As VMC Chairperson, one of things I most treasure in this role is the opportunity to work alongside so many wonderful community organisations and leaders.
This week I bid farewell to Judy Fetter CEO of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV).
Judy was instrumental in providing information, services and support during the pandemic and she will be dearly missed. Thank you Judy and best wishes.
Last week I took part in the symposium on Mapping Social Services Provision for Diverse Communities.
This provided a much overdue analysis of service delivery within a culturally diverse society.
Of particular note was a meaningful discussion about how we could mainstream the role of multicultural community organisations as part of the service delivery infrastructure.
One of the points that resonated with me was that there is no clear separation between ‘ethno-specific” and “mainstream” service providers and needs to be more intention about the role of multicultural and ethno-specific service providers.
I really look forward to the full report being available early next year.
We are pleased to relay to you that the Victorian Government is deepening its educational links to India by backing our female school leaders with international professional learning, and expanding the study of Indian languages in Victorian schools.
Twelve Victorian principals will join the Indian education system for 10 days in October and November to develop their leadership and intercultural skills – all part of the 2023 Women in School Leadership (WISL) professional learning program.
In India, the principals will learn and work alongside their local colleagues in a series of workshops focused on leadership, cultural intelligence and education policy. They will also take part in school placements to observe best-practice approaches to learning, engagement and wellbeing.
The Victorian principals will also attend the DIDAC Conference – Asia’s largest exhibition for teaching and skills – in Bengaluru, where they will have the opportunity to participate in the global discussion on topics such as women in leadership and the use of Educational Technology to support student wellbeing.
And finally, I would like to draw your attention to a new round of Disability Self-Help Grants.
More than $265,000 is available during the next two years, for grants of up to $7000 per year for up to two years. These grants will support groups to strengthen their work in providing social, emotional and practical support to people with disability and their families or carers.
Further information about the grants can be found at providers.dffh.vic.gov.au/disability-self-help-grants-program. Applications close on 14 December.
Thank you,
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson
News and Events
VIC | ETHN | WEBINAR | Innovation strategies for multicultural communication and engagement | Thursday 16 November 2023 | from 11am
Join Ethnolink (ETHN) with Costa and Rachael for an illuminating, one-hour webinar explicitly crafted for professionals working in communications and community engagement roles for not-for-profit organisations.
This webinar will provide practical tools and cutting-edge strategies to engage effectively with multicultural audiences across Australia.
- Where: Online
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: Register and take a confident step forward in serving your diverse community
VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Multicultural community infrastructure fund
The 2023-24 Multicultural Community Infrastructure Fund (MCIF) supports Victoria’s multicultural community organisations to have safe and secure places to celebrate and share their history and traditions, build connections, and thrive.
This year, MCIF will prioritise applications that target or serve new and emerging multicultural communities, regional or rural multicultural communities, and projects focused on positive outcomes for women and gender diverse people.
VIC | SFRI | WEBINAR | Mapping social cohesion 2023 Launch | Wednesday 15 November 2023 | 12.30–2pm (AEST)
The Scanlon Mapping Social Cohesion Research series has been tracking Australians' attitudes on social cohesion issues since 2007.
The 2023 Mapping Social Cohesion Report will be launched online via Zoom, featuring key findings presented by Dr. James O'Donnell, followed by a live Q&A session with Dr. O'Donnell and Anthea Hancocks, CEO of the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute (SFRI).
- Where: online via Zoom
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: RSVP online via Zoom Link
VIC | QUIT | LAUNCHING | New quit smoking campaign
Tired of letting cravings control you? Beat the cravings, one at a time. Quitting smoking is an around the clock challenge, making small changes to your daily routine in the moments that cravings arise can help you overcome cigarette cravings and be one step closer to quitting for good.
On Monday 23 October, Quit Victoria (QUIT) launched a capacity-building campaign, 'Beat the cravings' alongside 'The con that kills'.
Materials are available in multiple languages to support community members.
VIC | GOV | ADDING | Auslan courses to Free TAFE for a more inclusive Victoria
The Victorian Government is investing $186 million to extend the eligibility of Free TAFE, providing government-funded training to every Victorian regardless of existing qualifications.
Free TAFE has already benefited over 153,000 students, saving them nearly $394 million since 2019.
The Diploma of Auslan, Diploma of Interpreting (Auslan) and Advanced Diploma of Interpreting (Auslan) were added to Victoria’s Free TAFE course list this year, joining more than 80 courses in priority areas.
VIC | GOV | SUPPORTING | African Victorian students and families | applications for 2024 close 24 November 2023
Extra support is now available to hundreds more Victorian students of African heritage through the extension Victorians Government ground-breaking Homework Club program, helping boost school engagement.
The program provides safe and inclusive spaces for African Victorian young people and their families to meet, work on schoolwork, and connect with other families.
Over 1,300 students have enrolled in Homework Clubs, resulting in increased student confidence, parental engagement, and positive attitudes towards school.
AUST | RLS | ASKING | Are you summer ready?
Did you know Australia experienced a record number of drownings last Summer?
Royal Life Saving (RLS) has developed a handy checklist to help identify any areas of concern, allowing everyone to be fully prepared for the upcoming summer.
Together as a community we can prioritise safety and ensure a secure and enjoyable summer for everyone.
Together, we can change the tide. Download the Summer Ready checklist from Royal Life Saving and ensure your water safety skills are up to date.