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GEIFN | CONSOLIDATED | Community Information | Wednesday 1 February 2023

Fast Facts: COVID-19 Victoria & Australia

  1. VIC | GOV | UPDATING | Pandemic Response
  2. VIC | GOV | UPDATING | Flood Response

     GRANTING 
  3. COPP | GOV | GRANTING |  Quick Response Grant Program
  4. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Multicultural Seniors Support Program | applications now open, close 28 February 2025

     ENGAGING 
  5. VIC | MCG | TOURING | Multicultural Comedy Gala | until March 2023
  6. VIC | MIFE | ENGAGING | Midsumma Festival | until Sunday 12 February 2023
  7. CoPP | GOV | WEBINAR | Perfecting your plan for your non-profit website | Tuesday 7 February 2023 | 11am-12noon
  8. CoPP | GOV | SEMINAR | Marketing using social media for your Community Group | Thursday 9 February 2023 | 9.30am-12.30pm
  9. AUST | EQPR | ENGAGING | Australia's 5th National LGBTIQ+ Conference: Better Together 2023 | 17-18 February 2023
  10. MELB | BOITE | 'Harp Stories' at Fairfield | 19 & 26 February 2023 | 6-8.30pm
  11. ASIA-PACIFIC | EAF | ANNOUNCING | 2023 Queer Displacements Conference | 22-23 February 2023
  12. VIC | VTMH | WEBINAR | Approaching work with interpreters in mental health settings – 2-Day (Non-Consecutive) Virtual Workshop | 27 February & 6 March 2023 | 3 hours per day: 9.30am–12.30pm
  13. VIC | MCG | GATHERING | Multicultural Comedy Gala - tickets available now!
  14. VIC | BOITE | PRESENTING | Upcoming events
  15. VIC | VMC | INVITING | Hosts for Cultural Diversity Week event | Saturday 11-Tuesday 21 March 2023
  16. VIC | VMC | CALLING | Nominees for 2023 Victorian Refugee Awards | nominations close 11.59pm Tuesday 14 March 2023
  17. AUST | IICCS | GATHERING | Making Connections: Multiculturalism and Interculturalism in Australia Conference | 9-10 March 2023

     COLLECTIVISING 
  18. AUST | CHUFFED | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds for Aboriginal Players to Represent Their Nation | Wednesday 11 January 2023
  19. AUST | YMAC | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds for building Strong Families and Strong Communities
  20. AUST | RLIMCF | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds of Scholarships for First Nations Midwives

     ANNOUNCING 
  21. VIC | MAG | ISSUING | Statement from the Multifaith Advisory Group - Recent vandalism of Hindu temples | Monday 23 January 2023
  22. YEF | UPDATING | Fitzroy North Battery, Community Batteries for Household Solar Grant and more | Tuesday 31 January 2023
  23. WORLD | PWR | UPDATING | 2023 Parliament & More

     SUPPORTING 
  24. VIC | GOV | PROTECTING | Your community during extreme heat
  25. VIC | GOV | ADVISING | Stay safe in the water this summer
  26. VIC | GOV | SUPPORTING | Wellbeing for small business owners
  27. VIC | GOV | OFFERING | Free RATS Now Available to everyone through your local council
  28. AUST | Coronavirus hotline
  29. AUST | Helpers and Reliable Sources Along the Way

     ACKNOWLEDGING 
  30. Acknowledgment to Sources
  31. Bye bye to Essentialists
  32. Self-Isolators, Non-Essentials And The Homebound


1. VIC | GOV | UPDATING | Pandemic Response

Stay up to date on the latest health advice and please consider both the COVID-19 and flu vaccinations if eligible. If you need access to food or financial relief, there is information available for how to get this support.

To learn in other ways about Victoria's responses: 

2. VIC | GOV | UPDATING | Flood Response

VIC | GOV | ADVISING | Mental Health Support for those affected by 2022 Victorian floods

Victorians across the state continue to experience significant flooding which has devastated communities.

It is normal to experience a range of physical, mental, emotional and behavioural reactions following an emergency or distressing event. If you have been impacted, support for the wellbeing of you and your family is available.

Services include:
  • Lifeline – 13 11 14 – crisis support available 24/7 via phone, text or online chat
  • Parentline – 13 22 89 – for parents and carers
  • Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800 – for kids, teens and young adults
  • NURSE-ON-CALL – 1300 60 60 24 – expert health information and advice
  • Australian Psychological Society Referral Service – 1800 333 497
  • Safe Steps – 1800 015 188 – family violence specialists available 24/7
  • Orange Door – for adults, children and young people experiencing family violence
  • Mental Health & Wellbeing Hubs – 1300 375 330 – appointments for anyone feeling overwhelmed or in need of support with mental health.
  • DirectLine alcohol and drug counselling - 1800 888 236 - confidential drug and alcohol counselling and referral
  • More support
 

VIC | GOV | ADVISING | Health Risks for those affected by 2022 Victorian floods

Our state's significant flooding has created many hazards. This includes the spread of diseases through rodents, animals, mosquitoes and contaminated food and water.

It also includes environmental hazards such as injury, asbestos and mould exposure, carbon monoxide poisoning (from portable generators or gas heaters) and animal hazards including snake and spider bites.

The Department of Health has published a resource with health advice, to help communities recover from floods and manage related health risks. Information is also available on protecting yourself from disease carried by mosquitos and how to obtain relevant vaccinations against illness if you live in Northern Victoria.



VIC | GOV | CALLING | Those impacted by the floods or storms in Victoria

This is an important community update on how to get help if you've been impacted by flooding in Victoria. Please share this email with your networks, community groups, and anyone you may know who has been affected.
  • If your home is flooding and you need emergency assistance, please call 000. 
  • If your home is about to flood, please call VICSES on 132 500.
  • For family violence services, please contact the Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre on 1800 015 188. 
  • If you'd like to get in touch with the VMC, please email contact@vmc.vic.gov.au. 
 

VIC | SES | PROVIDING | Victorian State Emergency Service

  • Hotline: 132 500 and dial 9 for an interpreter
  • Information hotline: 1800 226 226
  • Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS): 1300 771 741
  • Interpreting service: If you need an interpreter, call TIS National on 131 450.
  • Triple Zero: Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.
 

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.


AUST | NEMBCM | TRANSLATING | Victorian Floods in Language audio

NEMBC Media (NEMBCM) has translated their news updates regarding the Victorian floods into 11 languages. The translations are available in:
  • Arabic
  • Greek
  • Hindi
  • Italian
  • Macedonian
  • Maltese
  • Mandarin
  • Sinhala
  • Spanish
  • Tagalog
  • Turkish
The files can be listened to on the website and shared on social media.  

AUST | LIFELINE | PROVIDING | Emotional support

It is normal to experience a range of physical, mental, emotional and behavioural reactions following an emergency or distressing event.
  • If you or a loved one needs support during this difficult time, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
 

VIC | GOV | TRANSLATING | Other Resources

 

AUST | GOV | SUPPORTING | Affected Victorians to claim a Disaster Recovery Payment or Disaster Recovery Allowance | claims close 17 April 2023

A $1000 Disaster Recovery Payment or Disaster Recovery Allowance is available to help people seriously affected by flooding around Victoria in October 2022. 

Those impacted have until 17 April 2023 to make a claim for either the lump sum payment or the allowance.

Only select Victorian regions are covered - please read the eligibility criteria for more information. 

For more information, please call the Flood Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760.

VIC | GOV | SUPPORTING | Affected Victorians to claim a Personal Hardship Assistance Program

This program helps people experiencing financial hardship because of a natural disaster related emergency such as flood or severe storm.  

A one-off payment is provided to help meet immediate needs, including emergency food, shelter, clothing, medication and accommodation. Additional assistance may also be available for up to seven days after the emergency event.

Eligibility is determined by a needs assessment. Relief payments are not available to cover the cost of cleaning up fallen trees, replacing fences, repairing or towing vehicles, covering insurance excesses, or to cover business losses.  

VIC | GOV | SUPPORTING | Affected Victorian flood-affected farmers

A support package is available for flood-affected farmers:
  • Primary Producer Clean-Up Relief Grants: $10,000 grants to cover the cost of the clean-up and get businesses up and running again
  • Primary Producer Concessional Loans: Up to $250,000 to restore or replace damaged equipment and infrastructure, or to cover the short-term business expenses.
  • Primary Producer Transport Subsidies: Up to $15,000 to support the transport of emergency fodder or stock drinking water, and the movement of livestock.
  • Learn more and apply
 

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. 

VIC | SES | ADVISING | Local flood guides

Local flood guides can help you better understand your flood risk, how flood warnings work and how to prepare yourself, your home or your business.

You can search for your local flood guide by suburb, postcode or council/municipality. 

 GRANTING 

3. 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 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.

4. 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 2021–25program.

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. 

 ENGAGING 

5. VIC | MCG | TOURING | Multicultural Comedy Gala | until March 2023

Tickets are now available for the Multicultural Comedy Gala (MCG), 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.



6. VIC | MIFE | ENGAGING | Midsumma Festival | until Sunday 12 February 2023

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.

LAUNCHING | Midsumma Extravaganza | 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. 

REVEALING | 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.  

SHOWCASING | 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. 

INTERACTING | 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. 

LISTENING | Music for your ears

 

CREATING | 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. 

SHOWCASING | 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. 

INCLUDING | Victoria's Pride Regional Activation Program

To ensure 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. 

MARCHING | Midsumma Pride | 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. 

ANNOUNCING | Line-Up 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!  

7. CoPP | GOV | 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!


8. CoPP | GOV | 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


9. AUST | EQPR | ENGAGING | Australia's 5th National LGBTIQ+ Conference: Better Together 2023 | 17-18 February 2023

Since 2018, The Equality Project (EQPR)'s Better Together has created space for LGBTIQA+ communities, organisations, and advocates to gather for a unique 2-day experience.
Attendees have described as "an extremely valuable and irreplaceable platform for LGBTIQA+ people and a "wonderful space for debate and critical thinking".

Our 5th National LGBTIQ+ Conference, Better Together 2023, will be back in Adelaide at the Adelaide Convention Centre on 17-18 February 2023.

We warmly invite you to join us for our biggest conference yet ahead of Sydney WorldPride!

Dedicated to The Equality Project's mission of bringing our diverse communities and allies together to share our ideas and experiences; Better Together is about creating opportunities for meaningful connections so we can learn from each other, forge alliances, and advance the LGBTIQ+ movement to create positive lasting change.We're now inviting impactful individuals and organisations to be part of the conference by submitting their innovative and impactful ideas.

We invite advocates, leaders, educators, artists, social workers, researchers, and others in the community to attend and run workshops, host panel discussions, or take part in our new initiative Better Think.

Better Think
Introducing a new format: Better Think is a showcase of speakers presenting impactful and well-formed ideas that will help us “think better”.

Inspired by the short and powerful format of the TED Talk, the aim of Better Think is to share great ideas in under 20 minutes!

Do you have a new and surprising idea that we have not heard about? Or a basic idea but with a compelling new argument behind it that challenges beliefs and perspectives?

If this sounds like you, we’d love you to be part of Better Think.


Do You Need A Scholarship?
Up to 47% of conference delegates attend on a full or partial scholarship. If you need help with your 2-day conference ticket, we encourage you to apply.
We're passionate about this work and we'd like you to join us. 

10. MELB | BOITE | 'Harp Stories' at Fairfield | 19 & 26 February 2023 | 6-8.30pm

The Boite presents Harp Stories as part of the City of Yarra’s much-loved ‘Fairfield in Feb’ concert series at Fairfield Amphitheatre. ‘Harp Stories’ will showcase the harp, an ancient and multifaceted instrument found in many cultures, from Chilean to Eritrean, Karen to Celtic, and Paraguayan to West African. Fairfield Amphitheatre is at Fairfield Park Dr, Fairfield. These are free outdoor performances. 



11. ASIA-PACIFIC | EAF | ANNOUNCING | 2023 Queer Displacements Conference | 22-23 February 2023

The Queer Displacements conference is the first of it's kind in the Asia Pacific region designed to comprehensively foreground protection and settlement challenges of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) forcibly displaced people.

This conference is a space for awareness raising, solidarity, building alliances and engaging the whole of society in ensuring justice, protection and solutions for LGBTIQ+ people in forced displacement. The theme of the 2023 conference is Leadership, Partnership and Belonging.

The 2023 Queer Displacements Conference is organised in partnership with Equal Asia Foundation (EAF) and will take place in February 2023 in Sydney.  

12. VIC | VTMH | WEBINAR | Approaching work with interpreters in mental health settings – 2-Day (Non-Consecutive) Virtual Workshop | 27 February & 6 March 2023 | 3 hours per day: 9.30am–12.30pm

A workshop designed for all practitioners currently working with interpreters in mental health settings.
This Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH) workshop will explore challenges and realities in the interpreting environment, look at strategies for adapting practice for working with interpreters in a variety of mental health settings and consider key culturally responsive practices and principles, including cultural safety and cultural humility, in the context of working with interpreters.

Participants will receive hard copies of resources developed in the project (Approaching work with interpreters in mental health settings, VTMH, 2019), including a Practice Tips Poster and Report. 

The workshop is delivered online via Zoom over 2 days, with a 3-hour session per day, and complimented with some self-directed learning activities.

Open to staff working in publicly funded mental health programs across Victoria, including staff in clinical and community mental health services, as well as people working within mental health programs in community health and social services. Visit the link below for more information about workshop eligibility.  
  • Where: Online via Zoom — details to be sent to registrants in advance
  • Cost: Free
  • Bookings: essential. Spaces are limited. Please register early to secure a place. Online through VTMH
 

13. VIC | MCG | GATHERING | Multicultural Comedy Gala - tickets available now!

Tickets are now available for the Multicultural Comedy Gala (MCG), 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. 

14. VIC | BOITE | PRESENTING | Upcoming events

The Boite is Victoria's iconic multicultural music organisation that supports artists from over 100 cultural backgrounds. Throughout the year, they present unique cultural experiences, foster cultural understanding, and encourage active community participation in the arts.

The 2023 program is now available on their website, which includes festivals, events, radio programs, music releases and performances from 25 January 2023. 

Book your tickets today to support Victoria's impressive and diverse multicultural arts community.  

15. VIC | VMC | INVITING | Hosts for Cultural Diversity Week event | Saturday 11-Tuesday 21 March 2023

Cultural Diversity Week (CDW) is the largest celebration of multicultural Victoria in our state, and it's back from 11-21 March 2023! 

The 2023 theme is Our Past. Our Future: Celebrating and reflecting on the contributions of Victoria's multicultural communities. This theme reflects on our strong past as a multicultural state, and looks to the future of our culturally diverse communities. 

All Victorians 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. 

16. VIC | VMC | CALLING | Nominees for 2023 Victorian Refugee Awards | nominations close 11.59pm Tuesday 14 March 2023

Do you know a person with a refugee or asylum seeker background who has achieved great things? They could be a terrific leader, skilled academic, talented musician or run a business that supports other refugees or asylum seekers. If so, check out the award categories on the VMC's website  and nominate today! 

The VMC coordinates these annual awards to recognise Victorians who arrived in Australia as a refugee or asylum seekers and have gone on to excel through study, work, entrepreneurship, or volunteering.   

17. 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. 

 COLLECTIVISING 

18. AUST | CHUFFED | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds for Aboriginal Players to Represent Their Nation | Wednesday 11 January 2023

Sponsor an Aboriginal player to be proud and represent their mob, and you are not only sponsoring their health. 
You are also supporting all of the jobs created for First Nations people in their community including coaches, food vendors, dancers, groundskeeping, referees and much more.
"I was just waiting for them to get a girls team in. When mum told me I was so excited, I just want to be proud and represent my Nation."
East Coast Tribal League needs your help to buy land back so that the Aboriginal Mid-North Coast Community can build and self govern their own sporting ground. Their league already includes teams from Gumbayingirr, Dunghutti, Thunghutti, Ngaku, Birpai, Biripi Tribes.

Chuffed encourages your support to provide a hopeful alternative to ongoing mental health concerns in the area for their young people by bringing together over 600 Aboriginal players and community members for a regular modern day corroboree.  

Chip in to this mob-led initiative for healthier lives and community. 

19. AUST | YMAC | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds for building Strong Families and Strong Communities

Yeddung Mura Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC) was initially started to address a number of gaps identified by Aboriginal elders in the community. It is a grassroots organisation that works directly in the community to meet the needs of Aboriginal people. 
Yeddung Mura means good Pathways in Ngunnawal language.

Yeddung Mura has been delivering Aboriginal services since 2008 and delivering Aboriginal prison services since 2014. Our goal is to build strong families and strong communities.

Donations build hope, putting someone’s life on a good path with projects including:
  • Crisis Support
  • Drop-in-Center
  • Training
  • Employment
  • Accommodation
  • Chaplaincy
  • Mentoring
Our guiding principle is ‘Everyone deserves another chance’. Ultimately, our aim is to bring about positive change in the lives of our clients by instilling a greater sense of purpose and value in them.

Help Keep Mob Out of the Prison System Appeal
The trauma of being incarcerated is often made worse by the exclusion and lack of opportunity people experience when released. The incarceration of Aboriginal people disconnects families and communities and often it may seem to mob that there is no good pathway. 

Yeddung Mura is an Aboriginal grassroots organisation doing our best to help all our brothers and sisters who have been inside the prison system to find their own good pathway.  We know that anyone with strong community support and connections will not be involved in criminal life. Yeddung Mura is registered as an Aboriginal Corporation with the office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC).  The corporation is also registered as a charity (public benevolent institution) with the ACNC. Yeddung Mura is also endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR).

20. AUST | RLIMCF | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds of Scholarships for First Nations Midwives

Rhodanthe Lipsett Indigenous Midwifery Charitable Fund (RLIMCF) was established to make a contribution to both ‘a better start in life’ and ‘Closing the Gap’ for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers and babies.
Rhodanthe Lipsett’s dream is for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to have improved pregnancy and birth outcomes by having the benefit of care from Aboriginal and  Torres Strait Islander midwives.

The fund is inspired by the stories from Indigenous women in Australia, New Zealand and Canada, where Indigenous midwives provide culturally appropriate care in the same language as that of the women accessing care. 

 ANNOUNCING 

21. VIC | MAG | ISSUING | Statement from the Multifaith Advisory Group - Recent vandalism of Hindu temples | Monday 23 January 2023

Places of worship mean everything to people of faith.

Places of worship are where we seek illumination, belonging and comfort. More than buildings, they hold the memories of our families and friends. They are the places where loved ones may be raised and nurtured, married and buried.

Places of worship nurture our deepest yearnings and our highest hopes.

To be safe and feel safe in our place of worship is not only beautiful, it is fundamental to our lives.

Being able to safely come together in a place of worship is the essence of civilised living and accords with the UN Declaration on Human Rights, specifically those articles pertaining to religious freedom. It is also supported by Victoria’s Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities, which protects our rights to freedom of religion and belief and to peaceful assembly and freedom of association.

Some of us have come from places where these rights and freedoms have been violated. We have also seen the anguish overseas when other people's safety in worship has been violated.

Even in recent times, as Multifaith Advisory Group (MAG) members we have gathered in prayerful vigil and solidarity after such sufferings. Ensuring that all Victorians feel safe and truly are safe in their place of worship is one of the MAG’s fundamental purposes.

This was reaffirmed when we met on Friday 20 January 2023 after the deeply distressing incidents at Hindu Temples. Our honest and gracious conversation has produced new ideas and positive initiatives which we will take together in the period ahead.

Our next steps are being developed through further consultation. We hope to share our collaborative and positive plans shortly.

We strongly condemn these incidents of religious vilification, and our hearts go out to our Hindu friends, and we assure them of our loving prayers and meditations.

The Multifaith Advisory Group (MAG)
  • All Nations Presbyterian Church of Australia Mulgrave
  • AMAFHH Federation - Shi'a Organisation
  • Australian Intercultural Society
  • Australian Muslim Women's Centre for Human Rights
  • Anglican Diocese of Melbourne
  • Hindu Council of Australia (Vic)
  • Hindu Society of Victoria
  • Islamic Council of Victoria
  • Jewish Community Council of Victoria
  • Lutheran Church of Australia
  • National Council of Churches in Australia
  • Presbyterian Church of Victoria
OFFICIAL
  • Baha’i Community of Victoria
  • Board of Imams Victoria
  • Rabbinical Council of Victoria
  • Buddhist Council of Victoria
  • Catholic Social Services Victoria
  • Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Melbourne
  • Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria
  • Faith Communities Council of Victoria
  • Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, Melbourne and Northcote Districts
  • Rabbinical Council of Victoria
  • Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne
  • Russian Orthodox Church
  • Sikh Interfaith Council of Victoria
  • The Interfaith Centre of Melbourne
  • Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania
  • Victorian Council of Churches
  • Victorian Multicultural Commission
  • UNESCO


22. AUST | YEF | UPDATING | Fitzroy North Battery, Community Batteries for Household Solar Grant and more | Tuesday 31 January 2023

More Fitzroy North Battery Publicity
Seeing our beautiful Fitzroy North Community Battery on ABC News was definitely a nice surprise last week.

It's fantastic to know that the project is being used as a shining example to the entire country as the Australian Governments 400 battery roll-out gets underway.The battery was also featured on The Climate Councils 'Friday Good News' Instagram post last week. 

This continued publicity and increase public knowledge surrounding these technologies reinforces our vision and dedication towards our future community battery projects. We are extremely excited to see what 2023 has in store for the community battery space.

AUST | GOV | GRANTING | Community Batteries for Household Solar Program Funding The Yarra Energy Foundation are very pleased to see the first portion of the Australian Government’s $200 million ‘Community Batteries for Household Solar program’ open this week.

Organisations are able to apply for grants between $100,000 – $500,000 per location to facilitate the deployment of community batteries across the country, soaking up excess solar and providing thousands of households access to more renewable energy storage.
VIC | ENGAGING | New Year, New Battery Presentations!
It was great to have Chris Wallin present at Flinders Zero Carbon event a few weeks back at Flinders Bowls Club.

Chris was explaining YEFs community battery model, and how we could potentially assist Flinders in getting their first community battery. We are always thrilled to present to communities about the benefits of community batteries, and it is great to see the interest developing across Melbourne.

Taryn Lane from Hepburn Power also presented a 'pathway to net-zero'.

A big thanks to all those who attended!
AUST | SHARING | YEF Featured in Renew
Our 'Guide to Solar for Apartments' has been featured in the latest edition of Renew magazine. 
"Solar is now our nation's fastest growing generation type as more and more Australians seek to void soaring power costs, increase their energy self-sufficiency and take strong climate action.

Yet this success has so far been largely confined to detached houses or new-build sustainable housing. Even though apartments make up 16% of Australian dwellings and multi-unit residential buildings are common across our urban areas, solar uptake by this sector has been relatively slow."
You can get grab a copy of Renew from your local newsagents or subscribe to Renew's mailing list.
ADVISING | Solar for Your Home
If one of your resolutions for 2023 is to reduce your personal carbon footprint and energy bills or to improve the energy efficiency of your home, visit Yarra Energy Foundation (YEF) 'advice for your home' webpage.

It's full of relevant and useful information for those considering:You can find out more about our services on the Yarra Energy Foundation website. These include:
  • Feasibility studies
  • Community battery strategies for local councils
  • Consulting & advice
  • Project management 
  • Bulk buy services
We have a small team of extremely passionate energy experts with decades of combined industry, governmental, business, and sustainability experience.

23. WORLD | PWR | UPDATING | 2023 Parliament & More

ANNOUNCING | Rt. Rev. Paula E. Clark, Rev. Jim Wallis, and Navkiran Kaur Khalra to Address 2023 Parliament Convening | Friday 6 January 2023

Experience the world's largest and most diverse interfaith event coming to Chicago in August of 2023! Luminaries Answering the Call to Conscience
The Parliament of the World's Religions is honored to announce the participation of the Right Rev. Paula E. Clark, Rev. Jim Wallis, and Navkiran Kaur Khalra as featured luminaries of the 2023 Parliament of the World's Religions, taking place in Chicago, USA, 14-18 August 2023.
 
The Rt. Rev. Paula E. Clark is the thirteenth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago and the first Black person and the first woman to serve as diocesan bishop.
 
Rev. Jim Wallis is the inaugural holder of the Endowed Chair in Faith and Justice and the founding Director of the Georgetown University Center on Faith and Justice.
 
Navkiran Kaur Khalra is a human rights advocate dedicated to upholding Sikh Human Rights in Punjab, the heart of India's Sikh community. 

Join thousands of faith, spiritual, and civic leaders from around the world in a shared mission toward justice, peace, and sustainability.

Register by March 31st and save with the Advance Rate, additional savings are available for students with ID and groups. 

In Memoriam: Swami Varadananda

The Parliament of the World's Religions is saddened to report the passing of Swami Varadananda, who according to the Vivekananda Vedanta Society of Chicago, left his body at on Friday 30 December 2022 at the age of 78.

Swami Varananda was one of the founding members of the Parliament of the World's Religions, then known as the Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions, and served as a trustee for a number of terms between 1993 and 2018. A committed interfaith leader, he also represented Hinduism on the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago for decades until his passing. Swami Varananda is remembered for his passion for the interfaith movement and his commitment to the Ramakrishna Order. 

Welcoming the Trustee Class of 2025

The Parliament of the World’s Religions is honored to welcome nine new members to the Board of Trustees. Rev. Traci Blackmon, Dolly Dastoor, David Hales, R. Sidney M. Helbraun, Dr. Laurel Kearns, Congressman Bobby Rush, Sharan Singh, Ann Smith, and Prof. Michael Trice are the members of the class of 2025, joining the Parliament in its mission to cultivate a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world. 

 Parliament Responds to United Nations Call for New Agenda for Peace

On Thursday, January 12th the Parliament of the World's Religions announced its official response to the United Nations Secretary General's call for comments from civil society on the new Agenda for Peace, Our Common Agenda.

The Climate Action Program at the Parliament of the World's Religions answered the Secretary General's request by calling for an amendment of the Charter to repurpose the Trusteeship Council in order to focus on next-generation rights and responsibilities in a special statement submitted through UN channels. 

UN World Interfaith Harmony Week 2023 Kicked Off 28 January 2023

The annual observance of World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW) kicks off on 28 January 2023. Join organizers worldwide by hosting an observance of World Interfaith Harmony Week between 28 January and 4 March 2023.

For the 2023 observance, the Parliament invites the global interfaith community to celebrate World Interfaith Harmony Week by hosting an event and making it a pre-Parliament event in support of the upcoming 2023 Parliament of the World's Religions. 

20.23% off of Ads when You Book a Booth by Jan 31!

Join nonprofit organizations, universities, religious traditions, and vendors in an exhibit hall like no other! 
From 14-18 August 2023, the Exhibit Hall at the 2023 Parliament of the World's Religionsprovides a unique opportunity for vendors, faith communities, and attendees to gather in an exchange of information and knowledge.

Book a Booth by 31 January 2023 and Get 20.23% Off Ads
In the Lakeside Center of McCormick Place, the Parliament Exhibit Hall will exist right at the nexus of activity and traffic.
  • Booth Locations are First Come First Serve - Only 11 Corners Left!
  • Program Book Ads
  • Mobile Push Ads
  • Tote Bag Inserts

Purchase Booth and Ads and use Code: 2023 to get discount off ads

Answering the Call: The Global Interfaith Community and the Path to the 2023 Parliament Convening

In less than 200 days, the global interfaith community from all corners of the globe will descend upon the Lakeside Center of McCormick Place for the 2023 Parliament of the World's Religions. This history Convening comes at a time when countries and communities around the world are grappling with the threat of war and autocracy, economic recessions, human rights violations, and the erosion of religious and civic freedom. Amidst this turmoil, the global interfaith community has an important role to play in facilitating interfaith dialogue, understanding, and action.

As we look ahead to the 2023 Parliament Convening, join us in celebrating: Voices of the Movement Answering the Call for Programs, Communities and Organizations Hosting Booths & Exhibits, the Legacy of the Global Ethic, Global Leaders Answering the Call to Conscience, and Events Sharing the Call to the 2023 Parliament Convening. 

The Voices of Our Children 

David Hales, the Chair of the Climate Action Task Force and the former leader of environmental policy and sustainability programs for the US Agency for International Development, joins the call for the Charter of the United Nations to be amended to include a new responsibility for the Trusteeship Council on the PoWR blog:
"The voices of our children call out to us. Sometimes it is a conscious cry, as in the school walkouts by hundreds of thousands of children in more than 100 countries calling for action on the climate crisis, the statements of young people at multiple climate and sustainability conferences, or in the many legal actions brought in courts around the world, including the case of Juliana v. United States...Amending the UN Charter is not a task to be undertaken lightly. Only three initiatives have been successful, the latest in 1973. However, the provisions related to the Security Council and to the Economic and Social Council were grounded in the original principles and purpose of the Charter, and necessary to adapt to changing times. The proposed Amendment to repurpose the Trusteeship Council is also firmly grounded in the original principles and purposes and just as necessary to enable the UN to carry out unique fundamental responsibilities."
 

UN World Interfaith Harmony Week 2023 Kicks Off This Weekend

The annual observance of World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW) kicks off on Saturday 28 January this year. The Parliament invites the global interfaith community to celebrate World Interfaith Harmony Week by hosting an event and making it a pre-Parliament event in support of the upcoming 2023 Parliament of the World's Religions.

Upcoming Pre-Parliament Events 

 

Stay up to date with the work of the Parliament 

 

Advancing the mission of the Parliament of the World's Religions is made possible with the support from individuals like you!

 

 SUPPORTING 

24. VIC | GOV | 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. 

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. 

Translated resources have also been developed for partners, organisations and community groups to help you raise awareness of extreme heat through your networks. 


25. VIC | GOV | ADVISING | Stay safe in the water this summer

Summer is a time when many Victorians will enjoy our state's waterways including beaches, rivers and lakes. 

Sadly, people with a multicultural background are more than two times more likely to drown than those born in Australia.

There are many ways you can stay safe in the water this summer, by:
  • being aware of the local water environment and weather conditions before entering the water
  • obeying all water safety signs
  • avoiding alcohol when around water, or when supervising children
Learn more by visiting the Victorian Government Water Safety website.  

26. VIC | GOV | SUPPORTING | Wellbeing for small business owners

The Victorian Government has developed a small business package of free wellbeing services and resources for all Victorian sole traders and small business owners, their employees and advisers. This package is called Headway. 

Headway brings together wellbeing tools, advice and support that can be tailored to suit individual needs. It also includes a free, confidential helpline that provides personal, financial and business advice. This flexible supports fits right into a busy schedule, and will help improve your coping skills so you can feel more confident and supported. 

27. VIC | GOV | OFFERING | Free RATS Now Available to everyone through your local council

The Victorian Government has now made Rapid Antigen tests free and available at more than 200 local council distribution sites such as libraries and council customer service centres. The program is open to all Victorians, with all eligibility requirements removed.

Individuals can collect up to two packets for themselves plus up to two packets for each household member per visit. People with a disability or their carer can collect up to four packets of tests. 

28. AUST | Coronavirus hotline

  • Coronavirus hotline: If you are concerned, call the coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 (24 Hours).
  • Coronavirus in-language information
  • If you are an NDIS participant you can also call the national hotline on 1800 020 080.
  • Information and referrals for people with disability and their supporters about Coronavirus: Contact the Disability Information Helpline on 1800 634 787. 
  • If you are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can also call the National Relay Service on 133 677.
  • Interpreting service: If you need an interpreter, call TIS National on 131 450.
  • Testing locations: Find a testing location near you.
  • Call-to-Test-at-Home service, providing in-home coronavirus testing to Victorians who would otherwise be unable to get tested, call the DHHS Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.
  • Triple Zero: Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.


29. AUST | Helpers and Reliable Sources Along the Way

 

     ACKNOWLEDGING 

    30. Acknowledgment to Sources

    This is a consolidated account of information current at time of issuance, sourced, collated and provided by Victorian Multicultural Commission, Victorian Jewish Community COVID-19 Taskforce, Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria, various Government Authorities, community organisations, public domain and individuals, received with gratitude.

    31. Bye bye to Essentialists

    Us non-essentialists will endeavour to manage our expection of miracles and do our best to follow rules while staying out of the way. 

    Contact your closest friendly non-essentialist if you need anything that can be done remotely. Bye bye to Essentialists for now, please leave to attend to the essential work. That is all from Carey at this time.

    32. Self-Isolators, Non-Essentials And The Homebound

    Meanwhile, if with a surplus of time, this and the following is offered. Discuss with sincerity. Deny untruth. Dismiss unuseful. Accept useful. Adapt to change. Adopt least effort most benefit. Adept with sharing. Enjoy throughout. As each case may be. Round about. And again. Or not.


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