Everyone's vote matters, regardless of their cultural or linguistic background.
Message from the Chairperson
Thank you to everyone who exercised their democratic right this past weekend by voting in our State Election. This year VMC was pleased to partner with the Victorian Electoral Commission, to host an information session on voting for Victorians who speak a language other than English.
Over half of Victorians now have at least one parent born overseas, and it's important that we are appropriately represented both at the polls and in the ballot. We hope that all winning candidates from this election will consider the cultural makeup of their electorates in their vision for the state.
It's hard to believe that it's almost December! As we move into end of year celebrations I'd like to invite everyone to continue to be safe and to observe COVID-19 recommendations. If you are eligible, please consider an additional vaccine dose, to ensure you are protecting your loved ones and community.
Until we next meet, take care and stay well.
Viv Nguyen AM, Chairperson
VIC | CDW | INVITING | Planning of events for 2023 Cultural Diversity Week | Saturday 11-Tuesday 21 March 2023
Cultural Diversity Week (CDW) is the largest celebration of multicultural Victoria in our state, and it's back!
The 2023 theme is Our Past. Our Future: Celebrating and reflecting on the contributions of Victoria's multicultural communities. This theme reflects on Victoria's strong past as a multicultural state, and looks to its undeniably culturally diverse future.
You are invited to get involved by hosting an event or activity in your community, workplace or business.
For event resources, ideas and inspiration, visit the Cultural Diversity Week webpage on the VMC website.
MELB | PCKAF | SEEKING | South Sudanese Mentors for young people
The Paramount Chief Kuol Adol Foundation (PCKAF) aims to improve the livelihoods of South Sudanese communities through programs in both South Sudan and Melbourne.
The Foundation is now accepting applications for their Starbase Mentoring Program, which supports South Sudanese people aged 12 to 15 living in Melbourne's West, who have older siblings engaged in the criminal justice system.
The program assists the mentees to establish and achieve goals, and develop positive relationships with their mentors. The program will launch with a 3-day camp in mid-January 2023.
If you are interested in becoming a mentor, email admin@pckaf.org or call 0493 072 191.
AUST | MOPI | OFFERING | Dementia information for multicultural communities
Moving Pictures (MOPI) produces films and animations for multicultural communities to use to raise awareness about dementia and dementia prevention.
Their newest resource is called the Moving Pictures Genie, which includes links to global resources and websites that have dementia information in over 60 languages other than English.
Please email the Moving Pictures team if you know of a resource about dementia or dementia care in a language other than English, and it will be added to the database.
AUST | SFRI | REPORTING | Mapping Social Cohesion 2022
The results of the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute's (SFRI) 2022 Mapping Social Cohesion survey have been published.
The national survey has been undertaken since 2007, and measures social cohesion, immigration and population issues.
The surveys aim to further understanding of the social impact of immigration to Australia and our increasingly culturally diverse society.
VIC | GOV | ADVISING | Polio immunisation factsheets
Polio can re-emerge in any country, including Australia. So it is important to receive your immunisation against polio.
New cases of polio in Australia are rare, but the disease remains a health risk for people travelling to some countries of the world. As an adult, you need several doses of the polio vaccine before you are fully protected from infection.
In Victoria, the polio vaccine for children is combined with vaccines. Better Health channel has produced a fact sheet that can be downloaded from their website which explains the importance of receiving the vaccine.
AUST | GOV | GRANTING | New grants to promote community safety | applications close 9pm Thursday 12 January 2023
Eligible organisations are invited to apply for the Australian Government's Safe and Together Community Grants Program.
The program funds communities and organisations to deliver activities supporting people who may be vulnerable to developing extremist views and behaviours.
For those seeking help in preparing a grant application, three free community information sessions will be held on Tuesday 6 December at the Novotel Melbourne on Collins.
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