVI) in learning a few "hacks" for promoting your service or project.

This session will help participants in learning marketing tips, techniques and tools.

This session will include our regular "What's New" and "Networking" segments.

Who should attend? Any staff, volunteers and professionals working in the design or delivery of support services for Victorian carers.
  • Where: Online
  • Cost: Free
  • Bookings: See the Carers Victoria website for information and bookings. 

WHISE | TRAINING | Cultural Competency Training | Thursday 24 November 2022 | 10am-1pm

Women's Health in the South East (WHISE) and the Multicultural Health and Support Service (MHSS), as part of the Centre for Culture, Ethnicity and Health (CEH) are pleased to offer a free professional development opportunity for all allied health professionals, health promotion practitioners, policy-makers and health planners in the Southern Metropolitan Region.

The aim of the course is to improve the knowledge and skills of allied health professionals, health promotion practitioners, policy-makers and health planners, to enable them to provide culturally appropriate, safe and inclusive services and messaging.

  • Where: Strathaird Family and Community Centre, 106 Strathaird Drive, Narre Warren South, VIC 3805 
  • Cost: FREE
  • Bookings: essential, online through Eventbrite

WHISE | CALLING | Interested Women to join Menopause Working Group

Women's Health in the South East (WHISE)  is seeking expressions of interest for a menopause working group, following the success of our event, "Hot" topic: a free public webinar on menopause and how to manage. The working group will seek to create and deliver a project to increase awareness of, or improve the treatment of, menopause and its impacts on women's physical and mental wellbeing, work and relationships.

At our initial meeting, scheduled for Wednesday 9 November, we will be scoping potential areas of work and projects for development and implementation, as well as the capacity of prospective working group members to determine the regularity of our meetings and Terms of Reference.

The initial working group meeting will be held at WHISE's office, Level 1/70 St Kilda Rd, St Kilda. Morning tea will be provided. Virtual access will be provided for those who are unable to attend in-person.

 Events 

VEC | LAUNCHING | 2022 Aged Care Handbook – voting for residents in residential aged care 

The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) has just released its guide containing information and alternative arrangements for people living in residential aged care.

While aimed at aged care residents, the handbook contains information that may be relevant to other residents unable to vote in person or without assistance.

PPCfR | GATHERING | For a referendum for an indigenous voice to Parliament | Thursday 3 November 2022 | 6.30pm

Interested to learn more about the Referendum and Indigenous Voice to Parliament? Come along to St Kilda Town Hall on, for a public forum. Port Phillip Citizens for Reconciliation (PPCfR) are presenting. Speakers include: Thomas Mayor, a signatory to the Statement from the Heart; Uncle Shane Charles, Co-Chair, Reconciliation Victoria; and Ian Hamm, policy developer and manager, Chair of the Board of Directors, First Nations Foundation.

CoPP | GATHERING | Remembrance Day Event | Sunday 6 November 2022 | from 5pm

The Mayor and Councillors from the City of Port Phillip (CoPP) invite you to join us for an event to remember and reflect on our community’s service in times of peace and conflict. 
  • For more information ring (03) 9209 6777 or visit website

FoSC | GATHERING | Friends of Suai/Covalima Annual Community Meeting | Thursday 17 November 2022 | 6-7.30pm 

You are invited to the Friends of Suai/Covalima annual community meeting on Thursday 17 November in the Council Chamber at St Kilda Town Hall. The meeting will be held from 6.00 to 7.30pm, with refreshments provided. 

We are fortunate to have Dr Alan Dupont AO as our guest speaker. Dr Dupont is an international security expert, strategist, journalist and former adviser to Timor-Leste. He has written about Australia and Timor-Leste strategic relations, the Tasi Mane (South Coast) megaproject and the processing of gas from the Greater Sunrise field in the Timor Sea. This will be the topic of his presentation.

At the annual meeting we will also present and share highlights from our 2021/22 Annual report. 
  • Where: Council Chambers, St Kilda Town Hall
  • Cost: Free
  • Bookings: Please RSVP to friendsofsuai@portphillip.vic.gov.au

 Online Guided Walks 

People of South Melbourne – decade by decade | Thursday 3 November 2022 | 8-9pm

Tobias Nash leads this virtual walk to uncover South Melbourne milestones through the lives of extraordinary people decade by decade between the 1850s and 1950s.

Port Characters - decade by decade | Thursday 17 November 2022 | 8-9pm

Join Janet Bolitho on this virtual journey to experience Port’s milestones through the lives of extraordinary people, decade by decade, between 1830 and 2022.

The street where you live - Kerferd Road | Sunday 4 December 2022 | 10am-12noon

Travel with Tobias Nash along Kerferd Road, Albert Park to the foreshore exploring the former tramline, historic personalities, architecture and design including the new Shrine to Sea Project.


 Community Profile 

Port Phillip Men's Shed

The Men’s Shed provides a safe and caring mateship environment. Our members hail from all walks of life and from different age groups.

Most of us like being busy—working on projects, learning new things, or problem solving. The Shed provides opportunities to do just that. We have woodworking and metalworking facilities, as well as a vegetable garden. We have also found that folks experiencing loneliness, depression—often undiagnosed or ignored— or a sense of meaning seem to benefit from being at The Shed.

The Shed provides a safe and supportive space where members can be creative, remain active, contribute to the local community, and connect with Shed mates.

Women are most welcome to participate and are invited to join the Shed as Associate members. They have access to all facilities and can participate in workshops and Shed community activities.

Drop in for a visit, have a chat over a cuppa, and take a tour of one of the best Sheds in Victoria. 

MORE:

City of Port Phillip (CoPP)
Address: 99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda, VIC 3182
Email: news@portphillip.vic.gov.au

PWR | CLOSING | Call for Programs | closes Thursday 3 November 2022

[Edited extract from public address]

The Call for Programs for the 2023 Parliament of the World's Religions is closing soon.

Showcase best practices, storytelling, artistic expression, spiritually nourishing ritual, and emerging data, highlighting the wisdom of leaders from across sectors and more than 200 unique religious and spiritual affiliations. 

Pick the format that best fits your needs:

Have questions or concerns about the proposal process? 

Email us or leave a voicemail at 312-629-2990 by Wednesday 2 November 2022 and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Parliament Convenings are gatherings of community! 

Enjoy special savings when you book as group.

The Early Bird group rate offers groups of 5-9 a special rate of $280 per registrant and groups of 10+ a rate of $250 per registrant. Don't have a complete list of group members? You can secure the group rate NOW and finalize the registration for individual group members at their convenience.

Did you know? Faculty can access the student rate when they register a group of students. 

MORE:

Parliament of the World's Religions (PWR)
Address: 70 East Lake St., Ste 230 Chicago, IL 60601 USA
Tel: (312) 629-2990

ECCV | ISSUING | eBulletin #29 | October 2022

[Edited extract from public address]

While much political discourse takes place online these days, it’s clear there is still an appetite for town hall meetings. 

We were delighted with the turnout and robust discussion at our Election Forum last week, where we were pleased to receive overwhelming support for our State Election Platform. MPs from across the spectrum 
responded to the recommendations in our Platform and took questions from our passionate audience about issues important to multicultural communities. We thank our guest speakers Parliamentary Secretary for Housing Sheena Watt MP, Shadow Treasurer David Davis MP, Victorian Greens leader Samantha Ratnam MP and Reason Party leader Fiona Patten MP, who all acknowledged the important role multicultural organisations play in supporting migrant and refugee communities.
 
There was widespread support at the Forum for our call for a new Victorian multicultural strategy, which takes a co-designed, whole-of-government approach to engaging and supporting migrant and refugee communities. Central to this is our call for coordinated, responsive and equitable funding for the multicultural sector that puts an end to the current model of drip-funding. 
 
We welcome the commitment made by David Davis that if elected, the Coalition would substantially increase annual funding for ECCV over the next four years, in order to enhance our capacity to meet growing demand for support and advocacy.
 
ECCV continues to advocate for the government to build long-term capacity through greater investment across the multicultural sector.
 
It has been heartbreaking to see the devastation in flood-affected areas across the state and we hope the worst is now over. We applaud volunteers who lend their time and energy in these times of crisis, but this latest natural disaster has highlighted that multicultural communities need to be engaged in a coordinated emergency management process before another crisis occurs. In Shepparton, we have again seen the need for multicultural communities to be part of the response at the local level to ensure effective emergency communication and culturally appropriate support. This is a key recommendation in our Platform.
 
We are pleased with the Premier’s announcement of continued support for the Multicultural Emergency Management Partnership, but we are also calling for dedicated funding for regional multicultural emergency management.
 
We must use the learnings from the pandemic to create a new paradigm. Our multicultural communities cannot continue to be an afterthought. That’s why a new multicultural strategy for Victoria must be a priority.
 
With Victorians going to the polls in 29 days, we hope to see more election commitments to support our multicultural communities over the next four years.
 
Eddie Micallef, Chairperson

SHARING | in $200,000 government grant

We welcome the announcement made by the Victorian government this month that ECCV, along with four regional partners, will share in more than $200,000 from the latest round of funding from the Priority Response to Multicultural Communities program. The grants will be used to upskill workers to provide pandemic recovery services for migrant and refugee communities statewide. 
Read more here.

RECEIVED | Victorian Multicultural Award Winners

ECCV Board Member, Mohammed Yassin, won an Education Award at this week's Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence for his work on Harmony Champs, an anti-racism program run with Shepparton Lighthouse. Congratulations to Premier's Award for Harmony winner, Maria Dimopoulos AM, and all award recipients, including our members, Spectrum and Professional Migrant Women.

GATHERING | State Election Forum 2022 a success

More than 130 people attended our State Election Forum last week, where we received whole-hearted support for our State Election Platform. Brunswick Town Hall was abuzz with energy during the Q&A, where many great questions were asked of our guest speakers, MPs Sheena Watt, David Davis, Fiona Patten and Samantha Ratnam. 

GATHERING | 10th Walter Lippmann Memorial Oration

The Hon Tony Pagone AM KC delivered a thought-provoking speech at our 10th Annual Walter Lippmann Memorial Oration earlier this month. Mr Pagone reflected on growing up as the child of Italian migrants in 1960s Australia, his experiences as a lawyer and judge, the importance and challenges of building an inclusive multicultural society. 

LAUNCHING | National Speak My Language podcast

ECCV was pleased to be part of the national launch of the Speak My Language (Disability) podcast series in Sydney earlier this month. Our Victorian SML team produced more than 100 episodes about living well with disability. The launch included a panel of SML participants who shared their stories, including Yousif Assafiri, coordinator of our Raise Our Voices disability advocacy project. 

PRESENTING | At Department of Health forum

Earlier this month, ECCV delivered a presentation at the Department of Health's Community Capacity Building Forum on our COVID-19 Multicultural Outreach. Project coordinator, Shivani Sharma, spoke about the positive outcomes from our multilingual community engagement programs, as well as learnings from the challenges faced and recommendations for enhancing future grant design and partnerships. 

CONNECTING | Through Community outreach for Anti-Poverty Week

Our Multicultural Outreach team had a great time connecting with locals at the Anti-Poverty Week event held last week by the City of Greater Dandenong. The team spoke with community members about ECCV's outreach work, including how our bicultural workers are assisting people from migrant and refugee backgrounds to apply for the state government's Power Saving Bonus.

CELEBRATING | Victoria's unsung heroes: carers

Carers working with ECCV's Recognising and Respecting Carers project were pleased to join us at the Victorian Carers Forum, which took place on 4 October as part of Carers Week. It was a celebration of the important role of unpaid carers in caring for a loved one, an opportunity to hear from leaders in the care sector, connect with other carers, and hear about how carers can help shape the development of a new Victorian Carer Strategy.

INVITING | Connections through Multicultural Mental Health Network

ECCV will be launching the Victorian Multicultural Mental Health Network in late 2022. The Network will be a platform for key agencies, community organisations, researchers, clinicians, advocates, and people with lived experience to connect and collaborate on promoting the mental health needs of people from migrant and refugee backgrounds. 

SUPPORTING | Power Saving Bonus program

Bicultural workers in ECCV's Outreach team are assisting Victorians from migrant and refugee communities to apply for the state government's Power Saving Bonus program. The Bonus is a one-off payment of $250 available to all Victorian households, including concession cardholders who claimed the Bonus in an earlier phase of the program. 

HEARING | Your say: Pre-Budget Submission 

We are seeking input from our members and stakeholders to inform the advocacy priorities for our forthcoming Pre-Budget Submission 2022-23. If you would like to share your thoughts on the areas that should be addressed in next year's Victorian Budget, we encourage you to fill in our short survey here. 

ISSUING | Spring edition of Golden Years out now

Have you seen the latest issue of Golden Years, our triannual eMagazine for the multicultural aged care sector? The Spring edition features articles about our State Election platform recommendation promoting positive ageing, a review of the final report of the Parliamentary Inquiry into Older People from Migrant and Refugee backgrounds, aged care staffing challenges, the 40th Victorian Seniors Festival and more. 

MORE:

Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV)
Address: Suite 101, 398 Sydney Road, Coburg Vic 3058
Tel: (03) 9354 9555

YEF | LAUNCHING | Guide To Solar For Apartments | October 2022

[Edited extract from public address]

A comprehensive document full of relevant information, step-by-step advice, and guidance on how to tackle the roadblocks faced by apartment tenants, owners, and management companies when approaching solar for apartments.

So many of us are keen to reduce our bills and lower our emissions by installing solar. However, accessing reliable information or knowing where to start can be difficult.

This guide takes the guess work out for you and makes it easy to buy, install, and use solar generated electricity in your apartment.

The guide is the result of a collaborative effort between Yarra Energy Foundation and sustainability consultancy Point Advisory.

It was made possible by the Metropolitan Community Power Hub (MCPH), a landmark community energy initiative led by YEF and funded by the Victorian Government through Sustainability Victoria.

MORE:

Yarra Energy Foundation (YEF)

PPCfR | GATHERING | Referendum for an Indigenous Voice To Parliament Forum | Thursday 3 November 2022 | 6.30-8pm

[Edited extract from public address]

There is a groundswell of interest in and support for the upcoming Referendum for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, which is appropriate as it is a journey that all Australians are invited to take part in. 

The Prime Minister has provided the words he would like voters in that referendum to add to the Australian Constitution:
  • There shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice;
  • The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to parliament and the executive government on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
  • The parliament shall, subject to this constitution, have power to make laws with respect to the composition, functions, powers and procedures of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
A working group of First Nations leaders has been appointed which includes Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney and Senator Patrick Dodson, who will advise on three matters: the timing of a referendum, the words of the proposed referendum question and the information about the Voice to be issued to the public before the vote. Australians will debate on the referendum between now and the end of 2024, whether to entrench the Voice in the Constitution. If the referendum is successful, the government will be obliged to legislate the Voice; if the voters reject the referendum, a government could still decide to legislate a Voice.

Volunteer

As we get closer to a referendum on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, the Campaign from the Heart will need volunteers out on the streets of Australia. 

City of Port Phillip Forum

Attend our public event Forum on a Referendum for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament presented by Port Phillip Citizens for Reconciliation with moderator Leila Gurruwiwi and speakers Thomas Mayor, Uncle Shane Charles and Ian Hamm.

MORE:

Port Phillip Citizens for Reconciliation (PPCfR)
Tel: 9699 8804 

VMC | UPDATING | Support for individuals, communities and businesses impacted by floods in Victoria and more | Tuesday 25 October 2022

[Edited extract from public address]

Happy Diwali to all who are celebrating this week - it was a great seeing people of many different cultural backgrounds come together at the Premier’s Diwali State Reception last night.


Message from the Chairperson

We've seen community come together more than once this week. In Greater Shepparton especially, many multicultural community members and organisations are leading flood response activities. I know there is still much to do, and more rain to come, so we are so grateful for your continued efforts.

For those needing assistance, applications for the Emergency Relief Payment and the Personal Hardship Assistance Program are open until April 2023. These programs offer vital financial and material support to all those impacted by the floods. For more information, please see the below newsletter item. We recommend staying updated with the latest storm and flood information on the SES website (multiple languages are available).

On a happier note, my congratulations to those who have been selected to represent Australia at the Junior World Karate Championships in Turkey, including culturally diverse Victorians such as Emily Nguyen. Sport is a great unifier of people of all backgrounds and it is great to see the representation of young multicultural Victorians in these spaces. You can find more information about the Australia team here.

I am also very excited for the formal announcement of the winners of the 2022 Multicultural Awards for Excellence tonight. These awards recognise the great work being done by many community members, organisations, agencies and businesses to strengthen multiculturalism, and encourage others to do the same. Details of winners and those receiving a high-commendation will be shared online from tomorrow – watch this space!

Until we next meet, take care and stay well. 
Viv Nguyen AM, Chairperson

VIC | VEC | WEBINAR | Information forum on the state election | Wednesday 26 October 2022 | 7-8.15pm

In partnership with the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC), the VMC is hosting an information forum for multicultural communities on the upcoming Victorian State election.

The forum will include discussions on how to access information in your language and voting on election day.

VIC | GOV | Flood Recovery Hotline 1800 560 760 - call if impacted | open from 7.30am to 7.30pm every day

Flood Recovery Hotline is a single number that all Victorians impacted by the recent floods can call for help with:
  • temporary accommodation 
  • clean up
  • understanding what support is available
  • mental health and wellbeing support
  • Learn more
 

VIC | GOV | OFFERING | Flood support for small businesses

The Small Business Immediate Flood Relief Program supports businesses directly affected by the October 2022 Victorian floods. There are two streams of support available under this program.

The first is the Immediate flood relief grant, a one-off $5000 grant to cover immediate expenses of businesses impacted in eligible local government areas. Applications for this grant close 4pm Friday 13 January 2023 or earlier if funds are exhausted. 

The second support available is the Business Relief Service which is a free service offering one-on-one support through a local business relief adviser. The adviser will guide business owners to the available Commonwealth, state and local supports. 

To access the Business Relief Service, please call the Business Victoria hotline on 13 22 15 and they will connect you with dedicated business relief advisers and support. The hotline operates seven days a week
 

VIC | CSEFAP | GRANTING | Flood support for sporting clubs | applications open, closing 13 January 2023 or when funding exhausted

The Community Sport Emergency Flood Assistance Program (CSEFAP) will support sport and active recreation organisations directly affected by the October 2022 Victorian floods. 

$5,000 one-off grants are available to assist in the replacement of items that have been lost, damaged or destroyed.
 

VIC | GOV | INVITING | Victorian Youth to Join 2023 Congress | applications open,  closing Friday 11 November 2022

The Victorian Youth Congress is an advisory body of young Victorians aged between 12 and 25. The congress provides advice to inform and shape Victorian Government policy and programs for young people.

Previous experience is not required and young, diverse Victorians from rural, regional and metropolitan areas are encouraged to apply.

MORE:

Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)
Address: Level 3, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9651 5901

CHUFFED | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Donations towards Sponsorships of Aboriginal Midwifes for all First Nations Peoples | Tuesday 25 October 2022

[Edited extract from public address]

When a First Nations student midwife is sponsored to complete their studies, you are sponsoring not only their future, but all of the First Nations mothers and babies who will benefit and thrive in their care.

“Receiving this scholarship is going to help me achieve my dreams of hopefully one day becoming a midwife, just like my grandmother did back in the early days on the mission.” - Eleanor McCall, Kamilaroi woman
Before colonisation, culturally safe birthing was an uninterrupted practice for First Nations women and families for over 60,000 years. Women birthed on the same Country as generations before them, supported by traditional childbearing wisdom, extended kinship and community care. 

In addition to western midwifery training, First Nations midwives draw on these cultural knowledge systems, including key family members and cultural practices specific to that community. They allow First Nations women to feel safe at a time when they need it most. 

Chip in to this First Nations-led movement for the health and lives of all First Nations people. 

MORE:

Team Chuffed
Address: Level 2, 60 Martin Place, Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia
Website: www.chuffed.org

VTMH | WEBINAR | Understanding religious trauma through spiritual care – Where to begin? | Tuesday 8 November 2022 | 10.30am-12.00pm

[Edited extract from public address]

While person-centred care models include these domains, workers often feel ill-equipped to support people in these aspects of their lives. 

This reflective peer group allows mental health practitioners to deepen their understanding about spiritual diversity, which can include beliefs, values, traditions and practices.

In partnership with Spiritual Health Association (SHA), Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH) is pleased to offer opportunities for mental health practitioners to identify and explore challenges when spirituality or religion comes up during encounters with consumers.

Eligibility criteria
Sessions in this series are for practitioners working in the Victorian publicly funded mental health sector. This includes staff working in clinical and community-managed mental health services, as well as mental health programs in community health services. Unfortunately, these discussions are not currently open to those working in private practice, NDIS providers, or students on clinical placement.
  • Where: Online via Zoom – details to be sent to registrants in advance
  • Cost: Free
  • Bookings: online through VTMH

MORE:

Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH)
Address: St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, Level 1, Bolte Wing, 14 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Tel: (03) 9231 3300

PWR | UPDATING | COP27 and the Right to a Healthy Environment, FORUM 2022, and more | Friday 21 October 2022

[Edited extract from public address]

HOSTING | COP27 Side Event “The Right to a Healthy Environment” | Thursday 10 November 2022

The Parliament of the World’s Religions is partnering with UNEP Al-Mizan to host “The Right to a Healthy Environment: Faith And Ethical Perspectives” as an official side event of COP27, hosted in Egypt from 7-18 November 2022.

The right to a healthy environment is upheld by the ethical teachings of the world’s faith traditions on justice and the imperative to value nature. In this program, experts and faith leaders will speak on this topic from the perspectives of religious ethics and shared values, culture, and advocacy.

FEZANA | HOSTING | Pre-Parliament Event on “A Timeless Zoroastrian Legacy” | Sunday 30 October 2022

Join FEZANA for a special pre-Parliament event in support of the 2023 Parliament of World’s Religions’ A Call to Conscience: Defending Freedom & Human Rights. The program explores the world’s first charter of human rights, the Cyrus Cylinder.

COUNTING | In less than 300 days, Chicago is welcoming the global interfaith movement for the 9th Convening of the Parliament of the World's Religions. 

Want to get involved in the success of the world's premier interfaith event?
Get your community engaged! Host a pre-Parliament event, share our volunteer opportunities, and join the conversation online using the hashtag #2023PoWR.

WATCHING | FORUM2022


MEETING | Monthly Member Meditation and Meet-Up | Sunday 23 October 2022

On a week before the festival of Samhain which marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, Rev. Lewis will lead a guided meditation and share how Correllians interact with and venerate Ancestors during Samhain.

HEARING | Global Ethic Census Welcomes Feedback

All members of the public with a general interest in ethics are invited to partner with the Parliament of the World's Religions in this important re-evaluation of the foundational document, Towards the Global Ethic.

TALKING | Monthly Buddhist-Catholic Dialogue | Thursday 27 October 2022

The Buddhist-Catholic Dialogue on Climate Change welcomes you back to It’s Time to Talk, a dialogue grounded in deep listening, focusing on the question, What is it of our traditions that compels us to confront the climate crisis?

STAYING | Up to date with the work of the Parliament


SUPPORTING | The mission of the Parliament of the World's Religions made possible with support from individuals like you!


MORE:

Parliament of the World's Religions (PWR)
Address: 70 East Lake St., Ste 230 Chicago, IL 60601 USA
Tel: (312) 629-2990

VTMH | WEBINAR | Approaching Work With Interpreters In Mental Health Settings – 2 Day (Non-Consecutive) Workshop | Wednesdays 2 & 9 November 2022 | 3 hours per day: 9.30am-12.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

A workshop designed for all practitioners currently working with interpreters in mental health settings.

The workshop will explore challenges and realities in the interpreting environment, look at strategies for adapting practice for working with interpreters in a variety of mental health settings and consider key culturally responsive practices and principles, including cultural safety and cultural humility, in the context of working with interpreters.

Participants will receive hard copies of resources developed in the project (Approaching work with interpreters in mental health settings, VTMH, 2019), including a Practice Tips Poster and Report. 

The workshop is delivered online via Zoom over 2 days, with a 3-hour session per day, and complimented with some self-directed learning activities.

Open to staff working in publicly funded mental health programs across Victoria, including staff in clinical and community mental health services, as well as people working within mental health programs in community health and social services. Visit the link below for more information about workshop eligibility. 
  • Where: Online via Zoom — details to be sent to registrants in advance
  • Cost: Free
  • Bookings: essential as spaces are limited. Please register early to secure a place online through VTMH

MORE:

Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH)
Address: St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, Level 1, Bolte Wing, 14 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Tel: (03) 9231 3300

VMC | ADVISING | Support available for those impacted by Victoria's floods | Thursday 20 October 2022

[Edited extract from public address]

Have you been impacted by the floods or storms in Victoria?

This is an important community update on how to get help if you've been impacted by flooding in Victoria
Please share this email with your networks, community groups, and anyone you may know who has been affected.
  • If your home is flooding and you need emergency assistance, please call 000. 
  • If your home is about to flood, please call VICSES on 132 500.
  • For family violence services, please contact the Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre on 1800 015 188. 
  • If you'd like to get in touch with the VMC, please email contact@vmc.vic.gov.au. 

VIC | GOV | PROVIDING | Flood recovery hotline 1800 560 760 | open 7.30am-7.30pm everyday

Flood Recovery Hotline is a single number that all Victorians impacted by the recent floods can call for help with:
  • temporary accommodation 
  • clean up
  • understanding what support is available
  • mental health and wellbeing support
  • Learn more
 

AUST | NEMBCM | TRANSLATING | Victorian Floods in Language audio

NEMBC Media (NEMBCM) has translated their news updates regarding the Victorian floods into 11 languages. The translations are available in:
  • Arabic
  • Greek
  • Hindi
  • Italian
  • Macedonian
  • Maltese
  • Mandarin
  • Sinhala
  • Spanish
  • Tagalog
  • Turkish
The files can be listened to on the website and shared on social media. 
 

AUST | LIFELINE | PROVIDING | Emotional support

It is normal to experience a range of physical, mental, emotional and behavioural reactions following an emergency or distressing event.
  • If you or a loved one needs support during this difficult time, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

VIC | GOV | TRANSLATING | Other Resources

 

AUST | GOV | SUPPORTING | Affected Victorians to claim a Disaster Recovery Payment or Disaster Recovery Allowance | claims close 17 April 2023

A $1000 Disaster Recovery Payment or Disaster Recovery Allowance is available to help people seriously affected by flooding around Victoria in October 2022. 

Those impacted have until 17 April 2023 to make a claim for either the lump sum payment or the allowance.

Only select Victorian regions are covered - please read the eligibility criteria for more information. 

For more information, please call the Flood Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760.
 

VIC | GOV | SUPPORTING | Affected Victorians to claim a Personal Hardship Assistance Program

This program helps people experiencing financial hardship because of a natural disaster related emergency such as flood or severe storm.  

A one-off payment is provided to help meet immediate needs, including emergency food, shelter, clothing, medication and accommodation. Additional assistance may also be available for up to seven days after the emergency event.

Eligibility is determined by a needs assessment. Relief payments are not available to cover the cost of cleaning up fallen trees, replacing fences, repairing or towing vehicles, covering insurance excesses, or to cover business losses. 

VIC | SES | ADVISING | Local flood guides

Local flood guides can help you better understand your flood risk, how flood warnings work and how to prepare yourself, your home or your business.

You can search for your local flood guide by suburb, postcode or council/municipality.
 

VIC | GOV | SUPPORTING | Affected Victorian flood-affected farmers

A support package is available for flood-affected farmers:
  • Primary Producer Clean-Up Relief Grants: $10,000 grants to cover the cost of the clean-up and get businesses up and running again
  • Primary Producer Concessional Loans: Up to $250,000 to restore or replace damaged equipment and infrastructure, or to cover the short-term business expenses.
  • Primary Producer Transport Subsidies: Up to $15,000 to support the transport of emergency fodder or stock drinking water, and the movement of livestock.
  • Learn more and apply
 

VIC | SES | PROVIDING | Victorian State Emergency Service

  • Hotline: 132 500 and dial 9 for an interpreter
  • Information hotline: 1800 226 226
  • Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS): 1300 771 741
  • Interpreting service: If you need an interpreter, call TIS National on 131 450.
  • Triple Zero: Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.

MORE:

Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)
Address: Level 3, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9651 5901

GiveOUT | RAISING | Funds, Awareness and Support – GiveOUT Day | Thursday 20 October 2022

[Edited extract from public address]

Growing the pot of gold under the rainbow. GiveOUT Day is here!

Happy GiveOUT Day! The day is just beginning and we’ve already raised more than $60,000. But we want to make this GiveOUT Day the biggest yet – can you help? 

Choose your favourite LGBTIQ+ project or cause and donate now! Whether you can give $5 or $5,000, every bit of support helps LGBTIQ+ organisations who provide vital services to our rainbow communities.

Match funding announcement

Thanks to the generous support of the Reichstein Foundation we’re thrilled to announce an additional $15,000 in match funding for LGBTIQ+ organisations participating in GiveOUT Day.

This brings our total to $135k in match funding available for GiveOUT Day this year (capped at $1,500 per project). So donate early to have your donation matched!

Reichstein Foundation is proud to support GiveOUT Day as it makes visible the important and underfunded work of LGBTIQ+ organisations and groups, while providing funders with opportunities to learn and give to this work.

I’ve donated, what now?

You’re a superstar! We have a dazzling GiveOUT Day planned for our rainbow communities so check out how to get involved below.

Tune in at 1pm, 5pm and 8pm to our Hours of power

Hosted by our stunning ambassadors to hear directly from LGBTIQ+ organisations on the impact of your donations.

Enter the GiveOUT Day Raffle

Need a new pair of Birkenstocks for summer? Want to lay back with a cold beer over new years? Keen to party in Sydney for World Pride? We have you covered!

Enter the GiveOUT Day Raffle for the chance to win one of these sensational prizes:
  • Prize 1: 2 x Tickets to Gaytimes Festival 2023, a weekend of music, art, community, sexuality and self-expression for the LGBTIQ community!
  • Prize 2: $300 Platypus Voucher + 4 x cases of Stomping Ground Beer for the summer*
  • Prize 3: Aesop Parsley Seed Extended Anti-Oxidant Skin Care Kit to indulge your skin
  • Prize 4: 2 x Tickets to the highly anticipated Unicorns Party for Sydney World Pride + your very own World Pride Merch Pack to make sure that you arrive in style! 
  • Prize 5: A Stellar Space Adult Mobile by LGBTIQ+ designers Josh and Matt Design
  • Prize 6: Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash and Hand Balm Duet to help give your hands the TLC they deserve 
All proceeds go directly towards supporting GiveOUT to make GiveOUT Day a reality.

Spread the word

Support LGBTIQ+ communities and share GiveOUT Day with your friends and family.

Don't forget to hashtag #giveoutau and tag us at @giveout_au! 

Here’s to the biggest GiveOUT Day yet!

With pride,
Tracey for the GiveOUT team


MORE:

The GiveOUT Team (GiveOUT)

PWR | COUNTING | Only 300 days until the world's PREMIER interfaith event! | Wednesday 19 October 2022

[Edited extract from public address]

Don't miss the world's premier interfaith Convening!

In less than a year the world's most influential religious and spiritual leaders will descend on Chicago for the 2023 Parliament of the World's Religions.

This five-day Convening is an opportunity for religious, spiritual, civic, and grassroots leaders from across the globe to come together to address the most pressing issues of our time: the threat of autocracy, climate change, and war. As well as advance our shared mission to foster interfaith dialogue for a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world.

Explore how you can get involved in the impact of the 2023 Parliament of the World's Religions.

In 13 days, the Early Bird Rate is ending. Take 40% off the on-site general admission rate and explore group savings when you register by 31 October 2022. Connect with thousands of committed interfaith activists!

In 16 days, the Call for Programs is coming to a close. The Parliament is accepting panels, workshops, performances, art & exhibits, religious observances, individual presentations, and films by 3 November 2022. Don't miss the chance to share your tradition or work with a global community!

In 300 days, Chicago will welcome thousands at the opening of the 2023 Parliament of the World's Religions. The 2023 Convening will celebrate 130 years of history and engage thousands of communities in the interfaith movement. Explore how you can get involved!

Help us spread the word! 

Join #VoicesOfPoWR from around the world in sharing what makes the Parliament of the World's Religions a life-changing experience.

Tag us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube at @parliamentofreligions and Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok at @interfaithworld

MORE:

Parliament of the World's Religions (PWR)
Address: 70 East Lake St., Ste 230 Chicago, IL 60601 USA
Tel: (312) 629-2990

VMC | UPDATING | How to apply for emergency flood payments, enrol to vote and more | Wednesday 19 October 2022

[Edited extract from public address]

This week we have seen wild weather impact many communities across Victoria, in many cases leaving devastation in its path. To all those affected by this weather, particularly the floods, please know that there is support available for you.


Message from the Chairperson

The VMC is currently working closely with relevant Government departments and local multicultural community organisations to support the response to this emergency event. We will ensure communities are kept informed, and advocate for timely, safe and appropriate help.

I'd like to draw your attention to two items in this week's newsletter about applying for financial or material support. The federal Government's Disaster Recovery Payment and Disaster Recovery Allowance are targeted to areas most affected. Please consider your eligibility for these programs.

It has been encouraging to see that multicultural communities are being considered in the government's flood response. It indicates that the lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic are now being built into similar emergency responses.

In relation to the pandemic, we were pleased to see that the State Government has announced funding to 77 multicultural and multifaith community organisations in the last week, to support recovery from COVID-19. This will strengthen workforces, and our local and national economies.

Until we next meet, take care and stay well.
Viv Nguyen AM, Chairperson

AUST | GOV | SUPPORTING | Victorians Claim a Disaster Recovery Payment or Disaster Recovery Allowance | claim by April 2023

Financial support is available to help people seriously affected by flooding around Victoria in October 2022, in the form of a $1000 Disaster Recovery Payment or Disaster Recovery Allowance.

Those impacted have until 17 April 2023 to make a claim for either the lump sum payment or the allowance.

Only select Victorian regions are covered - please read the eligibility criteria for more information.

For more information about State Government support, please call the Flood Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760.

VIC | GOV | SUPPORTING | VicEmergency – Personal Hardship Assistance Program

The Personal Hardship Assistance Program assists people experiencing financial hardship because of a natural disaster related emergency such as flood and severe storm.

Additional assistance may also be available for up to seven days after the emergency event. A one-off payment is provided to help meet immediate needs, including emergency food, shelter, clothing, medication and accommodation.

A needs assessment is carried out by a Personal Hardship Assistance Officer to determine eligibility.

Relief payments are not available to cover the cost of cleaning up fallen trees, replacing fences, repairing or towing vehicles, covering insurance excesses, or to cover business losses.

VIC | VEC | REMINDING | Eligible Victorians to Enrol to vote in November 2022 State election | enrolments close 8pm Tuesday 8 November 2022 

The next State election is on Saturday 26 November 2022. To vote, you'll need to be correctly enrolled by 8pm on Tuesday 8 November 2022.

You must enrol to vote if you:
  • are an Australian citizen
  • are aged 18 years or older
    and
  • have lived in Victoria for longer than a month.
If you need help with your enrolment or have any questions about enrolling, contact our enrolment helpline:

AUST | SCIN | INTERVIEWING | Voices of Australia podcast

VMC Chairperson Viv Nguyen joined Youth Activating Youth Programs Manager Hanad Hersi on the fourth episode of The Voices of Australia podcast to explore the question 'What is Social Cohesion?'.

Hosted by Scanlon Institute (SCIN) CEO Anthea Hancocks and Below the Surface Magazine Founder Lydia Tesema, this podcast is filled with insightful perspectives from a range of diverse voices on how to create a cohesive society.

The podcast is available to listen for free on PodBean.


AUST | SBS | BROADCASTING | Arabic and Mandarin news bulletins – Watch now

SBS is now presenting two locally-produced news bulletins, SBS Arabic News and SBS Mandarin News.

Two dedicated teams of journalists produce the in-language bulletins, which provide coverage of major national and international stories.

SBS عربي News streams live at 8pm on weeknights and SBS 中文 News is live from 8.30 pm on weeknights. They are also both available to stream at any time on SBS On Demand.

AUST | LOTE | HEARING | Your say: Multicultural research - intercultural or interfaith relationships

The LOTE Agency (LOTE) is working with Monash University to research intercultural or interfaith relationships.

This project aims to examine the nature of ethnic/religious partnering and explore how mixed relationships embody Australian multiculturalism. The outcome will be used to help improve cultural understanding and policies.

Participants are to be aged 25 to 34 yrs old for interviews to take one hour and will be run by Monash University’s Research Team. They can take place virtually or in person (if you are based in Melbourne).

All interviewees will be given a $100 Prezzee voucher to thank you for your time and contribution to the project.

Coronavirus hotline 


MORE:

Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)
Address: Level 3, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9651 5901

CUIN | UPDATING | Diverse Perspectives and Lived Experiences- Cultural Infusion News and more | Saturday 15 October 2022

[Edited extract from public address]

In this newsletter, we reflect on an expert accessibility keynote speech, the 2022 Global Talent Summit, cultural incursions in the community, upcoming webinar and our new website & discount offer!


SPEAKING | Equal Employment Opportunity Network Victoria (EEON) Forum

Cultural Infusion's Project Manager and UX Specialist Saman Akbaryan was featured as an expert speaker at the EEON's Accessibility: stories from people about the impact when we get it right event. 

The EEON event hosted four keynote speakers, each sharing and reflecting on their lived experience of navigating the accessibility of a range of spaces. Each keynote spoke on the impact of making adjustments to their everyday lives. Accessibility is impacted across areas including their studies, business', work and recreation. 

Saman is a highly qualified individual who has earned a Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, a Masters of eCommerce and a Masters of Information Technology, specialising in Human-Computer Interaction. His keynote reflected on his own unique perspective of living with disability and the influences which have led him to develop innovative and technological solutions to support others also living with disability.

Saman developed the idea for Inclusion Atlas, an application designed to highlight the accessibility and inclusive features of buildings and spaces.  
 
The platform catalogues the real-time accessibility and inclusiveness features of venues across the world with User Generated Content. Contributors can rate spaces they have visited, upload photos and provide up to date information to help support a range of diverse and cultural accessibility needs.
 
The beta version of Inclusion Atlas is set to be launched on a number of platforms by the end of 2022. Stay tuned to Cultural Infusion's newsletters and social media for updates over the coming weeks.

ATTENDING | 2022 Global Talent Summit

Our Founder and CEO, Peter Mousaferiadis is currently in Washington DC, where he was invited to attend the 2022 Global Talent Summit. 

This year's Global Talent Summit hosted keynote speeches and workshops with a focus on the theme 'Reinvention, Rethink, Reshuffle and Renegotiation'.

Peter met with other key thought leaders and multi-disciplinary stakeholders from the private sector, policy, academia, and innovation to discuss trends and solutions for the future of work, talent retention, recruitment and education. 

Over the course of his travels this year, Peter has shared the value of intercultural knowledge and understanding to new audiences around the world. 

Diversity Atlas is our unique data-analysis platform that provides insight into cultural and demographic diversity within an organisation. It features the world’s largest commercially available datasets of people-groups, languages and worldviews. This allows teams to better measure, understand, acknowledge and act on its diversity, inclusion and development strategies.
     

ENGAGING | Culture with Context: Presenters in the Community

Part of Education Strategist Nisha Feik's work at Cultural Infusion is to visit Cultural Infusion presenters for support, to collect current images of them at work, to liaise with clients and help with ideas for audience engagement. It’s a real privilege to work closely with people from diverse communities who are experts in the areas of song, dance and storytelling amongst other talents. 

It’s at times like these when Cultural Infusion presenters really spark intercultural understanding with others.

In September, Nisha helped Mohamed Camara unload 30 djembes, 2 dun duns, various kiss kass and shekere and a kora upstairs to deliver an interactive Rhythms and Instruments of West Africa incursion for students at a Christian college in Melbourne. During the 50-minute sessions children learnt to play various rhythms on shared instruments and danced and sang with Mohamed as well as asking him questions to learn more about West African culture.

Another September highlight for Nisha was attending a short Middle Eastern Belly Dancing class for under-5s at Port Melbourne library with Heidi Tyrell, AKA Azura. 

Heidi was great with audience involvement. An elderly man who said he was from Egypt added his own vocal ululation to the ones Heidi and the audience were doing together and agreed with her explanation that it meant love – he had heard it at a wedding. Children also joined in: learning to say ‘darabukka’ – broke rolling the R, dancing and learning a chant.  

Cultural Infusion Cultural Calendar is a great way for community organisations to celebrate important cultural events. Visit the link below to discover our upcoming dates to celebrate, complementing our range of cultural programs.
     

WEBINAR | Pedagogical Perspectives | October 18 2022 | 11am-12noon AEDT

Join Education Strategist Nisha Feik for an intercultural understanding of pedagogy that will share music from Brazil, West Africa and China. The webinar features culturally responsive music teaching using blended learning with insights from music teachers in America. The webinar will run for an hour and is available globally.

The webinar will feature a demonstration of how to create an arrangement using Brazilian instrumental samples with Sound Infusion. This is Cultural Infusion's sound and music arranging platform, comprising the  largest database of samples of instruments from around the world.
     

INTRODUCING | Cultural Infusion's new website and digital brochures! Plus- there is still time to book your next cultural incursion using our exclusive discount offer.

Cultural Infusion's new Education & Experiences website is now live! Our website is easy to navigate, sharing our diverse range of amazing cultural programs. 

These are available to all schools, early learning centers and community organisations Australia-wide as well as for virtual delivery. We are also excited to announce that our updated digital brochures can now be found on our new website. Each state has it's own brochure displaying the available cultural programs.

EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT OFFER FOR NEW ENQUIRIES
Enquire via our new website and present the code 'MCAD10'  to our Education & Experiences team to receive 10 percent off your next Multicultural All Day or Half Day incursion.
  • Offer is now valid until the 2nd of November 2022. Book Now!

MORE:

Cultural Infusion (CUIN)
Address: Suite 2, 273-277 Wellington Street, Collingwood, VIC 3066

ULDI | RAISING | Awareness, Funds and Support for Voice, Treaty and Truth in Australian History

[Edited extract from public address]

Join a movement of the Australian people and walk with us for a better future. 

We call on all Australians to support a First Nations Voice to Parliament by voting Yes in the upcoming referendum, so we can finally have a say on policies and laws that affect our communities.
The Uluru Statement from the Heart is an invitation to the Australian people. We ask Australians to accept our invitation to walk with us in a movement of the Australian people for a better future. We call for the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution and a Makarrata Commission to supervise a process of agreement-making and truth-telling about our history.
The Uluru Dialogue represents the cultural authority of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and leads community education on the Uluru Statement’s reforms of Voice, Treaty and Truth. The Uluru Dialogue is based at the Indigenous Law Centre, UNSW Sydney.

MORE:

The Uluru Dialogue (ULDI)
Indigenous Law Centre, UNSW Sydney

GHO | SUPPORTING | Anyone affected by gambling

[Edited extract from public address]

Help is just a click away. Free, confidential and available 24/7.

While it may seem obvious what gambling is, emerging technology has blurred the lines to expand the range of ways people gamble.

Traditionally gambling is an activity where someone risks money or belongings, there is an element of randomness or chance involved and the purpose is to win.

The traditional methods that usually come to mind are:
  • Gaming Machines/Pokies
  • Lottery
  • Scratch cards
  • Online Gambling
  • Sports betting.
As different ways to gamble have developed it has become difficult to identify some instances when someone has a gambling problem.

In addition to the traditional definition of gambling, urges and the way they affect people (read more about urges) are a strong factor in gambling addiction.

Someone can have a gambling problem if they are addicted to an activity where they cannot control the urge to participate, and it’s having a negative impact on their lives.

Emerging gambling activities include:
  • Online investment trading
  • Fantasy sports
  • Games with In App Purchases
  • Online Auctions.
If you feel that gambling is having an negative impact on your life why not speak to one of our counsellors, it’s free, confidential and available 24/7!

Taking a step forward includes:
  • Chat now
  • Self help
  • Join a discussion
  • Assess your gambling
  • SMS support

MORE:

Gambling Help Online (GHO)

VMC | UPDATING | Learn your rental rights tonight, emergency weather warning for Victoria and more | Tuesday 11 October 2022

[Edited extract from public address]

After a state-wide search, 20 young people aged between 16 and 25 were selected to represent their region of Victoria. Over their two-year term, they will formally advise the VMC on issues and challenges impacting multicultural young people. 


Message from the Chairperson


As we listen to and include the voices of young people, it is so important to ensure that these voices are diverse. That is why it's been great to see the recent State Government funding allocated to new multicultural and youth-focused projects. We are looking forward to see the impact that this funding - and our Multicultural Youth Network - will have on future generations of Victorians.

As we look to the future, there is a clear intent from multicultural people of all ages to address mental health and wellbeing in their communities. This week I attended an event hosted by Australian Nepal Public Link in recognition of International Mental Health Day. I was pleased to see the community taking a lead on breaking down stigmas and barriers while gaining knowledge about mental health.

I learnt that this community has trained over 500 community representatives and leaders with mental health first aid - a fantastic achievement. Mental health and wellbeing will continue to be a significant challenge, but with this kind of community leadership, it can be addressed.

Until we next meet, take care and stay well. 
Viv Nguyen AM, Chairperson


VIC | TEVI | REMINDING | Online rental rights forum | TONIGHT Tuesday 11 October | 7-8pm

Hosted by Tenants Victoria (TEVI) in partnership with the VMC, this online forum is dedicated to explaining rental rights to Victoria's multicultural communities. 

The forum will be guided by Tenant's Victoria lawyer Ben Cording, and include time for questions.

We particularly encourage renters whose first language is not English, or renters who are newly arrived to Victoria, to register for the forum.  
 

VIC | SES | ADVISING | Extreme weather warning for Victoria

State emergency services are warning all Victorians of serious flooding events expected this week, particularly communities in northern Victoria. 

The Bureau of Meteorology are warning of high rainfall levels across much of Victoria, potential for major riverine flooding, as well as flash flooding and damaging winds.

Victorians are reminded to connect with official sources of emergency information, and to call 000 if they are in immediate danger.

Useful links:

VIC | GOV | HEARING | Your say: diverse community mental health and wellbeing

Everyone should be able to access the support they need for good mental health and wellbeing. Unfortunately, this is not always true for multicultural communities.

In response to this gap, the Victorian Government is developing a new Diverse Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Framework, and you are invited to have your say!

Join an online session this October to discuss what good mental health means to you, and what safe and inclusive mental health services look like for culturally diverse communities. 

If you have any questions, or require additional support to participate, please contact the Diverse Communities team at mhwd.diversity@health.vic.gov.au.

AUST | SBS | BROADCASTING | News Bulletins in Arabic and Mandarin

SBS is now presenting two locally-produced news bulletins, SBS Arabic News and SBS Mandarin News.

Two dedicated teams of journalists produce the in-language bulletins, which provide coverage of major national and international stories.

SBS عربي News streams live at 8pm on weeknights and SBS 中文 News is live from 8.30 pm on weeknights. They are also both available to stream at any time on SBS On Demand.
 

VIC | FCCV | GATHERING | 2022 Victorian Interfaith Networks Festival | Sunday 13 November 2022 | arrive 11.30am for 12noon-4.30pm

The Faith Communities Council of Victoria, in partnership with Boroondara Interfaith Network and City of Boroondara, invite you to the 2022 Victorian Interfaith Networks Festival.

In addition to keynote speakers, this annual multifaith festival includes music, dance, workshops and delicious food! Attendees are encouraged to network and discuss the key issues facing young multicultural Victorians.  

Coronavirus hotline 


MORE:

Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)
Address: Level 3, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9651 5901

FCCV | GATHERING | 2022 Victorian Interfaith Networks Festival | Sunday 13 November 2022 | 12noon-4.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

The Victorian Interfaith Networks Festival is a celebration of cultural and faith diversity, bringing together people from all walks of life, and providing a great networking opportunity.

In 2022, the event will be hosted by the City of Boroondara and the Boroondara Interfaith Network, and held on Sunday November 13th @ the Hawthorn Arts Centre.

This year’s theme will focus on issues affecting young people:
  • What creates a sense of belonging for young multicultural people?
  • How are young people negotiating religion, sexuality and diversity?
  • What community projects are young people participating in?
Keynote speaker will be Lunorphare (Luna) Folly, Youth Commissioner of the Victorian Multicultural Commission. Born in Benin in Africa during a time of civil war, his family fled to neighbouring Togo, which was his mother's home town. His family stayed in a refugee camp there for seven years before being selected to move to Ballarat in 2008 when he was just eight years old. Come and listen to Luna’s refugee journey and what created a sense of belonging for him in regional Victoria.

This free festival will include multicultural food, stands, music, dance and workshops.
  • View Flyer (PDF)
  • Where: Hawthorn Arts Centre, Main Hall, 360 Burwood Highway, Hawthorn VIC 3122
  • Parking: Public parking is available at the rear of the Centre, accessible from Kent St or Oxley Road. Additional parking is also available a short walk from the Centre on Serpells Lane and Swinburne Avenue
  • Cost: Free
  • Bookings: online via Eventbrite 

MORE:

Faith Communities Council of Victoria (FCCV)
Contact: Mr Sandy Kouroupidis, Multifaith Officer
Tel: 0412 670 369

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).