This week saw attendance and speaking at the Order of Australia Association's 35th National Conference. It was a great opportunity to reflect on how much representation matters.
We know we need diversity and inclusion at all levels of Government and in all areas of community, but we also need representation of recognition.That's why I was so pleased to see the work of the Association in ensuring its recipients reflect the diversity of the community, for our contribution is no less than that of every citizen of this country.
And while we have a great deal more to do to achieve full representation, we celebrate the progression milestones and express our appreciation for the people who are changing things.
Historically, women have been underrepresented in awards, with men twice as likely to be recognised.
But this year, 48 per cent of the Order of Australia awards were awarded to women, which is more than ever before.
We thank the Victorian Government for their support in increasing these numbers
We can't be what we can't see!
This week, importantly, we learn more about our shared histories, cultures and achievements in National Reconciliation Week. I encourage you all to use the last days to reflect on Australia's past and consider how you can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
I believe we need to be continually learning about Australian history and continually committing to the critical work of racial justice, equity and reconciliation.
At the VMC, we value our role in this process and what is our nation's essential work. We'll keep collaborating and providing accurate information to the multicultural community to support greater understanding and awareness.
As people from multicultural and multifaith backgrounds, we can support Indigenous Australians and the reconciliation process in all areas where we live, work and socialise.
Finally, I applaud the work of community organisations and a couple of them have received further support below.
Thank you
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson
News and Events
Join the VMC database!
In the last couple of years, the VMC has played a significant role in supporting, engaging and informing the multicultural and multifaith communities during extremely tough circumstances, like the floods, fires and the pandemic.In order to continue this effort, we need a robust and up-to-date database to do it effectively.
Please help us by providing your organisation's contact details for our Multicultural Communities Database.
There are two questionnaires - please only fill out ONE.
You can complete a questionnaire on behalf of an organisation you represent OR as an individual.
- Individuals Questionnaire
- Organisations Questionnaire
- If you have any questions, please email the VMC at database@vmc.vic.gov.au
SUNSHINE | EPAVIC | CELEBRATING | World Environment Day Drop-In Sessions
EPA Victoria (EPAV) is celebrating World Environment Day on Monday 5 June with a community drop-in session at their Western Metropolitan Regional office at 12 Clarke Street, Sunshine.The Sunshine Hub invites you to come along meet their team, enjoy interactive displays and finger food, and share each other's joint priorities, achievements, challenges and opportunities.
The event will be relaxed and you are welcome to drop in anytime between 4-6 pm.
OFFICER | GWGND | CELEBRATING | World Environment Day | Saturday 10 June 2023 | 10.30am-1pm
The Officer Gurudwara 'Siri Guru Nanak Darbar' is celebrating by planting about 150 trees to promote the messages of Collective Responsibility and Social Cohesion.
Honourable Minister Andrew Giles MP, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs will attend. Honourable Emma Vulin, MP, State Member for Pakenham will also join.
The following links are currently being used to promote COVID-19 resources in language (via the translations icon):
The message includes a fake internet link to myGov. Please be aware that text messages from myGov will never include an internet link and all legitimate myGov messages can be accessed from the customer’s myGov inbox.
Customers can call the Scams and Identity Theft Helpdesk on 1800 941 126 to report a scam related to myGov, Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support.
For more information in English and other languages about scams and how to protect against scams, go to servicesaustralia.gov.au/scams-and-identity-theft
OURRACE | SCREENING | Ethical storytelling, anti-racist community Subject: Who Gets to Tell the Story?
Join Our Race for this film screening panel conversation on the ethics of storytelling across the arts, research, advocacy and beyond, which will include co-producer of Subject, Margie Ratliff, and a panel of local experts to explore the film and the question of "Who gets to tell the Story?"AUST | GOV | UPDATING | COVID safe and vaccination information to support CALD people with disability
The COVID safe and vaccination information to support CALD people with disability translated fact sheets are now obsolete and will not be updated or maintained.The following links are currently being used to promote COVID-19 resources in language (via the translations icon):
- Protect yourself and others from COVID-19 | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) translated information | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
AUST | GOV | ADVISING | New myGov Scams
People are receiving an SMS message which pretends to be from myGov advising of a one-off payment to help with living expenses.The message includes a fake internet link to myGov. Please be aware that text messages from myGov will never include an internet link and all legitimate myGov messages can be accessed from the customer’s myGov inbox.
Customers can call the Scams and Identity Theft Helpdesk on 1800 941 126 to report a scam related to myGov, Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support.
For more information in English and other languages about scams and how to protect against scams, go to servicesaustralia.gov.au/scams-and-identity-theft
Mental Health
MHWL | LAUNCHING | Mental Health and Wellbeing Local comes to Frankston
Frankston is the latest place in Victoria to get a Mental Health and Wellbeing Local (MHWL), with the announcement of the beginning of walk-in services in the coming weeks and weekend service to kick off in the coming months.
The Frankston Local is delivered by Wellways Australia in partnership with Mentis Assist and Peninsula Health – and since opening late last year, this has provided support to hundreds of people in the community with wellbeing and therapeutic group sessions, face-to-face appointments, telehealth and outreach.
The Locals will remove barriers that many Victorians face when they need treatment, and they will connect them to support – without making them jump through hoops like a GP referral, meeting eligibility criteria or cost.
The Volunteering Awards are hosted by Volunteering Victoria and the Victorian Government to celebrate inspiring volunteers and outstanding community organisations.
Anyone can nominate. It’s quick and easy. And you’ll help to make sure deserving volunteers and community organisations are recognised for the important contribution they make to our state.
Made by Many Minds is a one-stop digital platform that provides Migrant Women in Business members with a range of services including legal, finance, marketing and merchandising. The platform was developed with a $150,000 grant from the Victoria Government, with most of the services offered owned and run by migrant women.
Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Ros Spence today announced Wellsprings for Women will receive a funding boost of $788,000 over the next two years.
The funding is part of a $117 million package to support victims of family and sexual violence and perpetrator intervention programs announced in the Victorian Budget 2023/24. It builds on the Victorian Government’s record investment in the prevention of family violence.
The Frankston Local is delivered by Wellways Australia in partnership with Mentis Assist and Peninsula Health – and since opening late last year, this has provided support to hundreds of people in the community with wellbeing and therapeutic group sessions, face-to-face appointments, telehealth and outreach.
The Locals will remove barriers that many Victorians face when they need treatment, and they will connect them to support – without making them jump through hoops like a GP referral, meeting eligibility criteria or cost.
Employment & Training
VIC | GOV | CALLING | Nominees for Volunteering Awards 2023 | nominations close on Monday 17 July 2023
Nominations for the Volunteering Awards 2023 are now open!The Volunteering Awards are hosted by Volunteering Victoria and the Victorian Government to celebrate inspiring volunteers and outstanding community organisations.
Anyone can nominate. It’s quick and easy. And you’ll help to make sure deserving volunteers and community organisations are recognised for the important contribution they make to our state.
Investing In Multicultural Small Businesswomen
Multicultural women who own a small business can now connect with experts from across Australia to accelerate their success via a dedicated online marketplace - Made by Many Minds.Made by Many Minds is a one-stop digital platform that provides Migrant Women in Business members with a range of services including legal, finance, marketing and merchandising. The platform was developed with a $150,000 grant from the Victoria Government, with most of the services offered owned and run by migrant women.
Gender Equality
More Support On The Way For Wellsprings For Women
Women of all cultural backgrounds experiencing family violence can access the help and support they need with newly announced funding from the Victorian Government.Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Ros Spence today announced Wellsprings for Women will receive a funding boost of $788,000 over the next two years.
The funding is part of a $117 million package to support victims of family and sexual violence and perpetrator intervention programs announced in the Victorian Budget 2023/24. It builds on the Victorian Government’s record investment in the prevention of family violence.