October is well under way! There are many significant cultural events to look forward to this month, including Yom Kippur, Sukkot and Diwali.
Message from the Chairperson
I look forward to being part of some of these celebrations and observances, and invite others in the community to learn about these special dates.
While we come together to celebrate, I ask everyone to hold space for the deep pain currently being felt within many communities. We share the pain of those affected by the ongoing devastation in Ukraine, the violent response to protests in Iran and the many Hazara students who lost their lives in the recent attack of Kabul in Afghanistan. I offer my prayers to all communities going through these difficult times.
Closer to home, I'd like to draw your attention to two important reports released by the Independent Pandemic Management Advisory Committee. The first is the Review of COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Orders in Victoria and the second is the Review of COVID-19 Communications in Victoria.
I encourage everyone to read these reports, as they highlight the important lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic, and make recommendations for improving communication with culturally diverse communities. These milestones indicate the State's ongoing commitment to engaging multicultural communities beyond the pandemic.
Another example of this is the $2.4 million in grants allocated to addressing family violence in multicultural communities. The successful recipients include the Migrant Information Centre, Centre for Multicultural Youth and Sunraysia Mallee Ethnic Communities Council. This funding will support these organisations to continue delivering vital family violence services, which is much needed in our communities.
Until we next meet, take care and stay well.
Viv Nguyen AM, Chairperson
VIC | VMC | CONNECTING | With young multicultural Victorians
Our newly relaunched online community, VMConnect, now has over 900 members.
It's also home to a dedicated Group for multicultural young people living in Victoria, and you're invited to join the conversation!
Group discussions are a great way to connect with others who have shared identities and interests, who are also passionate about advocating for young people in our state. Other Groups include LGBTIQ+, mental health and volunteering.
VIC | VSF | CELEBRATING | Victorian Seniors Festival - free public transport for Senior Card holders
The 2022 Victorian Seniors Festival is back, marking 40 years of celebrating all Victorians over the age of 60.
Until October 9, Victorian Senior Card holders will enjoy eight days of FREE public transport.
Join the fun by checking out the calendar of statewide in-person and online events taking place throughout October - all activities are either at a low cost or FREE!
VIC | TEVI | WEBINAR | Rental rights online forum | Tuesday 11 October 2022 | 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.
- Where: online. Register for Zoom link.
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: online through Zoom
VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Multicultural Seniors Support Program | applications now open, close 28 February 2025.
Multicultural seniors’ groups can now receive financial help through the Multicultural Seniors Support 2021–25 program.
This funding is for activities that benefit seniors' group members and build stronger community connections. For example, social and cultural activities, improving digital literacy and the running costs of the organisation.
Grants of $2,000 will be available each financial year, up to 2024-25.
MELB | RMIT | GRANTING | Interpreter Scholarship program | applications open, closing 30 November 2022
RMIT university is now offering scholarships to students studying Interpreting in 2023.
Qualified interpreters play an important role in our state, supporting culturally and linguistically diverse communities to stay connected, and access crucial government services, such as health care and housing support.
Your application for the preferred RMIT University course and the documentation required for the scholarship must be completed by 30 November 2022.
MORE:
Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)
Address: Level 3, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9651 5901
Email: contact@vmc.vic.gov.au