Happy International Women's Day! A day so big, it runs for a week!
I want to take this opportunity to reflect on the progress of the women's movement. We are inching towards equality, even if it doesn't always feel that way.Women of Colour and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Women have worked hard to overcome many challenges, acquire an education and build resilience and life experience. Some have had to overcome very challenging cultures and traditions. They don’t need structures or leaders in our democratic system to prevent them from making their contribution.
While we've had some promising Victorian Government legislation in recent years, including the Gender Equality Act, we must do more to ensure some women aren't left behind.
That's why I'm so proud to support our partnership with Mindtribes to release the updated report on intersectional gender equality in government workplaces.
The report "Levelling the Playing Field 5 Years of Advocacy for Culturally Diverse Women- What is still missing?" will soon be available on our website and social media channels.
However, progress happens at every level of society, not just government. Recently I attended the launch of CALD Voices, a new digital platform for women of colour voices. This grassroots organisation is an example of community stepping up to amplify the voices of women who are often marginalised.
It's not just women that we are celebrating this week with many Indian communities around our state hosting their Holi festival of colours events.
Here at the VMC, we know the power of sharing our culture with the broader public. We're thrilled to see such strong and diverse attendance at these fun and colourful events. It's just one example of how Victorians welcome and embrace cultural diversity and how these festivals support our social cohesion.
As such, it is timely to note the Victorian Government has released a new round of funding for multicultural communities to hold festivals and events across the state.
I encourage you to consider your opportunities to share your culture with others and apply for a grant to help.
For more information visit vic.gov.au/multicultural-festivals-and-events-program.
Take care and stay well.
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson
News and Events
Victorian Refugee Awards - last week to nominate! | nominations close at 11:59 pm 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 submitting a nomination, please call 03 8850 6164.
Brimbank Writers and Readers Festival | from 16 to 25 March 2023
The Brimbank Writers and Readers Festival, supported by Victoria University, is back in the heart of Melbourne’s West.This program promises to be as diverse and multicultural as the people of Brimbank.
Enjoy various events and activities for the whole family, from a children’s First Nations language workshop to The Diar Panel comprising South Sudanese writers and artists.
Mental health
Small business mental health engagement
Mental Health Foundation Australia (MHFA) is launching a Small Business Engagement Program to benefit business owners, staff, and customers.MHFA is the oldest community-based non-government mental health organisation in Australia.
This year they are sharing an information booklet and running multiple virtual and hybrid events. A Small Business Conference will be held during October National Multicultural Mental Health Month.
Employment
Applications open for the 2024 Victorian Government graduate program | now open
Applications are now open for the 2024 Victorian Government graduate program. People with diverse skills, backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply.The Victorian Government graduate program offers employment streams tailored to your university studies.
Experience the Victorian Public Service and apply your skills to meaningful work that contributes to a better Victoria!
Training
Supporting schools to make a positive social impact
Kind enterprises are offering limited places to schools, teachers, community organisations and parents of students to join their Educator Empowerment Program.This fully-funded program is free of charge to any school or individual teacher who would like to join. The webinars and digital courses will provide Diversity, Equity & Inclusion training for staff across 50 Australian public high schools and be available to over 1000 teachers & staff.
The program is designed to build confidence and capacity to engage in the complex and sensitive conversations around race, racism, diversity & inclusion and help build more cohesive schools, leading to improved academic outcomes and emotional safety for all.