Today we are introducing a new format for our weekly newsletters, with items structured by four topics: News and Events, Mental Health, Employment, and Family Violence.
We hope this restructuring will provide you with the most relevant information for your community, and will help us further the VMC's strategic priorities. We also hope to highlight any work we are doing in the advocacy space in collaboration with the sector and communities.Most recently in the advocacy space, we were proud to see the publication of our 2021 research project with the Commission for Gender Equality in the Public Sector and in partnership with Mind Tribes. Researchers for this project have developed an exciting new framework to help organisations to break down barriers for women with a culturally or linguistically diverse background. I encourage everyone, but especially those with leadership positions in the public sector, to review and implement this framework.
Finally, I'd like to draw your attention to the expression of interest process to join the Adult, Community and Further Education Board. People with culturally diverse backgrounds and other intersectional identities are strongly encouraged to apply. Expressions of interest close on 14 March 2023.
Take care and stay well.
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson
News and Events
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.
HOLI festival in Bendigo | Saturday 4 March 2023
The 2023 Holi Festival Bendigo is back, and will be held on Saturday 4 March, 2023 at the Golden Square Pool grounds.Join the community for a family event that will feature cultural food, drinks, activities, live music, dance and DJ to entertain guests from all age groups.
Entry to festival is FREE but tickets must be registered for in advance.
Melbourne Women, Culture and Business Fair | Wednesday 8 March 2023 | 10am–3pm
This International Women’s Day, the City of Melbourne, in partnership with Migrant Women in Business, is hosting a Women, Culture and Business Fair.The event will be held at Melbourne Town Hall and aims to showcase migrant and refugee women-owned micro and nano businesses. Attendees will be able to speak with and purchase goods and services directly from more than 40 local businesses.
Registrations are essential.
VIC | GOV | GRANTING | North Richmond Community Grants | applications close Sunday 19 March 2023
Grants between $5000 and $50,000 are available to community groups, organisations and individuals who live, work or volunteer in North Richmond, and are passionate about helping create a safer, more connected and vibrant community.Local community organisations, schools, sporting groups and anyone who lives, works, studies in or has a demonstrated connection with the North Richmond Precinct, are eligible to apply.
Mental health
Annual conference - refugee trauma recovery in resettlement | 9-11 October 2023
The 3rd Australia and New Zealand Refugee Trauma Recovery in Resettlement Conference “Holding Hope in an Uncertain World” will be held in Adelaide.
Through workshops, interactive sessions and panels, this conference will offer participants many opportunities to listen, to learn and to discuss developments in practice that enable people from refugee backgrounds to recover from trauma.
Employment
Victoria Police Diversity recruitment program | applications close 27 March
Victoria Police is encouraging applicants from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to apply for the Victoria Police Diversity Recruitment Program.The 15-week free program will commence on 2 May 2023 and is open to those interested in joining Victoria Police as either a Police Officer, Protective Service Officer (PSO) or Police Custody Officer (PCO).
The program includes assistance with the application process, with particular focus on the entrance exam and interviewing skills.
Family violence
Bendigo Law Courts development complete
The development of the new Bendigo Law Courts is now complete, a state-of-the-art building that puts people and community first.A Specialist Family Violence Court is among the specialist responses in the new facility, with a design that enables separation between parties attending court, including safe waiting areas and separate circulation pathways for persons in custody and operational staff.
The new space is visually and culturally anchored to Bendigo's unique heritage and informed by the culture and connection to Country of the Dja Dja Wurrung, Bendigo's Traditional Owners.