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.
- Where: online
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: Please register prior to attending, online through Zoom
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
Email: contact@vmc.vic.gov.au