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GEIFN | CONSOLIDATED | Community Information | Saturday 1 July 2023

Fast Facts: Community Responses Victoria & Australia

  1. VIC | GOV | UPDATING | Pandemic Response

     GRANTING 
  2. AUST | PFA | Small Grant Round Grant Opportunity | applications close 5pm AEST Monday 17 July 2023
  3. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | A new round of Live Local grants is now available

     EMPLOYMENT & OPPORTUNITIES 
  4. VIC | GOV | RECOGNISING | International qualifications that might be recognised in Australia
  5. VIC | GOV | ASSISTING | Victorian Gig Workers More

     ENGAGING 
  6. AUST | NAIDOC | COMMEMORATING | National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee Week celebrations | Sunday 2–Sunday 9 July 2023
  7. AUST | GOVA | OFFERING | Resources and Translations on The Voice and Referendum 2023
  8. CoPP | S2b | TALKING | Meetups At Space2b | Tuesdays | 10.30am-12pm
  9. COPP | PPLS | SHARING | Sensitive Storytimes | held on second Thursday of month | 13 July 2023 | 11am–12noon
  10. VIC | GOV | CALLING | Nominees for Volunteering Awards 2023 | nominations close on Monday 17 July 2023
  11. MELB | SIWO | CALLING | Multicultural women for SisterWork's cultural spectacular | Saturday 9 September 2023
  12. MELB | EQPR | UNLOCKING | Your Leadership Potential: Register for our Adaptive Leadership Program for ERGs | 12-14 September 2023
  13. AUST/NZ | RTRRC | Annual conference - refugee trauma recovery in resettlement | 9-11 October 2023

     COLLECTIVISING 
  14. UKRAINE | AFUO | RAISING | Awareness, Funds and Support to save lives in Ukraine
  15. AUST | BEBL | GROWING | A mentally healthy generation
  16. AUST | AICR | ENCOURAGING | YES23. Recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Constitution through a Voice
  17. AUST | MMBC | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds for families access to life changing donor milk
  18. COPP | STEMSIS | GATHERING | Swop Sis
  19. AUST | ILF | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds for Giving Remote Communities Access to Books
  20. AUST | THCO | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds for Empowering people with solutions-focused journalism

         ANNOUNCING 
  21. AUST | MbMM | INVESTING | In Multicultural Small Businesswomen
  22. AUST | CUIN | UPDATING | The Diversity Atlas Learning Programs
  23. VIC | GOV | SUPPORTING | On The Way For Wellsprings For Women
  24. VIC | GOV | ANNOUNCING | 2023 Victorian Youth Fest Recipients
  25. VIC | GOV | LAUNCHING | Dedicated emergency mental health hub opens at Monash Medical
  26. NT | PESC | REPORTING | Pertame School Half Year Results
  27. WORLD | PWR | UPDATING | 2023 Parliament & More

     SUPPORTING 
  28. AUST | Coronavirus hotline
  29. AUST | Helpers and Reliable Sources Along the Way

     ACKNOWLEDGING 
  30. Acknowledgment to Sources
  31. Bye bye to Essentialists
  32. 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.

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):

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. AUST | PFA | Small Grant Round Grant Opportunity | applications close 5pm AEST Monday 17 July 2023

Pride Foundation Australia (PFA) Small Grant Round program supports projects proposed by individuals and/or organisations and or communities who would otherwise be limited by the constraints of other funding programs.

This is the second granting round for 2023.  

3. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | A new round of Live Local grants is now available

Under the fund, local councils and community organisations receive grants of up to $200,000 for infrastructure projects, while smaller grants of up to $20,000 support the purchase of equipment, minor upgrades, and maintenance to facilities to continue to serve their local communities well into the future.

Successful grants include a refurbished community hall for the Tamil Educational Cultural & Charitable Association in Deanside, a cool room for the Muslim Women’s Council community kitchen in Brunswick, and the creation of a migration trail to celebrate Victoria’s multi-cultural history in Port Melbourne 

 EMPLOYMENT & OPPORTUNITIES 

4. VIC | GOV | RECOGNISING | International qualifications that might be recognised in Australia

The Victorian Government offers free and confidential assessment services through the Overseas Qualifications Unit.

You can have your international qualifications assessed to be recognised in Australia to enhance your career or find pathways to further education opportunities.

Vietnamese:
Bạn có muốn bằng cấp quốc tế của mình được công nhận miễn phí ở Úc không?

Đơn vị Chứng Nhận Bằng Cấp Nước Ngoài (OQU) cung cấp các dịch vụ đánh giá miễn phí và bảo mật thông tin để các bằng cấp quốc tế của bạn được công nhận tại Úc nhằm nâng cao cơ hội kiếm việc làm hoặc học tập cao hơn. 

Nếu bạn có bất kỳ câu hỏi nào hãy gọi 1300 492 606

Chinese:
您希望您的海外资历免费获得在澳洲官方认证吗？

海外资历认证组（OQU）提供免费评估服务，能够使您的海外学历在澳洲得到认可，帮助您找到工作，并可为教育机构包括专业机构或录取机构出具证明。

Farsi:
دولت ویکتوریا به طور رایگان، ارزیابی و معادل سازی استرالیایی برای مدارک تحصیلی غیر استرالیایی را برای شما انجام می دهد تا بتوانید شانس استخدامی بیشتر یا موقعیت های ادامه تحصیل و ... داشته باشید. برای اطلاعات بیشتر می توانید با شماره تلفن یا ایمیل زیر تماس بگیرید یا مستقیماً به وبسایت رفته و تقاضانامه را پر کنید و مدارک خود را ارزیابی نمایید:

 

5. VIC | GOV | ASSISTING | Victorian Gig Workers More

The Victorian Government is helping Victorian Gig Workers with a new support service that provides advice and practical assistance to thousands of on-demand workers across the state.

This will include translation and interpreter services and will help workers to:
  • Understand their rights, protections and entitlements under workplace and related laws
  • Make informed decisions about working for a platform
  • Understand which agencies and other services can help them resolve work disputes.
Workers can contact the service by email at info.gwss@dpc.vic.gov.au or by calling the 1800 000 478 hotline. Operating hours will be 9am–5pm Monday to Friday. 

 ENGAGING  

6. AUST | NAIDOC | COMMEMORATING | National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee Week celebrations | Sunday 2–Sunday 9 July 2023

National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 
NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. You can support and get to know your local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities through activities and events held across the country. 

NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. Its origins can be traced to the emergence of Aboriginal groups in the 1920′s which sought to increase awareness in the wider community of the status and treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

The National NAIDOC Committee respectfully acknowledges the now defunct and inaccurate term 'Aborigines', whilst retaining the term in our title due to historic use by our Elders in establishing this week of commemoration in 1938. 

7. AUST | GOVA | OFFERING | Resources and Translations on The Voice and Referendum 2023

Australian Government (GOVA) advises in late 2023, Australians will have their say in a referendum about whether to change the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice would be an independent and permanent advisory body. It would give advice to the Australian Parliament and Government on matters that affect the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have called for members of the Voice to be chosen by First Nations peoples based on the wishes of local communities.

8. 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.

9. COPP | PPLS | SHARING | Sensitive Storytimes | held on second Thursday of month, 13 July 2023 | 11am–12noon 

Port Phillip Libraries (PPLS) recognise that every child is unique, and we are dedicated to creating a space that is inclusive, sensory-friendly, and fun for everyone! 

These small group sessions are designed for children who may be on the autism spectrum, have sensory processing difficulties, or simply prefer a much quieter, calmer, and controlled environment. 

As with all our Storytime sessions, there will be plenty of books to be read and songs to dance and sing-along to! Please join us for this fun-filled adventure into the world of stories and imagination.  
 

10. 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. 

11. 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. 

12. MELB | EQPR | UNLOCKING | Your Leadership Potential: Register for our Adaptive Leadership Program for ERGs | 12-14 September 2023

Announcing The Equality Project (EQPR)'s new Adaptive Leadership Program
Are you actively involved in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within your organisation?

Are you a member of an Employee Resource Group (ERG) looking to transform your leadership skills?

Or perhaps you're just starting out, finding your footing and seeking ways to overcome challenges?

We're thrilled to invite you to our new Adaptive Leadership Program for Employee Resource Groups in Melbourne.

This program is about empowering ERG leaders to make a real difference and drive meaningful change within their organisation.

During this program, you'll gain practical insights, tools, and strategies to enhance your adaptive leadership abilities.

You'll learn how to tackle complex challenges, embrace diverse perspectives, and unlock your potential to drive positive change in your organisation.

Don't miss this opportunity to develop your leadership and make a lasting impact. Register for our Adaptive Leadership Program today.

13. 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 

14. UKRAINE | AFUO | RAISING | Awareness, Funds and Support to save lives in Ukraine

Help is needed urgently to save lives in Ukraine today
Already generosity to Ukraine Crisis Appeal - Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) has directly assisted tens of thousands of Ukrainians; a gift today will help save the lives of those at risk following the Kakhovka dam disaster and the innocent Ukrainian children and people suffering because of this inflicted genocide against them.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine involves constant brutality and cruelty. Yet certain moments are particularly shocking and devastating.

The recent deliberate destruction of Kakhovka Reservoir – Ukraine’s biggest dam – is a barbaric act that has already led to widespread destruction and loss of life. 

Catastrophic flooding has wiped away whole towns, with more than 60,000 people already made homeless. Some of the world’s most fertile farmland has been ruined and whole ecosystems destroyed. Europe’s largest nuclear power plant is threatened by meltdown, which would threaten lives and livelihoods of millions of people beyond Ukraine’s borders – a shocking echo of the Chernobyl disaster. Evacuation even brings its own perils, as russian troops bombard with bullets men, women and children fleeing the floods.

There is, however, hope amongst the carnage. Ukrainians have demonstrated to the world their resilience and resourcefulness throughout the invasion. Whenever help has been needed, the world has responded swiftly, and Ukrainians have been grateful. Australians have led the charge, giving generously to people who deserve a fair go and who will never surrender.

Today we ask for help to Ukraine once more. The Kakhovka flood is already the single largest humanitarian and environmental catastrophe of russia’s brutal war. Without help, the flooding will result in unimaginable loss of life in Ukraine through the spread of disease. Our aim is to provide humanitarian, medical and mental health aid for those most in need: the vulnerable people needing shelter, food, fresh water and assistance. Every dollar and every minute counts in the effort to save lives.

Giving through the Ukraine Crisis Appeal is the best way that you can continue to immediately and directly save lives in Ukraine. Your generosity continues to buy food, clothing and medicine; helps to build shelter; provides medical and mental health assistance; and ensures that millions of displaced men, women and children can live in safety and dignity.

To view projects please see New Safe Home Project - Ukraine Crisis Appeal - YouTube . 
There are several other testimonials on our website

Ukraine Crisis Appeal is a totally voluntary organisation and works directly with aid workers and volunteers in Ukraine, who inform us daily on the needs and dangers present on the war’s frontlines. This means that your gift will be directed urgently towards Kakhovka disaster and across Ukraine providing assistance such as rescue, sanitation, shelter, clean drinking water, food, clothing and medical assistance. 

Help Ukraine now: please donate to the Ukraine Crisis Appeal (tax deductible and run in partnership with Rotary Australia World Community Service and save lives.

Diahanna (Darka) Senko, Chair
Director, Humanitarian Aid Initiatives

15. AUST | BEBL | GROWING | A mentally healthy generation

Offering a range of online, evidence-based tools, resources and professional learning aimed at improving the skills and knowledge of educators to support mental health and wellbeing in children and young people.
Be You is the national mental health in education initiative delivered by Beyond Blue, in collaboration with Early Childhood Australia and headspace.

Be You supports educators from early learning services and schools to develop a positive, inclusive and resilient learning community where every child, young person, educator and family can achieve their best possible mental health. 

Be You is free and for all Australian educators across early learning, primary and secondary school settings.


16. AUST | AICR | ENCOURAGING | YES23. Recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Constitution through a Voice

Australians for Indigenous Constitutional Recognition (AICR) asks all to consider voting Yes. It’s time to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Constitution through a Voice.

What is the 2023 Referendum?
This vote will give all Australians the chance to come together and consider a change to our constitution that will honour and celebrate the rights, history, and ongoing relationship of Indigenous Australians with this land. It’s a rare chance to make a major positive impact now and for future generations.

Australia has been considering constitutional recognition for more than 15 years. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have asked that the form of recognition come through a Voice to Parliament, which will give advice on laws and policies that affect Indigenous people. 

This is what the Australian people are now being asked to decide: Should we recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in The Constitution, with a Voice? 

A Voice will provide advice to the Federal Parliament about laws and policies, through a consultative policy making process that delivers meaningful structural change.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people know and understand the best way to deliver real and practical change in their communities. When they have a say through a Voice, we can finally start to close the gap that still exists between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australians on practical issues like life expectancy, educational outcomes, and employment. 

This is why a “Yes” result is important.

17. AUST | MMBC | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds for families access to life changing donor milk

For Mums undergoing cancer treatments and babies who can’t take formula for instance, Mothers Milk Bank Charity (MMBC) supply life-saving breastmilk donated from other Mums. 
This helps prevent a serious condition called Necrotising Enterocolitis, which kills more babies each year than childhood leukaemia. 

But current funding is soon coming to an end.

Would you chip in now to keep breastmilk in reach for families in need?

One recipient wrote to the charity saying: “To be able to supply my little girl with human milk, even though it wasn't mine, took a huge pressure off me. I know my baby thanks you, and my husband certainly thanks you as it saved him from a lot more tears than he already had to deal with.”

Just $50 covers cold transportation delivery for a family in need. But anything you can afford will help Mothers Milk Bank Charity pay for bottles, pasteurisation and safety testing.

18. COPP | STEMSIS | GATHERING | Swop Sis

STEM Sisters (STEMSIS) is a community dedicated to empowering women of colour (WOC) in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Breaking down systemic barriers that prevent WOC from pursuing and excelling in STEM fields.

Offering a range of programs designed to support women at every stage of their STEM careers, from students to leaders. One such program is Swop Sis.

Swop Sis is ecofriendly fashion swapping platform for women that lets you swap gorgeous pieces from your closet with curated pieces from a shared community wardrobe.

Swop Sis would like to set up some local groups in Port Phillip with local community members signing up as Ambassadors, where their main duties will be to manage a local group on the online swapping platform and organise swap meetups for their local group. 

Swop Sis are targeting women from multicultural backgrounds with a focus on culturally and racially marginalised (CARM) groups who are on a journey of finding employment. They can be starting to look for work, or pivoting their career, or anything in between. Swop Sis wants to build these small community groups where members feel a sense of belonging and support while being able to access suitable clothing items through clothes swapping. The long-term benefit is for the members to feel empowered and self-confident to express their identity through clothing by having access to this shared community wardrobe. 
  • If you are interested in becoming a Swop Sis Ambassador, you can express your interest. 
  • If you have any questions or would like to chat to the Swop Sis team before expressing your interest, please reach out on swopsis@stemsisters.org.au.

19. AUST | ILF | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds for Giving Remote Communities Access to Books

Yamandhu marang! Research shows that children who are taught in their First Language are better able to learn and understand the world around them.

Over 50% of the books Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) gift to Community are by First Nations authors and illustrators.

This is important as it allows kids to see themselves and their culture reflected in the stories, helping to build a sense of connection, belonging and pride.

Please donate this EOFY and give kids and their families in remote Communities access to books in First Languages. 

Every $10 puts one culturally relevant book into the hands of a child in a remote Community.
"With the kids, learning language is their cultural right. It is their heritage to be exposed to their language and to know their language. If it is not spoken regularly, it then becomes lost. So to keep that language alive, and practised in children's books is one of the best ways to get it out there" - Relena, Coordinator, PaL program.

20. AUST | THCO | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds for Empowering people with solutions-focused journalism

Everyone needs access to the best and most up-to-date information to make important decisions in their lives, whether it be who to vote for, or what to do about an unusual cough, or how to plan for climate change. 
At The Conversation (THCO) we produce independent journalism that aims to be constructive and offer solutions to you. That’s why we only work with bona fide experts and give away our journalism for free.

Too often the media falls short, distracted by social media, commercial pressures and the daily struggle to survive. In recent weeks Vice and Buzzfeed, two ambitious digital news outlets trying to produce quality journalism, have been shuttered or sold.

We want to help fix the failing media ecosystem so we are asking you to help fund our newsroom. No one should miss out on reliable and unbiased information because they can’t afford to pay, so we ask those who can afford it to give what they can to support our work.

We are two weeks into our donations campaign and thousands of generous people have made a contribution so far but we need more support. Please make a donation today, every little bit helps.

 ANNOUNCING 

21. AUST | MbMM | 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 (MbMM).

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.

22. AUST | CUIN | UPDATING | The Diversity Atlas Learning Programs

INTRODUCING | Diversity Atlas Programs!

Cultural Infusion (CUIN) and Diversity Atlas is excited to launch the first of a range of online learning and development programs!

Diversity Atlas is dedicated to workplace transformation through a data driven approach to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Carefully curated by experienced practitioners in the field, these DEI programs cover contemporary definitions of the practice and grapples with the challenges that shape our understanding of this work. 

With so many new practitioners undertaking work in DEI globally, there is no better time to ensure that your practice is exemplar, for you to be able to lead your practice, lead teams and lead organisations.

We are offering a unique program to help build your diversity data literacy. We delve into how diversity data provides an untapped resource to understand and develop effective DEI strategies, where you practice your analytical skills including mandatory reporting requirements. The true extent of the opportunities that come with diversity, equity and inclusion will never be realised without consistent, reliable, inclusive data.

SUPPORTING | Professional Development for HR Professionals

We support professional development for HR professionals, Team Leaders and Executive sponsors looking to enhance their understanding of diversity and data literacy and empower them to harness the value of diversity data to make meaningful change.

Our initial modules include:
  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Fundamentals;
  • Contemporary Trends and Challenges in DEI, and;
  • Becoming a DEI Data-Literate Organisation.

Each module takes around 6 hours, and is a self-paced learning experience over the space of two weeks. 

The content is a combination of peer-to-peer discussion, engaging and compelling video and written material, and thought-provoking self-reflection exercises and activities - easy and engaging. 

Learn the fundamentals of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and create transformational change in your organisation!

OFFERING | Try our new Diversity Data Health Check Assessment

Diversity Atlas has developed a health check assessment to help you identify diversity data gaps in your organisation. Our purpose is to assist clients understand diversity data through the Diversity Atlas Mapping Platform and learn about the practical application of diversity data in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) practices, including DEI strategies and action plans.

23. VIC | GOV | SUPPORTING | 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.

24. VIC | GOV | ANNOUNCING | 2023 Victorian Youth Fest Recipients

The Victorian Government will support young people across the state to hold youth-led events during the 2023 Victorian Youth Fest in September.

More than 100 successful recipients of the grants will host events led by and for young people aged between 12 and 25. 

Successful recipients include Victorian Afghan Students Association for Afghanistan's Got Talent, Campaspe Cohuna Learning and Employment Network hosting Kyabram Youth Expo.

25. VIC | GOV | LAUNCHING | Dedicated emergency mental health hub opens at Monash Medical

A new $5.3 million mental health hub located within Monash Medical Centre’s emergency department is now open.

The new facility is part of the Victorian Government’s $32 million investment in six hubs across the state, providing specialist and integrated assessment, treatment and post-discharge support.

The other hubs are already operating in Geelong, Sunshine, and St. Vincent's Hospitals, with more to come. 


26. NT | PESC | REPORTING | Pertame School Half Year Results

Werta Pertame. Unta marra? 
Pertame School (PESC) are so proud to send through our half-year update report on our activities, achievements and progress towards our goals on the first half of this year. Check out our Report.

We could not have achieved this alone. We are blessed with so many dedicated supporters who have generously given us their time, advice, resources, connections and backing to make our Elders' dreams become a reality. Every little bit of your support counts and goes a long way in helping our grassroots community project continue to grow a future where our languages will once again in the life breath of our thriving, proud and connected communities. 

Key highlights for 2023 so far:

  • We brought together over 40 Pertame Elders and emerging leaders for our Elder's Advisory Meeting in March. 

  • Two Pertame educators received their Cert IIII in Training and Assessment
  • Pertame staff have travelled to Adelaide, Sydney, Darwin, Melbourne, Ballarat, Canberra and Brisbane to represent the program at various conferences, trainings and meetings, including the The Wiyi Yani U Thangani (Women's Voices) National Summit, the National Directions Group on the International Decade of Indigenous Languages and The Closing the Gap National Reference Group on Target 16 on language and culture. 
  • We have raised just over $100,000 of the $300,000 we need to build a classroom on Pertame homelands, to create a permanent home for the language, on the land the language came from. We have enlisted the help of the Fulcrum Agency, a social enterprise with architecture expertise that will assist us in the construction elements of the classroom.
  • Launched the first complete Immersion Language Nest in Australia, modelled after the most successful language revival programs in the world.  
  • We have 8 incredible young mothers and 12 Pertame 0-5 year old babies who are dedicated to learning their language and raising their children as first language speakers. 
  • We have immersed our children in over 80 hours of Pertame within the Language Nest playgroup and trained our young mothers to become fluent speakers for over 100 hours. 
  • We have a strong team of three Elder fluent speakers, 4 conversational educators, 8 young mothers, and 5 grandmothers that are employed by the Pertame School, gaining work experience, training and skills. For most of our staff, the Pertame School is their first time employed.  

Hear what our Elders are saying: 

"For me, I'm so happy to be with my relations to see the great steps the Pertame School has taken with launching the Language Nest for our 0-5 year olds and the young mums. It makes my heart sing to see it working and growing and hear our babies and mothers speaking their language. I now have hope that our language is not going to be lost, with the commitment the young mothers and children are showing" - Kathy Bradshaw Swan, Pertame Elder and Teacher

Hear what our young mothers are saying: 

Here are some of the comments our young mothers have made about the progress their child has made in the Language Nest in just 3 months: 
"I can see my child loves being at the Language Nest when we attend and is recognising the songs that we are learning. I can hear my child copy when I or someone else says things in Pertame at the Language Nest and at home. My child gets really happy when they hear their language" 

"I think the immersion part is working, I can see my child look at a person differently when they are talking Pertame, like they are understanding already. I love my child being around the language more because there aren't any fluent speakers around at home" 

"My son's development on our Pertame learning is improving more and more as we come. We try to use Pertame everyday as well as Pitjantjantjara at home"

"I enjoy coming to socialise with other family as well as learning Pertame. Its challenging but nothing can beat speaking your own language"

"Thank you for creating this opportunity for me and my family. Just remind yourselves how privileged you are to be a part of this, you have this opportunity to keep this language going. Some people don't have their culture or language and that makes them feel like they don't have an identity. So I hope this will go on for many years to come"
We look forward to continuing to work together for the rest of the year to honour the legacy, language and life of our Elders who have past and those who are still with us. 

Kela marra
Vanessa and the Pertame School team


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

THANKING | You… and Asking… 10 Years in the Making

by Rev. Stephen Avino
A forum such as the Parliament of the World's Religions (PWR) can never organize and speak freely from the hearts of our different faiths without democracy. Our freedoms of religion, speech, and assembly are not guaranteed to us, and we must stand together to demand that these rights remain.

The future Parliaments cannot be guaranteed without those who believe fiercely in what we’re doing, contributing all they can to ensure the good work of multiple generations is not erased by forces that mobilize politics to harm women; religious, racial, sexual minorities; and our planet.

Some say we’ve become too political. I say we’re doing nothing more than assembling the members of faith and spiritual traditions doing their best to make sense of–and make a difference in–a world that isn’t kind to most of us...

WELCOMING | Voices of PoWR Addressing the 2023 Parliament Convening

The Parliament of the World's Religions is honored to announce the participation of Rabbi David Rosen, Dharma Master Cheng Yen, and Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman.
  • Rabbi David Rosen KSG, CBE, is the Jerusalem based International Director of Interreligious Affairs of the American Jewish Committee.
  • Dharma Master Cheng Yen is an inspiring spiritual leader and the founder of the world-renowned Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation.
  • The Honorable Justice Mr. Rohinton Fali Nariman is a former Judge of the Supreme Court of India and Zoroastrian priest.

The featured luminaries at the 2023 Parliament Convening are a diverse cohort of faith, spiritual, civic, and governmental leaders answering the call to conscience to defend freedom and human rights.

ANNOUNCING | First-Ever U.S. National Strategy Highlights Importance of Voices of Faith in Countering Antisemitism 

On 25 May 2023, the Biden-Harris Administration released the first-ever U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism. The announcement highlights a strategy aimed at raising awareness of antisemitism and its threat to American democracy, protecting Jewish communities, reversing the normalization of antisemitism, and building cross-community solidarity.

This commitment to countering antisemitism from the White House and the federal government, articulated explicitly as a threat to democracy, is of special importance for communities of faith nationally and internationally who have been raising the alarm on the rise of authoritarianism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism, and misogyny.

PUBLISHING | Faith Action on the SDGs: Life on Land

This May the Parliament of the World’s Religions, UNEP Faith for Earth Initiative, United Religions Initiative, and the Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology published a second supplement in the series expanding the 2020 publication Faith Action on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This supplement features data on faith-based organizations around the world doing work that fell within the scope of Goal 15 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

SEEKING | Religious Literacy

Prepare for the Parliament Convening with the Seeking Religious Literacy Course, Parliament Attendees Enjoy 30% Discount with code I'm in PWR 2023

TALKING | The Fifth Directive of the Global Ethic and Laudato Si’: Foci for Dialogue

This article was written by Dawn M. Nothwehr, a former Trustee of PoWR, and published on 1 June 2023 by Catholic Theological Ethics in the World Church (CTEWC).

STAYING | Up to date with the work of the Parliament


MAKING | The mission of the Parliament of the World's Religions possible with support from individuals like you!



 SUPPORTING 

28. 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.


29. AUST | Helpers and Reliable Sources Along the Way

 

     ACKNOWLEDGING 

    30. 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.

    31. 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.

    32. 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.


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