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CHUFFED | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds for Ukraine Disabled and injured in Kyiv needing medical aid | Saturday 31 December 2022

[Edited extract from public address]

After completing Christmas drop-offs, Rusty and his humanitarian aid drivers are issuing their final call for funds to help transport a load of rehabilitation equipment to disabled and injured victims at Kyiv Hospital.

Unfortunately, 3 trucks have cancelled on them and this vital gear is stranded in Warsaw. They need your help to hire another truck to transport this critical medical aid from Warsaw to Kyiv Hospital.

The equipment includes disabled walkers, mattresses, wheelchairs, hospital beds, surgical aprons and hospital grade hygiene boxes.

The lack of other humanitarian aid drivers makes it very difficult for this determined team to cover huge distances in Ukraine.

Chip in to the inspiring work of this Aussie making a real difference in Ukraine.

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Team Chuffed
Address: Level 2, 60 Martin Place, Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia
Website: www.chuffed.org

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PWR | UPDATING | Message from the Chair of the Parliament, COP15, and more | Friday 30 December 2022

[Edited extract from public address]

ISSUING | A New Year's Message from the Chair of the Parliament

Jai Jinendra. It has been my honor to serve as Chair of the Parliament of the World's Religions this year and support the work of our growing Staff and Board. I will continue to serve in this role in 2023 alongside our re-elected officers...It is also my great pleasure to welcome and congratulate the newly elected members of the Board who begin their term on January 1, 2023: Rev. Traci Blackmon, Dolly Dastoor, David Hales, R. Sidney M. Helbraun, Dr. Laurel Kearns, Sharan Singh, Ann Smith, and Rev. Dr. Michael Trice. All of our voices and commitment to the mission of the Parliament of the World's Religions are an important pillar of the success of our organization.

As we prepare to celebrate the new year, I want to take this opportunity to commemorate the Parliament's work this year. In 2022, the Parliament of the World's Religions has been working diligently to advance our mission to a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world. The organization affirmed its ethical directives, as outlined by The Global Ethic, by responding to the pressing issues of our time through direct participation and statements affirming the inherent dignity and human rights of people around the world...I also want to celebrate the incredible efforts of our Trustees, Staff, and our global community to build up for the 9th global convening of the Parliament of the World's Religions.

2023 is an incredibly important year for the Parliament of the World's Religions. It marks 130 years since the 1893 World's Parliament of Religions and our return to the birthplace of the interfaith movement for the 2023 Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago, USA from August 14-18...

I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has already registered, proposed a program, booked an exhibit, signed up to volunteer, and helped spread the call to conscience to their networks. Thank you all.

I invite you to join me in serving as a building block of the Parliament and make a gift today.

Mr. Nitin Ajmera, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Parliament of the World's Religions

CEIE | HOSTING | The Art of Spiritual Direction | January–March 2022

A number of Parliament Trustees are joining the Center for Ecumenical and Interreligious Engagement (CEIE) for a unique workshop series exploring spiritual direction. The Art of Spiritual Direction: Foundations, Practice, and Applications is a three-part virtual workshop series with eight spiritual directors and educators to discover more about the foundations and practice of spiritual direction. Registration is currently open for participants around the world able to join virtually.

SHARING | The Call to Your Network for Hosting a Pre-Parliament Event

Join the PoWR in answering the call to conscience at the 2023 Parliament of the World’s Religions. From now until August 2023, the Parliament of the World’s Religions invites local religious, spiritual, and civic organizations to become hosts for local pre-Parliament events. These events help PoWR build capacity through direct outreach to your communities and networks.

Hosting a faith or interfaith event for your community? Observing UN World Interfaith Harmony Week? Exploring themes of freedom, human rights, or democracy in a secular program? You can make your planned event an official pre-Parliament event! Submit your event for consideration and explore how you can share the call to conscience with your attendees.

WATCHING | The Species We Save May Be Our Own – Interfaith Organizations on Biodiversity Loss

On Wednesday, 14 December 2022 the Parliament's Director of Climate Action, Emily Echevarria, alongside United Religions Initiative's Climate Action Coordinator, Lauren Van Ham, joined the Temple of Understanding for the program "The Species We Save May Be Our Own - Interfaith Organizations on Biodiversity Loss" at the COP15: The UN Biodiversity Conference.

STAYING |  Up to date with the work of the Parliament 


ADVANCING | The mission of the Parliament of the World's Religions made possible with support from individuals like you!


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Parliament of the World's Religions (PWR)
Address: 70 East Lake St., Suite 230 Chicago, IL 60601 USA
Tel: (312) 629-2990

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CHUFFED | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds for upholding human right to peacefully protest | Friday 30 December 2022

[Edited extract from public address]

2022 has been an unsettling year for our human right to peacefully protest against actions that threaten our climate.

Climate activists like Violet Coco and Ben Pennings need to be protected as we speed towards climate disaster. Their work forces the climate emergency onto front pages and into the front of people’s minds.

Ben Pennings has been a climate activist for over 30 years and is one of the tens of thousands of people involved in the #StopAdani movement. Adani, the second richest person in the world, is suing him for $17 million dollars in a lawsuit that threatens the rights of all Australians to peacefully protest.
“The right to nonviolent protest is essential in any free society, but we see politicians across the country increasingly using their positions of power to crack down on protests that threaten the fossil fuel and logging industries.”
Ben Pennings needs your support to stand up to Adani's billions. Two and a half years after Adani hired men to follow his wife and kids, Ben's legal team will spend January working to negotiate what access IT experts paid for by Adani have to his personal phone and laptop.

Show your solidarity to this movement and chip in to protect the right to peaceful protect for all Australians in 2023.

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Team Chuffed
Address: Level 2, 60 Martin Place, Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia
Website: www.chuffed.org

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SAE | ASKING | Are You Safe At Home? Start a conversation to end family violence

[Edited extract from public address]

Are you experiencing family violence?

If you’re experiencing abuse, you don’t have to face this alone.

Help and support is available. The Are You Safe at Home? website features lots of helpful information around family violence and where to go for help.

Is someone you know unsafe?

Do you think someone you know may be experiencing family violence?
The Are You Safe at Home? website features lots of helpful tips, conversation starters and information to help you start your potentially lifesaving chat with a friend, family member or colleague

A conversation for everyone

We know that many people experiencing family violence will reach out to family and friends first. How you respond can make a real difference on someone’s journey to safety.

We can all keep an eye out for the signs of family violence, speak up, and offer support. With the right approach, your support can make a real difference. Learn how to ask “are you safe at home?” by watching our new video series.

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Safe and Equal (SAE)
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MIFE | ENGAGING | Midsumma Festival | Saturday 21 January–Sunday 12 February 2023

[Edited extract from public address]

Australia's premier queer arts and cultural festival returns in 2023, running between 21 January and 12 February, with Midsumma Pride March on Sunday 5 February.


Midsumma Extravaganza returns | Saturday 21 January 2023

Midsumma Festival 2023 is kicking off with a fabulous evening of divine queer excellence under the stars at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Hosted by queer comedy royalty Joel Creasey and RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under favourite Kween Kong, this year’s Extravaganza promises to be the biggest yet.

Midsumma and Australia Post Arts Award Finalists | Tuesday 31 Jan–Sunday 12 Feb 2023

Since 2016, Midsumma Festival and Australia Post have collaborated to present Australia's leading queer visual arts award! The award has quickly established itself as a vital award within the arts industry. 

Midsumma Presents Events

Our Midsumma Presents program returns, with a fresh suite of collaborations between Midsumma Festival and some of VIctoria's most revered cultural institutions. Explore a range of events at ACMI, the NGV, Melbourne Museum, Sidney Myer Music Bowl, and many more.

Midsumma X Ignite Melbourne

Midsumma X Ignite Melbourne is a wave of interactive public artworks and installations combined with music, performance, and culture across iconic locations in Melbourne's CBD, in summer '23.

Ignite will intrigue you, and encourage you out of your regular programming as each activation takes you on an immersive and interactive journey. 

The six productions that makeup Midsumma X Ignite Melbourne have been created and curated by quintessential Melbourne Artists, each piece will share with you their expression of A Safe(R) Space and the beautiful intricacies of intersections of a diverse community.

This will be the first time these works have ever been experienced at this scale.

Music to your ears


A Safe(R) Space

A Safe(R) Space, produced by Midsumma, is an artistic exploration of intersectional identity between different facets of Queer communities. The program will uncover a range of work from artists across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum and how artists come together to collaborate and create within a resourced environment.

Midsumma Festival Hubs

We are proud to introduce to you our Midsumma Hubs for the 2023 Festival. These Midsumma Hub venues are dedicated to providing you with a diverse showcase of events, across the 23 day festival, to enrich your Midsumma Festival 2023 experience. Never miss a beat, with Midsumma Hubs there is something to see or do every day of the week.

Victoria's Pride Regional Activation Program

Ensuring statewide representation of LGBTQIA+ arts and cultures. Victoria's Pride commissioned community groups, organisations and artists in regional Victoria to facilitate involvement in Victoria's Pride event activities, either in the lead-up to or on the day of the Victoria's Pride one-day street party in Melbourne’s inner north.

Midsumma Pride March | Sunday 5 February 2023

Parade, pride and party come together once a year in Melbourne's iconic march celebrating solidarity in gender and sexuality diversity. A chance to tie up your bootlaces or throw on your heels, and join the spectacular act of unity that is Midsumma Pride March. Whether you join the fanfare by foot or by wheel, with workmates or with family, with friends or with lovers, as ally or as queer, Midsumma Pride March is for you.

Join over 53,000 people to celebrate Midsumma Pride March 2023! Bring your friends, family, and loved ones to celebrate our diversity together in this day-long event as we strut down Fitzroy Street with ferocity, uniqueness, and diversity with the ones we love.

Grab your friends, family, and loved ones to flaunt your pride at Midsumma Pride March this year! Whether you join the parade by foot or wheel, with workmates or with family, with friends or with loved ones, as an ally or as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Midsumma Pride March is the place to celebrate all gender expressions, sexualities, experiences, and personalities with colours, sparkle and style.

March with ferocity, uniqueness, and pride down Fitzroy Street in a kilometre-long parade route to Catani Gardens. The march begins with the roaring motors of the Dykes on Bikes as per tradition. The march itself is led by the Boon Wurrung Elders, Rainbow Aboriginal Float, LGBTQIA+ youth and followed by the Premier of Victoria, Minister for Equality, and the Creative Industries & Commissioner for Gender and Sexuality.

Be greeted at the end of the march with free entertainment, and festivities, including DJs and live performances by the iconic St Kilda beachside.

Marching because we are fierce, fabulous, loved, diverse and proud. Join the Midsumma Pride March to march with those who can, and in solidarity for those who cannot.

Line-Up Announced For Victoria's Pride Street Party | Sunday 12 February 2023

We can't wait for these artists! Keiynan Lonsdale (aka Rainbow Boy), Casey Donovan, Jawbreakers and Alter Boy. Banoffee, Chela, Jaguar Jonze, Cry Club, and The Lost Girls, an sooooo many more to come!

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Midsumma Festival (MIFE)
Address: Ground Level, 77 Southbank Blvd, Southbank VIC 3006
Tel: 03 9296 6600

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CoPP | DAWNING | Australia Day and We-Akon Dilinja | Thursday 26 January 2023 | from 5.45am

[Edited extract from public address]

Honouring the past and realising a new united vision for our Nation’s shared future.

Boonwurrung people, in partnership with the Mayor and Councillors of Port Phillip would like to invite you to We-Akon Dilinja (Mourning Reflection) - a commemorative service honouring the past and realising a new united vision from the perspective of First Nations performers and speakers.

Where: Alfred Square
Cost: Free 
More Information: Website We-Akon Dilinja webpage, Email helpdeskcbi@portphillip.vic.gov.au or call 03 9209 6736.

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Indigenous Policy
Community Building and Inclusion
City of Port Phillip (CoPP)
Address: St Kilda Town Hall, 99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda, Victoria 3182
Tel: 03 9209 6818
Website: www.portphillip.vic.gov.au

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ILF | REPORTING | Indigenous Literacy Foundation End of Year Wrap Up | December 2022

[Edited extract from public address]

With travel back on the agenda and events in full swing, 2022 was a busy and rewarding year!

Major highlights include:
  • Multiple visits to remote Communities for workshops and four book launches 
  • Our first CREATE Initiative since 2018, held in Darwin
  • A NAIDOC celebration at International Towers, Sydney
  • Return to Sydney Opera House for a live Indigenous Literacy Day event 
  • Shortlisted again, for the Astrid Lindgren Award 
  • Eight Translation Rights Projects including The Very Hungry Caterpillar in six First Languages.
Interest continues to grow and our goals for 2023 reflect the requests we are receiving. If you are in a position to help us, please donate to our Festive Appeal. Our digital Give the Gift of Reading cards are a great way to make a tax deductible donation and send a card to a colleague, friend or family member, particularly to those that are interstate or overseas.

You are a valuable member of the ILF community, and we couldn't achieve this important work without your support. Thank you for being part of our journey and sharing our vision that reading opens doors to future opportunities and choices.

From all of us at ILF, we wish you a safe and joyful holiday season. See you in 2023!

Mandaang guwu,
Ben Bowen, Chief Executive Officer

UNESCO's Decade of Indigenous Languages

To celebrate UNESCO's first year of the Decade of Indigenous Languages, each month we encourage readers to learn a new word in either an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander language.

This month's word is koala in Bundjalung language!
koala = burbi
Phonetics: bur-bee
Download the audio version here.

2022 Achievements

  • 116,866 culturally relevant books gifted through our Book Supply program
  • 90 playgroups supported through our Book Buzz program
  • 26 books published in 15 languages as part of our Community Publishing Projects program

Meet our Youth Ambassadors!

We would like to acknowledge and thank our current Youth Ambassadors! Learn more about Lachie, Penelope, Josh and Sidney here. If you or a young person you know is interested in becoming an ILF Youth Ambassador, please send an email to: marketing@ilf.org.au. We would love to meet you!

Yabun Festival

For Sydneysiders and visitors, join us at the Yabun Festival on 26 January at Victoria Park, Camperdown. Make sure you visit the ILF stall and say hello. This is a wonderful day to recognise and celebrate the strengths and survival of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' cultures with music and dance, and some of Indigenous Australia's best thinkers and speakers.

Thank You 2022 GBS Fundraisers!

A big thank you to all the schools, individuals and organisations that participated in Great Book Swap (GBS) this year! We have exceeded our target and raised over $165,000 with over 550 registrations. This allows us to gift 16,500 culturally relevant books to remote Communities. An amazing outcome. We hope you will register for the 2023 GBS, launching in mid-March.

Kinokuniya Bookstore Gift Wrapping

We would like to thank Kinokuniya Bookstore in Sydney for the opportunity to raise funds for the ILF by wrapping books and gifts for a donation. A big thank you to the 300+ volunteers who applied their wrapping skills, to all the donors and the team at Kinokuniya Bookstore for making this fundraiser possible.

More Stories


Launch of Murli la

Earlier this month we launched our newest title, Murli la, in the Tiwi Islands with the Ngarukuruwala Women’s Group. In a moving and joyful event, the Ngarukuruwala Women’s Group sang, danced, and offered the book to Tiwi children and future generations. Check out the blog to learn more about these inspiring women and their beautiful book launch and place your pre-order here.

McKyus Levi Wins the Individual Achievement Award from Autism Queensland

A big congratulations to McKyus Levi for winning the Individual Achievement Award from Autism Queensland! We have been so privileged to work with McKyus on the publication of The Monsters of McKyus, and attend the Community launch a couple of weeks ago.

A Thank You from the ILF Programs Team

On behalf of the Programs team, we would like to say thank you to the Communities that engaged with our Programs, to the donors for continuing their support and for everyone following us on socials and our monthly e-newsletter. We have been hunkering down, planning workshops and field trips to remote Communities and our schedule for 2023 is shaping up to be our biggest year yet!

We extend a heartfelt thank you to ALS Library Services who have been an ILF sponsor since 2013, storing and distributing our commercially available books and products. Thank you, Simon and Angela!

We are indebted to our partner Australia Post for their support with the delivery of Book Supply packs to remote Communities and their ongoing fundraising. Currently they have a festive bauble with artwork from ILF ambassador Gregg Dreise in store and online, with $2 from each sale donated to ILF.

A big thank you to Penguin Random House (PRH) ANZ who have generously donated $100,000 to support out 2023 programs.
‘Reading is an essential life skill and one that our staff is extremely passionate about. It means so much to be able to help support literacy and language while striving to get books into the hands of as many young people as we can across Australia.’ - CEO of PRH ANZ, Julie Burland.
The ILF was chosen as the charity of choice for the DXC Technology Australia and New Zealand official opening of their new Customer Engagement Centre in the heart of Sydney. We would like to thank the team at DXC for this opportunity.

Become an ILF Partner


Community Fundraisers

Thank you to City of Kalamunda Library Services. Three of their library branches have ongoing book sales to raise funds for our Foundation.

We would like to thank the Johnson Winter Slattery team, who have kindly supported our Foundation with their end-of-year initiative.

We would like to thank Guts Creative who are donating 10% of their profits to the ILF through their Guts Gives Back Program. 
"Each year we give 10% of our profits to a charity who are helping to change the world. We’re inspired by the awesome work of ILF, helping Indigenous Communities to tell their own stories, in their own language, and protecting the precious culture of First Nations people".

Donations Welcome


Seasonal Closure

Please note that the ILF office will be closed from Saturday 24 December 2022 and re-open Tuesday 3 January 2023.

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Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF)
Address: PO Box H328, Australia Square NSW 1215
Tel: (02) 9280 0644

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PWR | BUILDING | A Growing Team | Wednesday 21 December 2022

[Edited extract from public address]

The Parliament is building up toward the 9th Convening of the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago, USA to advance the theme of “A Call to Conscience: Defending Freedom and Human Rights”.

The 2023 Parliament of the World’s Religions is primed to connect leaders in faith, government, media, academia, NGO advocacy, and an international mainstream audience with visions of a world where democracy, freedom, and human rights are the products of interfaith collaboration.

We're Building A Growing Team

The team is growing as we build the planning and logistics staff for the 2023 Chicago Parliament. The contributions of Parliament supporters helps us build organizational capacity around Convenings to cultivate new partnerships and arrange logistics for a successful and impactful Convening. The 2023 Convening team has welcomed six new staff members and is continuing to grow.

How can you help us build up?

  • Make a year-end donation. Double that donation by asking your employer if they offer an employee donation match program.
  • Become a member of the Parliament. Commit to a membership and join hundreds of members supporting our ongoing work.
  • Let us know if there are organizations or corporations in your network that wish to build resources for Chicago, international, faith-centric, and activist initiatives sparking advances in democracy, freedom, and human rights in front of a global audience.


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Parliament of the World's Religions (PWR)
Address: 70 East Lake St., Suite 230 Chicago, IL 60601 USA
Tel: (312) 629-2990

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THCO | UPDATING | Stakeholder report and more | Wednesday 21 December 2022

[Edited extract from public address]

As the year draws to a close, I am reminded of just how important partnership and collaboration is to the work we do. 

Our editors work with academic experts who are deeply knowledgeable. As journalists we have to understand that we’re never the smartest person in the room and defer to their expertise. Our authors generously give their time and energy and submit to rigorous editing to make their work accessible.

We also rely on universities, philanthropic support, volunteer board members and dedicated staff. The fruits of all these generous contributions are chronicled in our annual stakeholder report which I really encourage you to read. You’ll find within its pages the top articles by section and a summary from the editors on some of their stand-out moments. 

The report also includes information on what happens after the work is published. It's a side of our work that we probably don’t talk about enough, but as a not-for-profit that exists to share knowledge and inform decisions, this aspect of our contribution is a reminder of the vital role we play in amplifying the work of our authors.  

We're proud of all we have achieved this year, but we know that none of this would be possible without the generosity of our supporters. And we know that your commitment to the Conversation goes beyond your financial contributions.

We discovered through our recent Reader Survey that so many of you share and recommend our work to others. You also took the time to respond to our Set the Agenda callout which helped guide our federal election coverage. At every turn, you have responded when we have asked for guidance and support. It’s as inspiring as it is humbling. 

From all of us at the Conversation, thank you for your faith in us and we wish you a very merry Christmas and a joyous holiday. 

Best wishes,
Misha Ketchell
 

2022 Stakeholder report

"I truly believe that TC should be compulsory reading for everyone. It’s a great way to start the day. Nothing quite like an assurance that some of the seemingly intractable problems are being addressed by highly talented people."
– Joyce Kirk, Friend of the Conversation

Left your gift buying to the last minute?

We can help.

To satisfy the intellectually curious of any age, look no further!

Why Do Tigers Have Whiskers?  is a beautifully illustrated book that explores some of life’s most pressing (and adorable) questions, answered by leading experts. Included in the book are some of the most popular questions submitted by children to The Conversation’s long-running Curious Kids series.

The Conversation: 2022 Reckoning with Power and Privilege explores the potent forces that continue to shape our world and discusses how those with the privilege of power don't always prevail. 

Available to buy at a bookshop near you or online here.
 

Speaking of gifts...

The support of readers like you is essential to everything we do. If you haven’t donated yet in 2022 and would like to, you still can. 

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The Conversation (THCO)
Address: Tenancy B, Level 5, 700 Swanston Street, Carlton Vic 3053
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VTMH | UPDATING | Welcome from the Team and Seasons Greetings | December 2022

[Edited extract from public address]

This newsletter is filled with information about our work in 2022 as well as some more personal highlights from team members to help you get to know us better. 

We hope you are all feeling well and ready for your end of year break after a very busy year.

We are fortunate that we have been able to expand our team in 2022, with two new important positions appointed; Ben Siveges as our new Monitoring, Evaluation, and Research Consultant and Olivia Fletcher as our Carer Consultant. We look forward to properly introducing you to our new team members in our July 2023 e-newsletter although you may get to know them through work related activities sooner than that.

We are also continuing our work in relation to the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. VTMH remains committed to improving the quality of Victoria's mental health system and to creating healthy, connected communities, where no one is left behind.

We hope you enjoy this e-newsletter and we welcome opportunities to continue working with you.

Our new team photos on our website. 

Take a look!


Spotlight on: VTMH Team Member – Kimberley Wriedt

This is a new section to our twice yearly e-newsletter. We realise that while many of you reading this do work with some members of our team, many of you don’t know who we are!

To change this, we have decided to share with you an interview with one of our team members in each of these e-newsletters & this month Kimberley Wriedt has graciously agreed to be interviewed.

Another successful year of seminars for VTMH

VTMH continued our seminar schedule into 2022, with our seminars continuing to be held online via Zoom.

We held 8 seminars between March and November this year and were thrilled to have the speakers join us.

Better Health Network ‘Train the Trainer’ program

VTMH is supporting BHN by delivering a ‘Train the Trainer’ (TtT) program as one mechanism to extend and embed cultural responsiveness practice within the broader BHN network.

VTMH team retreat day at 'Free to Feed'

In October, the VTMH team came together with Education Changemakers for a team culture retreat day.

Our work with Headspace

This year VTMH has worked alongside Headspace Dandenong/Hastings sites to pilot a brief and contained service development engagement to support their developing workforce in relation to culturally responsive practice.

TheMHS 2022 Presentation

After having facilitated the MHCD CoP for almost three years, conveners Shehani De Silva and Kimberley Wriedt had the opportunity to share their learnings at the Mental Health Services Conference (TheMHS) in Sydney in October this year.

Reflections from our Registrar Nivanka on her year at VTMH

'I began my work at VTMH in February 2022, but it was a role that I had dreamed of since I was a junior doctor fresh out of medical school. I knew I wanted to pursue a career in transcultural psychiatry and unfortunately such training roles are currently very limited in the public mental health sector. I was so happy when I found out that I got the job!'

VTMH'S Lived Experience Community Of Practice

VTMH’s Education and Service Development Consultant Abie Jazi & Lived Experience Consultant Naomi Chapman have facilitated 3 more meetings since our last newsletter.

Book Club Podcast

Radhika and Nivanka from VTMH recorded a session for the MHPN Book Club podcast in September 2022.

Rural & Regional Approach Implementation Project

Over the past 12 months, VTMH has been concentrating on strengthening our relationship with the rural and regional mental health sector through our VTMH Rural and Regional Approach Implementation Project.

MORE:

Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH)
Address: St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, Level 1, Bolte Wing, 14 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Tel: (03) 9231 3300

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PNABCP | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds for Sponsorships of an Aboriginal Birth Certificate as a Human Right

[Edited extract from public address]

When you sponsor an Aboriginal birth certificate, you are sponsoring someone’s human right to vote, legally drive, play sport, get a tax file number and enrol in school.

For some Aboriginal people, their cost is too high.
“We were scared of authority back in my day, but it’s different now. People need their birth certificate.”
- Aunty Rosie, Kamilaroi woman and Director at Pathfinders
The links between the stolen generations and the non-registration of Aboriginal births are clear. When Elder Aunty Rosie was a young girl growing up in Kamilaroi Country in northern NSW, she’d head for the bush when she heard police or the school inspectors were in town.

Now, Aunty Rosie is one of the directors of Pathfinders National Aboriginal Birth Certificate Program (PNABCP) in Canberra, a not-for-profit group that helps make life easier for people in need. As part of its many programs, it helps provide free birth certificates and registrations for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island community.

Pathfinders has assisted more than 13,000 people since 2015 by ensuring Aboriginal people are assisted by mob so that they feel safe during the application process. 

They need your help to keep holding sign up days for 1000 more Aboriginal people who need this important document.

Chip in to this First Nations-led movement for the human rights of all First Nations people.

MORE:

Pathfinders National Aboriginal Birth Certificate Program (PNABCP)
Address: 215 Beardy Street, Armidale NSW 2350
Mail: PO Box 1052, Armidale NSW 2350
Tel: 02 6771 1527

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VMC | UPDATING | Tickets to the Multicultural Comedy Gala, how to be safe during a heatwave, a two-day multiculturalism conference in Melbourne and more | Wednesday 14 December 2022

[Edited extract from public address]

It's hard to believe this is VMC's last e-newsletter for the year! 


Message from the Chairperson

To those who celebrate, we wish you a very merry Christmas, and to our Jewish friends, a happy Hanukkah. I hope that everyone enjoys this festive season, and will have an opportunity to take a break from the demands of work and life as we head into a busy new year.

Yesterday, the VMC celebrated 2022 with our end of year event at the beautiful Islamic Museum of Australia in Thornbury, Victoria. It was an opportunity to reflect on the important work the VMC was able to do thanks to the support of our Commissioners, Regional Advisory Councils, Multifaith Advisory Group, Multicultural Youth Network, Multicultural Chambers' of Commerce, partners, sponsors, stakeholders, community groups, and many individuals around the state.

We'll be sharing photos from the event on our social media channels later today, and I warmly invite you to share the post with your own networks. I also invite you to look out for our next e-newsletter, to be shared with subscribers on Tuesday 17 January 2023. 

Until we next meet in 2023, take care, stay safe and look after your loved ones and community over the summer. 

Viv Nguyen AM, Chairperson

ANNOUNCING | Tickets for the Multicultural Comedy Gala - touring from January - March 2023

Tickets are now available for the Multicultural Comedy Gala, featuring a star-studded line up of Australian comedians sharing stories from around the world.

The Comedy Gala is a hilarious celebration of diversity and multicultural Australian identity, with shows that leave you captivated, connected, and smiling at our proudly inclusive heritage.

The tour will commence in March 2023 at Cardinia Cultural Centre in Pakenham, with regional and metropolitan Melbourne dates available.
 

PROTECTING | Your community during extreme heat

Summer is officially here, and once again we can expect days of extreme heat. Extreme heat and heatwaves kill more people than any natural disaster in Australia. 

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are serious conditions that occur when the body’s temperature rises and internal organs start to shut down. Symptoms range from muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and fainting.

The Victorian Government has developed the Survive the heat campaign to raise awareness of the risks extreme heat poses to the health of all Victorians. 

These Survive the heat translations have been developed for partners, organisations and community groups to help you raise awareness of extreme heat through your networks. 
 

GATHERING | The Tamil Festival 2023 | Sunday 22 January 2023

The Tamil Festival 2023 is a day-long event bringing together Tamil Australians and the wider Australian community to celebrate with food, stalls, exhibitions and other family entertainment. 

Everyone is invited to join the celebration.. 
  • Where: GAA Gaelic Park, 324 Perry Road, Keysborough VIC 3173
  • Cost: free entry for all attendees
  • Learn more
 

AUST | IICCS | GATHERING | Making Connections: Multiculturalism and Interculturalism in Australia Conference | 9-10 March 2023

Over two days, practitioners, stakeholders, policymakers and academics are invited to join in conversation with international and local experts to explore the complementarity of multiculturalism and interculturalism and the experience of intercultural cities in Australia, Canada and Spain.

An International Intercultural Cities Comparative Study (IICCS) conference hosted by Swinburne University.
 

AUST | BBSS | ADVISING | Changes to Beyond Blue Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service

The Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service closed on 29 November 2022.

Calls made to this service will now automatically be transferred to the Beyond Blue Support Service (BBSS) number, which is 1300 22 4636. 

COVID-19 can present challenges to your mental health, and Beyond Blue offers a free telephone or webchat counselling service 24/7. You can talk to a counsellor about how you're feeling, whether related to COVID-19 or anything else. 
 

AUST | SBS | SHARING | Tips for job seekers - SBS Urdu

Job seekers can now receive guidance and support from a free two-part podcast series from Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) Urdu.

The in-language podcast offers tips and tricks for people who speak Urdu and are currently looking for work. 
 

AUST | RCA | SHARING | Face-to-Face program for Teachers and Students

The Face-to-Face program is an initiative from Refugee Council of Australia (RCA), involving presentations to students from a speaker with a refugee background.

The refugee speakers share personal stories of their journey to safety and give students the opportunity to learn face-to-face about refugees, their experiences and their contributions to Australia.

Incursions can be delivered as a one-hour interactive presentation or two-hour workshop incorporating small group activities. Both presentations and workshops are brought to life with visual support material.

The presentation package includes a comprehensive Resource Guide for teachers containing links to lesson plans, follow-up activities and further reading, as well as information on how to support and advocate for people from refugee backgrounds.
 

Coronavirus hotline 


MORE:

Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)
Address: Level 3, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9651 5901

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PWR | ENDORSING | Women's Task Force Calls for the Expulsion of Iran from the UN Commission on the Status of Women

[Edited extract from public address] 

Women’s Task Force Calls for the Expulsion of Iran from the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women

The Women’s Task Force of the Parliament of the World’s Religions unequivocally denounces the Islamic Republic of Iran and its violent repression and persecution of the peaceful protests of the Iranian people. The group of Experts of the United Nations Human Rights Council in an 11 November press release, has condemned the use of the death penalty against protestors and the blatant persecution of women. This persecution has included rape, torture, incarceration, and violence further eroding the freedom and human rights of the Iranian people.

As stated in the Parliament’s signature document Towards A Global Ethic, “When [leaders] lie in the faces of their people, when they manipulate the truth, or when they are guilty of venality or ruthlessness in domestic or foreign affairs, they forsake their credibility and deserve to lose their offices and their voters.”

For these reasons, the Women’s Task Force of the Parliament of the World’s Religions calls for the immediate expulsion of the Islamic Republic of Iran from the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women and calls upon all people of faith and ethical conviction, the global interfaith community, as well as civil society, and the world’s faith and governmental leaders to denounce the Islamic Republic of Iran’s violation of the human rights of its people.

Official Statement of the Women’s Task Force, Parliament of the World’s Religions
  • Rev. H.Ps. Phyllis Curott, J.D. Chair, Women’s Task Force, Program Chair PoWR, Creator 2015 Inaugural Women’s Assembly, Founder and Elder, Temple of Ara, Attorney, Inductee Martin Luther King Jr. Collegium of Clergy and Scholars
  • Kehkashan Basu M.S.M. United Nations Human Rights Champion, Founder and President of Green Hope Foundation, Youngest Trustee on the Board of the Parliament of the World's Religions
  • Dolly Dastoor Ph.D. Past Co-Chair, Women's Task Force, Past Vice-chair of the Board and Trustee of PoWR, Past President of the Federation of Zoroastrian Association of North America
  • Pat Fero M.S.W. Psychotherapist, Author and Co-Founder of the Green Tent Circle Movement
  • Sande Hart Mother, Grandmother, Sister, President of S.A.R.A.H. (The Spiritual And Religious Alliance For Hope)
  • Ann Smith Former Director Women in Mission and Ministry of National Episcopal Church, Co-founder Anglican Women’s Network, Co- Chair Justice for Women Working Group of National Council of Churches,  Executive Director of Global Education Associates

MORE:

Parliament of the World's Religions (PWR)
Address: 70 East Lake St., Suite 230 Chicago, IL 60601 USA
Tel: (312) 629-2990

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PWR | RAISING | Funds, Awareness and Support for Scholarships | Tuesday 13 December 2022

[Edited extract from public address]

Contributions of Parliament supporters are building up a scholarship fund to make the 2023 Parliament of the World's Religions accessible for those of whom registration is a barrier to participation.

Give the gift of the Parliament by contributing to the 2023 PoWR Scholarship Fund.

Scholarships Make a Difference! 

2015 Scholarship Recipient

“In 2015, I left the Parliament in Salt Lake City a very different woman than when I arrived...I received tools, wisdom, encouragement, inspiration, deeper understandings, also built my network for the purpose of collaboration in ongoing inter-religious events.”

2018 Scholarship Recipient

"I am a leader in a Guatemalan organization of Mayan Spiritual guides and shared the information and inspiration I gained [from attending the Parliament] in that group as well as in my community. This was an incredible opportunity for me to learn from other people and traditions and bring this knowledge back to share with my community and my country." 
 

2023 Scholarship Recipient

"Attending the Parliament would allow me to embrace and continue learning the impact humans have on being in relationship with the planet, indigenous land, and wildlife... I can return back to my community stronger and equipped with more resources to impact those who have a calling to heal and restore conservation and sustainability efforts."

 

Give the gift of the Parliament

Join the uplifting voices of the global interfaith movement at the 2023 Parliament of the World's Religions. 

MORE:

Parliament of the World's Religions (PWR)
Address: 70 East Lake St., Ste 230 Chicago, IL 60601 USA
Tel: (312) 629-2990

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CHUFFED | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds for Land Back to Yuggera Ugarapul People to protect human remains

[Edited extract from public address]

The short history of colonial Australia is one of the most brutal and atrocious, yet so hidden and denied. 

Deebing Creek forms a part of this hidden story where at least three massacre sites have been revealed by recent radar surveys. 

These massacres and unmarked graves have not been acknowledged in Deebing Creek’s officially recognised history.

The Yuggera Ugarapul People are currently occupying and protecting the sacred grounds surrounding these remains from private development. More than 140 hectares are in the hands of several developers who have already begun bulldozing trees. They need your help to stop the bulldozers from destroying human remains, birthing trees and songlines, once and for all.

Will you stand with them to take this fight to the Supreme Court?

MORE:

Team Chuffed
Address: Level 2, 60 Martin Place, Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia
Website: www.chuffed.org

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CUIN | UPDATING | Industries, Ideas, Innovation - Diversity Atlas Newsletter | Monday 12 December 2022

[Edited extract from public address]

Providing educational resources and programs to help preparations for 2023. We highlight presentations of Inclusion Atlas and the production of Börte Empress of the World!


Programs, Presentations and Productions: How we can work towards inclusion.

Our Education and Partnership Advisor Nisha Feik provides multiple educational resources to help you prepare and plan the 2023 school year.

CELEBRATING | Lunar New Year and Harmony Day

Cultural Infusion has education resources and cultural experiences to help schools and communities celebrate cultural events. Lunar New Year celebrations begin on Sunday 22 January 2023, celebrated amongst East and Southeast Asian cultures, including Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean communities. Harmony Day is on 21 March and coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

INTRODUCING | Cultural Presenters

From Chinese Lion Dancing to Chinese Music, we have many presenters who can share Lunar New Year culture directly with students and teachers through engaging and interactive programs. These talented presenters are passionate about sharing traditions, languages, and knowledge in carefully refined sessions. 

OFFERING | School Resources

To extend the intercultural understanding curriculum in schools, Cultural Infusion have developed a number of resources that teachers can access for FREE such as:

Webinars

We recently launched our 2023 webinars with our Education and Partnership Advisor Nisha Feik. Her first of 8 webinars provide plenty of ideas to help celebrate the Lunar New Year and Harmony Day. These activities centre around Chinese and First Nations Cultures, from learning about the Lion Dance to stories about traditional Australian Indigenous fishing methods and a language activity to learn about the cultures in your classroom. 

Lesson Plans

The lesson plans that accompany our cultural presentions have easily understood activities linked to videos that are selected to provide traditional and geographic context. Teachers who attend our webinars also receive a free copy of the lesson plans.

Online Music Arranging

Sound Infusion is an online arranging platform with thousands of instrument samples from around the world. As well as offering the ability to create music in the studio, the interactive map encourages exploration of the history and geography of instruments. Watch a video of an instrumental Chinese arrangement that uses Sound Infusion (7 mins).

PLANNING | Education and Experiences programs

Our Education and Experiences programs are booking out quickly for the new year. To plan your next intercultural experience, head to our website!

Cultural programs and presenters bring a wide variety of experiences from around the world. Our many programs are available for in-person and virtual delivery across Australia. Our cultural incursions book out quickly, especially for our peak periods like Lunar New Year, Harmony Week and NAIDOC Week.

Be sure to check out our many programs via our website to book in advance. The filtered search function allows you to search by audience, state, genre and geographical region. For any enquires regarding our cultural programs, click here to contact us.

PRESENTING | Inclusion Atlas

This month, Inclusion Atlas was presented on two occasions, by our Chief Technology Officer Rezza Moieni, and our Project Coordinator and UX specialist Saman Akbaryan. Created by Cultural Infusion, the beta version of Inclusion Atlas will be available on all platforms in the coming weeks.

Rezza presented our accessibility and inclusivity app, Inclusion Atlas, to CGI, a Canadian leading IT and business consulting services firm.

Rezza spoke about the benefits of diversity, sharing that organisations that are inclusive of all cultures are 6 times more likely to be innovative and 6 times more likely to anticipate and respond effectively to change.

Inclusion Atlas allows users to find, rate and review venues and spaces based on their accessibility and cultural inclusivity. Through the user-generated content, venue owners are encouraged to improve the experiential quality of their spaces. The platform provides the ability for patrons to share feedback directly to venue owners in private and constructive ways.

Saman presented Inclusion Atlas at the Ableist Cities Symposium at the University of Melbourne. This event examines topics of accessibility in Australian cities and encourages the improvement of physical access and cultural facilitation in all spaces.

In particular, there is a focus on transport, housing and built environment policy. Currently, 1 in 6 people live with disability, but often aren't recognised or acknowledged as such due to factors including age or cultural background.

Inclusion Atlas provides a forum to encourage all venue owners to be diversity agile, expanding to consider the accessibility and cultural needs of all.

SUPPORTING | Börte: Empress of the World | Saturday 10-Friday 16 December 2022

Cultural Infusion is proud to support the production of a story following the journey of the wife and outspoken critic of Genghis Khan.

Börte: Empress of the World is produced by famous Australian director and composer Warren Wills. Set in 1148 AD, this story highlights the wise woman who played a critical role in the life of Genghis Khan, and the relationship between the two most powerful people of the Mongolian Empire.

The production is contributing to a meaningful and inclusive change in the performing Arts industry featuring numerous performers with disability. 
  • Where: Arcadia House, 570 Victoria St, North Melbourne VIC 3051, Australia
  • Cost: $5-$110 per person + booking fee. $10 tickets are available for children under 12 years and group bookings of more than ten. Contact us at info@culturalinfusion.org.au to purchase tickets at this price!
  • Bookings: online via Humanitix

WISHING | Happy holidays!

Congratulations to all teachers and allied professionals for the commitment and dedication you have shown through another challenging year. May you have a well-deserved rest, peaceful, healthy holidays, and joyful celebrations for those celebrating Bodhi Day, Hanukkah, winter or summer solstice, Christmas, New Year and/or any other days. Our team sends our blessings to you and your loved ones, and we look forward to reconnecting with you in 2023.

Our office will be closed from Thursday 22 December 2022 until Tuesday 3 January 2023. If you'd like to contact us during this period, please email info@culturalinfusion.org.au or contact through website.


MORE:

Cultural Infusion (CUIN)
Address: Suite 2, 273-277 Wellington Street, Collingwood, VIC 3066

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PWR | ANNOUNCING | Rev. James Lawson, Dr. Azza Karam, and Dr. Arun Gandhi to Address 2023 Parliament Convening | Friday 9 December 2022

[Edited extract from public address]

The 2023 Parliament of the World’s Religions, hosted in Chicago from 14-18 August 2023, will bring together people of faith and conscience from around the world answering our call to defend freedom and human rights.


Luminaries Answering the Call to Conscience

The Parliament of the World's Religions is honored to announce the participation of Rev. James Lawson, Prof. Azza Karam, and Dr. Arun Gandhi as featured luminaries of the 2023 Convening.
 
Reverend James M. Lawson Jr. (1928-) is widely recognized as the pioneer of nonviolence in the American Civil Liberties Movement. He is an activist, minister, and a scholar of the Bible, as well as a living icon embodying the power of nonviolence in securing justice and peace.

Dr. Azza Karam serves as the Secretary General of Religions for Peace – the largest multi-religious leadership platform with over 90 Interreligious Councils, as well as grassroots Interfaith Youth and Women’s networks. She also holds a Professorship of Religion and Development at the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam (The Netherlands) - of which she is a citizen.

Dr. Arun Gandhi, a grandson of Mohandas "Mahatma" Gandhi, was born in Durban, South Africa during the apartheid years. He founded the M. K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence in 1991 and now serves as the President of the Gandhi Worldwide Education Institute to take the message of nonviolence all over the world.

New luminaries will be announced in the weeks to come. 

Answer the call to conscience, mark your calendars for the 9th Convening of the Parliament of the World’s Religions. 

Register for the 2023 Parliament of the World's Religions today and take advantage of a substantially discounted rate, the Early Bird Rate expires on December 15th!

MORE:

Parliament of the World's Religions (PWR)
Address: 70 East Lake St., Ste 230 Chicago, IL 60601 USA
Tel: (312) 629-2990

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PHAAA | GATHERING | Christmas Piano Recital and Sausage Sizzle

[Edited extract from public address]

PLAYING | Christmas Piano Recital With Irina Mares | Saturday 17 December 2022 | 4-5pm

Don’t miss this amazing Christmas Piano Recital with Irina, our new Secretary from Romania! She will play all-time favourite Christmas Carols & Songs

For an hour, you'll have the chance to be grateful for your achievements this year and recharge yourself for a wonderful 2023 ahead.


CALLING | Volunteers Needed for Bunnings Fundraising Christmas Sausage Sizzle | Sunday 18 December 2022

Only 1 week to go! Volunteers are needed for Planetary Healing Arts fundraising sausage sizzle

Where: Bunnings Port Melbourne, 501 Williamstown Rd, Port Melbourne (at entrance of the store from the carpark)

SAUSAGE SIZZLE ASSISTANTS - to prepare food, cook or serve people.

Many thanks if you have a couple of hours to spare.

Shifts are 9am to 11am, 11am - 1pm & 1pm - 4pm.

Fill in the google docs form to be put on the roster

‘The young do not know enough to be prudent, and therefore they attempt the impossible, and achieve it, generation after generation.’
– Pearl S. Buck

MARKING | Merry Christmas & Happy Summer Solstice 2022 for all!

Summer Solstice on Thursday 22 December 2022 at 8.47am

Moon Calendar
8 December 2022: Full moon in Gemini
23 December 2022: New moon in Capricorn


ADVISING | Ways to Stay in Touch!


MORE:

Planetary Healing Artists Association of Australia (PHAAA)
Address: PO Box 1638, St Kilda South VIC 3182
Tel: 0415 552 488

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VMC | UPDATING | VMC end of year event, Melbourne Jewish Food Festival and a school holiday music experience for students | Tuesday 6 December 2022

[Edited extract from public address]

Monday 5 December 2022, a new Victorian Cabinet was announced and sworn in to support the re-elected Government.


Message from the Chairperson

In light of this news, I'd like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the Hon. Ros Spence MP Minister for Multicultural Affairs for her commitment to multicultural and multifaith communities in Victoria. Her leadership was especially appreciated during the most difficult times of this pandemic, when our state's multicultural communities were disproportionately impacted.

As Minister, she supported the VMC in providing resources and platforms for the community to be resourced and empowered. Their leadership ensured we got through the darkest days of the pandemic together. I would also like to thank Katie Hall for her support and assistance during her time as Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs. 

On behalf of the VMC, I'd like to welcome Minister Colin Brooks, the new Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Nathan Lambert, the new Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs.  We look forward to meeting the Minister and his office to discuss how we can improve outcomes for multicultural communities. 

As we welcome these changes, it's also a time for reflection. To reflect on the year that has passed, the VMC will be holding an online event Tuesday 13 December 2022. Everyone is invited to attend, and join us in celebrating our 2022 achievements. Please see the newsletter item below for more details.

Until we next meet, take care and stay well. 
Viv Nguyen AM, Chairperson

VIC | VMC | WEBINAR | End of Year event | Tuesday 13 December 2022 | 10.20-11.45am

Please join us to celebrate the achievements of both the VMC and Victoria's multicultural communities and reflect on the year that has passed. The event is open to everyone. 

Register in advance on Zoom, and you will receive a confirmation email with the link to join the meeting.  If you have any queries, email engagement@vmc.vic.gov.au.
 

VIC | WEBINAR | Commonwealth Games Victoria – what's in it for business? | Tuesday 13 December 2022 | 9.30am

Join CEO of the 2026 Victoria Commonwealth Games, Jeroen Weimar, for a discussion covering delivery of the Games, opportunities for industry, and how businesses can best position themselves to access opportunities.

Registration is free, and must be completed in advance of the session.
 

VIC | CDW | CALLING | Planners 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.
 

GLENEIRA | MJFF | GATHERING | Melbourne Jewish Food Festival | Sunday 11 December 2022

The first ever Melbourne Jewish Food Festival (MJFF) will be held this at the Kadimah Jewish Cultural Centre in Elsternwick. 

The festival program features US Jewish cookbook author, journalist and TV producer Joan Nathan and a baking competition with a $500 prize.

Tickets to the event must be booked in advance, and includes cooking demonstrations on the day. 
 

MELB | KTW | EXPLORING | After school theatre workshops

Knakedik Theatre Workshops (KTW) are inclusive spaces for young people aged 5-18 to explore Jewish culture and Yiddish language through theatre and performance.

No prior experience in theatre or knowledge of Yiddish is needed. The workshops help young people to learn creative skills, movement, decision-making and collaboration.  

Workshops are held during school terms, with the next term beginning 6 February 2023. 
 

AUST | SFRI | PODCASTING | Voices of Australia

Voices of Australia is a Scanlon Foundation Research Institute (SFRI) podcast exploring all things interesting in the world of social cohesion. 

In the latest episode, Olympian Peter Bol helps us explore the role sport plays in fostering social cohesion. Peter shares stories about his family's journey to Australia, running in an Olympic final and becoming the fastest Australian 800m athlete in history.

You can listen to the Voices of Australia podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and other streaming services. 
 

VIC | VPC | CALLING | Sponsors for LGBTIQ+ leadership program

The Victorian Pride Centre (VPC) has launched Pride in Action, a leadership program for LGBTIQ+ leaders in the workplace. 

The program is commencing in October 2023, and will be free for all 24 participants subject to sponsorship. Expressions of interest are now open to potential sponsors, with several sponsorship tiers available.
 

VIC | OT19 | MAKING | Music experience workshops for students | Monday 16- Friday 20 January 2023 | 10am-2.30pm

ON TRACK 19 (OT19) is developed by Mushroom Group and supported by the Department of Education and Training, OT19 is an opportunity for students to get up close with some of Melbourne’s finest musical talents, learn new skills, and to make music and new friends in the school holidays.

Over 5 days, students will:
  • Turn their experiences into music and lyrics
  • Create a collaborative track & film clip
  • Undertake creative workshops and learn to DJ
  • Watch live artist performances and interviews
And so much more!

OT19 is completely FREE for students, and travel vouchers can be provided in advance. 

Coronavirus hotline 


MORE:

Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)
Address: Level 3, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9651 5901

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CoPP | UPDATING | Community Sector News | Tuesday 6 December 2022

[Edited extract from public address]

This year has not been without it's challenges for Community organisations and groups and its people still grappling with the impact of COVID. As we reengage and reconnect with the community and our networks it is really important to have support. 

 Training and Professional Development 

SEMINAR | Marketing using social media for your Community Group | Thursday 9 February 2023 | 9.30am-12.30pm

Social media and online activities are now part of our everyday. They are an efficient way to communicate with your group, members and key stakeholders, however the challenge is to understand the audience you are targeting, so you can decide which platform will have the greatest impact and reach this audience.

This interactive session will provide a basic overview of marketing, understanding what you are marketing and who you are marketing to. Then in turn, an understanding of the most popular social media platforms used in Australia and insights on the best way they can be used effectively to engage and communicate with your target audience.

Topics include:
  • Understanding marketing and its jargon
  • Using social media as a platform to market to your group » Understanding your target audience
  • The pros and cons of social media platforms
  • Selecting platforms
  • Ideas for creating content
  • Communicating the right messages
  • Tips and hints for preparing a social media plan.
This session will be most beneficial to groups new to promoting their organisations through social media channels.
  • Where: Council Chambers, St Kilda Town Hall, 99A Carlisle Street, St Kilda VIC 3182. Enter via Carlisle Street and please wait in the foyer to be collected
  • Cost: Free
  • Bookings: essential, online through Trybooking

WEBINAR | Cyber Security 101: Do you know how to keep your organisation secure? | Wednesday 7 December 2022 | 1-1.30pm

Can you spot a phishing email? Can you tell when a website is malicious or fake? Are you 100% sure your cloud-based files are stored securely? If your answer is yes, can you say the same about your staff? As more and more of our work moves online, we require a new level of cybersecurity literacy. 

If you haven’t trained your staff on fundamental threats such as phishing scams, downloading fake invoices, entering personal details into insecure forms, or using spurious file-sharing platforms, your organisation is at risk of serious breaches.

WEBINAR | Perfecting your plan for your non-profit website | Tuesday 7 February 2023 | 11am-12noon

Does your website look like it was built in 1999?  Have you shifted so much as an organisation that your website no longer represents what you’re about? Perhaps you're thinking of a redesign or complete overhaul? Whatever you’re considering, don't move forward without a PLAN!

 Grants and Funding 

CoPP | GOV | GRANTING | CDF Festivals and Events 2022/23 grants – Round 2 | applications open 12 December 2022 and close 27 January 2023

City of Port Phillip (CoPP) Cultural Development Fund (CDF) Festival and Events grants support not-for-profit arts, cultural and community groups to stage small to medium scale events that celebrate the City’s community spirit, identity, arts and culture. 

Not-for-profit organisations and community groups that aim to develop local neighbourhood festivals or events that celebrate the City’s community spirit, identity, arts and culture can apply for the CDF Festival and Events grants. Funding is available for up to $20,000 per project. 

CoPP | GOV | GRANTING | The Palais Theatre $1 Community Reservations Program | applications close 5pm Friday 16 December 2022

Ever dreamed of holding an event at St Kilda’s iconic Palais Theatre? The Palais Theatre $1 Community Reservations Program is now taking applications from not-for-profits and community groups for events in 2023 and 2024.

Host an audience of up to 2,800 in the theatre, a more intimate event using just the stage, or anything in between – all with the stunning backdrop of the St Kilda foreshore and world-class dining on the doorstep.

The Community Reservations Program at the Palais Theatre is a City of Port Phillip initiative in partnership with Live Nation Australia Venues.

COPP | GOV | GRANTING |  Quick Response Grant Program

The Quick Response Grant Program are small grants available at short notice to eligible organisations (up to $2,000) and individuals (up to $500) throughout the year. The grants support the establishment and delivery of valuable services, programs, activities, and events to the City of Port Phillip community. 

Individuals and organisations can apply by the first Monday of every month. The following dates are the closing dates until June 2023:
  • Monday 2 January 2023
  • Monday 6 February 2023
  • Monday 6 March 2023
  • Monday 3 April 2023
  • Monday 1 May 2023
  • Monday 5 June 2023.
Guidelines and resources can be found on the City of Port Phillip Funds, Grants and Subsidies page.


 Other Programs and Initiatives 

The Little Social | opening 12 December 2022

The Little Social are social enterprise cafés powered by Youth Projects brewing the finest espresso and serving nutritious food across Melbourne. Their cafes exist to empower young people to lead meaningful lives through hands-on skills development and mentoring from industry experts.

Young people have a platform at The Little Social to build their self-confidence, gain key employability skills, and genuine work experience in a supportive and judgment-free environment.
  • Where: The Little Social Cafe, at the Victorian Pride Centre, 79-81 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda.
  • Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8am-2pm
 

Port Phillip Volunteer Coordinator Network

The Port Phillip Volunteer Coordinator Network (PPVCN) meets quarterly to discuss all things volunteering. It's an opportunity for volunteer coordinators to offer peer support, share resources, learn from guest speakers and build capacity in the volunteering sector of Port Phillip.

Accessible beaches: Accessible Floating Beach Wheelchair

The Mobi-chair, is available for hire for the summer season 2022-2023 at St Kilda and Port Melbourne Life Saving Club. Full details on how to book are below. 

Please remember that:
  • All bookings are for 1.5 hours, free and require a booking
  • Beach wheelchairs cannot be independently pushed so users may need to bring someone to assist with transfers
  • If you are hiring a Mobi-Chair and would like to enter deep water, you must have a minimum of two support people
  • The Changing Places at St Kilda Life Saving Club has an electrical hoist to assist with the transfer in and out of the Mobi-Chair
Accessible beach matting is on the sand in front of both lifesaving clubs from 27 October 2022 - 28 April 2023 and does not need to be booked


St Kilda Repair Cafe | Sunday 11 December 2022 | 2-5pm

The St Kilda Repair Cafe is one of the thousand+ repair cafes around the world who are registered with the Repair Cafe Foundation (based in the Netherlands). 

They started in November 2017 running free monthly repair cafe sessions at the Port Phillip EcoCentre on the second Sunday of each month from 2-5pm.

Volunteer fixers and menders offer their time and skills to help make possible repairs free of charge. People visiting the Repair Cafe bring broken or damaged items from home – toasters, lamps, hair dryers, clothes, bikes, toys, crockery… anything that is broken is welcome. This helps reduce waste, save money and resources, and can help reduce CO2 emissions. 
  • Where: Port Phillip EcoCentre (Temporary Building), Cora Graves Community Centre, 38 Blessington Street, St Kilda 3182
  • Enquiries: stkilda.repaircafe@gmail.com


MORE:

City of Port Phillip (CoPP)
Address: 99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda, VIC 3182
Email: news@portphillip.vic.gov.au

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