It's World Interfaith Harmony Week
In honour of this, attend a local event or I invite you to review the Joint Harmony Statement that I recently co-signed. The Statement was drafted by various multicultural and multifaith community leaders, in solidarity with Victoria's Hindu and Sikh communities who have recently experienced incidents of violence, vandalism, disrespect and hate.
I was proud to join these leaders in condemning this wave of hate, and encourage everyone to sign this Statement.
There have been some important announcements in the past few weeks from our state and federal governments - particularly the long-awaited news of pathways to citizenship for TPV and SHEV visa holders. We know the profound impact this decision will have on individuals and families around the state, and thank those in the community who have advocated for this alongside us for many, many years.
I was also pleased to see the Victorian government announce a new state-of-the-art mental health facility at the Northern Hospital. This facility is projected to provide almost 11,000 days of care to around 650 people annually and was designed in consultation with people who have lived experience of the mental health system. We look forward to communities in the northern suburbs benefitting from this expansion to the hospital.
Finally, there is going to be some changes to the Monthly Reflection emails that are sent to our subscribers. We've decided to amend these to Quarterly Reflections, and I will be publishing them as a video message on our social media channels. Make sure you're following the VMC on our social media channels to view these videos!
Take care and stay well.
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson, Victorian Multicultural Commission
RELEASING | Tickets now on sale for the Victorian Multicultural Gala Dinner | Saturday 18 March 2023
The Victorian Multicultural Gala Dinner is the State’s pinnacle Cultural Diversity Week event.
Tickets are now on sale for a limited time only, so purchase today to secure your seat at this magical evening of food, entertainment and celebration!
Initially planned for Saturday 11 March, the Victorian Multicultural Gala Dinner has had to be moved Saturday 18 March.
CALLING | Nominees for the 2023 Victorian Refugee Awards! | nominations close 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.
If you need support with submitting a nomination, please call 03 8850 6164.
CALLING | Submissions of films for the 2023 Multicultural Film Festival! | entries close Saturday 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.
CELEBRATING | Pako Festa - Victoria's largest free celebration of cultural diversity | Saturday 25 February 2023
Pako Festa dates back to 1983, when the Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria joined Geelong West Traders and Geelong West City Council to deliver a community-driven party that celebrated the region’s diverse cultural communities.
Pako Festa celebrates and highlights the extraordinary contribution of individuals, cultural groups and multicultural communities in Geelong and across Australia.
BOITE | PERFORMING | Harp Stories at Fairfield Amphitheatre | Sunday 26 February 2023 | 6-8.30pm
The Boite presents Harp Stories as part of 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, Paraguayan to West African.
- Where: outdoor performance, Fairfield Amphitheatre is at Fairfield Park Dr, Fairfield.
- Cost: free
- Click here for details
- Click here for other upcoming Boite events.
CALLING | Welcoming Cities - Awards for Change 2023 | nominations for the Awards close on Friday 10 March 2023
Welcoming Cities celebrate the social cohesion created in communities by organisations and local councils, giving everyone a chance to participate, belong and thrive. The awards celebrate leading practice and innovation in advancing welcoming and inclusive communities.
Nominations are now open for the 2023 Awards for Change, with winners presented in the two categories of Local Councils and Organisations.
GRANTING | Sporting Club Grants Program | Applications close 15 March 2023
Applications are now open for the latest round of the Sporting Club Grants Program.
Grants of up to $1,000 are available for uniforms and participation equipment, up to $2,000 for training of coaches, officials and volunteers, and up to $5,000 to create new participation initiatives and improve club operational effectiveness.
OPENING | 2023 Enrolments for Bachelor of Counselling
Consistently ranked #1 in Australia for student satisfaction, the University of Divinity is now seeking applicants to enrol in a Bachelor of Counselling degree.
There are 50+ Commonwealth Supported Places available for eligible applicants, including for asylum seekers and refugees, those who are the first in their family to study at a higher education institute, and those living in remote areas.
For further questions about the degree or application process, please email counselling@divinity.edu.au.
Multicultural Comedy Gala - regional tickets still available!
The Multicultural Comedy Gala features a star-studded line up of Australian comedians sharing stories from around the world.
Tickets are still available for shows in Victoria commencing 17 March and include nights in Ararat, Shepparton, Horsham, Hamilton and Bendigo.
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.
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