This week marked the beginning of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a worldwide campaign that urges us to confront and prevent violence against women and girls.
Here in Australia, 1 in 3 women from a refugee or migrant background have experienced domestic and family violence, with this number increasing further for women on temporary visas. To stop this violence, we must address racism and discrimination based on myths and misconceptions about cultural differences to create an inclusive and gender equal society.
As individuals, we must prioritise educating ourselves about the signs of gender-based violence so that we can better support the women in our families and communities. If you want to learn more and get resources in your language, please check out Respect Victoria.
Next week, Victoria will kick off Human Rights Week, and I'm honoured to reflect on the fundamental principles that define our shared humanity - the rights and freedoms that belong to every person, no matter their background or beliefs.
To mark Human Rights Week 2023, IPAA Victoria, Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, and Diversity Council Australia will hold a special panel discussion to contemplate and explore the theme 'Creating Safe Spaces for Staff in Troubling Times - Human Rights, Leadership, and Workplace Culture'. This free panel discussion will run 12noon–1.30pm Thursday 7 December 2023.
In the same spirit, here at the VMC we are collaborating with the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) and five other commissions to share clear actions on what you can do to promote a more inclusive and respectful Victoria. I encourage you to visit VEOHRC website to engage in activities and start conversations about human rights.
As we reflect on Human Rights Week, it's essential to acknowledge the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. I acknowledge the grief and pain that many Victorians of Jewish, Muslim and Palestinian backgrounds are experiencing due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. I also acknowledge that many are feeling anxious and fearful in their everyday life and I reiterate, as have many other leaders, an unequivocal condemnation of antisemitism, Islamophobia and all forms of racism, hate and vilification.
I also extend my appreciation to the many who continue to compassionately support each other in these challenging times, and thank you for your commitment to protecting our multicultural and multifaith society.
Together, we can ensure that everyone feels safe and secure, where everyone can feel that they belong and are accepted, and where everyone feels respected.
Together, we can create a future where everyone feels safe, regardless of background, beliefs and gender.
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson
News and Events
VIC | GOV | ENGAGING | 16 days of activism events and activities
The Victorian Government, through Respect Victoria and Safe and Equal, is supporting 16 days of Activism to shed light on gender-based violence in Victoria.
Over the 16 days, councils, women’s health services and prevention partners will run events and activities across the state. You can find toolkits, in language printable assets and safe and equals fast facts to start conversations with your community.
- To learn more and get involved, please visit Safe and Equal’s 16 Days of Activism
- Learn more
VIC | VEOHRC | CAMPAIGNING | Rights in action! Human Rights Week 2023
This year the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission will partner with the VMC and five other independent commissions for Human Rights week 2023. This collaborative partnership will encourage Victorians to take part in a week of daily actions to challenge their knowledge of human rights and implement this knowledge in a practical way.
Human Rights Week 2023 actions will be shared across all social media platforms from 3–10 December. To receive these actions directly, register on VEOHRC.
Follow each commission's actions by using the #HRW2023
VIC | VEOHRC | HEARING | Your say: On racial and religious vilification and discrimination
The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) and the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) seek community input on racial and religious vilification and discrimination through online consultations.
The feedback will inform three VEOHRC projects: research on drivers and prevention of vilification, workplace guidelines on preventing racial discrimination, and an options paper on a third-party reporting mechanism for vilification and hate crimes.
There will be five consultations conducted over Zoom.
VIC | GOV | CONNECTING | Bilingual kinders' kids to the world
The Victorian Government is providing more language education to help give early learners the best start to life. There will be 11 early learning services that will be offered a place in Victoria’s bilingual kindergarten program from Term 1, 2024.
The expansion is part of a $3.7 million investment to increase the diversity of children’s language skills in Victoria’s kindergartens, build stronger local communities and prepare children for an increasingly connected world.
VIC | GOV | DRIVING | Power bills down for social housing residents
The Victorian Government is partnering with Local Energy Networks to help drive down power bills for social housing residences and reduce Victorian's carbon footprint. This initiative will prioritise consumer fairness and support residents facing cost of living pressures.
VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Multicultural community infrastructure fund | closing Wednesday 6 December 2023
A reminder that the 2023-24 Multicultural Community Infrastructure Fund (MCIF) is closing on December 6. This fund aims to support Victoria’s multicultural community organisations in having safe and secure places to celebrate and share their history and traditions, build connections, and thrive.
Up to $400,000 in funding is available for community organisations to upgrade, renovate, extend or build multicultural community infrastructure. Funding will be available across eight categories.
- Learn more about eligibility and the application process, please visit Multicultural Community Infrastructure Fund.
VIC | CFA | ADVISING | Summer fire safety
The VMC is encouraging all Victorians to prepare for the bushfire season using the CFA's Summer Campaign Communications Kit.
The kit includes a range of resources in different languages to help you stay safe during a bushfire. The CFA has a range of resources to help you stay informed about bushfire risks. You can sign up for email alerts, follow the CFA on social media, and download the CFA app.