GEIFN: GEIFN | CONSOLIDATED | Community Information

Fast Facts: Community Responses Victoria & Australia

AUST | GOV | OFFERING | Resources and Translations on The Voice and Referendum 2023
AUST | AICR | ENCOURAGING | YES23. Recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Constitution through a Voice
AUST | LWB | TRANSLATING | Resources in 45+ community languages on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice
AUST | REAU | EXPLAINING | Voice to Parliament and Referendum 2023
AUST | RJfV | ISSUING | An Open Letter to the Australian Public: The Voice to Parliament would enhance Australian governance | 1 August 2023
VIC | VWT | ENGAGING | Listen and learn together through kitchen conversations. It’s time to say yes
AUST | TLW | CALLING | Those Interested to Lace Up Your Shoes and Come Walk with Michael Long in support of the "Yes" campaign | August-September 2023
AUST | WRITERS | ENDORSING | The Voice as a major reform leading to better outcomes for First Nations Peoples

GRANTING
AUST | SCFO | The Scanlon Foundation Annual Community Grants 2023 | applications close midnight Friday 1 September 2023
CoPP | GOV | GRANTING | Love My Place program is accepting applications now | applications close 11.59pm 10 September 2023
AUST | GOV | GRANTING | Securing Faith-Based Places | applications close 5pm AEST Monday 11 September 2023
AUST | GOV | SUPPORTING | The work of local community organisations inclusion and awareness | applications close 9pm AEDT 6 October 2023

EMPLOYMENT & OPPORTUNITIES
AUST | AMEP | OFFERING | Free English lessons for people with migrant and refugee or asylum seeker backgrounds

ENGAGING
MELB | EFA | JOINING | Fun at friendship groups for young people with disability
CoPP | S2b | TALKING | Meetups At Space2b | Tuesdays | 10.30am-12pm
CoPP | EMBRACED | PAIRING | Intergenerational Duets in Elwood
AUST | NARI | CALLING | Carers of people with dementia in CALD communities for user testing study
VIC | VMC | CALLING | Nominees from our community who strengthen multiculturalism in Victoria | nominations close at 11.59pm, 3 September 2023
AUST | TJP | WEBINAR | Delivering the "Fuelling Hate" report to your MP | Tuesday 5 Sept 2023 | 7.30pm AEST
AUST | ILF | CELEBRATING | Indigenous Literacy Day | Wednesday 6 September 2023
VIC | GOV | CALLING | Eyes On The Prize – Students To Share In Anzac Spirit | entries close 5pm AEST Wednesday 6 September 2023
VIC | GOV | HEARING | Your say: Strengthening Victoria’s anti-vilification laws | submissions close 5pm Friday 8 September 2023
AUST | ABS | HEARING | Your say: 2023 Census topic review directions | phase two consultation close 8 September 2023
CoPP | GOV | SHINING | The ‘Power of Port Phillip’ this Welcoming Week 2023
MELB | SIWO | CALLING | Multicultural women for SisterWork's cultural spectacular | Saturday 9 September 2023
CoPP | PPMN | SHARING | Voices: belonging, harmony and spirituality | Sunday 10 September 2023 | 3-5.30pm
VIC | VTMH | WEBINAR | Spirituality & Diversity Discussions | September–November 2023 | 10.30am–12.00pm
MELB | EQPR | UNLOCKING | Your Leadership Potential: Register for our Adaptive Leadership Program for ERGs | 12-14 September 2023
AUST | RCAA | GATHERING | Voices of Victorian Refugee Communities Conference | Wednesday 20–Thursday 21 September 2023
CoPP | PPCfR | GATHERING | About the Voice to Parliament Referendum | Thursday 21 September 2023 | 6.30-8pm
CoPP | PHAAA | GATHERING | Healing the Spirit Peace Festival | Sunday 24 September 2023 | 1–6pm
VIC | GOV | CALLING | Nominees for 2023 Social Housing Volunteer Awards | nominations close Friday 29 September 2023
AUST/NZ | RTRRC | Annual conference - refugee trauma recovery in resettlement | 9-11 October 2023
CoPP | S2b | CELEBRATING | Space2b 10 Years Dinner Dance | Friday 27 October 2023 | 6.30–11pm

COLLECTIVISING
NSW | CHUFFED | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds for Elysian Fields Sanctuary Horse and Greyhound Rescue
AUST | THCO | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds for evidence-based media coverage
WORLD | CHUFFED | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds towards Aussies Knitting for War Affected Syrian Kids
WA | CHUFFED | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds as climate and ancient Aboriginal rock art are at risk
WORLD | CHUFFED | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds towards life-saving metal detectors for Ukraine's future
NSW | CHUFFED | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds towards relocating Hen Rescue
AUST | ILF | UPDATING | News from the Indigenous Literacy Foundation
AUST | CUIN | UPDATING | Making Connections and Connecting Communities
WORLD | PWR | REPORTING | A Call to Conscience, A Call to Action Beyond Our Bubble and more | 14-18 August 2023

ANNOUNCING
VIC | GOV | SUPPORTING | Diverse women to thrive at work
VIC | GOV | ANNOUNCING | First Nations names selected for new Victorian schools
VIC | GOV | SUPPORTING | Community-Led Family Violence Programs
MELB | STEMsis | SHARING | Sisters' scientific stories on soapbox
VIC | GOV | CONSULTING | Victorian African Communities Committee
VIC | GOV | BOOSTING | Support for South Sudanese young people

SUPPORTING
VIC | GOV | UPDATING | Pandemic Response
AUST | GOV | Coronavirus hotline
AUST | MANY | Helpers and Reliable Sources Along the Way

ACKNOWLEDGING
Acknowledgment to Sources
Bye bye to Essentialists
Self-Isolators, Non-Essentials And The Homebound

1. AUST | GOV | OFFERING | Resources and Translations on The Voice and Referendum 2023

Australian Government 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.

2. 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.

3. AUST | LWB | TRANSLATING | Resources in 45+ community languages on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice

To encourage participation in the Referendum for all Australians, Polaron Language Services with Life Without Barriers (LWB) and several partner organisations have developed accessible translated resources in more than 45 languages.

These are free to download and aim to break down language, literacy and communication barriers among Australia’s diverse communities. This includes:

Three social media tiles in 45+ languages that are shareable and easy to disseminate.
Factsheets in 45+ languages letting communities know about the upcoming Referendum
30-second in-language videos – with subtitles and voiceovers.

For more information

4. AUST | REAU | EXPLAINING | Voice to Parliament and Referendum 2023

Reconciliation Australia (REAU) advises First Nations Voice to Parliament protected by the Constitution is a key element of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
The Bill to enable the referendum became law in mid-June, but we are waiting for the referendum date to be announced.

The referendum question contained in the Bill is:

A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Do you approve this proposed alteration?

What is a referendum

Find out more at Australian Electoral Commission.

Or click the following Reconciliation Australia links that interest you:

Why do we need a First Nations Voice?

A Voice to Parliament will give Indigenous communities a route to help inform policy and legal decisions that impact their lives. Giving people a say will lead to more effective results.

Embedding a Voice in the Constitution would recognise the special place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia’s history, but importantly would also mean that it can’t be shut down by successive Governments.

This is important because Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and bodies have called for voice for close to 100 years.

5. AUST | RJfV | ISSUING | An Open Letter to the Australian Public: The Voice to Parliament would enhance Australian governance | 1 August 2023

We are individuals representing no political party or political interest. We speak, rather, as retired judges (RJfV) who spent our professional lives listening to, and seeking to evaluate, contending arguments.

We have since considered carefully both the case for, and the case against, the proposed Voice to Parliament. Having done so, we confidently believe that, by raising the quality of our public debate, the proposed Voice will both enrich our democracy and increase the likelihood of governments making correct decisions about matters that affect Indigenous peoples. It will also, and very importantly, give Indigenous Australians their due recognition in our Constitution as this nation’s first peoples.

Democracies are at their best when decisions are made after informed and respectful debate to which all may contribute. Life being what it is, the rich and the powerful have and will retain that privilege to a greater degree than most. Some, among them Australia’s First Nations peoples, have continually battled to be heard at all.

If successful, the referendum on the Voice will not diminish the influence of anyone. But it will help to correct an historic wrong. It will give recognition, and a voice, to those who for thousands of years owned and lived in balance with this land, only to have their rights to it disregarded during the centuries which have followed settlement from other lands. No consideration was given to the deep connections with country which the original inhabitants have incorporated into their very being; and the newcomers who now occupy their land listened, if they listened at all, with none of the empathy to which everyone should be entitled.

Constitutional recognition of the Voice in a successful referendum will acknowledge these facts, and do much to rectify a long-existing injustice. It will not, in our opinion, divide our nation. On the contrary, it will heal a wound which presently divides us. Nor will it disrupt government or destabilise the presently stable and appropriate division of power between the parliament, the executive and the judiciary.

The possibility of disruption and instability is a concern which nevertheless deserves respect (although not when it descends to ridiculous fears such as that Anzac Day will be ‘cancelled’). It is also reasonable to have doubts about the detail of the arrangements which will follow a successful referendum. We nevertheless firmly believe that these are not reasons for voting ‘No’. First, Australia can draw upon its wealth of common sense and its capacity for sensible compromise. The Voice will not waste its time, energy, finances or goodwill with silly claims that have no chance of political or judicial support. And secondly, detailed arrangements must allow for a degree of flexibility which is impossible if incorporated into a less than flexible constitution. The details are properly to be determined by the parliament of the day according to the changing circumstances of the day.

Advocates for the ‘No’ case point to the proposed amendment’s inclusion of a power in the parliament to make laws with respect to the powers of the Voice. The referendum if passed does not confer powers on parliament that it does not already have to pass such laws. We believe that the likelihood of parliament acting inappropriately in this respect is small. In our opinion it fails to justify a ‘No’ vote.

Advocates for a ‘No’ vote also claim that the Voice is a creature of Canberra. That is untrue. The call for the Voice was made in the Uluru Statement from the Heart, which is the product of the widest survey of the views of First Nations peoples ever undertaken and which is a deeply respectful call “from all points of the Southern Sky”.

It includes an invitation to all Australians to create a better future. We think this invitation should be accepted.

Signed:

The Hon Mary Gaudron KC, Former Judge of the High Court of Australia
The Hon Carmel McLure AC KC, Former President of the Supreme Court of Western Australia Court of Appeal
The Hon Stephen Charles AO KC, Former Judge of the Supreme Court of Victoria Court of Appeal
The Hon David Harper AM KC, Former Judge of the Supreme Court of Victoria Court of Appeal
The Hon Robert Redlich AM KC, Former Commissioner of the Victorian Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC), former Judge of the Supreme Court of Victoria Court of Appeal
The Hon Paul Stein AM KC, Former Judge of the Supreme Court of NSW Court of Appeal, former President of the Anti-Discrimination Board
The Hon Anthony Whealy KC, Former Judge of the Supreme Court of NSW Court of Appeal
The Hon Margaret White AO, Former Judge of the Supreme Court of Queensland Court of Appeal

Thank-you for reading the open letter supporting the Voice. Please forward this letter to anyone you think would be interested to read it.

6. VIC | VWT | ENGAGING | Listen and learn together through kitchen conversations. It’s time to say yes

Together, Yes is a kitchen conversations movement by Victorian Women’s Trust (VWT) in support of a YES vote in the 2023 referendum on a First Nations Voice to parliament. It’s a powerful way you can participate in the upcoming referendum to enshrine an Indigenous Voice in our constitution.

In 1967 we were counted, in 2017 we seek to be heard. We leave base camp and start our trek across this vast country. We invite you to walk with us in a movement of the Australian people for a better future. – Uluru Statement from the Heart, May 2017

By voting YES in the upcoming referendum, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will finally have a say on the policies and laws that affect their communities.

But voting ‘yes’ isn’t enough. We need to unite to ensure it’s a resounding YES from every corner of the country.

Is Together, Yes working with First Nations people?
Yes. The Victorian Women’s Trust (creator of Together, Yes) have been working in partnership with Koorie Women Mean Business for more than 30 years, which has guided much of our work since.

Since October 2022 we have been in close collaboration with indigenous-led campaigners to ensure Together, Yes helps achieve a positive referendum outcome.

Together, Yes uses ‘kitchen table conversations’, a model designed by the Victorian Women’s Trust more than twenty years ago. Tried and tested, it arose from a powerfully simple idea: engaging people in respectful and honest dialogue creates real and lasting change.

This civic engagement model is built on a set of important values. People are encouraged to:

Help create a safe place for thinking, talking and taking action
Acknowledge the experience and wisdom each person brings to the table
Enter discussions in good faith with an open, constructive spirit
Engage in respectful discussion, even in the face of dissent
Be prepared to listen, gain new insight, and test one’s own opinions

Together, Yes invites people from all walks of life to gather in small group discussions and engage in an honest reckoning of the harm and injustice of our colonial past; Australia’s history of constitutional indifference; and how a Voice to parliament can make a difference.

Watch video (3 mins)
Visit website
Stay in the Loop
Become a Conversation Host. Bring others with you.

7. TLW | CALLING | Those Interested to Lace Up Your Shoes and Come Walk with Michael Long in support of the "Yes" campaign | August-September 2023

The Long Walk (TLW)'s Michael Long is once again setting off from Melbourne to Canberra in support of the "Yes" campaign.
Michael Long is one of the most recognisable Aboriginal figures in AFL football. He played for the Essendon Football Club between 1989 and 2001, was a member of two premiership sides and the winner of the 1993 Norm Smith Medal.

Michael championed the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cause within the AFL. In 1995, Michael made a stand against racial abuse, following an on-field incident with another player, asserting that racism had no place in sport.

Ultimately this lead to Michael being one of the pioneering forces behind the racial abuse code that was adopted by the AFL in the 1990s. Michael retired from football in 2001.

"Lace Up Your Shoes and Come Walk with Me. We walked in 2004 for a Voice and a Vision.
This year I have decided to bring forward my 20th Anniversary Long Walk to support the campaign for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament."

Walk with Michael Long in support of the "Yes" campaign on one or more legs of the walk from Melbourne to Canberra.

Register to share with us which legs you'll be joining.
Subscribe to get special offers, free giveaways, and once-in-a-lifetime deals.
Make a donation. Financial support will help to make this journey a reality.

8. AUST | WRITERS | ENDORSING | The Voice as a major reform leading to better outcomes for First Nations Peoples

It’s only fair. Writers for The Voice (WRITERS) accept the generous, modest invitation of First Nations Peoples in the Uluru Statement from the Heart to walk with them towards a better Australia.

We support their call for recognition via a constitutionally enshrined Voice to Parliament because we believe passionately that this major reform, the product of broad grassroots consultation and supported by the great majority of First Nations Peoples, will lead to better outcomes for First Nations Peoples.

GRANTING

9. AUST | SCFO | The Scanlon Foundation Annual Community Grants 2023 | applications close midnight Friday 1 September 2023

This year’s Scanlon Foundation (SCFO) community grants will provide up to a maximum of $30,000 for projects that support migrant communities in employment pathways or with English literacy. The grant is open nationwide to all locations in each state. Projects should consider the experience of migrants and of receiving communities and aim to nurture positive outcomes.

Find out more

10. CoPP | GOV | GRANTING | Love My Place program is accepting applications now | applications close 11.59pm 10 September 2023

The Love My Place grants program seeks to activate public spaces within the City by funding a wide range of creative projects with the purpose of supporting our local high streets and activity centres.
Ultimately, the aim of the grants program is to encourage applicants to push the boundaries and trial new creative ideas that highlight our amazing public spaces and excite and inspire our community to get involved.

Eligible projects can apply for up to $15,000.

As well as providing financial support, we can also facilitate marketing, permits, road closures, parking controls and other policy related processes to help deliver projects.

Successful applications will be notified in November.

What we're looking for

Funding is available for a whole range of creative projects.
Examples of what can be funded as part of the program include, but are not limited to:

experimental projects
public art and interactive installations
events and performances
games-related activities
creative lighting installations, including projections
public space improvements and activations
temporary urban agriculture and greening initiatives
community health and wellbeing activities.

If you can dream it, you can apply for us to fund it!

2022/23 recipient spotlight – Dance Dance

Recipient: Shalome Pinto
Last year, we funded a project called Dance Dance which aimed to get people moving and grooving outdoors by transforming Acland Street Plaza into a public dance space. Guided classes were also provided to encourage and inspire participants and passers-by.

Could your creative project be the next to be funded?

Submitting your application

The first step is to pick the idea or ideas that you would like to apply for.

There is no limit in the number of projects that can be submitted by each applicant, however, a new application must be generated for each initiative.

The only projects that are ineligible for the funding are those that have been funded during previous Love My Place grant rounds.

The next step is to read our 2023/24 guidelines and check your eligibility against all eligibility criteria. You can do so via our Love My Place Grants Program webpage.

Last, but not least, it’s time to submit your application.

Learn more and apply

If you have any questions about the Love My Place grants program, please email the Economic Growth and Activation team.

11. AUST | GOV | GRANTING | Securing Faith-Based Places | applications close 5pm AEST Monday 11 September 2023

The Securing Faith-Based Places grant opportunity provides grant funding of up to $500,000 to address the risk of crime and violence through the installation/upgrade of security infrastructure and/or engaging security guards.

Find out more

12. AUST | GOV | SUPPORTING | The work of local community organisations inclusion and awareness | applications close 9pm AEDT 6 October 2023

Volunteer Grants support the work of local community organisations by enabling the inclusion of vulnerable people and promoting awareness to increase participation in volunteering.

The 2023-24 Volunteer Grants Opportunity is expected to open for applications in the second half of 2023.

Grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 will be available to assist eligible not-for-profit community organisations support the efforts of their volunteers.

The Grant Opportunity Guidelines are on GrantConnect with other supporting documentation to be published when the opportunity is open for application.

To receive the latest information for this upcoming grant opportunity, please subscribe to the Community Grants Hub or GrantConnect.

Find out more

EMPLOYMENT & OPPORTUNITIES

13. AUST | AMEP | OFFERING | Free English lessons for people with migrant and refugee or asylum seeker backgrounds

The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) is a free service which helps eligible migrants and refugees or asylum seekers to improve their English language skills and settle into Australia.

It can further education, a new career, or a chance to transfer existing skills to the Australian workplace. You can also meet other people learning English and make new friends.

The program is delivered at around 300 locations across Australia in major cities, as well as regional and remote areas. You can join your class online, go to COVID-safe face to face classes, or learn remotely by distance learning.

More information and to find your nearest class

ENGAGING

14. MELB | EFA | JOINING | Fun at friendship groups for young people with disability

The Tham Gia (Join In) program by Extended Families Australia (EFA) runs inclusive community friendship groups, targeted for young people with disability. There are currently groups located in the western and southern suburbs of Melbourne.

It’s all about helping young people with disabilities and their families with a multicultural background become more involved in community activities and learn skills that assist community inclusion.

There are two streams - the Explorer Program, which is for young adults aged 17-25, and the School Holidays Program, which is for the primary school age group and the secondary school age group.

If you or your family are interested, complete the expression of interest form
More information

15. 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.

16. CoPP | EMBRACED | PAIRING | Intergenerational Duets in Elwood

Intergenerational Duets is a community arts project that promotes friendships across generations, celebrates connection through music, and fights the negative stigma of ageing.

The program partners a local teenage musician aged 15-17, with a senior musician aged over 65. The Embraced team will support the pairs through a life-affirming musical process, culminating in a performance at the end of a two-month period.

The first rendition of Intergenerational Duets will be based in Elwood, Victoria.

Embraced are now accepting applications from Elwood-based Teenage musicians aged 15-17, and Senior musicians over 65 years old.

Applications will close as soon as all places are filled. Embraced encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

If you require support to submit your application, please email Embraced.

17. AUST | NARI | CALLING | Carers of people with dementia in CALD communities for user testing study

The National Ageing Research Institute (NARI) are looking for dementia family carers, professional care workers and health care professionals to participate in a user testing study for the e-DiVA Virtual Assistant research project.

This will be a great tool to support carers of people with dementia, especially those from Vietnamese and Indonesian communities.

Find out more

18. VIC | VMC | CALLING | Nominees from our community who strengthen multiculturalism in Victoria | nominations close midnight 3 September 2023

Now in its 22nd year, Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) runs the Multicultural Awards for Excellence.

The Multicultural Awards for Excellence (MAEs) formally recognise people and organisations who have supported Victorians with migrant, refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds.

This year, we see the Multicultural Honour Roll brought back into the MAEs further to extend the celebration of individuals throughout the state.

With 15 categories across a range of areas, we hope you’ll consider nominating someone for a Multicultural Award for Excellence.

Find out more or nominate

19. AUST | TJP | WEBINAR | Delivering the "Fuelling Hate" report to your MP | Tuesday 5 Sept 2023 | 7.30pm AEST

Only a few months ago anti-trans lobbyists held a hateful rally on the steps of the Victorian Parliament. On 29 August 2023, equality groups stood there together to launch a groundbreaking new report into anti-trans hate [1].
This Trans Justice Project (TJP) report proves what we have been saying for months, that our community is experiencing a rapid escalation in targeted hate, such as anti-trans abuse, harassment, and violence.

We are now calling on our leaders to stand with the trans community by introducing State and Federal anti-vilification laws that will help protect the entire LGBTQIA+ community from hate.

We have already made national headlines, but we can’t stop there [2]. We need action.

We deserve to feel safe in our own communities. But right now LGBTQIA+ events are being shut down because of threats of violence, schools and libraries are under pressure to ban books, and we are seeing an escalation in harassment and online targeting.

Together we can build a future where trans and gender diverse people have the freedom to be themselves.

RSVP now to join our webinar.

In solidarity for trans justice,
Jackie Turner, (she/her), Director, Trans Justice Project

P.S. Help us get the word out about the report by sharing our latest post on Instagram, X/Twitter, and Facebook.

20. AUST | ILF | CELEBRATING | Indigenous Literacy Day | Wednesday 6 September 2023

Indigenous Literacy Day (ILD), is an opportunity to share and learn about the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ stories, cultures and languages, and celebrate books and literacy.
Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) encourages you to engage your workplace, friends and family by registering for the FREE 15-minute FILM followed by the 45-minute LIVESTREAM.

This online celebration of Stories, Cultures and Languages will take you on a virtual journey to three remote Indigenous Communities. Viewers will gain a deeper appreciation for Indigenous books, songs, Elders and Country. It's an engaging and joyful adventure for early learners, primary students and adults alike.

Available from 10.30am (AEST), 15-minute FILM
Followed by 45-minute LIVESTREAM directly from Sydney Opera House
Register Now

Ways To Celebrate ILD in your Workplace, Bookshop or Library

HOST a Great Book Swap or your own fundraising event
DONATE a percentage of your product sales on this day ‑ popular for bookshops!
PURCHASE the THREE ILD BOOKS featured in the film
MAKE a donation

Don't forget to promote ILD on your social media channels and around your workplace with the ILD posters and social media tiles!

DOWNLOAD the ILD PROMOTIONAL RESOURCES

Indigenous Literacy Day 2023 is proudly produced and presented by the Indigenous Literacy Foundation and sponsored by Lendlease and supported by Studio Gilay.

21. VIC | GOV | CALLING | Eyes On The Prize – Students To Share In Anzac Spirit | entries close 5pm AEST Wednesday 6 September 2023

Secondary school students in Victoria will be given an opportunity to develop a deep understanding of the Anzac legacy and Australia’s connection to Türkiye with the 2023 Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize competition.

Today, Minister for Veterans Natalie Suleyman announced the opening of the prize - an annual award program for Victorian students in Years 9 to 12.

Supported by the Andrews Labor Government, this year’s Prize is a celebration of Türkiye’s Centenary of Independence and the significant ties between Australia and Türkiye.

Ten students will be selected to embark on an unforgettable journey to battlefields and commemorative sites in Türkiye, retracing the experience of Australian men and women at war on the Gallipoli Peninsula and surrounds and learning about the making of the Anzac legend.

The Spirit of Anzac Prize also offers students the opportunity to participate in a unique educational program that fosters understanding and appreciation for our nation's Anzac spirit.

By entering the competition, students can convey their interpretation of the Anzac spirit via written, creative, or digital formats.

Students are encouraged to seize this opportunity to explore the Anzac legacy and strengthen their connections to Australia’s veteran community.

Find out more

22. VIC | GOV | HEARING | Your say: Strengthening Victoria’s anti-vilification laws | submissions close 5pm Friday 8 September 2023

The Victorian government wants your input on strengthening Victoria’s anti-vilification laws.

Consultation between government and community is happening now.

This first stage of consultation is focused on:

Extending vilification protections beyond race and religion.
Ensuring that Victorians can make vilification complaints for more than one attribute.

Community members can fill out a survey or upload a submission to respond to the consultation paper available on the Engage Victoria page.

More information

23. AUST | ABS | HEARING | Your say: 2023 Census topic review directions | phase two consultation close 8 September 2023

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) recently published the 2026 Census topic review: Phase one directions. The publication will provide outcomes from the consultation undertaken earlier this year, including the topics shortlisted for inclusion or change and topics being considered for removal from the 2026 Census. It will also outline where more information is needed to inform our recommendation to the Government on the topics in the 2026 Census.

Phase two consultations is seeking information on the benefits and impacts of topics being considered for change or removal from the 2026 Census.

You can provide feedback during this consultation via the ABS Consultation Hub

More information on the 2026 Census topic review is available on the ABS website.

Find out more

24. CoPP | GOV | SHINING | The ‘Power of Port Phillip’ this Welcoming Week 2023

Welcoming Week is an annual campaign which runs Friday 8–Sunday 17 September and acknowledges the importance of fostering welcoming and inclusive communities, where everyone can experience a sense of belonging.
Celebrated in hundreds of communities around the world, Welcoming Week aims to connect community members from all backgrounds through community-led activities and events.

This year’s theme is the Power of Place. In our unique context, and in City of Port Phillip (CoPP) it's all about the Power of Port Phillip. This theme invites us to reflect on the locations and environments around us that nurture connection, harmony and belonging.

This year, we’re celebrating with three Welcoming Week events.

Join the celebration!

SHARING | Voices: belonging, harmony and spirituality | Sunday 10 September 2023 | 3–5.30pm

Sharing voices is presented by the Port Phillip Multifaith Network and friends. This event marks the celebration of Welcoming Week (8 to 17 September), the International Day of Peace (21 September) and the Season of Creation (beginning 1 September).

Sharing voices is set to bring together local artists and guest speakers who will explore a variety of themes related to power of place and spirituality.

The event promises a range of interactive experiences including:

art and music workshops
a children’s storytime with music and movement
guided neighbourhood walks
the sharing of conversations and stories

Where: St Kilda Town Hall - 99A Carlisle St, St Kilda VIC 3182
Cost: The event is open and free for all and will offer a family-friendly atmosphere perfect for attendees of every age.
Bookings: not required.

**SHOWCASING | Undefeated: Exploring the migrant experience in Australia | Thursday 14 September 2023 | 6–7pm**

Join us for an enriching panel for the captivating book, Undefeated. The book weaves together 118 stories from 90 migrant women, each detailing their personal journey to Australia.

We're honoured to be joined by three of the book’s authors, Lina Orozco, Marcela Giraldo and Ana Anasovic. The evening is free and promises an in-depth exploration into the themes of migration, identity, and belonging and the challenges and opportunities that come with living in a diverse society.

Mayor Heather Cunsolo will be there to introduce the panel. There'll also be opportunities to ask the panel questions and to enjoy some light refreshments.

Where: St Kilda Library - 150 Carlisle St, St Kilda VIC 3182
Cost: Free to attend. Copies of the book will be available for purchase.
Bookings: not required.

WALKING | Port Phillip Immigration Trail | Sunday 17 September 2023 | 2–4pm

Celebrate the multicultural heritage of Port Phillip with a guided walk along the Immigration Trail starting from Station Pier where many people began their Australian journey.

Join our local walk leader in retracing their footsteps and learn about the remarkable stories which continue to shape our community.

Where: Commencing from Station Pier
Bookings: essential, online through Trybooking

See you there

We hope you’ll join us in celebrating Welcoming Week and that we’ll see you at one or all of our upcoming events.

If you would like more information about our events, please email Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team.

25. 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.

CLICK HERE for more information

26. CoPP | PPMN | SHARING | Voices: belonging, harmony and spirituality | Sunday 10 September 2023 | 3-5.30pm

A community event bringing together many voices from our community to share experiences and come together in joy.
This Port Phillip Multifaith Network (PPMN) event promises a range of interactive experiences including:

art and music workshops
a children’s storytime with music and movement
guided neighbourhood walks
the sharing of conversations and stories.

The afternoon event will showcase refreshments from local cafes Flavours of Syria, All Things Equal, and First Nations-owned Bunjil Catering. All catering will be vegetarian and there will be vegan, kosher, gluten-free and nut-free options.

The event is open and free for all and will offer a family-friendly atmosphere perfect for attendees of every age. Bookings are not required.

Where: St Kilda Town Hall
Cost: Free
Read more

Presented by the Port Phillip Multifaith Network, the event is part of Welcoming Week and coincides with International Day of Peace and the Season of Creation.

27. VIC | VTMH | WEBINAR | Spirituality & Diversity Discussions | September–November 2023 | 10.30am–12noon

While person-centred care models include these domains, workers often feel ill-equipped to support people in these aspects of their lives.
In partnership with Spiritual Health Association (SHA), Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH) is pleased to offer more opportunities for mental health practitioners to identify and explore challenges when spirituality or religion comes up during encounters with consumers.

This reflective peer group allows mental health practitioners to deepen their understanding about spiritual diversity, which can include beliefs, values, traditions and practices.

Sessions in this series are for practitioners working in publicly funded mental health programs across Victoria. This includes staff based in clinical mental health services, community-managed services, as well as people working within mental health programs in community health and human social services. Unfortunately, these discussions are not open to students on clinical placement.

Bookings essential. Spaces are limited. Please register early to secure a place.

Session 2: ‘How do I affirm someone’s spiritual identity and resources when supporting their recovery journey?' | Tuesday 12 September 2023

Session 3: ‘I’m not spiritual or religious. How do I support consumers who are?' | Tuesday 10 October 2023

Session 4: ‘As another year closes, where am I with regards to my own spiritual health and wellbeing?' | Tuesday 14 November 2023

28. 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.

Learn More

29. AUST | RCAA | GATHERING | Voices of Victorian Refugee Communities Conference | Wednesday 20–Thursday 21 September 2023

The Refugee Communities Association of Australia (RCAA) are holding their inaugural conference in Melbourne in September 2023.

This will bring refugee communities together with various stakeholders to begin a conversation, share knowledge and advance the capacity of people with lived experience to join with RCAA in achieving our vision.

The conference theme is "Building on the Foundation of Lived Experience".

The RCAA invites delegates from multicultural communities, refugees, migrants, asylum seekers, governments, settlement services and businesses from across Australia and internationally to register for this significant event.

Find out more

30. CoPP | PPCfR | GATHERING | About the Voice to Parliament Referendum | Thursday 21 September 2023 | 6.30-8pm

A free public event to learn about the vitally important upcoming Voice to Parliament Referendum.
Join Port Phillip Citizens for Reconciliation (PPCfR) and outstanding speakers:

Ian Hamm, Yorta Yorta man and Chair of the Board of Directors of the First Nations Foundation,
Nerita Waight, Yorta Yorta and Narrandjeri Taungurung woman and CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service and
Amanda Young, Executive Director First Nations at climate advisory Pollination.

Questions are invited in the Q&A to end the evening.

Where: St Kilda Town Hall, Carlisle Street, St Kilda
Cost: Free
Bookings: online through Trybooking

31. CoPP | PHAAA | GATHERING | Healing the Spirit Peace Festival | Sunday 24 September 2023 | 1–6pm

Healing the Spirit Peace Festival celebrates the International Day of Peace and further strengthens the bonds within our community.
As part of the festival, Planetary Healing Artists Association of Australia (PHAAA) will be organizing a March to the Peace Pole, where we will come together to commemorate this important day and reaffirm our dedication to fostering peace.

We wholeheartedly invite you to join us in this festival, where we will engage in various activities, performances, and workshops centered around healing, well-being, and promoting a peaceful coexistence. We believe that through collective effort and a shared vision, we can create a positive impact not only within ourselves but also in the world around us.

Please mark your calendars for the Healing the Spirit Festival, which will take place on 24 September at O'Donnell Gardens.

More detailed information regarding the schedule and activities will be shared through social channels Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

32. VIC | GOV | CALLING | Nominees for 2023 Social Housing Volunteer Awards | nominations close Friday 29 September 2023

These Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing awards publicly acknowledge an individual renter or a group of renters who contribute positively to their community.

Frances Penington Award is for any individual public or community housing resident or group of residents making a difference in the community.
Molly Hadfield Award is for any individual public or community housing resident or group of residents making a difference to older people in the community.

Award recipients receive a $300 gift voucher, trophy and certificate.

A ceremony will be held on Thursday 7 December 2023 at the Australasian Royal College of Surgeons

33. 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.

34. CoPP | S2b | CELEBRATING | Space2b 10 Years Dinner Dance | Friday 27 October 2023 | 6.30–11pm

WE DID IT! Space2b Social Design (S2b) is 10 years old, and we couldn’t have done it without you!

You bought from our shop.
You attended our exhibitions and even bought artwork.
You attended our workshops.
You supported our fundraising.
You volunteered.
You mentored.
You enjoyed a coffee or lunch at Flavours of Syria café.
You painted, you stitched, you potted, you crafted.
You mingled and chatted and met new friends.
Together we make a difference.

Please join us to celebrate this milestone occasion with 3 COURSE DINNER, COMEDY, LIVE MUSIC & DANCE
We will be celebrating our 10th anniversary with a momentous retro Gala Dinner Dance - formal with a dash (or dollop) of red, orange or both. This will be an evening filled with laughter, live music, captivating performances and hope. We will be commemorating a decade of empowering individuals seeking asylum, refugees and newly arrived migrants, but also raising awareness of their ongoing journey.

This ticketed event includes a delicious 3-course dinner and great comedy with St. Kilda’s own Brian Nankervis as host. You will also be entertained by soul-stirring funky tunes from JoySoulMusic. This is a night not to be missed, so we hope you can make it.

Where: West Beach Pavilion, 330A Beaconsfield Parade, St Kilda West, VIC 3182
Cost: $145 per person ($125 for Early Bird until end of Aug) or $1250 for a table of 10 people ($125 per person)
Bookings: EARLY BIRD TICKETS AVAILABLE UNTIL END OF AUG

INTRODUCING | Our MC: Brian Nankervis
Brian is an acclaimed producer, writer, performer and co-host of the Award winning SBS music trivia show, RocKwiz. Brian lives in St. Kilda and co-hosts The Friday Revue on ABC radio and is the host of Songs and Stories on ABC radio. Brian is a preeminent musical 'Quiz Meister' and die-hard music fan (and all-round nice guy). We know you are going to love him as much as we do.

TALKING | Music: JoySoulMusic
JoySoulMusic will be providing the music for our 10th anniversary gala and if you haven’t seen Joys before, then you are in for a treat!

Joy’s 5-piece band will play some old, new and classic tunes, that will have everyone on the dance floor. As Joys says herself “the dance floor belongs to everyone".

CALLING | For Donations
Space2b will also be holding a silent auction during our anniversary gala. If you have a product or service that you could donate to this worthy cause, we will be most appreciative.
All goods and services donated will be:

Recognised on Space2b website
Promoted via Space2b emailer and social media platforms.

Please email with any fundraising donations, ideas or questions.

Opening Hours

Store: Tues–Fri 10am–5pm, Sat 10am - 2pm
Flavours of Syria Cafe: Wed–Fri 10am–2pm, Sat–Sun 10am–4pm

Together we make a difference!

COLLECTIVISING

35. NSW | CHUFFED | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds for Elysian Fields Sanctuary Horse and Greyhound Rescue

Our friend Kate's got horses in critical care and not a blade of grass in the paddocks. She puts in so much to rescue horses from slaughter, and racing greyhounds. Right now she needs some extra funds to help her through a rough patch.

"I'm normally a pretty independent human, but after a few unexpected surgery aftercare bills over the last few months and the grasses gone over winter, I need some help."

Her Elysian Fields Sanctuary Horse and Greyhound Rescue gives these beautiful animals the rehabilitation and love that they need for a happier life in a forever home. The costs of feeding the horses alone is $2,720 a month and it's all piling up! She's had some really tough days but every donation has given her encouragement to stay strong.

Team Chuffed asks for you to show her horses and greyhounds some love right now!

Let's help her thrive!

Donate Now

36. AUST | THCO | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds for evidence-based media coverage

Good journalism is vital for democracy but it does more than help us decide how to vote.
It also helps us decide what to eat to stay healthy, or how to keep our children safe online, or how to protect ourselves against a highly contagious virus. Reliable information makes market economies more efficient and it helps us understand our environment, our culture, and our history. It underpins the health and well-being of society.

Unfortunately, the media has become increasingly compromised and disfigured by social media. Algorithms serve up outrage and opinion with no regard to accuracy. Quality information is harder to find.

For 12-years now, The Conversation (THCO) has been a bulwark against this trend. We provide evidence-based coverage written by academics to give readers the information they need to make better decisions. We are independent and unbiased. We work hard to take the heat out of issues and focus on solutions to make the world a better place. It's vital work which will only become more essential in the future.

We have been able to do this due to the support of donors like you. Donors who understand that a world where quality information is freely available, helps everyone. If you would like to extend your impact, please consider supporting the Conversation with a gift in your Will. You can learn more about what’s involved here and if you are ready to leave a legacy gift, you can do so here.

Secure a future for the news we need

We want to make a lasting difference in the world around us. We hope you will join us in leaving a legacy that can make our society stronger, fairer, more informed and more empowered.

Best wishes,
Misha Ketchell, Editor

Write your Will with partners Safewill

You can create your Will online with our partners at Safewill. Safewill is Australia’s leading online Will writing platform providing a safe, easy and affordable way to create your Will and leave a lasting legacy to the causes you care about. Currently, they are offering a discount of 50% to Conversation readers. Alternatively, you can wait until the 'Include a Charity' promotion running from 4-10 September to submit your Will for free with Safewill.

The process allows you to include any number of charities, and you don’t even have to include us (but we’d be grateful if you did).

Hear from a Legacy Supporter

"Having made the decision to include several gifts in my will, it then wasn’t too difficult for me to decide on the benefactors. I wanted my bequests to support issues which I care deeply about and which I believe will have a lasting benefit on the future of our community and our country…The Conversation ticked all the boxes for me." – Pamela McLure, Friend of The Conversation and Legacy Supporter

Read Gift in Will brochure

Have questions?

Queries, concerns and ideas, all are welcome! Feel free to email our bequests manager Helen Johnstone - she’s free for a chat over the phone, Zoom or by email (and geography permitting, she does like a chat over a cuppa too!)

Let us thank you

We think that there are a few kind souls who have remembered us in their Will but have not let us know. Understanding who has included us is really important as we plan our next chapter, and it ensures that your wishes are carried out according to your intentions.

Telling us of your generosity is much appreciated, and of course, we are happy to keep your gift anonymous if you prefer.

37. WORLD | CHUFFED | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds towards Aussies Knitting for War Affected Syrian Kids

Wow we are just blown away by the hard work of these nanna’s - they prove you are never too old to make a difference! Can you chip in to help get their hard work to kids in Syria?

Aussies Knitting for War Affected Kids are a community of women who hand knit head-to-toe woollies for war and earthquake affected children living in displaced persons camps in NW Syria.

These warm woollen clothes and blankets save lives.

Beverly is over 80 years old and has knitted 100 jumpers for the kids over the last few years.

But they urgently need your help! The shipping deadline to send these items is looming and they need funds to get the HUGE container for 2,500 kids sorted, packed and ready to send.

These determined women have more than done their bit to make a difference.

Team Chuffed asks to make sure it reaches children that need it before winter hits?

Donate Now

38. WA | CHUFFED | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds as climate and ancient Aboriginal rock art are at risk

Woodside Petroleum is destroying the climate and ancient Murujuga rock art. Toxic emissions on the Burrup Peninsula have already eroded the outer layer of the artworks causing the carvings to slowly disappear.

Ballardong Noongar man Desmond Blurton is part of a series of peaceful protests demanding no more industry on Murujuga at the Burrup Peninsula in North West WA.

“We must protect our cultural heritage and artwork NOW. This painting is barely 100 years old. We have 50,000 year old artwork that Woodside is destroying.”

The protest was subsequently endorsed by the descendants of ‘Down on His Luck’ painter Frederick McCubbin.

There's still time to stop Woodside from gaining the finance and approvals for its planned Burrup Hub expansions - but we need to act fast.

Team Chuffed asks to help Disrupt Burrup Hub protect these precious cultural artworks.

Donate Now

39. WORLD | CHUFFED | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds towards life-saving metal detectors for Ukraine's future

The children of Ukraine are set to inherit a dangerous burden. Their home is now covered in more landmines than any other country in the world.

"Landmines do not discriminate between a child or a soldier – their use violates international law, poses a grave risk to children, and additionally hampers the ability to transport humanitarian aid to where it is needed most."

1 in 8 civilians killed or injured by landmines and unexploded ordnances is a child.

“The descendants of our generation will face this problem, because it will be for decades.”

In response, everyday legend Nathan Burraston is urgently raising funds for a 7th shipment of metal detectors straight to Ukrainians on the ground to save lives. Volunteers on the ground have removed over 150,000 landmines to date - but the Russian army left MILLIONS.

Team Chuffed asks to help Nathan get a new load of life-saving metal detectors to Ukrainians?

Donate Now

40. NSW | CHUFFED | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds towards relocating Hen Rescue

All the animals urgently need transport to their new home (This rescue is moving between rentals for the ninth time in 10 years.

Catherine from NSW Hen Rescue freed Belle the hen from her shackles of an intensive free range farm. Belle the hen needs a hormonal implant every 6 months to stop her laying eggs, or she will die.

“Some people have asked why we don't just re-home the animals we are caring for now, but these are our family members. I would never rehome Belle with her veterinary needs and I would never separate Belle from her best friend Isy.”

Catherine from NSW Hen Rescue has dedicated over a decade to rescuing, healing and loving ex-battery hens and other animals that society has forsaken.

But they have had to move between rentals eight times all the while rescuing thousands of animals. As you can imagine, Catherine is absolutely devastated to find out they have been evicted yet again and face another massive move.

Our donors have already helped them raise 40% of the funds they need to move all of the animals and their enclosures. There is still a long way to go, but Catherine said she feels much more hopeful now that they can get there.

Team Chuffed asks for helping Catherine relocate and keep doing this important work. They can't do it without you.

Donate Now

41. AUST | ILF | UPDATING | News from the Indigenous Literacy Foundation

Yamandhu marang. Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) invites you to celebrate First Nations peoples Stories, Cultures and Languages this Indigenous Literacy Day (ILD) 6 September. We are pleased to collaborate with Sydney Opera House and present a 15-minute FILM showcasing the richness, diversity, multilingual and multi-literacy within remote Communities featuring ILF Ambassador, Jessica Mauboy!

The FILM is followed by a 45‑minute LIVESTREAM celebration of storytelling and song directly from Sydney Opera House with ILF Ambassadors and superstars Justine Clarke, Josh Pyke and Gregg Dreise. Please register your school, workplace, friends and family for this FREE national celebration and learn more about ILD.

Make the most of celebrating ILD at your school, library or workplace by hosting a Great Book Swap or your own fundraising event, purchasing the three ILD books featured in the film or by simply making a donation. Please ensure to spread the word about ILD within your school or workplace by using the ILD posters and across your social media by using the ILD social media tiles.

We can't wait to celebrate this special day with you!

Mandaang guwu,
Ben Bowen, Chief Executive Officer

Watch the ILD 2023 Trailer (30 secs)
Register For ILD

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 blue tongue lizard in Bundjalung language. Bundjalung Country is in the far North East Coast of NSW and the Southern Eastern coast of Queensland

Blue tongue lizard = gubagan
Phonetics: goo-ba-garn
Download the audio.

CELEBRATING | Languages, Country and Elders this Indigenous Literacy Day | 6 September 2023

This years Indigenous Literacy Day FILM takes you on a virtual journey to three remote Communities to celebrate the launch of three books in three different languages; Shordi Krik in Barunga, Northern Territory, Country Tells Us When… in Rubibi (Broome), Western Australia, and We Look, We Find in Weipa on the Cape York Peninsula in Queensland.

Learn more about these books and their importance here.

CALLING | “Mela langguj- Our language, Kriol”

Kriol in the Top End is one kind of creole, from around the world. In Northern Territory homes, Kriol is the most spoken language after English. And it is the most widely spoken Aboriginal language in Australia today.

Learn more about Kroil language from the blog written by ILF Regional Co-ordinator and Kriol speaker, Josie Lardy.

REPORTING | Byron Writers Festival

We are grateful to have been the charity of choice at this years Byron Writers Festival. Thank you to all of those who supported the ILF through donations and purchasing our tote bags and Gift of Reading cards! A special shout out to the volunteers who helped us to raise over $6,000 at the event!

REPORTING | PULiiMA

The ILF attended the PULiiMA Indigenous Language and Technology Conference this month and we enjoyed connecting with inspirational people who share a common ambition of conserving and celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.

HIRING | Book Buzz Co‑ordinator

We are hiring a Book Buzz Coordinator! This is an exciting opportunity for you to join our small team based in Sydney’s CBD and to use your strong coordination and relationship building skills to work with the Book Buzz Manager to coordinate the Book Buzz Program for young children.

First Nations candidates are encouraged to apply.

Find out more!

**REPORTING | Over $40,000 Raised by Busking For Change!**

Thank you to the incredible 145 schools who are participating in the first year of Busking For Change! The schools are all currently practicing Words Make The Word Go Around in English and Kriol and raising funds to publish books in First Languages. So far these incredible schools have raised over $40,000!

Support your local school.

IndigenousX

We are pleased to be working with IndigenousX, an Indigenous owned media platform who are engaging ILF staff in cultural training. Be sure to visit the new IndigenousX job board which is a great way to find and promote job opportunities.

Advertise a job or search for work opportunities.

CLICKING | For More Stories

Latest News

REPORTING | Book Supply 2024 Submissions

This month we sent our second release of Book Supply orders to the warehouse! We will be sending out an additional 27,342 to the first round of 88,050 books delivered so far this year.

Learn more about Book Supply.

ATTENDING | Tiwi College Fete

ILF Programs Manager, Tictac, and Regional Coordinator, Bella, attended the Tiwi College fete this month. They ran a stall with a game where everyone who won took home either a book, a family pack or a lucky dip. Some kids played a few times and took home a bit of everything. Thanks to Tiwi College for having us, and for putting on a wonderful event. We can't wait for next year's fete!

REPORTING | Ambassador News

Andy Griffiths. Congratulations to ILF Ambassador Andy Griffiths on the last book in the Treehouse series with Terry Denton! This bestselling kids' favourite for 13 years has sold more than 7 million books in print, was the national No. 1 bestselling book a record-breaking 8 times, and has won a record 8 Australian Book Industry Awards. Available from 5 September!
Josh Pyke. Congratulations to ILF Ambassador Josh Pyke on his new book Your Head's Not the Place to Store Problems, available from 1 September! The whimsical and wise picture book explores navigating life’s ups and downs from two multi-award-winning creators.

GIVING | Special Thanks

We would like to thank Grace Group (Australia) who have been supporting us for three years with donations totalling $150,000 - a truly significant level of support for our work in remote Communities around the country.

Thinking of writing your will? The ILF has partnered with Safewill to provide our supporters with the ability to write their will for just $90 (half price) – or could be free during Free Wills Week between 4–8 September.

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.

Become an ILF Partner

THANKING | Community Fundraisers

A big thank you to Freshwater Farm who are donating a percentage of sales to the ILF during the month of August from their limited-edition body bars, body wash and hand washes. The limited-edition products are designed in collaboration with Worimi Indigenous artist, Brittney Paulson.

Check out the range here or at your local Woolworths!

A big thank you to Endeavour College who have supported the ILF throughout the years with various fundraising activities including dress-up days for book week, book swaps, book sales at the school fair, cake stalls and even hot chocolate mornings! The College plan to raise $10K by 2025 and we are so grateful for the schools efforts and support!

Glamorama proudly supported the ILF as part of the venue's annual NAIDOC week event. During NAIDOC week, Glamorama programs its favourite First Nations DJs to take over the entirety of the lineup for the night. In conjunction, Glamorama matches the DJ fees towards a donation selected by the artists themselves. We are very grateful for Glamorama's support!

More Fundraising Inspiration
Make a Donation
Engage with our socials: Website | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram | LinkedIn

42. AUST | CUIN | UPDATING | Making Connections and Connecting Communities

Diverse Horizons and World Democracy. Join Cultural Infusion (CUIN) in a global celebration of democracy at the upcoming World Democracy Events and the unveiling of dynamic new partnerships that promise to reshape the landscape of diversity.

We are excited to bring you an exhilarating round up of recent happenings in the world of Diversity Atlas. In this edition, we share a recent podcast interview on the value of inclusive data, exciting partnerships that are propelling our mission forward, and some other significant events.

RECONSTRUCTING | Inclusion with Amri B. Johnson

From breaking down barriers to revealing hidden patterns, inclusive data sets are reshaping the landscape of diversity and inclusion. In the latest episode of the 'Reconstructing Inclusion' podcast, our CEO & Founder Peter Mousaferiadis, CXO Michael Walmsley and CTO Rezza Moieni join Amri B. Johnson in conversation that sheds light on how data is driving business strategies. Prepare to be inspired as they navigate through stories that help us understand the limitless possibilities that lie within data.

Tune In to the Full Episode

ANNOUNCING | Diversity Atlas Major Partnerships

HR Metrics and GDEIB
We have embarked on an exciting new partnership with HR Metrics, a consulting and training firm which provides competency based SHRM certification, ISO global HR Standards Certification and audit, HR data, analytics, diversity & inclusion management tools to optimise organisational performance. They’re currently running a DEI Certification Program and Diversity Atlas referrals are eligible for a 10% discount by emailing interest along with the discount code: METRICS-ATLAS to rida@thehrmetrics.com

Australian Professionals of Colour (APOC)
Diversity Atlas is proud to be partnering with APOC to provide the Diversity Data Health Check to its members to create an aggregate report of DE&I measures in the Australian landscape. We’ll also be mapping the diversity of attendees at the APOC Gala Night, which promises to be a wonderful event celebrating professionals from diverse backgrounds, get your tickets early!

Women of Colour (AUS) (WoCA)
Given their status as leaders in understanding and representing the needs of women of colour in Australia, we’re excited that WoCA has chosen to partner with us to map and measure the trends in diversity of their community. With a focus on workforce attitudes and effective measures to increase representation, there’s great potential to amplify the voices of women of colour through this work.

ENDORSING | HR Metrics DEI Certification Program

Diversity Atlas referrals are eligible for 10% discount by emailing interest along with the discount code: METRICS-ATLAS at rida@thehrmetrics.com.
Seats are filling up fast as the program will start on 1 August, 2023!

According to the SHRM – the world’s largest HR Association, a strong DEI initiative increases employee engagement and innovation and plays a pivotal role in attracting and retaining top talent. High levels of belonging translate to:

56% higher job performance
50% lower turnover risk
75% lower sick days used.

If you are interested to build your expertise around the Global Standard on DEI to leverage social and financial performance of your organisation, HR Metrics brings a structured DEI learning program leading to certification. It is built around the Global DEI Benchmarks Standard. More than 30 leading business leaders from around the globe will share insights on how to use the Global DEI Standard in real-life situations with practical examples.

Find Out More

EXPLORING | Data, Democracy and Gender Parity

It is now widely understood that failure to consider intersecting axes of oppression often results in unintended consequences, reinforcing systemic biases and pushing some people even further into the margins. However, many people in the social justice field are only just beginning to understand why a data-driven approach is essential to equity work and even fewer people have a firm grasp of how essential high-quality data is.

As part of Democracy and Gender Alliance Week 2023, we will be running a 'Diversity Analysis' to uncover and celebrate the cultural richness of our community.

Peter Mousaferiadis will deliver a highly interactive talk that deep dives into data-driven gender equity work whilst revealing the results of all the participants in the Diversity Atlas survey during the event.

ANNOUNCING | Destination Strasbourg!

We are delighted and very proud to announce that the World Forum for Democracy has selected Diversity Atlas as one of the initiatives they are showcasing this year. The World Forum for Democracy is a unique platform for political decision-makers and activists to debate solutions to key challenges for democracies worldwide. Peter Mousaferiadis will be presenting Diversity Atlas to the Forum on Tuesday, 7 November in Strasbourg, France.

HIGHLIGHTING | International Youth Day | 12 August

Young people are the foundation of the world and the future of humanity. International Youth Day was created by the United Nations. Youth Day is celebrated to highlight the importance of youth participation and protection.

Check out our Diversity Calendar for more cultural events.

43. WORLD | PWR | REPORTING | A Call to Conscience, A Call to Action Beyond Our Bubble and more | 14-18 August 2023

A Message from Our Executive Director

There are not enough ways to express my gratitude for what was made possible last week in our home city of Chicago for Parliament of the World's Religions (PWR). From the 1,000+ representatives of more than twenty diverse faith organizations who walked in our Inaugural Parade of Faiths, to the 7,000+ attendees that explored the halls of the Lakeside Center during the week, to the hundreds of presenters and exhibitors that shared their unique contributions to the global interfaith movement, to the hundreds of Sikh volunteers who shared Langar - the gift of sevā (selfless service), and to the incredible work ethic of our trustees, staff, volunteers, and vendors, my gratitude knows no bounds.

It was a week of joy and celebration:

7,000+ Attendees
95+ Countries
210+ Traditions

We celebrated the importance of the Parliament of the World's Religions in its home city, a legacy still bringing people to the shores of Lake Michigan together 130 years on. We celebrated our shared call to conscience, engaging diverse voices of faith, spiritual, and political leaders working at the epicenter of threats to freedom, democracy, and human rights around the world. We celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Parliament’s foundational document Towards A Global Ethic.

"It was impressive to see how, thirty years on, the Parliament's 1993 document, "Towards a Global Ethic," generated a lot of buzz during this year's convening. Whether in casual conversations or on social media, a lot of people talked about how, although most of us don't share the same beliefs, we agree on the basic values and principles expressed in the document. They appreciated how this clear statement can serve as a conversation-starter and help people connect, whether they come from different religions or the same religion, or are not religious at all." – Dr. Myriam Renaud, Principal Investigator and Director of the Global Ethic Project

During those 5 days, we lived in a shared joy for what the world can be when people of faith committed to justice, peace, and sustainability come together made possible by our amazing sponsors and partners.

Support Our Work Today!

But it was also a week of recognition of the threats facing our communities and the world. The call to conscience of the 2023 Parliament is not just a public service announcement, it’s a flashing emergency light affirming, to the world, that faith and spiritual communities are vital partners and first responders in this fight for justice, for freedom, for a healthy environment, for human rights, and for democracy.

“Today we are all standing at a pivotal moment where history seeks to repeat itself. It is a moment of urgency - an existential global scourge has returned…It is a stark reality that transcends borders, cultures and faiths. A reality that demands our collection action and moral courage. As people of faith and spirit we have a singular responsibility. Here is the truth we must all confront and change. Despots are misappropriating religions to justify the unjustifiable. Tyrants proclaim themselves saviors posturing with religious symbols and exploiting language to affirm their power. And tragically, there are religious leaders who stand beside them and religious communities who cheer them.” – Rev. HPs. Phyllis Curott, 2023 PoWR Program Chair

As the 2023 Parliament of the World’s Religions came to a close at the McCormick Lakeside Center in Chicago, USA it was clear to me, to the Parliament team, and to the thousands of attendees that shaped the 2023 Parliament that in order to make actual change in the world, we have to reach the people outside of our bubble.

We can't expand beyond our bubble without funding, I invite you to support our ongoing work by becoming a supporting member or donating today!

My great hope for this 9th global convening of the Parliament of the World’s Religions is that it becomes clear for us as a community that this is not a time to rest or self-congratulations, it’s time for action. We are powerful - together we are something special.

Join us in defending freedom and human rights by sharing the bold wisdom, talks, and projects supporting the ongoing impact of the Parliament of the World's Religions worldwide.

*Become a Supporting Member and enjoy access to our library of content including main stage recordings, pictures, and b-roll coming soon to the Member Hub.

Sincerely,
Rev. Stephen Avino

Stories with #2023PoWR

Across social media platforms, attendees are sharing their stories and experiences of the 2023 Parliament of the World's Religions. Explore their feedback with the hashtag #2023PoWR and help us spread the message of the Parliament of the World's Religions by sharing our content.

A Heartfelt Thank You to the Sikh Community for Langar

View on YouTube (2 mins)

Answering the Call, Highlights from #2023PoWR

View on YouTube (3 mins)

#2023PoWR In the Press

Seen and covered across the world, the 2023 Parliament of the World's Religions also captivated the news and religion sections of powerful news brands as a global media event. The internationally reaching newspaper, TV and radio from reporters covering for distinguished news names included the Associated Press, National Public Radio, Washington Post, Religion News Service and prestigious national and religious media from Chicago Tribune to the Times of India.

In numbers? The 2023 Parliament of the World's Religions is named through a thousand unique news links, known now to a a million new readers of prestige journalism and a global reach of 2.5 billion puts into incredible context how to understand the newsworthiness and impact of the 2023 convening.

Stay in touch with the Parliament of the World's Religions to unpack these stories and most importantly, co-author those to come.

Explore the Parliament in the Press
Expire the Parliament's Social: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin | Instagram | Youtube | TikTok

ANNOUNCING

44. VIC | GOV | SUPPORTING | Diverse women to thrive at work

The Victorian Government is helping women from diverse backgrounds reach their leadership goals and overcome barriers to economic security.

More than $1 million investment has been announced for initiatives aimed at helping women find work and for programs to enhance leadership opportunities.

For women locked out of the labour market, initiatives including education, mentoring, training, small business and employment opportunities are crucial inroads to employment and financial security.

These leadership programs will help First Nations women, women of colour and women from multicultural communities to identify and navigate barriers to advancement, including discrimination and poor workplace culture. They will also support women to use their skills and connections to progress their leadership journey.

The investment supports recommendations made by the Inquiry into Economic Equity for Victorian Women and will help drive the large-scale cultural change needed to tackle the systemic barriers that hinder women’s economic security and leadership advancement.

Find out more

45. VIC | GOV | ANNOUNCING | First Nations names selected for new Victorian schools

The Victorian Government is ensuring better representation of Aboriginal culture and language across the state, with Aboriginal language names to be used for all 14 new government schools set to open their doors next year.

For the first time, the 2024 new school naming process consulted on a short-list of Aboriginal language names, receiving more than 7,000 submissions.

For more information, a full list of the translation of the Indigenous school names can be found on the Victorian School Building Authority website.

Find out more

46. VIC | GOV | SUPPORTING | Community-Led Family Violence Programs

The Victorian Government is supporting multicultural and faith organisations with extended funding to prevent family violence using innovative approaches across the state.

23 multicultural and faith organisations will share in $1.61 million to continue programs under the Supporting Multicultural and Faith Communities to Prevent Family Violence Grants Program.

Organisations will be able to build on existing community projects which address the gendered drivers of violence by challenging harmful gender stereotypes and strengthening positive, equal and respectful relationships.

The funding will strengthen community-led approaches to prevent family violence and violence against women, including engaging with men and boys, and faith and community leaders to create positive change.

Find out more

47. MELB | STEMsis | SHARING | Sisters' scientific stories on soapbox

Members of the public will be able to hear from 12 women leaders in STEM this Friday in Melbourne’s State Library Forecourt as part of National Science Week, thanks to support from the Victorian Government.

Organised by STEM Sisters (STEMsis), Melbourne’s second annual free Soapbox Science event is designed to inspire young women to pursue careers in STEM – featuring leaders from diverse backgrounds who will share their research discoveries and experiences in the field of science.

The Victorian Government is backing the event as part of $400,000 in funding announced earlier this year for the Investing in Women’s Grassroots Grants Program. The program is supporting 44 organisations throughout Victoria with up to $10,000 for their work to advance gender equality.

STEM Sisters was founded by Ruwangi Fernando six years ago to break through the barriers that prevent women of colour from pursuing and excelling in STEM fields. It offers programs to support women at every stage of their career, from students to leaders.

Find out more

48. VIC | GOV | CONSULTING | Victorian African Communities Committee

Established in late 2022, Victorian African Communities Committee (VACC) is the new advisory committee for Victoria’s African communities. The VACC builds on work of the former Implementation Committee and is led by 13 members, including two Community Deputy Co-Chairs, and chaired by Pauline Richards MP.

Find out more about the 13 members of the Victorian African Communities Committee (VACC)

49. VIC | GOV | BOOSTING | Support for South Sudanese young people

The Victorian Government is continuing to invest in Victoria’s South Sudanese community, supporting young people and encouraging prevention and diversion away from the youth justice system.

This month, six grants worth $500,000 for community programs have been announced and an additional round of community grants worth $400,000 has been opened.

Applications for the new $400,000 grant round will focus on programs that fund and support projects that strengthen South Sudanese Australian young peoples’ connection to community and culture through sports, arts, education, training, and pathways to employment.

Find out more

SUPPORTING

50. 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.

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 find out if your local council is participating, check the collection sites in your neighbourhood at coronavirus.vic.gov.au/get-a-covid-19-test
For simple tips on staying ahead of COVID-19 and staying well this summer, visit: coronavirus.vic.gov.au/health-advice
Coronavirus in-language information

To learn in other ways about Victoria's responses:

Call the Victorian Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398. International, interstate and mobile callers can phone (+613) 9096 9000.
Department of Health's website in English or Other Languages
What to do if you are a close contact
Financial support for coronavirus (COVID-19)
Isolation and quarantine – extra help and support
Mental health resources
Mental health support services
Information for people with disability - coronavirus (COVID-19)
Emergency relief packages
COVID business information
COVIDSafe religion and ceremony guidance
Safe accommodation and support for family violence is available. Call Safe Steps on 1800 015 188 or email safesteps@safesteps.org.au for help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
People with a high risk of getting very sick with COVID-19 can get medicine to help them stay well. There are medicines to reduce your chances of getting COVID-19 and treat COVID-19 symptoms if you get infected. Only people most likely to need hospital care can get COVID-19 medicines. This includes people who are aged 70 and over; are aged 50 and over with certain health conditions (or 30 if they're Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander); or have a weakened immune system, disability or are born with heart disease. Learn more

51. 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.

52. AUST | Helpers and Reliable Sources Along the Way

Access Easy English – Over 70 resources developed on coronavirus.
Ageism and reducing its impact – reframing the discussion to help everyone better understand how to communicate about age, ageing and issues affecting older people. Download the Framing age message guide and Download the quick reminder Cheat Sheet
‘Ageing well in Victoria: An action plan for strengthening wellbeing for senior Victorians 2022-2026' supporting older Victorians from all backgrounds to connect socially and live healthy, active, and purposeful lives.
Amaze – step-by-step social scripts outlining the COVID-19 vaccine process to help people with autism.
Aspergers Victoria (ASVI) – support groups and events for people who have Aspergers, autism, or other similar neurodiverse profiles.
AUSLAN – Updates by Expression Australia - Regular Auslan only videos on updates of breaking news in Victoria, Australia and abroad.
Australian Government Department of Health – Coronavirus advice for people with disability
Australian Government Department of Health – Translated resources into 60 different languages, informing communities about COVID-19 vaccines and how they will be rolled out across Australia.
Australian Government Department of Social Services – Daily update on NDIS participants and workforce and easy English information on COVID-19.
Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) have continued their national campaign: Racism. It Stops With Me. Learn more
Australian Islamic Centre (AIC) has co-produced award winning Fired Up (36 mins) short documentary which tells the story of AIC volunteers who travelled to areas impacted by the devastating 2019-2020 bushires to provide essential supplies to communities in critical need.
Australian Psychological Society Referral Service – Tel 1800 333 497
Be You is the national mental health in education initiative delivered by Beyond Blue, in collaboration with Early Childhood Australia and headspace. 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.
Better Health – Surviving Extreme Heat In-language video
Better Health – COVID-19 and flu vaccinations health information available in more than fifteen languages. Learn more
Beyond Blue – translated information on managing your mental health during COVID-19 in 63 languages.
Blind Citizens Australia – Information on coronavirus for people who are blind or vision impaired.
Cancer Council Victoria (CCV) – online resources in simple English to support linguistically diverse Victorians learn about bowel cancer screening. Watch video (10 mins)
Carer Gateway – an Australian Government website for carers that provides practical information and advice, and connects carers to services and support.
Centre for Culture, Ethnicity & Health (CEH) has translated Long COVID fact sheet into nine in-language written resources and five in-language audio recordings. The Long COVID project focuses on priority CALD communities particularly impacted by COVID-19 in 2020. Read the factsheet
City of Port Phillip (CoPP) Neighbours and Seniors Register creates links between Port Phillip residents over 55, enabling getting to know each other and better supporting each other. Register by using the seniors registration form (PDF 78 KB)
The Conversation (THCO) – continuing to grow, making an important contribution to public knowledge
Couch International Student Centre is a safe and free lounge space in Melbourne for international students to socialise, relax, study, and seek assistance
Council for Intellectual Disability (CID) – Easy English information for people with intellectual disability and videos about COVID-19.
Country Fire Authority and Fire Rescue Victoria recommend your smoke alarms are tested regularly, that batteries are replaced once a year, and smoke alarm units are replaced every 10 years. Learn more
Crime Stoppers Victoria (CSV) with Ethnolink – video on how to report a crime, now available in our 11 priority languages: Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Dinka, Farsi, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Punjabi, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Watch videos
Cultural Infusion (CUIN)'s online Cultural Calendar is designed to assist schools with organising cultural incursions throughout the year.
Dementia information for multicultural communities
DHHS – Victorian Government Department of Health and Human Services advice and information on coronavirus available in 56 languages
DirectLine alcohol and drug counselling - 1800 888 236 - confidential drug and alcohol counselling and referral
Disability, Engaging Australians with Ask Me First and How to – 16 mins episode of a discussion on support and advocacy for people with disability and inclusion from CALD communities.
Disability Gateway Service – the Australian Government provides free information and services to help people living with disability, their families, friends and carers in key areas including finance, employment, health and equipment. Translated fact sheets and videos or Learn more
Domestic and family violence and your visa Department of Home Affairs web page. Learn more
Down Syndrome Australia – Easy Read guide about using money on the internet.
Equal pay matters – educational resources for organisations by Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC). For small-to-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to understand and implement equal pay in their workplaces.
Eastern Community Legal Centre (ECLC) is supporting culturally and linguistically diverse community leaders to become Anti-racism Ambassadors in partnership with IndianCare, the Centre for Holistic Health and the Communities’ Council on Ethnic Issues. Learn more
Emergency management improvement report with engaged multicultural communities, government and emergency services
Equality Project (EQPR) Better Together Training Academy – for LGBTIQ+ and Allies to hone advocacy, transform leadership Initiate, activate, lead to make a positive impact in your community.
Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) – Multicultural COVID-19 Outreach Program
Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) – COVID-19 video series Protecting Our Communities
Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) Speak My Language podcasts feature people sharing stories and practical advice about living well with disability in a range of community languages.
Ethnolink Language Services – Multi-lingual resource library with information available on coronavirus in 71 languages.
Expression Australia – Keep up to date with regular Auslan videos on COVID-19, breaking news in Victoria, Australia and abroad.
Faith Communities Council of Victoria (FCCV) have published their 2023 annual multifaith calendar outlining major holy days and festivals for Baha'i, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism and Sikhism.
Financial support if restrictions have affected your work – Australian Government's COVID-19 Disaster Payment and Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment. Also see COVID-19 resources for CALD communities. Eligibility rules apply.
Fire season preparation in Regional Victoria – visit Country Fire Authority's website, sign up to MyCFA to get local information on how to plan and prepare for fires and other emergencies in your area or learn more
From the Heart (FTH) views a Voice to Parliament as a body enshrined in the Constitution would enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to provide advice to the Parliament on policies and projects that impact their lives.
Gambling Help Online (GHO). Free, confidential and available 24/7. Take a step forward
GP Expert Advice Matters – a website for patients translated into Arabic, simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Hindi and Vietnamese, and has practical information on how to access a local GP, telehealth and interpreter services
The Healing Foundation (THF) – a national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation providing a platform to amplify voices and lived experience of Stolen Generations survivors and their families.
Headway – a small business package of free wellbeing services and resources for all Victorian sole traders and small business owners, their employees and advisers.
Health Translations – Australian health and wellbeing information - free online library multilingual translations including Auslan and Easy English.
Hepatitis B In-language videos – allowing people in CALD communities to access clear and simple information about liver health, available in Arabic, Burmese, Khmer, Mandarin Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese.
IncludeAbility: employment for people with disability – an initiative of the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), designed to support employers who want to create meaningful employment opportunities for people with disability, and people with disability seeking employment, developing a career or considering self-employment. Learn more
Independent Broad-Based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBBACC) is Victoria's independent body responsible for preventing and exposing police misconduct. You can report anything police do to deny your rights to IBAC.
Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) is a free state-wide non legal advocacy service for people at risk of or subject to compulsory treatment in Victoria.
Jobs that Matter campaign highlights a range of roles available across the community services sector in Victoria.
Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) Book Supply – creating and translating books with the collective storytelling of First Nations authors, illustrators and Elders
Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800 – for kids, teens and young adults
LGBTIQ+ Health Australia – free training activities for LGBTIQ+ people with disability
Lifeline – 13 11 14 – crisis support available 24/7 via phone, text or online chat
Little Dreamers (LIDR) is Australia’s leading Young Carer organisation, supporting young people who provide unpaid care for a family member affected by disability, chronic or mental illness, addiction or frail age. Watch 3 min video
Made by Many Minds is a one-stop digital platform that provides migrant women in business with a range of services including legal, finance, marketing and merchandising.
Mental Health & Wellbeing Hubs – 1300 375 330 – appointments for anyone feeling overwhelmed or in need of support with mental health.
Mental Health Complaints Commission (MHCC) – Digital and print resources in 20 languages through community-approved translations that are culturally and linguistically appropriate for each community.
Mental Health Foundation Australia (MHFA) – Small Business Engagement Program to benefit business owners, staff, and customers.
MiACCESS Multilingual Information Access to resources & information – A purpose-built website for CALD people with disability, carers and communities.
Migrant Resource Centre North West Region (MRCNWR) – Diversity and Disability YouTube Channel
Moving Pictures launched 12 new short films aimed at raising awareness about dementia, and the importance of early diagnosis to enable better treatment and quality of life. Watch the films
Multicultural Health Connect (MHC) – hotline that can be used to find health services such as doctors, hospitals, and community health centres. The hotline is available 11.30am-8pm, 7 days a week - including public holidays. Call the hotline on 1800 186 815.
Mungo Explorer – online learning platform by Cultural Infusion (CUIN). An inquiry based resource aligned with the Australian curriculum and covers Year 4 First Contact and Year 7 Ancient History. Allowing teachers to share Indigenous perspectives, historical and scientific thinking to teach students about the remarkable story of Mungo Man and Mungo Lady.
MyAus Covid-19 app – Multilingual resource application produced by Migration Council Australia (MCA) for Australia's culturally and linguistically diverse communities about COVID - 19, it's impact and available support.
My Body. My Health – a five-part series of educational presentations to help organisations deliver health information to women from migrant and refugee backgrounds.
National Disability Gateway – a one-stop shop from the Department of Social Services assisting all people with disability, their families and carers to locate and access services across Australia
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) – Information about changes to how the NDIS work during the COVID -19 pandemic in 12 languages.
National Ethnic Disability Alliance (NEDA) – free training activities for LGBTIQ+ people with disability
National Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcasters' Council (NEMBC) is the peak organisation representing ethnic community broadcasters across Australia. Listen to news
National Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcasters' Council (NEMBC) – translated audio explainers of COVID-19 and flu vaccinations on SoundCloud. Translated audio available includes Arabic, Cantonese, Dari, Dinka, Hindi, Mandarinand Vietnamese. Listen today
NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission – Information contains links to updates, training, alerts, and resources for NDIS participants and providers.
NURSE-ON-CALL – 1300 60 60 24 – expert health information and advice
NWMPHN Maintaining good mental health through the pandemic through in-language videos. Help spread the message of looking after our mental health in Hindi, Cantonese, Mandarin, Dinka and Vietnamese.
Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) – promoting The Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line (OPCSL) within ethno-specific communities.
Orange Door – for adults, children and young people experiencing family violence
Palliative Care Advice Service (PCAS) – supporting people diagnosed with life-limiting illnesses and those who support them.
Paramount Chief Kuol Adol Foundation (PCKAF) aiming to improve the livelihoods of South Sudanese communities through programs in both South Sudan and Melbourne.
Parentline – 13 22 89 – for parents and carers
Parenting courses by Relationships Victoria (REVI) offers free 6 to 12 week courses for parents to learn better ways to connect with their children and family in a culturally sensitive way.
Pathfinders National Aboriginal Birth Certificate Program (PNABCP) – Canberra not-for-profit group helping make life easier for people in need. As part of its many programs, it helps provide free birth certificates and registrations for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island community
Port Phillip Men’s Shed provides a safe and caring mateship environment. Our members hail from all walks of life and from different age groups. Women are welcome to participate.
Prejudice Motivated Crime in Victoria and Reporting – Victoria Police website, an animated video (2 min) and poster. Resources are available in English, Arabic, Chinese (Traditional and Simplified), Hindi, Korean, Persian, Punjabi, Somali, Urdu and Vietnamese. Explore the resources
Reconciliation Victoria – promoting reconciliation across Victoria, promoting deeper understanding, respect and justice for and with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Red Earth (REEA)'s School Immersions are all-inclusive, comprehensive programs designed to open the hearts and minds of students to the beauty and realities of life in remote Indigenous Australia. Find out more
Refugee Council of Australia (RCA) – Face-to-Face program involves presentations to students from a speaker with a refugee background. Learn more
Safe and Equal (SAE)'s Are You Safe at Home? website features lots of helpful information around family violence and where to go for help. Learn about family violence. Watch a video in your language
Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre – Victoria’s statewide first response service for women, young people and children experiencing family violence. Tel 1800 015 188 – family violence specialists available 24/7
Safer and Stronger Communities Pilot, South East Community Links (SECL) – In-language videos for family violence prevention and multilingual resources for Dari, Hazaragi, Hindi, Punjabi and Tamil speaking community members. View on SECL website
St Kilda Repair Cafe (SKRC) – free monthly repair cafe sessions at the Port Phillip EcoCentre on the second Sunday of each month from 2-5pm. Volunteers fix or mend, offer their time and skills to help make possible repairs free of charge to damaged items from home
Self Advocacy Resource Unit (SARU) supports Victorian self-advocacy groups run by and for people with intellectual disability, people with acquired brain injury and people with complex communication support needs. Watch 'Live Our Lives' (4 mins music video).
SBS – news and information about coronavirus (COVID - 19) available in 63 languages.
SBS عربي News streams live at 8pm on weeknights and SBS 中文 News is live from 8.30 pm on weeknights and available to stream at any time on SBS On Demand.
SBS Interactive 2021 Census Explorer
Scanlon Foundation Research Institute's (SFRI) 2022 Mapping Social Cohesion
Scanlon Foundation Research Institute (SFRI) – Voices of Australia podcast explores all things interesting in the world of social cohesion. Listen
Scope - Key word sign video, posters and easy english resources on communicating COVID-19.
SisterWorks is a not-for-profit social enterprise, empowering migrant and refugee women by connecting them with entrepreneurship and employment opportunities. Empowerment Hubs are workplaces and training centres providing opportunities for women to share their experiences with other women and develop pathways to education, employment, entrepreneurship and leadership.
Social Services Jobs Guarantee program - Victorian Diploma of Community Services graduates between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2024
Spiritual Health Association (SHA) in partnership with Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH) has been running The Spirituality & Diversity Discussion Project since 2019. Read More
StarHealth fact sheets on COVID-19 are now available – using only valid information sources for its fact sheets, distilling the key points from only trusted sources.
Staying safe in the water – how to enjoy our state's waterways including beaches, rivers and lakes.
Summer Foundation (SUFO)'s Reasonable & Necessary podcast series helps simplify the NDIS for participants, their families and anyone supporting NDIS participants.
Survive the heat campaign – raising awareness of the risks extreme heat poses to the health of all Victorians.
Trans Justice Project (TJP) – building a movement standing up for justice, freedom, and equality for all trans and gender diverse people.
Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) is an interpreting service provided by the Department of Home Affairs for people who do not speak English and for agencies and businesses that need to communicate with their non-English speaking clients. Over 70 years' experience in language services and access to more than 2700 interpreters in more than 150 languages. The phone interpreting service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year for the cost of a local call for any person or organisation in Australia who needs an interpreter.
VALID – 16 Page plain language guide to NDIS Specialist Disability Accommodation
Vietnamese resources supporting people with disability and their families, friends and carers – a suite of Vietnamese resources available in English and Vietnamese informing how to articulate rights and entitlements, negotiate service agreements and conditions with support providers.
Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) partnering with Cinespace developed a fictional short film that tests contestants on their knowledge of racism. Watch the video (6 mins) and how to report racism in Victoria through VEOHRC. Visit Reducing Racism information hub to understand your rights, know the options available to report your experiences, and obtain help.
Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) surveyed 1500 Victorians and targeted follow up interviews were used to create the commission’s two new research pandemic snapshots – Supporting workers with disability and Juggling parenting, caring and work. Explore the research snapshots, FaceBook
Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) online community VMConnect is home to a dedicated Group for multicultural young people living in Victoria
Victorian Polio immunisation factsheets
The Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee provides 38 hours a year of sick and carer's pay at the national minimum wage ($21.38 per hour). Translations available in 19 different languages.
Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH) seminars are open to individuals, from all disciplines and working in all sectors, who are based in Australia and interested in diversity and mental health.
Victorian Volunteering opportunities available.
Volunteer West (VOWE) – culturally inclusive toolkit.
Water Well Project works with people with migrant, refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds to provide health education to improve health and wellbeing. Releasing a series of simple but informative videos on health and wellbeing topics including COVID-19 vaccination, mental health for kids, and preventative healthcare. Learn about The Water Well Project
Women’s Information and Referral Exchange (WIRE) – Free support, referral and information for all Victorian women, nonbinary and gender-diverse people.
Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA) – women and non-binary people with disability, sharing a diverse range of experiences
Yarra Energy Foundation (YEF) and sustainability consultancy Point Advisory have produced a comprehensive document full of relevant information, step-by-step advice, and guidance on how to tackle the roadblocks faced by apartment tenants, owners, and management companies when approaching solar for apartments. Download guide
Youth and Family Support Network (YFSN) delivering activities and initiatives that empower local African-Australian communities to tackle racism and support social cohesion. Watch video (2 mins)

ACKNOWLEDGING

53. 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.

54. 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.

55. 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.

NAVIGATION