Message from the Chairperson
I was saddened to receive the news of the passing of Dr Apollo Nsubuga-Kyobe. Dr Apollo was a pioneer in the African Victorian community, devoting himself to supporting the settlement of new and emerging communities and empowering African Victorians.
He was also a long time member of our Hume and North West Metropolitan Regional Advisory Councils, and a member of the Victorian African Community Action Plan (VACAP). Farewell, Dr Apollo, and may you Rest In Peace.
In the last week, the VMC welcomed Federal and State announcements of investment into multicultural communities. Firstly, we were pleased to hear of federal funds allocated to the Adult Migrant English Program, a domestic violence pilot program for temporary visa-holders, and the development of a National Anti-Racism strategy.
At the state level, we saw an investment of $850,000 to help women overcome barriers to economic security. Organisations that will receive funding are SisterWorks, Migrant Women in Business, AfriAUS iLEAV, Ngarrimili and Women's Information and Referral Exchange (WIRE). We commend these organisations for the vital services they provide to First Nations, migrant and refugee women.
Until we next meet, take care and stay well.
Viv Nguyen AM, Chairperson, Victorian Multicultural Commission
VIC | VEC | CALLING | Last week to enrol to vote for Victorian State election
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:
- phone 1300 805 478
- email info@vec.vic.gov.au
- Enrol today
KINGSTON | SoK | PERFORMING | Sparrows of Kabul - free tickets for 10 November Kingston City Hall performance
At Kingston City Hall in Moorabbin, Fred Smith and band (SoK) will present a musical performance on Australia’s involvement in Afghanistan which culminated in the evacuation from Kabul in August 2021.
Lead performer Fred lived in Afghanistan as an Australian diplomat, and pays tribute to his time there, in particular the tenacity of thousands of Afghans present at Kabul International Airport during the final evacuation of the city.
The concert will begin with songs from Fred’s acclaimed Dust of Uruzgan album which draws on his experiences working alongside Australian soldiers in southern Afghanistan. It will culminate with material he wrote when he left Kabul in 2021.
- Where: Grand Hall. Kingston City Hall, 985 Nepean Highway, Moorabbin
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: Register online through Kingston Arts
VIC | GOV | ADVISING | Flood Recovery Hotline - call if impacted
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
If you need this support, please call the hotline on 1800 560 760.
The recovery hotline is open from 7.30am to 7.30pm every day.
VIC | GOV | OFFERING | Financial assistance available - Translated resources on Victorian floods
You may be eligible for an emergency payment if you have been affected by the recent floods around Victoria.
The Personal Hardship Assistance Program helps people experiencing financial hardship in emergencies. The program includes Emergency Relief Payments and Re-establishment Assistance.
Information about getting help is now available under Translated and Easy English resources. The resources have been translated into more than 10 languages.
Go to the Easy English section for information in Easy English.
MELB | NEWK | GATHERING | Newkind Social Justice Conference | 21 & 22 November 2022
Newkind (NEWK) is a two day annual Social Justice Conference for individuals and organisations working towards building a world that is more vibrant, productive, equitable, diverse, engaging, welcoming and kind.
Both days will be jam-packed full of in-depth and inspiring conversations about effective social change initiatives and industry-leading approaches to socioeconomic justice and social cohesion.
VMC subscribers can access an exclusive 20% discount on tickets with the unique code VMC.
- Where: The Capitol, RMIT University, Naarm (Melbourne)
- Cost: Varies
- Bookings: Get tickets online through Newkind
AUST | GOV | CALLING | Women Nominees for Australian Honours
The Australian Honours and Awards system includes awards such as the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), and recognises the outstanding services and contributions of Australians.
Recipients come from all states and cultural backgrounds, but only 30% of nominations are for women.
There are so many women with unique skills and experience enriching multicultural communities across Victoria. Acknowledging their contributions would place their achievements on the public record and create more visible role models.
We encourage you to elevate the impact and influence of an outstanding woman in your life by nominating her for an Australian Honour and make a difference today.
Coronavirus hotline
- Coronavirus hotline: 1800 675 398 (24 Hours).
- Interpreting service: If you need an interpreter, call TIS National on 131 450.
- Testing locations: Find a testing location near you.
- Triple Zero: Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.
- Coronavirus in-language information
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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