We are deeply saddened by the unfolding earthquake disaster in Türkiye and Syria; and we know our connected communities in Victoria will be hurting. On behalf of the
VMC, our thoughts are with those whose loved ones are lost, injured or missing and to the emergency responders.
We are strongest when we come together in moments of challenge or tragedy, and I encourage you to reach out to your neighbours to offer support and comfort at this time.
This week, I'd like to draw your attention to a few of our newsletter items below. As you will read, the VMC is in full swing for 2023 with the launch of the Victorian Refugee Awards, Multicultural Film Festival, and in our preparation for Cultural Diversity Week. These great programs recognise our culturally diverse communities' talent, strengths and contributions. I urge you to read about the programs below and share them with your family and friends.
I am also excited to promote a worthy program particularly close to my heart - the 2023 Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program. As the first program of its kind in Australia, it will support 20 Women of Colour, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, to navigate professional barriers and advance their careers. As a woman of colour, I know firsthand that so many women in our communities are already leaders but often lack formal recognition of their work. This program may well help, and I urge women to consider putting themselves forward using the details below.
Finally, to our communities in Shepparton, I invite you to provide feedback to your local council on their Greater Shepparton Multicultural Action Plan, by attending an in-person council drop-in session or by calling the council. It's a great way you can have your voice heard, and support inclusion in the wider community.
Take care and stay well.
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson, Victorian Multicultural Commission
RESCHEDULING | New date for the Victorian Multicultural Gala Dinner | Saturday 18 March
The Victorian Multicultural Gala Dinner is the State’s pinnacle Cultural Diversity Week event.Initially planned for Saturday 11 March, the Victorian Multicultural Gala Dinner has had to be moved Saturday 18 March.
Those who have been offered first-round tickets have been emailed information about the date change, including the process for refunds. Those offered first-round tickets must purchase them by TODAY.
The VMC had a great response to seeking Expressions of Interest in tickets, which is now closed.
Information about public ticket sales will soon be shared on our website and social media.
CALLING | Hosts 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 asks Victorians to reflect 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.
CALLING | Nominations now open for the 2023 Victorian Refugee Awards! | nominations close at 11:59pm Tuesday 14 March 2023
Do you know someone who arrived in Australia as a refugee or asylum seeker, and has received excellent academic results, volunteered in their community, run a successful business, or supported other refugees to thrive?For these reasons and more, nominate them today for a Victorian Refugee Award, and ensure their achievements are recognised and celebrated!
Multiple awards will be presented across four categories: Achievement, Leadership, Youth Leadership and Business. The categories honour those who have excelled through study, work, entrepreneurship or volunteering in Victoria.
CALLING | Submissions of film for the 2023 Multicultural Film Festival! | Entries close on 16 April 2023
In association with Swinburne University of Technology, the VMC invites emerging and established filmmakers to submit films for consideration in the 2023 Multicultural Film Festival (MFF).We are seeking creative, original, non-formulaic short films about any aspect of cultural diversity created by Australians with a multicultural background (for example, they or their family arrived in Australia as migrants, refugees or asylum seekers) or filmmakers of any background who produce films that explore multiculturalism and promote social cohesion.
A Premiere Screening event of the winning films will be held later this year at ACMI, along with a virtual Premiere event for winners in the Young Filmmaker category.
GRANTING | Leadership for multicultural LGBTIQ+ Victorians
The Victorian Government will support 25 regional LGBTIQ+ leaders to develop their skills and build their networks to address the unique experiences of regional LGBTIQ+ communities.This year’s program prioritises work supporting LGBTIQ+ multicultural and First Nations communities, people with disability and regional rainbow communities.
Grants of up to $25,000 are available for new or emerging LGBTIQ+ groups and up to $50,000 for long-established LGBTIQ+ organisations.
GRANTING | Leadership for Women of Colour 2023 | applications open until Tuesday 28 February 2023
The Victorian Government is helping more Women of Colour reach their leadership aspirations over a seven-month program beginning in May.The program was designed by Women of Colour Australia and features workshops, mentoring and coaching, and an individual strategic challenge project to improve board capabilities.
GRANTING | Support for community events | applications close on 28 February 2023
Those organising small and medium events across Melbourne’s suburbs can apply for a grant with $3 million available to help attract more visitors to local events, support more jobs and boost local businesses.Grants are available from $5,000 to $25,000 for organisers of small events (1,000 – 4,999 attendees) and from $25,000 to $50,000 to support the staging of medium events (5,000 – 10,000 attendees).
To be eligible, the event must be outside Melbourne City Council in a Local Government Area in Greater Melbourne and be held between 1 June 2023 and 31 December 2023.
HEARING | Your say: Racism and Discrimination in Aged Care
The Partners in Culturally Appropriate Care (PICAC Alliance) would like to hear from people of all backgrounds working in the aged care sector about their experiences with racism and discrimination.The findings from this anonymous survey will contribute to a toolbox to promote cultural safety for workers in the aged care industry.
If you need this survey translated, please contact Heba or Gail via email on admin@mcci.org.au.
Coronavirus hotline
- Coronavirus hotline: 1800 675 398 (24 Hours).
- Interpreting service: If you need an interpreter, call TIS National on 131 450.
- Testing locations: Find a testing location near you.
- Triple Zero: Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.
- Coronavirus in-language information
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Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)
Address: Level 3, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9651 5901
Email: contact@vmc.vic.gov.au