Everyone deserves to feel safe, valued, and supported. Sadly, our cultural background, gender and sexuality can increase the disadvantage we experience.
Message from the Chairperson
This is evident in recent interviews with the ABC where a number of diversity experts call out the isolation, trauma, and racism experienced by culturally diverse workers.
We must collectively call out bullying and harassment in the workplace. At the VMC, we believe that collecting data is a crucial element of this. Data enables us to understand the role that identity plays in workplace inequality, and we can use it to set diversity targets and accurately measure progress. As VMC Chairperson, I believe measuring cultural diversity is vital, especially in a diverse and complex state like Victoria, and we will continue to advocate for this.
A great example of the benefits of data collection is the Baseline Report issued by the Victorian Commissioner for Gender Equality. This Report covers key findings from the first workplace gender audit of public service entities in 2021. This report is due to be released early next year, and we are looking forward to reviewing the data which will ensure more focussed conversations around diversity.
Until we next meet, take care and stay well.
Viv Nguyen AM, Chairperson
VIC | VEOHRC | CALLING | For pledges of action for human rights this Human Rights Week | 2-9 December 2022
Human Rights Week is an annual event in December, facilitated by the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC).
This year, Victorians are invited to take a pledge to make human rights real for themselves and their communities. Each day you will be invited to take part in a small, achievable action.
These daily actions will challenge your knowledge of human rights and implement this knowledge in a practical way.
The VMC will be contributing our own daily action on Friday 9 December - follow us on social media to keep up to date!
VIC | GOV | HEARING | Your say: Commonwealth Games villages | survey closes 4 December 2022
The Victorian Government is seeking advice on the construction of the 2026 Commonwealth Games villages. The Games will see four villages constructed in Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, and Morwell.
The community survey seeks to understand different perspectives on what makes the village sites special and what could help them transform into vibrant and sustainable communities in future.
VIC | GOV | GRANTING | 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. 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 close 4pm Friday 13 January 2023 or earlier if funds are exhausted.
The second stream is the Business Relief Service which offers free, one-on-one support through a local business relief adviser. The adviser will guide business owners to Commonwealth, state and local supports. Please call the Business Victoria hotline 13 22 15 to be connected. The hotline operates seven days a week
VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Flood support for sporting clubs | applications close 5pm on 13 January 2023 or until funding is exhausted
The Community Sport Emergency Flood Assistance Program supports 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 were lost, damaged or destroyed.
VIC | CGEPS | HEARING | Your say: Caring and Workplace Gender Equality in the Public Sector Victoria
The Commission for Gender Equality in the Public Sector (CGEPS) and the University of Melbourne are seeking participants for a research project on ‘Caring and Workplace Gender Equality in the Public Sector Victoria’.
Participants must be current Public Sector employees, and will be asked to complete a survey. This research project will examine how pregnancy, parenting and caring impacts organisational gender equality.
Survey responses will meet research goals, and may also help participants to better understand their rights and options in relation to care and work.
VIC | MAUN | HEARING | Your say: Aboriginal women in Victoria public sector workplaces
Macquarie University (MAUN) is seeking survey participants for a research project focussed on the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who work in Victoria Public Sector workplaces. This includes cisgender and transgender women, and those with expansive definitions of womanhood.
The 15-minute survey invites participants to reflect on experiences of abuse, harassment, bullying or racism that they have experienced or witnessed as an employee.
The survey is anonymous, and is open to current and previous employees of Victoria Public Sector workplaces.
Coronavirus hotline
- Coronavirus hotline: 1800 675 398 (24 Hours).
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Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)
Address: Level 3, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9651 5901
Email: contact@vmc.vic.gov.au