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GEIFN | CONSOLIDATED | Community Information | Monday 1 May 2023

Fast Facts: Community Responses Victoria & Australia

  1. VIC | GOV | UPDATING | Pandemic Response

     GRANTING 
  2. COPP | GOV | GRANTING |  Quick Response Grant Program
  3. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Vouchers to support your child's sports and recreation activities
  4. CoPP | GOV | GRANTING | Palais Theatre Community Support grants

     ENGAGING 
  5. CoPP | CSAS | SHOWING | Distant Shores | until 12 May 2023
  6. UNVesakVIC23 | COMMEMORATING | United Nations International Day of Vesak in Victoria | Saturday 13 May 2023 | 10am-3.30pm
  7. VIC | VIUN | HEARING | Your say: Improving Racism Reporting Pathways Survey
  8. VIC | CAVI | WEBINAR | Become a Carer Friendly Place – online training | Tuesday | 9.30–11am AEST
  9. CoPP | S2b | MOVING | With Bollywood and Keeping Fit | 8 May–5 June 2023 | 6.30-7.30pm
  10. CoPP | S2b | TALKING | Meetups At Space2b | Tuesdays | 10.30am-12pm
  11. AUST | CUIN | WEBINAR | Positive Actions in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: In conversation with Gamiel Yafai | Tuesday 9 May 2023 | 4.30–6pm (UTC+10)
  12. DANDENONG | VTMH | SEMINAR | Approaching work with interpreters in mental health settings | Tuesday 16 May 2023 | 9.30am–3.30pm
  13. CoPP | GRIEF | TRAINING | Suicide Intervention Training for all people | 20-21 May 2023
  14. CoPP | GOV | CONNECTING | Pathways for Carers - Monthly walk, talk and morning tea | 4th Tuesday of every month | Tues 23 May 2023 | 9.45am for 10am start
  15. AUST | TSF | CALLING | Diverse Stroke Survivors to create culturally appropriate resources
  16. CoPP | S2b | CALLING | Mentors to share skills and volunteer time to mentor new migrant entrepreneurs
  17. CoPP | GSL | CALLING | All playwrights | applications open Mon 1-19 May 2023
  18. VIC | GOV | CALLING | Nominations of exceptional culturally diverse women for the Victorian Honour Roll of Women | nominations close 11.59pm Monday 29 May 2023
  19. MELB | SIWO | CALLING | Multicultural women for SisterWork's cultural spectacular | Saturday 9 September 2023
  20. AUST/NZ | RTRRC | Annual conference - refugee trauma recovery in resettlement | 9-11 October 2023

     COLLECTIVISING 
  21. AUST | CHUFFED | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds for One of Australia’s Biggest Animal Sanctuaries that Needs a Tractor
  22. AUST | ILF | UPDATING | Book Supply for 2023 was launched in April and more | Thursday 27 April 2023

     ANNOUNCING 
  23. AUST | CUIN | UPDATING | Industries, Ideas, Innovation - Diversity Atlas
  24. VIC | ECCV | ISSUING | eBulletin | April 2023
  25. WORLD | PWR | UPDATING | 2023 Parliament & More

     SUPPORTING 
  26. AUST | Coronavirus hotline
  27. AUST | Helpers and Reliable Sources Along the Way

     ACKNOWLEDGING 
  28. Acknowledgment to Sources
  29. Bye bye to Essentialists
  30. 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.

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.
To learn in other ways about Victoria's responses: 

 GRANTING 

2. 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 1 May 2023
  • Monday 5 June 2023.
Guidelines and resources can be found on the City of Port Phillip Funds, Grants and Subsidies page.

3. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Vouchers to support your child's sports and recreation activities

Applications for Round six of the "Get Active Kids Voucher Program" are now open!

If your family or child has a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card, you may be eligible for up to $200 to put towards the cost of your child’s participation in sports and active recreation activities. 

4. CoPP | GOV | GRANTING | Palais Theatre Community Support grants

The next round of City of Port Phillip (CoPP) Palais Theatre Community Support grants for up to $5,000 is opening 15 May for community and creative organisation projects in Port Phillip. You can check out the list to see types of projects previously funded. Please share with any of your community groups who may like to apply for these grants.

 ENGAGING  

5. CoPP | CSAS | SHOWING | Distant Shores | until 12 May 2023

DISTANT SHORES sees Melbourne/Naarm-based photographer Morganna Mageecombine portrait photography, family photos and written testimony to tell the story of the migrant experience through themes of cultural connection, memory, longing and loss.

The work has been developed in collaboration with participating members of local migrant and refugee communities. Most of the participants are involved with Space2b, a social enterprise fostering community inclusion and supports new migrants to become financially independent.  

The exhibition also features paintings by four participants: Abouk Giir (South Sudan);
Anahita Diba (Iran); Tadros Hanna (Egypt) and Rahila Zeeshan (Pakinstan). These paintings draw from each artist’s cultural heritage, interests or concerns.  By including artworks by participants in this reiteration, extends this exhibition in a meaningful and insightful manner. DISTANT SHORES gently speaks to our shared humanity and is curated by Anna Monea. 

6. UNVesakVIC23 | COMMEMORATING | United Nations International Day of Vesak in Victoria | Saturday 13 May 2023 | 10am-3.30pm

Join Victoria’s Buddhist Community in the centre of Melbourne for Vesak 2023 – a multi-cultural celebration of the Lord Buddha’s Birth, Enlightenment and Passing. 2023 marks the 16th year of the Victorian United Nations Day of Vesak (UNVesakVIC23) celebrations in Victoria. We are happy to announce a program that brings together Buddhist and wider communities of various cultures and traditions to celebrate a key uniting event in our Buddhist calendar – Vesak.

The 2023 program continues with the three-part format:
  • 9.45am for 10am: Sangha Dana – Lunch Offering to Buddhist Monks and Nuns @ Catholic Leadership Centre, 576 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne
  • 12.15pm for 1pm: Friendship Walk – Walking mindfully together. Traditional Drummers, Buddha Floats, Flags, Lotuses, the colours of Victoria’s Buddhist Community @ Parliament Gardens Reserve, assemble corner Nicholson Street Extension & Albert Streets, East Melbourne. Public car parking nearby. Opp Parliament Station. Walk Spring Street & Collins Street to MelbourneTown Hall
  • 1.45-3.30pm: Commemoration – Veneration of Buddha Relics • Chanting & Blessing from various Buddhist Traditions and languages • Guided Meditation • Interfaith Messages @ Melbourne Town Hall, corner Swanston & Collins Streets
With special feature this year:
  • 10am-6pm: Giant 21 Taras Thangka (Painting) – Don’t miss an extraordinary opportunity to view this 9x15m painting of power and compassion of the 21 Taras (21 Goddesses) @ Melbourne Town Hall, corner Swanston & Collins Streets
Further details on each part of the program can be found at Facebook and website.


7. VIC | VIUN | HEARING | Your say: Improving Racism Reporting Pathways Survey

Victoria University (VIUN) is conducting a survey to understand the barriers to reporting racism and the gaps in support faced by people who experience racism. The survey is part of a research project led by Victoria University in partnership with ECCV and Islamic Council of Victoria, with funding from VicHealth. Participants will enter a draw to win a number of gift vouchers.  

8. VIC | CAVI | WEBINAR | Become a Carer Friendly Place – online training | Tuesday | 9.30–11am AEST

Did you miss the March face to face training? Now you can complete this Carers Victoria (CAVI) training online and become a Carer Friendly Place. This information and training session is for Community Groups and Community Centres such as Neighbourhood Houses to learn how to become a Carer Friendly Place. 

In Carer Friendly places carers can: 
  • meet in welcoming and warm spaces
  • find information about supports and services that exist for carers
  • connect with other people in their local community
  • participate in local programs and activities
  • enjoy spaces for support group meetings
  • connect to programs and pathways specifically for carers.
 

9. CoPP | S2b | MOVING | With Bollywood and Keeping Fit | 8 May–5 June 2023 | 6.30-7.30pm

Monday Motivation! READY, SET, DANCE!
Why not start your week off with a fun and energetic Bollywood dance class? Each week at Space2b Social Design (S2b), Jhoom Bollywood will take you through a step-by-step dancing workout, get fit and have fun!

At Space2b, 144 Chapel St, St Kilda
Five weeks every Monday on 8, 15, 22, 29 May and 5 June 2023. 

10. CoPP | S2b | TALKING | Meetups At Space2b | Tuesdays | 10.30am-12pm

Join us weekly every Tuesday as Space2b Social Design (S2b) run MEETUPS for locals and CALD migrants.
  • Share conversation, connect, exchange stories, learn new skills, improve English skills and make friends.
 

11. AUST | CUIN | WEBINAR | Positive Actions in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: In conversation with Gamiel Yafai | Tuesday 9 May 2023 | 4.30–6pm (UTC+10)

Cultural Infusion (CUIN) warmly invites you to join the event In conversation with Gamiel Yafai, organised by our very own Director of DEI, Roman Ruzbacky.

Gamiel Yafai is a multi-award-winning Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategist and Board Director for the Global Centre for Inclusion. Gamiel is the co-author of ‘Demystifying Diversity’ and Yemen Proud, and Founder & CEO of the highly successful Diversity Marketplace.
 
Through storytelling and enquiry, Gamiel will provide highlights of some of the successful DEI initiatives and programs of work he has been involved with over the course of his career. He will unpack some of the key DEI issues and challenges of our time. We will aim to provide organisational leaders, DEI and HR professionals (and those interested in DEI) with some guidance, optimism and inspiration to continue their professional and personal practice and sustain their energy levels and efforts. 
  • Where: Online event 
  • Cost:  Free. Donations encouraged and accepted to the Turkey and Syria Earthquake Relief Fund, through the Save the Children Appeal.
  • Bookings: online via Trybooking
 

12. DANDENONG | VTMH | SEMINAR | Approaching work with interpreters in mental health settings | Tuesday 16 May 2023 | 9.30am–3.30pm 

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 face to face over one day and is 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: Formal Meeting Room, Level 2, Dandenong Civic Center, 225 Lonsdale St, Dandenong VIC
  • Cost: Free. Catering will also be provided.
  • Bookings: essential, spaces are limited. Please register early to secure a place. Online via VTMH 
 

13. CoPP | GRIEF | TRAINING | Suicide Intervention Training for all people | 20-21 May 2023

Griefline (GRIEF) has recently become a provider of the LivingWorks Applied Suicide Skills Intervention Training(ASIST). ASIST is the most widely used suicide intervention model in the world, and we have scheduled three new workshops to deliver the training in the first half of 2023. This highly-sought after training will be delivered at Griefline's head office in St Kilda, Victoria on the weekend.

Any adult can attend and there are no prerequisites. ASIST is founded on the principle that everyone can make a difference in preventing suicide.

ASIST workshops teach participants to recognise when someone may be at risk of suicide and work with them to create a plan that will support their immediate safety.
  • Where: Griefline, 181 St Kilda Road, St Kilda Victoria, 3182
  • Inclusions: Lunch and refreshments will be provided during the workshop
  • Cost: $544.71 (includes all fees and taxes). 
  • Bookings: For more information and securing your place, online through Griefline
  

14. CoPP | GOV | CONNECTING | Pathways for Carers - Monthly walk, talk and morning tea | 4th Tuesday of every month | Tues 23 May 2023 | 9.45am for 10am start

Are you a Carer needing peer support and gentle exercise?

Join us on a monthly walk around the nature and beach paths of St Kilda. Every month there will be a guest speaker providing information and resources. Morning tea is included.

Next Date:
  • Tues June 27
  • Where: Meeting place/Morning tea venue: Victorian Pride Centre, 79-81 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
  • Consideration: Morning tea from 10.45am for those unable to participate in walk.
  • Download the flyer for your community notice board.
  • Contact person: email Simone
 

15. AUST | TSF | CALLING | Diverse Stroke Survivors to create culturally appropriate resources

The Stroke Foundation is seeking community's help to develop eight in-language versions of its health resource "My Stroke Journey".

Hospital health professionals deliver this resource in the first few days after a person’s stroke.

The Stroke Foundation is looking for culturally diverse people who have experienced a stroke or whose loved ones have experienced a stroke to share their stories.

This information will help stroke survivors and families from CALD communities have the best possible recovery.  

16. CoPP | S2b | CALLING | Mentors to share skills and volunteer time to mentor new migrant entrepreneurs

Sounds like this might be you?
Space2b Social Design (S2b) are looking for Business Mentors to work one-on-one with creative individuals from Migrant Backgrounds.

If interested, please email us

17. CoPP | GSL | CALLING | All playwrights | applications open Mon 1-19 May 2023

Offered for the first time in 2023, this free, multi-stage program will begin with a series of writing workshops facilitated by experienced playwrights from Melbourne Writers Theatre.

Gasworks Script Lab (GSL) is an exciting creative development opportunity for new, emerging and established playwrights living in the City of Port Phillip.
Participants’ scripts will then be further developed in script sessions with a director and actors. The program will culminate in two Script Showcases, to be presented on stage to the public in October.

GSL is designed for participants of all skill levels – from writers/aspiring writers who have never written for the stage but are interested in exploring the craft of playwriting to experienced playwrights with production credits.

New playwrights will be guided to write a monologue or short play from scratch. Writers who have an existing script or work-in-progress they wish to further develop will be offered the dramaturgical support to do this.

All sessions will be held on-site at Gasworks Arts Park, with an online option also available.  

18. VIC | GOV | CALLING | Nominations of exceptional culturally diverse women for the Victorian Honour Roll of Women | nominations close 11.59pm Monday 29 May 2023

The 2023 Victorian Honour Roll of Women is now open. More than 700 women whose achievements have helped shape Victoria, the nation and the globe have been inducted into the Honour Roll since it began in 2001.

The Honour Roll is proud to celebrate the contributions of women of all faiths, cultures, ages, sexual identities and abilities. 

19. MELB | SIWO | CALLING | Multicultural women for SisterWork's cultural spectacular | Saturday 9 September 2023

Join SisterWorks (SIWO) for a one-day event that promotes different cultures and helps enhance the economic empowerment of multicultural women.

Around 700 people are expected to join the SisterWorks cultural spectacular at the Abbotsford Convent.

The spectacular will feature sisters’ culture, stories, arts, craft, food, music, dance, and 40 stalls showcasing SisterWorks’ Entrepreneurship and Small Business Programs. 

20. AUST/NZ | RTRRC | Annual Conference - Refugee Trauma Recovery in Resettlement | 9-11 October 2023

The 3rd Australia and New Zealand Refugee Trauma Recovery in Resettlement Conference (RTRRC) “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. 

 COLLECTIVISING 

21. AUST | CHUFFED | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds for One of Australia’s Biggest Animal Sanctuaries that Needs a Tractor

Andrew from Deep Peace Trust runs one of Australia’s biggest animal sanctuaries, and is crowdfunding for a tractor named Chamberlain to move hundreds of kilos of hay at a time.
At the moment the family still has to spend hours a day manually feeding hay even in the rain. 

Thanks to fellow animal lovers, they managed to raise a quarter of what they need so far. 

But Andrew is worried they won’t have it in him to manually feed over 400 animals needing more hay with winter approaching, and now he’s in his 60s. 

All the family needs is 100 more kind folks like you to pitch in $50 to lighten their load. Will you have their back?
“This community of fellow animal lovers has had my back before. Now I need you to help cut down hours of back-breaking work! Whatever you can afford to pitch in will make all the difference to the sanctuary animals (and to us).”
Chuffed endorses this request for help keep the sanctuary running smoothly. 

22. AUST | ILF | UPDATING | Book Supply for 2023 was launched in April and more | Thursday 27 April 2023

Yamandhu marang

Last month, Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF)'s  Book Supply for 2023 was launched and over 1,990 Community organisations received an invitation to order their packs. We've already received 338 orders and book packs are already on their way, with the help of our major sponsor: Australia Post. 

Pleasingly, our stock of Books 4 Toddlers (0-3 years) and Books 4 Kids (4-7 years) are in high demand and quotas have already been reached and the Communities that miss out this time, will be sent packs in our second allocation in July. We receive incredible feedback when these books arrive in Community and kids are exposed to a beautiful range of quality, new culturally relevant books - and I pass on a thank you to YOU, for your support to make this happen!  

In more exciting news, a new book, NT Mob Sharing Stories in Language, is now available for pre-order. Featuring nine stories in nine Aboriginal languages from the Northern Territory, this book includes a mix of traditional stories and stories that reflect life in remote Communities today. NT Mob Sharing Stories in Language is a rich and rare collection. As ILF Ambassador Jessica Mauboy aptly says, “so deadly to see these nine wonderful stories come in one book for everyone to share. I hope you love this book!”

Another big announcement - Busking For Change our newest musical fundraiser, led by ILF ambassador Josh Pyke and designed for primary students is gaining traction. It's a simple concept - kids learn to sing a song in English and Kriol or play an instrument of their choice, and ask family and friends to sponsor them. Funds raised go towards our programs and publishing projects. It's a joyful multi-literacy celebration of music, song and language.

Lastly, I warmly welcome ILF's Head of Human Resources, Katharine Elkan, who joined the team this month. With over 20 years working in the corporate HR space, Katharine brings plenty of HR experience and is also completing her Masters in Human Resources and Industrial Relations. Having someone of Katharine's calibre is a coup for ILF and the team are already revelling in her organisational and policy development skills. 

Mandaang guwu,
Ben Bowen, Chief Executive Officer

SPOTLIGHTING | Word of the Month

To celebrate UNESCO's second year of the Decade of Indigenous Languages, each month we encourage readers to learn a new word in either an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander language. 
 
This month's word is day in Wiradjuri language! Wiradjuri Country is in central New South Wales 

ASKING | Would your school love a visit from Andy Griffiths?

This year we are running an early bird offer, simply host your schools Great Book Swapand submit your donation by 30 June 2023 to automatically go into the draw to win a virtual visit from beloved ILF Ambassador, Andy Griffiths!  

SUPPORTING | Bianca Hunt supports the ILF on I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!

We are so grateful that we were the charity of choice for Bianca Hunt on the Australian TV series, 'I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here...' We had the pleasure of welcoming the wonderful Bianca Hunt to our Sydney office. Bianca used her platform on 'I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here' to raise awareness about the work we do at the ILF. She is extremely passionate about education and we are so grateful for her support.  

OFFERING | Busking For Change - tips for success from Summer Hill PS.

Summer Hill Public School jumped at the chance to participate in the Busking For Changepilot program in 2022. The joy and success of the program was accelerated by the school's active music program and the desire to give students an opportunity to participate in a brilliant fundraiser for the ILF.  

SAVING THE DATE | Indigenous Literacy Day | 6 September 2023

Indigenous Literacy Day (ILD) will be held on 6 September 2023. Make sure to save the date and celebrate stories, cultures and languages with us. Stay tuned for more information coming out shortly! 

CLICKING | For More Stories

 

GIFTING | Bags of Books to Babies and Toddlers

Over the last six years, many much-needed items have been distributed to remote and regional Communities by the Dr Steve Burroughs Foundation and now books from ILF’s Book Supply program are reaching families too.  

PRINTING | Can You Dance? translated into Miriwoong

This month we sent a translated edition of ILF favourite Can You Dance? off to print! Wanja warrg nemben? has been translated into Miriwoong by the Mirima Dawang Woorlab-gerring Language and Culture Centre, and copies of the book will be given back to the centre. This is the first book published by the ILF in Miriwoong, and we're excited to send copies off to the Community soon!

PUBLISHING | First Commercial Children’s Picture Book featuring Thanynakwith Language!

The ILF is proud to publish a new book from Napranum Community, We Look, We Findrepresenting the first time a children’s picture book featuring Thanynakwith language has ever been commercially published. We Look, We Find is a point of pride for everyone involved in the production of the story.  

SPOTLIGHTING | Ambassadors

Congratulations to ILF Ambassadors Dr Anita Heiss and Alison Lester for being shortlisted for the Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIA) Small Publishers’ Children’s Book of the Year!

 
National Indigenous Television (NITV) has announced the appointment of ILF Co-Chair Natalie Ahmat as Head of Indigenous News and Current Affairs. Natalie holds a wealth of knowledge and is an extraordinary leader. We are very happy for her!
 
ILF Ambassador Debra Dank speaks about her book 'We Come With This Place'. Congratulations Deb on being shortlisted for the 2023 Stella Prize!  

OFFERING | Special Thanks

We would like to thank Oracle who have provided us with a generous grant to support our Book Supply and Book Buzz Programs in New South Wales. We love collaborating with companies like Oracle to achieve our program goals!

We are very grateful to Energy Australia who raised $7,000 from selling almost 20 artworks from their corporate offices which they donated to our Foundation.

We are very grateful to have the support of HubSpot. For every HubSpot Academy certification completed during World Certification Week (15-19 May 2023), HubSpot will donate $5 USD to our Foundation. 

We are indebted to our partner Australia Post for their support with the delivery of Book Supply packs to remote Communities and their ongoing fundraising. 

BECOMING | An ILF Partner
Community Fundraisers 
Thank you to Murdoch Books who are donating $1 to the ILF for every copy of First Nations Food Companion by Damien Coulthard and Rebecca Sullivan sold. Additionally, the ILF would like to congratulate the recent winning of the Indie Book Award for Illustrated Book of the Year.

We would like to thank Evamor Valley Mudgee, who will be donating $10 from every hotel booking of their premier luxury glamping accommodation to the ILF. We are so grateful for their wonderful support!

A big thank you to our long existing supporters, Blue Island Press who have donated 5% of sales from their beautiful greeting cards designed by Quandamooka artist, Delvene Cockatoo-Collins to our Foundation and who have been supporting us over the last 5 years.


 ANNOUNCING 

23. AUST | CUIN | UPDATING | Industries, Ideas, Innovation - Diversity Atlas

Building harmony and making sure everyone belongs

Leading Voices in an Ensemble of Harmony & Belonging, Harmony Weekbegins at the end of March but carries on into April. 

This is an extremely busy time of the year for Cultural Infusion (CUIN) where communities come together to celebrate the vibrant complexity of their differences. We remember the history of this week and we know that harmony isn’t the full story of how it came about. The United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination commemorates the 21 March 1960 Sharpeville Massacre in South Africa.

Last week, the Education and Experiences team delivered a community event at Armada Dandenong Plaza, featuring many wonderful cultural presentations. Our Projects and Partnerships Manager for Inclusion Atlas, Lana Perello, was interviewed by online publication HerCanberra, we provide details to an upcoming online Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) event, we welcome a new member to the team and highlight a cultural celebration in our diversity calendar. 

REPORTING | Community Event at Armada Dandenong Plaza

To kick off Harmony Week, the Education and Experiences team organised a community event at Armada Dandenong Plaza.

This year's international Harmony Week theme, 'everyone belongs', was at the forefront of the event as the community came together to celebrate the importance of cultural diversity and inclusiveness. 

There was a total of 11 vibrant presenters and 4 engaging workshops. The event included an Acknowledgement to Country and didgeridoo performance, Melanesian Music and Culture, West African Drumming, Polynesian Music and Dance, Middle Eastern Belly Dance, Bollywood Dance and Vietnamese Dance, providing hands-on cultural experiences for the community.

The event also ran interactive workshops including 'Learn A Language', for developing language skills such as basic phrases and greetings in French, Auslan and many more.
Throughout Harmony Week, our Education and Experiences team delivered over 100 cultural incursions, reaching over 90 Early Learning Centers, Schools and Community Organisations across Australia.

Harmony Week highlights the importance of promoting cultural respect and inclusiveness and we had such a blast working with Armada Dandenong Plaza alongside our incredibly talented cultural presenters.

REPORTING | HerCanberra Interview

This month, Inclusion Atlas' Projects and Partnerships Manager Lana Perello was interviewed by HerCanberra in an article titled 'Inclusion Atlas is showing where people of all identities can be safe, happy and accommodated.'

Lana envisions a world where every community can easily access information on the most suitable locations and venues that cater to their specific needs.

Inclusion Atlas allows users to find, rate, and review venues and public spaces based on how accessible and inclusive they are. The app collects user-generated content through a rating system where users can upload photos and provide feedback on various review categories, ranging from accessible parking to LGBTQIA+ friendly spaces. 

The platform also has a second function supporting business owners to improve their practices—both those starting out with little idea of how to be more inclusive and those who want to raise the bar.

Lana shared that during the app’s market testing phase, the team found that 93.5 per cent of people with a disability try to find information about the accessibility of venues before visiting, and retailers who displayed a positive attitude towards disability were reported to provide more positive customer experiences.
“Giving businesses an opportunity to show that they are listening to every one of their customers can demonstrate meaningful change in the pursuit of fair and equitable customer service... Inclusion Atlas is setting the standard for the way businesses and communities interact, where the needs and lived experiences of both users and business owners alike are recognised and reinforced, creating positive exchanges.”
- Lana Perello
To enquire or get in touch with Lana for a discovery tour of Inclusion Atlas, email them at 
Lana.P@culturalinfusion.org.au or contact their direct line on +613 9412 6610.    

WELCOMING | Mr. Syed Shah, Head of Education and Training

We are pleased to welcome Mr. Syed Shah to the Cultural Infusion team as the Head of Education and Training.

Mr. Syed Shah is a respected academic with more than twenty years of experience in lecturing and designing curricula across multiple disciplines for leading universities across the world and Australian Universities including RMIT, Monash, Victoria, and Curtin.

Apart from his academic experience, he has also been a management consultant and trainer to several government and private organisations. His vast corporate and academic experience, flexible and collaborative approach, along with sound business acumen enables him to deliver engaging, focused, and results-oriented training solutions.

Over the years he has taught and trained over 30,000 people, demonstrating his passion for empowering others to improve their lives through education. Syed has visited more than 40 countries and delivered countless lectures in more than 25 universities. Syed was born in Nigeria to Pakistani diplomats. In addition to English, Syed speaks Hausa, Urdu, Punjabi & Hindi.
Welcome to the team, Syed!
     

SPOTLIGHTING | Cultural Calendar: Belly Dance Day 14 May 2023 

World Belly Dance Day celebrates the popular dance style of belly dancing. This style of dance is incredibly artistic with complex moves, techniques and wonderfully embroidered dresses adorned with vibrant colours. Requiring lots of stamina and great core strength, belly dancing is not as easy as it looks.

Our belly dancing programs are both interactive and highly engaging, allowing students to immerse themselves in the vibrant and intricate world of this dance style.

Middle Eastern Belly Dance is available in Victoria, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Western Australia and Queensland in person and virtually in some states.

24. VIC | ECCV | ISSUING | eBulletin #34 | April 2023

Australia's migration system is broken. It's heartening to see Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil acknowledge this ahead of the release of the federal government's migration review. For the close to two million guest workers in Australia, their visa status is essentially "permanently temporary".
 
This state of indefinite limbo has adverse impacts on the health and wellbeing of our diverse communities, as outlined in our 2022 submission to the migration review. Improving pathways to permanency is critical to reform of our immigration system.
 
Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) welcomes last week's announcement to grant New Zealanders living in Australia  an expedited pathway to citizenship but would like to see a simplified visa system and improved pathways for for other communities seeking a secure future in Australia. 
 
Last week we were delighted to attend the launch of Victoria University's anti-racism roadmap for Melbourne's south-east last week. Combatting racism is one of ECCV's key objectives, and it was fantastic to see the work being done to tackle racism on a grassroots level. We are pleased to be working with Victoria University on a research project aimed at improving reporting pathways and supports for Victorians who experience racism.
 
Anti-racism will be the theme of our upcoming Member Forum on Thursday, 15 June 2023, and we invite you to save the date. The Forum will focus on ways to address racism and improve anti-racism support on a local and statewide level. We look forward to sharing more information about the Forum soon.
 
Eddie Micallef, Chairperson

SUPPORTING | Our communities access the PSB

ECCV's multicultural outreach team has been busy working to support migrant and refugee communities to access the Victorian government's Power Saving Bonus. Since a new round of the Bonus began on 24 March, ECCV has helped more than 1500 households secure the $250 payment and learn more about how to save money on their energy bills. 

UPDATING | Emergency management partnership

ECCV is currently supporting the Multicultural Emergency Management Partnership (MEMP) to develop a governance structure to allow it to continue its work strengthening relationships and embedding a long-term, inclusive approach to emergency management. The MEMP is also working to build a wider network of emergency agencies interested in working with multicultural communities. 

MEETING | Victorian Access & Support Network

Last month, ECCV was pleased to host a workshop for the Access & Support (A&S) Network at our Coburg office. The workshop was highly insightful, with members discussing the challenges of navigating the transition from A&S to the new care finder program and their concerns for the impact of the reforms on older people from diverse backgrounds. 

WEBINAR | Multicultural carer needs forum now online

In partnership with Carers Victoria, ECCV held an online forum in early April to discuss carer needs in multicultural communities. We had a fantastic turnout with more than 50 people attending. It was a great opportunity to consolidate what has been achieved as part of ECCV's Recognising and Respecting Carers project, and to consider what needs to be done next. 

RESEARCHING | Regional community session on anti-racism

Victoria University (VU) held its first anti-racism community session in Morwell this month to canvass the experiences and insights of local multicultural communities on racism and how to address it. The event was part of a research project aiming to improve anti-racism support, conducted by VU in partnership with ECCV and the Islamic Council of Victoria, funded by VicHealth. 

TRAINING | Free elder abuse awareness program | 2 and 9 May 2023

ECCV is running a two-day bilingual community educator training workshop as part of our Elder Abuse Awareness project. This free training program aims to equip people with the skills and resources to deliver in-language information sessions on how to prevent, identify and respond to elder abuse. Educators are paid for the sessions they conduct. 

PUBLISHING | Hot off the press: Our Golden Years

The latest edition of Our Golden Years, ECCV's biannual print newsletter for multicultural and ethno-specific seniors clubs and associations, is out now. Our Golden Years has a reach of over 500 seniors clubs and associations across the state. This issue features an interview with COTA Senior Achiever Award recipient Jagdish Chander (pictured), a guide to future planning, and more. 

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

ISSUING | Official Statement Responding to the Vatican's Repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery | 7 April 2023

The Parliament of the World’s Religions joins Indigenous Peoples and all those affected by the Doctrine of Discovery in affirming its formal repudiation by the Vatican, through an official statement released jointly on 30 March 2023 by the Dicastery for Culture and Education and the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.
A great number of Indigenous peoples, Catholic institutions, other religious bodies, civil society organizations, and individuals have advocated for many years for this much-needed repudiation. We join all those who have worked for this in commending the Vatican’s important action.

At the 2009 Melbourne Convening and the 2015 Convening of the Parliament, declarations by Indigenous participants – “An Indigenous People’s Statement to the World” and “An Indigenous Peoples’ Declaration for Action” – included a call for Vatican repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery and were adopted in plenary by the entire Convening. These statements were reaffirmed at the 2018 Toronto Convening. The Parliament also submitted an internal statement to the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development in 2020.

The “Doctrine of Discovery” is an international legal construct that some scholars contend originated with papal bulls or decrees of the 15th century in which the Pope granted to rulers of Christian nations permission to conquer non-Christian lands and have dominion over them, take their resources, enslave their inhabitants and convert them to Christianity – on the condition that those lands had not yet been “discovered” by some other Christian power. If the inhabitants of a territory were not Christian, the land was considered “uninhabited” and could be seized at will. These principles were incorporated into the law of colonizing powers and subsequently permeated culture as well as legal systems; they have continued to be cited in legal decisions into the 21st century in different countries, including in U. S. Supreme Court decisions as late as 2005.   

The Vatican statement says, “In no uncertain terms, the Church’s magisterium upholds the respect due to every human being. The Catholic Church therefore repudiates those concepts that fail to recognize the inherent human rights of indigenous peoples, including what has become known as the legal and political ‘doctrine of discovery."

The Parliament of the World’s Religions stands with those most affected by the Doctrine and honors the advocacy that made this a significant first step in addressing the damage done by the Doctrine of Discovery over the ages to cultures and land holdings. This is the beginning of a journey toward healing and righting what was wrong. 

CALLING | Our Conscience

Wednesday 5 April marked the annual observance of International Day of Conscience, a day with a mission to promote a culture of peace with love and conscience. The United Nations affirms that the international observance aims to foster opportunities for dialogue and strong community relations based on a shared belief in human dignity, fundamental freedoms, and human rights.

This year let’s celebrate the world’s largest, most diverse, and inclusive interfaith opportunity for dialogue and community engagement, the Parliament of the World’s Religions! 

SAVING THE DATE | No Faith in Fossil Fuels: A Climate Finance Summit | 8-11 May 2023

The Parliament of the World’s Religions is joining people of faith at GreenFaith‘s No Faith in Fossil Fuels: A Climate Finance Summit.

This year’s three-day summit will amplify the voices of frontline leaders of Turtle Island (what we now call the United States) and the Global South, whose communities bear the direct brunt of financial decisions made by Chase Bank, Bank of America, Vanguard, BlackRock, and others who invest in harmful oil and gas extraction. This summit is making connections between faith, finance, and climate, for money managers rooted in just climate values, or communities wrestling with these questions. 

ANNOUNCING | Luminaries Answering the Call to Conscience

The Parliament of the World’s Religions is honored to announce the participation of Mustafa Abu Sway, Nivedita Bhide, and Brian J. Grim as luminaries of the 2023 Parliament of the World’s Religions.
  • Mustafa Abu Sway is the Integral Chair for the Study of Imam Ghazali’s Work at the Holy Al-Aqsa Mosque and Al-Quds University.
  • Nivedita Bhide is the Vice President of Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari.
  • Brian J. Grim is the founding president of the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation.
These luminaries are joining thousands of global attendees committed to answering the call to conscience. 

ANNOUNCING | Spiritual Playdate with PoWR Hosting Kids Track at the 2023 Parliament Convening

Playdate at the Parliament is returning to the Parliament Convening, as the Parliament of the World's Religions and Spiritual Playdate partner once again to offer interactive programming as part of the newly launched Kids of PoWR track at the 2023 Parliament of the World’s Religions this August.

The Kids of PoWR program track at the 2023 Parliament Convening is open to children ages 6-13 in the company of a registered parent or guardian. 

WELCOMING | Mustafa Abu Sway, Nivedita Bhide, and Brian J. Grim to Address 2023 Parliament Convening

On 13 April 2023, the Parliament of the World’s Religions announced the participation of Mustafa Abu Sway, Nivedita Bhide, and Brian J. Grim as featured luminaries of the 2023 Parliament of the World's Religions.

Mustafa Abu Sway, Nivedita Bhide, and Brian J. Grim are joining thousands of global attendees committed to answering the call to conscience and taking a stand for freedom, democracy, and human rights. 

WEEKLY | Schedule Update Highlights Assembly & Plenary Foci

The newly updated week's schedule now features the focus of each assembly and plenary at the 2023 Parliament of the World's Religions.

Want to explore the full program? Registered presenters and attendees have already begun to explore the 700+ program offerings through our event hub.  

WISHING | Happy Earth Day! | 22 April 

The Parliament of the World's Religions celebrates our planet 22 April 2023, and every day, through the work of the Climate Action Task Force. Want to know how you can help save the Earth? Register for the 2023 Parliament Convening to experience all that interfaith organizations are doing to combat climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.

The Climate Action track at the 2023 Convening feature over 80 programs and two Climate Assemblies, bringing forward voices from all over the world who are working on the ground to save our planet.

Wondering where to find your fellow climate activists during the Convening? Find us in the Climate Village, a special section of the Exhibit Hall for climate organizations, networking, and special programming. For inquiries regarding purchasing climate booths, please email.

Can't wait for August? Sign up for the Climate mailing list and keep an eye out for our pre-Parliament webinars on climate change, covering topics like eliminating fossil fuels, reducing plastic pollution, and more! 

We look forward to seeing you in August. And once again, happy Earth Day!

SAVING THE DATE | A Place for All People: The Possibilities and Challenges of Interfaith Organizations | 23 May 2023

On 23 May 2023, Rev. Stephen Avino, the Executive Director of the Parliament of the World’s Religions, is joining “A Place for All People: The Possibilities and Challenges of Interfaith Organizations,” an event aiming to grow understanding of inter-religious relations and discuss the direction of interfaith in America and the world over. 

STAYING | 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 

26. 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.


27. AUST | Helpers and Reliable Sources Along the Way

 

     ACKNOWLEDGING 

    28. Acknowledgment to Sources

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

    29. 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 the Caretaker at this time.

    30. 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.