GEIFN | CONSOLIDATED | Community Information | Monday 1 January 2024

Fast Facts: Community Responses Victoria & Australia

1. AUST | CHGR | BUILDING | First Nations kids learning and loving to learn. Their families walking beside. Seeing hope for the future
2. AUST | YSS | EDUCATING | Aboriginal Pedagogy, Social Justice and Self-Determination
3. AUST | EVCO | BUILDING | Stronger, more inclusive organisation through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Competence Training Programs
   
    GRANTING 
4. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Multicultural media grants program | applications close 3pm on Monday 29 January 2024
5. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | People and Places Grant Program and Sick pay guarantee
6. CoPP | GOV | GRANTING | Playing it forward with our Youth Access Grants | applications close Sunday 7 January 2023
   
    EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING 
7. AUST | CDA | OFFERING | Free membership now for Community Directors Australia
8. VIC | GOV | RECRUITING | For public boards | applications close 11.59pm Sunday 7 January 2024
9. CoPP | GOV | UPCOMING | Environmental Leaders course
   
    ENGAGING 
10. AUST | CAGA | SHOWING | Digital photographic exhibition for carer gateway
11. VIC | BOITE | SUPPORTING | Artists through promoting understanding and nurturing creativity through music
12. GLEN EIRA | GOV | HEARING | Your say: Racism, reporting barriers and support needs of people experiencing racism | submissions close soon
13. MELB | KHT | WALKING | Birrarung Wilam (River Camp) Public Tour | Weekdays (excluding Victorian Public Holidays) | 1pm
14. CoPP | DAWNING | Australia Day and We-Akon Dilinja | Friday 26 January 2024 | from 5.45am
15. CoPP | PHAAA | SEEKING | Artists Now | submissions in by 27 January 2024
16. VIC | JUCO | WEBINAR | Starting a Not for Profit | Tuesday 30 January 2024 | 12.45–2pm
17. AUST | AWAU | CALLING | Nominees for Young achiever award | nominations close Tuesday 13 February 2024
18. MELB | EQPR | DEVELOPING | Your Adaptive Leadership Capacity | 28-30 May 2024
19. AUST | EQPR | GATHERING | Better Together 2024 announced | Friday 14–Saturday 15 June 2024
    
     COLLECTIVISING 
20. NSW | BMNAC | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds towards helping Aboriginal kids find their Gumbaynggirr voice
21. NSW | DPT | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds towards Animal Refuge
22. VIC | ECCV | UPDATING | eBulletin #41 | December 2023
23. VIC | JDFS | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds towards Animal Refuge
24. VIC | TORCH | CREATING | New pathways through art and cultural learning
25. WA | DBH | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds towards helping STOP the destruction of climate and culture
26. YARRA | YEF | UPDATING | Stories, events and more | December 2023
27. AUST | CUIN | UPDATING | Making Connections and Connecting Communities
28. AUST | ILF | SHARING | The Gift of Reading this Festive Season! | Christmas 2023
29. AUST | GiveOUT | UPDATING | Taking Pride by Changing Lives | December 2023
30. AUST | THCO | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds towards helping make journalism more constructive
31. AUST | TJP | REPORTING | Everything we achieved together in 2023
32. WORLD | CHUFFED | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds towards metal detectors for Ukrainians
33. WORLD | IFD | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds towards LGTBIQA+ Channel
34. WORLD | PWR | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds towards global interfaith movement
    
     ANNOUNCING 
35. VIC | VMC | CONGRATULATING | Winners of the MAE!
    
     SUPPORTING 
36. AUST | RLS | ASKING | Are you summer water ready?
37. VIC | CFA | ADVISING | Summer fire safety
38. CoPP | GOV | ADVISING | Community Information Resources with 5 steps – keeping safe during extreme weather
39. VIC | QUIT | LAUNCHING | New quit smoking campaign
40. AUST | MANY | Helpers and Reliable Sources Along the Way
41. AUST | MULTI | Supporting Voices, Treaty and Meaningful Reconciliation with First Peoples, Settlers, and Those Who Come After
42. VIC | GOV | UPDATING | Coronavirus Response
43. AUST | MULTI | UPDATING | Coronavirus Response
    
     ACKNOWLEDGING 
44. Acknowledgment to Sources
45. Bye bye to Essentialists
46. Self-Isolators, Non-Essentials And The Homebound

1. AUST | CHGR | BUILDING | First Nations kids learning and loving to learn. Their families walking beside. Seeing hope for the future

Children's Ground Limited (CHGR) introduces you to our ongoing bold vision for change – a future in which every First Nations child can experience a lifetime of opportunity, entering adulthood strong in their identity and culture, connected to their local and global world, and economically independent.

Children’s Ground vision includes:

• First Nations people across Australia having self-determination and enjoying social, cultural, political and economic justice.
• First Nations' next generation of children knowing and celebrating their culture and identity, having freedom of choice and expression and living with opportunity, peace, harmony and wellbeing.
• Australians recognising our shared history and celebrating First Nations' culture and strength.

• Watch video (4 mins)
• Make a donation

2. AUST | YSS | EDUCATING | Aboriginal Pedagogy, Social Justice and Self-Determination

Yarn Strong Sista (YSS) has over 20 years of experience and excellence in Aboriginal pedagogy, social justice and self-determination.

YSS is a National Indigenous Educational Consultancy and Training Provider. Indigenous owned and run specialising in Aboriginal Pedagogy, providing authentic Aboriginal training for early childhood professionals, primary school teachers and corporate teams.

YSS are specialists with offering a range of services including:

• visits to Early Childhood environments to facilitate storytelling and arts workshops with children, 
• hosting Professional Development training for Educators
• facilitating arts experiences and face-painting at festivals and events, and 
• providing First Nations-designed resources and educational tools on our website.

Working beyond Early Years, customising our programs to meet the curriculum needs of Primary and Secondary students, and work in community contexts supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Our Aboriginal Early Childhood Education Resources include: Artefacts, Dolls, Children’s Music, Children’s Books, Games, Felt Hand and Finger Puppets, Felt Mats for Storytelling, Puzzles, and Teachers Resource Guides.

Other projects include:

• Foregrounding Anti Bias Perspectives
• Yarn Strong Brutha
• Enterprise for Empowerment.

Providing relevant resources and books that assist parents, teachers and organisations to acknowledge and celebrate Aboriginal Ways of Being. All our resources are ethically made and sourced, in collaboration with Indigenous artists and Fair-Trade partners.

3. AUST | EVCO | BUILDING | Stronger, more inclusive organisation through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Competence Training Programs

Be part of the big 10 year goal to inspire 10 million Allies to create a kinder, more inclusive Australia.

Build a stronger, more inclusive organisation through Evolve Communities Pty Ltd (EVCO)'s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Competence Training Programs.

When it comes to cultural awareness training, there isn’t necessarily a one-size-fits-all solution for education, reconciliation and allyship training. 

That’s why Evolve Communities offer different training courses and programs to suit any team’s size or style and let you choose the cultural competency training that is the best fit for your business including:

• 7 Steps Online Course
• Yarning Circle Workshops
• Ally Accreditation

Evolve Communities is a NSW-based Trusted Authority for Australian Indigenous cultural awareness, ally & facilitator training.

 GRANTING 

4. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Multicultural media grants program | applications close 3pm on Monday 29 January 2024

The Victorian Government has announced that it will support platforms that showcase multicultural Victorians' diverse voices and experiences and a new round of multicultural media grants. 

• Learn more and apply

 

5. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | People and Places Grant Program and Sick pay guarantee 

The People and Places Grant Program will provide funding to organisations to deliver activities that increase awareness and participation of eligible workers for the Sick Pay Guarantee in priority communities and locations.

• Learn more and see the eligibility criteria

 

6. CoPP | GOV | GRANTING | Playing it forward with our Youth Access Grants | applications close Sunday 7 January 2023

City of Port Phillip (CoPP) Youth Access Grants help young people aged 12 to 18 in our community enjoy more recreational activities.

The Youth Access Grant Program has two categories:
Stream one: Get Involved grant
Get Involved funding provides up to $500 for a young person aged 12 to 18 years to participate in recreational activities.

Young people between 12-17 years old need parental consent for their application. In this case, it is the parent or carer's responsibility to manage the funds and provide acquittal report.

Stream two: Recreation Programs grant
The Recreation Programs Grant is available for organisations to apply for up to $15,000. They must provide a free or low-cost recreation program for young people aged 12 to 18 years of age.

• More information or apply for the Grant

 

 EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING 

7. AUST | CDA | OFFERING | Free membership now for Community Directors Australia

Community Directors Australia (CDA) is a best-practice governance network for the members of Australian not-for-profit and government boards and committees, and the senior staff who work alongside them – providing ideas and advice for community leaders.

• Receive ‘responsible person’ status from the ATO
• Receive notifications when changes are made to policies
• Credentials: recognition through post-nominals (MICDA; FICDA)
• Membership - NOW FREE

 

8. VIC | GOV | RECRUITING | For public boards | applications close 11.59pm Sunday 7 January 2024

The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that government boards reflect the rich diversity of the Victorian community. The Department of Justice and Community Safety is currently supporting recruiting members for the Justice Human Research Ethics Committee. 

• Professional Care Member, Justice Human Research Ethics Committee
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Representative Member, Justice Human Research Ethics Committee

• Read more

 

9. CoPP | GOV | UPCOMING | Environmental Leaders course

City of Port Phillip (CoPP) is calling all budding environmental leaders passionate about climate action. Do you have an idea for an environmental project but not sure how to make it happen? Wherever you are at, the City of Port Phillip Environmental Leaders 10-week course will develop your leadership skills, improve your knowledge and introduce you to like-minded people in the local community.
 
Applications for the February 2024 course are now open - apply here.  This course is aimed at anyone who wants to become an environmental leader. There are no pre-requisites and no skills required.

• Read more and to apply

 

 ENGAGING   

10. AUST | CAGA | SHOWING | Digital photographic exhibition for carer gateway

Ten carers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds have been featured in a digital photographic exhibition, Real Carers, Real Stories - In Their Own Words, which launched on 1 November 2023.  This exhibition sensitively and powerfully depicts the day in the life of a carer, their unique stories, and how Carer Gateway (CAGA) has made a real difference.

• Ssee the amazing stories

 

11. VIC | BOITE | SUPPORTING | Artists through promoting understanding and nurturing creativity through music

Founded in 1979, The Boîte is a cornerstone of Victoria's multicultural music scene, The Boîte champions diverse artists and musical experiences, enriching Australia's cultural landscape. 

• Find out more

 

12. GLEN EIRA | GOV | HEARING | Your say: Racism, reporting barriers and support needs of people experiencing racism | submissions close soon

Glen Eira City Council (GECC)'s Diversity and Inclusion are calling for submissions for an anti-racism project called "Understanding reporting barriers and support needs of people experiencing racism” is closing soon.
Racism continues to be a reality for many but many who experience racism do not report it and do not get the support they may need. You can help change that!

This is an opportunity to participate in a survey aiming to identify gaps in the existing reporting system and improve support services for Victorians who experience racism.

If you,

• Live in the Glen Eira municipality
• Identify as a person with a multicultural or multifaith background or
• Identify as a person from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background

Filling in the survey will take 8-10 minutes. Your answers will be completely anonymous. 
You can also go into the prize pool to win one of main prize $300 voucher; two $200 vouchers or five $100 vouchers.

The survey is also available in Arabic, Simplified Chinese, and Vietnamese.

• Complete the Survey: Understanding reporting barriers and support needs of people experiencing racism - Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria(eccv.org.au)

Glen Eira City Council (GECC) is working with Victoria University in collaboration with the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) and the Islamic Council of Victoria.

13. MELB | KHT | WALKING | Birrarung Wilam (River Camp) Public Tour | Weekdays (excluding Victorian Public Holidays) | 1pm

Open to everyone, join Cultural Experiences Guides every weekday for the Birrarung Wilam (River Camp) Walk.

Starting at Federation Square, the Koorie Heritage Trust (KHT) walk takes you through Federation Square and down to the Birrarung Wilam (River Camp) Aboriginal art installations. 

During the walk you will learn about the Aboriginal history of the Birrarung Marr (Beside the River of Mists) and the Aboriginal Peoples of the Kulin Nation. 

Guides will explain how the land on which Melbourne stands has changed over time and the significance of the Birrarung Wilam to the local Kulin peoples. 

Deepen your understanding of this incredible location, which is an important gathering place for the Kulin Nation and one of Melbourne’s most popular meeting hubs today.

Tickets are also available on the day from Koorie Heritage Trust reception/retail desk on the ground floor of the Yarra Building, but availability may be limited.

• Where: Meet at the Yarra Building, Federation Square
• Duration: approx 60 minutes. | starting 03/01/2024: approx 90 minutes
• Cost: Adult A$33.00; Concession & Student A$16.50
• Bookings: online through Koorie Heritage Trust

Please note: these tours are open to the public and are not private bookings. Enquiries for private walk availabilities please follow link ‘for schools and organisations‘.

14. CoPP | DAWNING | Australia Day and We-Akon Dilinja | Friday 26 January 2024 | from 5.45am

Respect, remembrance and revival
For We-Akon Dilinja's fifth year, the Boonwurrung People invite you to join a gathering that honors respect, remembrance, and revival. This is a dawn ceremony that will be held at 5.45 am on Friday 26 January 2024 at Alfred Square, St Kilda. 

This moving event, which will also be livestreamed, includes musical performances and a smoking ceremony. Readings will be given by Mayor Heather Cunsolo. 

We-Akon Dilinja program

• Didgeridoo Player Kiernan Ironfield
• Boonwurrung Welcome Song James Henry
• Welcome to Country and Introduction Parbinata Dr Carolyn Briggs AM
• Acknowledgement Josh Burns MP
• Baba Waian John Wayne Parsons
• Aspirations for 2024 Jason Briggs
• Boonwurrung song – “Long Time Living Here” Shauntai Sherree Abdul-Rahman (written by Deborah Cheetham AO, Parbinata Carolyn Briggs, Jarra Steel & Aunty Fay Stewart Muir)
• Reading Cr Heather Cunsolo, Mayor of City of Port Phillip
• Irmer John Wayne Parsons
• Balayang James Henry
• Smoking Ceremony led by Willie Pepper

Presented by the Boonwurrung Land and Sea Council in partnership City of Port Phillip and supported by the National Australia Day Council.

• Read more
• Where: Alfred Square, St Kilda
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: public event, no bookings are required. 

 

15. CoPP | PHAAA | SEEKING | Artists Now | submissions in by 27 January 2024

Planetary Healing Artists Association of Australia (PHAAA) is giving artists the opportunity to exhibit for free @ Minerva Gallery for 2-months 3 February–6 April 2024. 

Bonus Opportunities:

• Be a part of the exhibition opening party
• Be part of the Planetary Healing Artists’ Community
• Sell your work

Register to submit your work to be considered.

RECAPPING | 2023 St Kilda Peace Festival at O'Donnell Gardens

Planetary Healing Artists’ Association of Australia would like to express their gratitude to each and every one of you for your invaluable presence and enthusiastic participation in the recent St Kilda Festival. Planetary Healing Artists St Kilda Peace Festival showcased multicultural and spiritual artists, musicians and creatives with interactive entertainment and music performances.

As we step into the end of 2023 it is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the past year. Our deepest appreciation to all of the participants for being part of Planetary Healing Artists' Association of Australia's biggest Peace Festival this year. You contributed to the vibrant and inclusive atmosphere that truly embodied the spirit of peace and unity.

As we reflect on the festival's success, we are filled with gratitude for the collective effort of all the participants that made it such a memorable and magical event.  Watch the YouTube video capturing the essence of the St Kilda Peace Festival for 'Healing the Spirit' (13 mins). 

We are immensely proud of all the participants within our community, and we firmly believe that it will continue to inspire peace and goodwill in the future. 

Coming soon - Online 'Healing the Spirit' art exhibition 2023 – art works for sale.
If you haven't had an opportunity to visit and/or purchase art works from our recent 'Healing the Spirit' art exhibition. It will be online soon. We are just finalising details.

If interested, please email us at: exhibit@planetaryhealingartists.org

• Make a Donation

 

16. VIC | JUCO | WEBINAR | Starting a Not for Profit | Tuesday 30 January 2024 | 12.45–2pm

Setting up a not-for-profit organisation but not sure where to start? Justice Connect (JUCO) is here to help.

We’ll cover:

• Key steps when starting out  
• The pros and cons of incorporation
• Legal structures  
• Basics of charity status and tax concessions  
• Additional resources to help with the process  

This FREE introductory webinar will help you understand the legal basics of setting up and getting started. You'll learn how to set up and register your organisation, which legal structure is best for you and whether you should incorporate.

• Where: Online
• Cost: Free 
• Bookings: Registrations essential: Fill out registration form

 

17. AUST | AWAU | CALLING | Nominees for Young achiever award | nominations close Tuesday 13 February 2024 

Awards Australia (AWAU)'s Young Achiever Awards acknowledge, encourage and most importantly promotes the positive achievements of all young people throughout Australia in every state. Up to and including 30 years of age as of 31st December each year.

No achievement is too small (or big!) and ALL young people should be applauded for their positive impacts on our local and wider communities.

• Learn more or nominate a Victorian young person

 

18. MELB | EQPR | DEVELOPING | Your Adaptive Leadership Capacity | 28-30 May 2024

Seeking to elevate your leadership to drive LGBTIQA+ inclusion within your organisation?
Are you a member of an Employee Resource Group (ERG) looking to enhance your leadership skills? Or perhaps you're just starting out, finding your footing and navigating ways to overcome challenges?

The Equality Project (EQPR) is excited to invite you to our new Adaptive Leadership Program in Melbourne on 28-30 May 2024.
 
Our program is designed for ERG leads who are driving change within their organisations to foster inclusive workplace cultures. Whether you lead a DEI initiative, belong to an Employee Resource Group (ERG), or aspire to enhance your leadership skills, this program is your catalyst for growth.

• Learn More

 

19. AUST | EQPR | GATHERING | Better Together 2024 announced | Friday 14–Saturday 15 June 2024

The wait is over, Better Together 2024 dates are here.
Australia’s 6th National LGBTIQA+ Conference will take place in Djilang, Wadawurrung Country (Geelong, Victoria) at GMHBA Stadium, Kardinia Park.

Mark your calendar, buy your ticket, propose your session, and join The Equality Project (EQPR)
at GMHBA Stadium for Australia's LGBTIQA+ Community Conference.

The conference will explore the current issues facing the LGBTIQA+ movement in Australia, and celebrate where we've made progress.

We want to create opportunities to establish meaningful connections so we can work together, shape the narrative and drive positive change.

Launch price tickets are now on sale, session proposals are open and more information is available at The Equality Project website.

We don’t have all the answers, but we’re creating the space to ask the questions.

• Join us for BT2024

 

 COLLECTIVISING   

20. NSW | BMNAC | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds towards helping Aboriginal kids find their Gumbaynggirr voice

When you sponsor an Aboriginal child to learn their Language through Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan Aboriginal Corporation (BMNAC), you are sponsoring not only their future, but all of their kids, grandkids and great grandkids into the future who will benefit from growing up speaking it.

"In a generation or so we want to have babies born who grow up speaking Gumbaynggirr as their first language and to bring Gumbayngirr back into everyday use. Already these kids, their language ability is far better than what I was at their age."

The school teaching Aboriginal kids started in 2022 with just 15 students and this year they already have 74 enrolments plus a waiting list!

But without any government funding infrastructure, it’s hard for them to take on all of these new students. 

The legacy of colonisation and the Stolen Generation has meant many Aboriginal kids didn't get the chance to learn their Language.

With a new set of classrooms, the school will be on their way to developing a pathway for Aboriginal kids to learn language all the way up to year 12. 

Can you chip in for another Aboriginal student to find their Gumbaynggirr voice?

• Donate Now

 

21. NSW | DPT | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds towards Animal Refuge

Deep Peace Trust (DPT) is a large animal sanctuary in Australia, continuing to support hundreds or animals and wildlife. We’ve endured the challenges of unprecedented droughts, devastating fires, and major floods, but your support gives us the peace and certainty we need to help the animals every day.  

As the year comes to a close, I have to ask if you can add one more of our animals to your last minute giving list this year? 

Our sanctuary wish list is a like a Christmas lunch - lots of hay!

• Buy Breakfast for Bessie the cow and her son Blessed
• Buy dinner for half of the brumbies in sanctuary
• Buy a large bale of hay for the sanctuary animals
• Buy the entire sanctuary breakfast
• Buy an entire truckload of hay for the sanctuary

Please share our campaign with friends, family, and fellow animal lovers to help get out our message.
Your support extends beyond a donation; it contributes to a different world of thinking about animals — with kindness, compassion and love.  And this is vital today.

• Donate Now

With love,
Billie

22. VIC | ECCV | UPDATING | eBulletin #41 | December 2023

Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) is proud to announce The Hon Steve Bracks AC as our new patron at our Annual General Meeting, where the former Premier was keynote speaker. 
In his speech, Mr Bracks reflected on his enduring relationship with ECCV, which was instrumental in shaping Victoria’s multicultural policy and law reforms during his term as Premier. He particularly acknowledged the strong advocacy and contribution of George Lekakis AO, who was then Chair of ECCV and who went on to become one of the longest-serving Chairs of the Victorian Multicultural Commission.
 
In another AGM highlight, Mr Lekakis and former Chair of the Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia Voula Messimeri AM were bestowed ECCV Life Membership for their outstanding contributions to ECCV and multicultural Victoria.
 
More than 100 people attended the AGM, where elections for the 2023-2025 Board of Directors were also held. We warmly congratulate newly elected directors Richard Ogetii, Kenny Tran and Minwen Wu, as well as re-elected directors Abiola Akinbiyi, Joe Caputo, Dr Medha Gunawardana, Gabrielle Marchetti, Jenny Matic, Eddie Micallef and Jill Morgan AM. The election of Office Bearers will take place at the next Board meeting in the new year.
 
The AGM was a fitting end to a busy year, and as always, it was great to connect with our members and supporters in person. Read more about ECCV's work across 2022-23 in our newly released Annual Report.
 
As this will be our last eBulletin for the year, we would like to take this opportunity to thank our staff, volunteers, members and partners for your ongoing support, tireless spirit and dedication. We look forward to continuing to work together in the new year and beyond to create a fairer, more inclusive Victoria.

Highlights 

ECCV funded to build multicultural resilience
The Victorian Government this week announced ECCV as joint recipient of a $1.5 million grant to help multicultural Victoria plan for, respond to and recover from emergencies. ECCV is working with Burnet Institute and LanguageLoop, and our partner Neighbourhood Collective Australia, on the project, with former Victorian Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp AM as special adviser.

Read our Annual Report 2022-23
ECCV is pleased to share our Annual Report 2022-23. The Annual Report offers an overview of our work over the past year, and the major policy and advocacy areas in which we have made an impact, with particular emphasis on the work we achieved via partnerships with our members and sector stakeholders. Thank you to our members, friends, partners and communities who helped shape our work.

• Read ECCV Annual Report 2022-23.

ECCV pays tribute to two new Life Members
Congratulations to esteemed community leaders George Lekakis AO and Voula Messimeri AM MAICD, who were bestowed Life Membership at our AGM last Thursday. Voula was the first female FECCA Chair and CEO of Australian Greek Welfare Society for 27 years. She is currently Chair of NAATI and SSI. George has served as Chair of ECCV, VMC and VITS, and is currently President of VicScreen. 

Steve Bracks announced as new ECCV patron
Having held the office from 1999 to 2007, The Hon Steve Bracks AC is one of Victoria's longest-serving Premiers. During this period, Mr Bracks also served as Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs. Mr Bracks assumes the role of ECCV patron following the retirement of our previous patron, the Hon Justice Linda Dessau AC CVO. 

• Read more about the appointment.

Excellent turnout at ECCV's 2023 AGM
Browse photos from our Annual General Meeting last week in our full event gallery. This year's event was one of the most well-attended AGMs in recent times, and affirmed the importance of multiculturalism and social cohesion now more than ever. The AGM featured reports by ECCV Chair Eddie Micallef, CEO Mo Elrafihi and Treasurer Jenny Matic as well as the election of a new Board. 

• Read more here.

 

Opportunities and Resources 

Help improve reporting pathways for racism
Have your say on how to better support Victorians who experience racism. We invite you to take a short survey for a research project led by Victoria University in partnership with ECCV and the Islamic Council of Victoria, with funding from VicHealth. The project will inform recommendations on how to improve reporting pathways and support services for people who experience racism. 

• Read more
• Complete the Survey

Speak My Language (Disability) broadcasts
ECCV partnered with three radio stations to broadcast Speak My Language (Disability) podcast episodes to raise awareness about the importance of supporting people with disability from migrant and refugee backgrounds as part of International Day of People with Disability, which took place on 3 December. 

• Listen to episodes in Arabic, Spanish, Turkish and Vietnamese on 3ZZZ, 3CRand Cherry Radio.

 

23. VIC | JDFS | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds towards Animal Refuge

Within the space of a week and half, J&D's Farm Sanctuary (JDFS) saved more than a dozen animals with nowhere else to go.

As you can imagine, sanctuary life changed dramatically. Their newest members are 6 male calves who were only a few days old and due to be culled within 24 hours as well as many baby and orphaned animals with special needs.

"We are trying to do our bit but can only care for so many. John and I are totally exhausted but we are keeping our doors open despite the pressure of time and resources, simply because the need is so great.

We need your help to make sure these animals are safe and comfortable in their new home, ready to start a life with much more love."

With Christmas here, let's extend some festive love to these beautiful humans and the rescues they so lovingly took in.

Can you help these two angels ensure that these beautiful animals have what they need this Christmas?

• Donate Now

Thanks, 
John and Debbie 

24. VIC | TORCH | CREATING | New pathways through art and cultural learning

The Torch Project (TORCH) provides art, cultural and arts industry support to First Nations people currently in, or recently released, from Victorian prisons. 

Reducing the rate of reoffending by encouraging the exploration of identity and culture through art. Creating new pathways through art and culture for First Nations people who have been incarcerated.

• Visit the online Exhibition Future Dreaming – Visions Of The Future
• Shop Art
• Watch video (3 mins)
• Make a donation

 

25. WA | DBH | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds towards helping STOP the destruction of climate and culture

The peaceful emergency protest of a veterinarian, terrified for whales and marine life, led to Marek ‘Maz’ Misiewicz's arrest just 2 weeks ago. He was opposing recent approvals of drilling and seismic blasting at Scarborough gas field with climate activists, Disrupt Burrup Hub (DBH). 

He is yet another in a long list of peaceful climate activists who have been arrested, charged and convicted in the past month. They are protesting Burrup Hub because it is a death sentence. 

“I am blockading access to NOPSEMA's office after they approved Woodside's destructive plans. The toxic relationship between the regulator and fossil fuel companies is alarming. As a veterinarian, I must safeguard wildlife, and Woodside's activities threaten marine life and escalate climate change. We need to stop the government from approving the Browse gas field this summer, or we'll be back with more blockades.” – Veterinarian Marek ‘Maz’ Misiewicz

Attaching himself to a concrete barrel in a four-wheel-drive outside the office shared by NOPSEMA, Perdaman, and Woodside's North West Shelf holding company, he disrupted all traffic on the major Perth road during rush hour.

With the full force of the WA police against them, Disrupt Burrup Hub need your support now more than ever.

Remember, the fight for Burrup Hub is a fight for our only home, planet Earth. Share far and wide to make sure this injustice doesn't go unnoticed!

• Donate Now

 

26. YARRA | YEF | UPDATING | Stories, events and more | December 2023

Announcing the appointment of two new non-executive directors, Cara Spencer and Gavin Lewis to the Yarra Energy Foundation (YEF) board.

Meet Gavin Lewis
Gavin is an accomplished energy leader with extensive experience in both domestic and international settings. He has a successful track record in startups, emerging technologies, and high-growth companies. With a focus on operational efficiency and innovation commercialization, Gavin is dedicated to improving customer experiences while also prioritizing carbon reduction efforts. 

"What do you bring to the YEF board?"
I bring experience in Energy Retail, Distribution, renewables and of a successful startup organisation. My passion is working in/with teams to find creative solutions and products that can really make a positive impact on people now and for the future.

"Why did you choose YEF?"
I chose YEF because I want to help to make a difference to communities and drive the transition away from carbon intensive energy at the grass root level. This opportunity to learn from the industry leading team and the strong board of directors was just too good to pass up on!

Building capacity for neighbourhood batteries

YEF has completed delivery of two 1-day training courses for Neighourhood Batteries, funded by the Victorian Government Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.

The course was delivered by YEF staff and aimed to pass on fundamental knowledge and prepare attendees for feasibility assessments.

Next is a 2-day course, planned for early 2024, designed to equip participants with essential knowledge for the delivery of neighbourhood battery projects. Register your interest for the 2-day course by emailing: neighbourhood.batteries@delwp.vic.gov.au  

Energy experts convene in Canberra on the future of neighbourhood batteries

Neighbourhood battery and renewable energy experts gathered at the second Australian National University Future of Neighbourhood Batteries Conference this week.
 
As part of a series of discussions covering the challenges and opportunities of a renewable energy grid, YEF’s Energy & Storage Programs Manager, Chris Wallin, presented a new battery design concept which could allow neighbourhood batteries to be smaller, sleeker, and more seamlessly deployed at scale in urban environments.
 
Congratulations to the organisers at ANU for hosting such a productive event, which saw approximately double the attendance from the first year’s conference.  

• Neighbourhood Batteries

 

Win a 6-month e-bike subscription!

Check out our campaign promoting community batteries and their role in the clean energy transition, made possible by Yarra Trams.
 
Test your knowledge in this short quiz! Based on your score, find out if you are: 

• > 50% - Energy Enthusiast 
• > 65% - Power Pro
• > 80% - Energy Nerd
• > 95% - Community Battery Champion

Each respondent is automatically entered into a prize draw with a chance to win a 6-month subscription to Lug+Carrie e-bike rental service!

You can find where the YEF tram is at any time by using the Yarra Trams tramTRACKERapp. Tram #3033.

• Visit our campaign!
• Take Our Quiz!

 

Slash your emissions in style with Lug + Carrie

Lug+Carrie offer flexible, all-inclusive subscriptions to electric cargo bikes.
They're capable enough that you can get rid of that expensive second car that just sits around most of the time!

They have kindly sponsored our ongoing campaign and are offering a 6-month subscription to their service to one lucky participant of our community battery quiz.

Become a Good Mover with Lug+Carrie!

• Lug + Carrie

 

Powerful Relief: Victoria’s $3.75M Energy Assistance Program

With the launch of the $3.75 million Energy Assistance Program on 1st July 2023, the Victorian Government is aiming to reduce the cost-of-living stress many Victorians are currently facing. The program will provide free one-on-one assistance to Victorian energy consumers experiencing hardship with their energy bills. 

It offers help with navigating the energy market, applying for eligible grants and concessions, finding and switching to better offers, and addressing billing errors. Additionally, it offers energy consumers the opportunity to speak to their energy retailers and access hardship support. 

• Find out more

 

Our Services

You can find out more about the services that the Yarra Energy Foundation can offer on our website. These include:

• Feasibility studies
• Community Engagement
• Community battery strategies for local councils
• Consulting & advice
• Project management 
• Solar & electrification programs

We have a small team of extremely passionate energy experts with decades of combined industry, governmental, business, and sustainability experience.

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

Celebrating Achievements, Reflecting on Growth, and Setting the Stage for a Remarkable New Year!
As Cultural Infusion (CUIN) reflects on what a remarkable year it has been, this newsletter brings an exhilirating month filled with impactful conversations and transformative encounters. Over the past few weeks, our CEO & Founder, Peter Mousaferiadis has embarked on a whirlwind journey across Europe and America, sparking dialogues on diversity, equity and inclusion, inspiring individuals and organizations alike to embrace the power of diversity and data through the Diversity Atlas platform. Join us as we recap some of our recent highlights, where each event becomes a stepping stone towards a more equitable future. 

REPORTING | Diversity Atlas Takes the World Stage

We have some exciting news to share from our time in Las Vegas! Amazon Web Services (AWS) is totally shaking things up, showcasing fantastic leadership with their inclusion-first approach to Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (ID&E) and we are absolutely thrilled to be a part of it. 

At re:Invent in Vegas, AWS rolled out its Inclusion Playbook featuring Diversity Atlas as the first step in this game-changing intiative. AWS recognises moving the world towards greater inclusivity requires action from everyone everywhere, which is why they produced this playbook and made the information publicly available—to inspire collective change.

Peter Mousaferiadis had the honour of joining a breakout session, led by AWS Director and Global Head of ID&E LaDavia S. Drane, alongside Kelly Lukschander from Big Ocean Brain and Neal Cauley from Amazon QuickSight. It was a privilege to hear about the incredible work these two are doing and to showcase Diversity Atlas on the world stage! 

• Watch the session and download your free Playbook (39 mins)

     

REPORTING | Afrofuturismo Festival

The fifth edition of the Afrofuturismo Festival took place on 20 & 21 November in the Historic Center of Salvador. Organized by Vale do Dendê, together with our partner in Brazil, Shelley Green, Diversity Atlas brought a new experience in collecting information about diversity, culture and demographics based on the ancestry and personal history of each of the attendees. 

Diversity Atlas Senior Cultural Ambassador Getrude Matshe captivated the audience with her incredible personal story. She also presented a sneak peek of the initial results from Diversity Atlas's mapping of the festival attendees revealing 21 dialects from 14 languages spoken and 23 ancestral groups. 

The Afrofuturismo Festival is the biggest innovation, technology and diversity event in Latin America.

• Watch Getrude's presentation (26 mins)

     

APPROACHING | Diversity Beyond Gender and Accessibility with the Université Paris-Saclay

Most contemporary approaches to the work of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) rely on poor-quality data that may at best only include two or three factors that go into making up any person’s identity, which risks creating a swathe of unintended consequences that merely shift the lines and perpetuate division, inequality, poverty and even unequal health outcomes.

In this 2.5 hour interactive seminar Peter partnered with the Université Paris-Saclay to workshop some of the concepts that underpin our work at Diversity Atlas, and to share his passion for Diversity Atlas’s holistic datasets that ensure everyone is given the visibility essential to building more representative, inclusive and equitable outcomes.
     

CELEBRATING | Australian Professionals of Colour (APOC) Gala and Awards Night

Diversity Atlas recently had the honour of playing a small yet impactful role at the APOC Gala and Awards night. It was an incredible event and we're thrilled to have contributed to its success. At the heart of the night were the real-time insights provided by our survey — a staggering 44 different ancestries, 48 languages, and 54 dialects were represented, creating a truly inclusive atmosphere that made the evening both successful and memorable.

• Click here for photos from the night

Being part of an event that embraced such a wide range of cultures and backgrounds was a testament to the power of diversity.  We are proud to have been part of the APOC Gala and look forward to more opportunities to celebrate diversity and inclusion in the future.
     

ACCESSING | Organisation Free Diversity Health Check Assessment

Understand and maximise your diversity data collection capability with our free Diversity Atlas Health Check Assessment!  This quick survey takes around five minutes to complete, and provides insight into your organisation’s proficiency and practical application of diversity data.

We will provide you with a report with a score out of 100, identify your strengths and weaknesses with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and provide relevant suggestions for improvement.

Not only does the Diversity Atlas Health Check Assessment help your organisation, but the wider DEI community – the more results generated, the more data we will have – thus enabling us to develop world-first diversity data benchmarks.

• Complete your free survey today!

 

HIGHLIGHTING | Calendar Spotlight: Christmas Day 

A popular festival day and a public holiday in many nations, this day i.e. 25 December is widely celebrated across the world as a secular family holiday. It is a religious holy day for observant Christians to celebrate the birth of Christ as the son of God and for a small number of Muslims to celebrate the birth of Christ as an important prophet. Christmas Day rituals can include decorating Christmas trees, feasting, singing Christmas carols and exchanging gifts. Christmas celebrations often reflect differing cultural, local and national traditions.

• Check out more cultural events

 

28. AUST | ILF | SHARING | The Gift of Reading is always in Season! | December 2023

Yamandhu marang, 2023 has been a year to remember for a number of reasons thanks to donor support. 
As was seen in the Referendum this year, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are resilient and will not pause their aspirations and aspirations of their children and the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) stands strongly with this. The ILF will continue as a Community led organisation focused on supporting the literacy aspirations for the future and look forward to an exciting 2024 working with our supporters and Communities. 

Our major highlights of 2023 have been:

• Visiting remote Communities for workshops and book launches in NSW, QLD, NT, WA and SA
• Hosting two Create Initiatives in one year, one in Wujal Wujal in far north Queensland, the other with Tiwi Island students in Sydney
• A NAIDOC celebration with our supporters at the International Towers in Sydney
• Our Indigenous Literacy Day film and livestream was joined by over 300,000 people across the country
• The ILF was shortlisted again, for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award
• First Pamela Loft Bequest program since COVID
• Launched our first musical fundraising event, Busking for Change and raised over $80,000
• Relaunched our fundraising event, Sydney Trivia Night, to build on the success of the Melbourne Trivia night.

Interest continues to grow around the unique work of the ILF in publishing and in particular working in First Languages and the ILF is committed to further supporting the work of Community in telling their stories, in their languages, their way.

We look forward to continued donor support and if you can, please donate to our Festive Appeal. Our digital Give the Gift of Reading cards are a great way to make a tax deductible donation and send a card to a colleague, friend or family member, particularly to those that are interstate or overseas. All proceeds go straight back into our programs with remote Communities. 

Each of you are a valuable member of the ILF community, and we couldn't achieve this important work without your support. Thank you for standing with us, being part of our journey and sharing our vision that reading opens doors to future opportunities and choices.

From all of us at ILF, we wish you a safe and joyful holiday season. See you in 2024! 

Mandaang guwu,
Ben Bowen (Wiradjuri/Gandagarra), Chief Executive Officer

REFLECTING | 2023 Achievements

• Gifted 116,400 culturally relevant books into 424 remote Communities through our Book Supply program
• Worked with 116 playgroups with the Book Buzz early literacy program
• Published 12 books representing 8 languages through our Community Publishing
• Ran two CREATE Initiative programs and Pamela Lofts Bequest project

 

SPOTLIGHTING | Word of the Month

To celebrate second year of the UNESCO Decade of Indigenous Languages, each month we encourage readers to learn a new word in an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander language. 

This month's word is goodbye in Wiradjuri language! Wiradjuri Country is located in central New South Wales.

• Goodbye = yanhanhadhu
• Phonetics: ya-nah-do
• Download the audio.

 

ATTENDING | Yabun Festival 2024

For Sydneysiders and visitors, join us at the Yabun Festival on 26 January at Victoria Park, Camperdown. Make sure you visit the ILF stall and say hello. This is a wonderful day to recognise and celebrate the strengths and survival of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples' cultures, histories and traditions with music and dance, and some of Indigenous Australia's best thinkers and speakers. 

REPORTING | ILF Melbourne Trivia Night 

We had so much fun at the ILF Trivia Night in Melbourne this year with wonderful host, Brian Nankervis. We have raised an incredible amount of over $36,000 from our respective Sydney and Melbourne Trivia Nights. Thank you to our supporters who attended and participated in our silent auction and raffle. We are so grateful for your support!

REPORTING | Over $160,000 raised from Great Book Swap!

We are so grateful for the 414 schools and 131 individuals and organisations across the country who participated in this years Great Book Swap! Thanks to you, we have raised over $160,000 which will allow us to gift over 16,000 culturally relevant books to kids in remote Communities. Stay tuned for registrations for Great Book Swap 2024 which will be looking a little different!

WRITING | A Book in One Week!

Check out our Youtube video with ILF Ambassadors Shelley Ware and David Lawrence as they talk about the 2022 Create Program. Students from Tiwi College joined Shelley and David in Darwin to create the book Tiwi Seasons with Marius which is available now!

• Purchase Tiwi Seasons with Marius

 

CLICKING | For More Stories

• Latest News

 

WORKING | In Community

REPORTING | Workshops in Vincentia with Kirli Saunders
Our last workshop for 2023 took our team to the south of New South Wales to work with Vincentia High School and the Wreck Bay Community. The workshop was led by Gunai woman, award-winning writer, artist and consultant, Kirli Saunders. Our team was lucky enough to get to yarn with this mob about culture, language, art and poetry while surrounded by Booderee National Park. The Dhurga centred writing and artworks created by the students have our publishing team keen to dig into the editing, and produce some beautiful new books in 2024. 

REPORTING | The Process of Creating Tiwi Girl Hunters!
In November this year we held a Create Initiative workshop with senior students from Tiwi College. The students came to Sydney to write, illustrate and publish a book in just one week at the Hachette Australia office with the help of ILF Ambassadors Shelley Ware and David Lawrence. 

• Read the Blog by David Lawrence

 

ESPECIALLY | Thanking

Thinking of writing your will? The ILF has partnered with Safewill to provide our supporters with the ability to write their will for just $80 (half price).

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. 

This year, the Lendlease Office Portfolio partnered with the ILF to spread holiday cheer with the gift of stories. On behalf of their building communities, the Lendlease Office Portfolio donated $40,000 worth of books to children in First Nations Communities across Australia, with customers choosing the titles through a gifting drive. Using a purpose-built website, customers chose up to three titles written in native language, while the Lendlease Office Portfolio picked up the tab.

• Become an ILF Partner

 

REPORTING | Community Fundraisers

We would like to thank the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) who are donating their ticket sales from their annual New Year's Eve Concert to the ILF! This is the fourth time ABC have supported ILF with this event and we are extremely grateful for their ongoing support. Purchase your tickets here.

We would like to thank Francesca who are supporting our Foundation by generously donating $20 from every purchase of their Awareness Bracelet to the ILF for 12 months starting in January. Available from 1 January.

• For more fundraising inspiration
• Donate

Please note that the ILF office will be closed from Saturday 23rd December and re-open Tuesday 2nd January 2024. 

29. AUST | GiveOUT | UPDATING | Taking Pride by Changing Lives | December 2023

WRAPPING | 2023 from our CEO

This has been another incredible year of growth for GiveOUT and our rainbow communities, as we continue our mission of growing the pot of gold under the rainbow, and supporting LGBTQIA+ organisations to access and use those resources for the better. 

Together we: 

• Grew funding to the LGBTQIA+ sector by distributing $775,000 to almost 100 LGBTQIA+ organisations, including via GiveOUT Day (our national day of giving) and Amplify Pride Fund (our large grants program with Aurora Group). 
• Increased awareness of the chronic under-funding of our sector (see Where are the Rainbow Resources?) and advocated for more funding, including by co-hosting the first-ever conference on LGBTQIA+ funding in Australia, Asia and the Pacific during Sydney World Pride, with 87 grantmakers, 56 funding organisations and 35 civil society content experts in attendance (see Convening Report). 
• Increased the capacity of the LGBTQIA+ sector to resource itself by hosting a Fundraising Masterclass and sharing fundraising resources.
• Increased the efficiency and effectiveness of our organisation, including by finalising our 2023 - 2025 Strategic Plan, strengthening our peer collaboration (including with Aurora and Pride by Side) and bringing on two incredible new staff to support GiveOUT Day (Alex James and Dolan Cox).

On a personal note, I have relished my first 6 months on the job. It has been a privilege to witness our sector's leaders' dedication and strategic nous when working directly with rainbow folk and tirelessly advocating for change at all levels. I get up every day in service to you. 

Heading into 2024, I am emboldened by the increasing number of funders and partners who are joining our movement to ensure all LGBTQIA+ Australians are safe and equal. Thank you to all our current partners and patrons who have made the above possible. 

Thank you to our current partners and patrons
Em Scott, CEO GiveOUT

UNWRAPPING | GiveOUT Day 2023 was our biggest yet! 

Together, we raised $405,475 for 91 LGBTQIA+ not-for-profit organisations in Australia. Funds from GiveOUT Day are game-changing for these organisations, who achieve incredible outcomes for their communities despite being chronically underfunded and underresourced. By supporting GiveOUT Day, you are directly supporting the LGBTQIA+ people who need it the most.

• Check out our 2023 Impact Report for more information on what we achieved together!

“[The GiveOUT Day Platform] is far beyond our reach in Regional Victoria and helps us share our work with a much larger audience and engage them in regional causes for LGBTQIA+ folks. This fundraising platform is such a critical feed into our operational (living) expense of running our organisation and removes such enormous pressure. It's highly effective and so positive end to end that it's not as draining as the incessant grant applications and sponsorship pursuits. It's so energising to be supported and encouraged by so many others in this work.” – Gippsland Pride Initiative Inc.

Thanks for stepping up to help build a brighter future for LGBTQIA+ Australians. 

We can’t wait to do it all again in 2024!

ANNOUNCING | 2024 Amplify Pride Fund Grantees

The Amplify Pride Fund exists to support LGBTIQ+ organisations across the country to thrive and grow. It is a new national LGBTQIA+ fund created in 2022 by GiveOUT and Aurora with support from the Snow Foundation.

We received over 100 Expressions of Interest for the second round of Amplify Pride Fund grants. That's more than double last year’s submissions! Thank you to all of the fantastic organisations across Australia for submitting your Expressions of Interest.

Our 2024 APF Grantee Partners are change-makers in our community. These organisations are driving bold and innovative solutions to generate systemic change for our most marginalised, and we can’t wait to see what they will achieve!

Join us in celebrating our 2024 APF Grantee Partners

• Inclusive Rainbow Voices: Expanding a national voice for LGBTQIA+ people with disability
• Trans Justice Project: Tackling the anti-trans lobby and disinformation online
• New City Church: Shaping safe and inclusive communities of faith
• Forcibly Displaced People Network: Building an inclusive Australia for LGBTQIA+ refugees
• Beyond Bricks And Bars: Supporting incarcerated trans & gender diverse people
• BlaQ Aboriginal Corporation: Fuelling the heart of the LGBTQIA+SB community
• Intersex Peer Support Australia: Expanding a national voice for intersex people & their families
• Sydney Queer Muslims: Expanding support for LGBTQIA+ Muslims during crisis
• Rural Pride Australia: Creating safety & support for LGBTQIA+ rural and regional people
• Learn more about this year’s recipients

Wishing you and yours a safe and joyful summer break and a happy end to 2023!
 
With Pride,
The GiveOUT Team

30. AUST | THCO | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds towards helping make journalism more constructive

The Conversation (THCO) aspires to making a difference this year

For 16 years the Scanlon Foundation has produced an index of social cohesion in Australia. The most recent figures came out last month and they were the worst ever recorded. Since then cohesion has continued to fray in the wake of October 7 and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

What’s going wrong? One factor is the ubiquitous technology that primes us for intolerance. Social media rewards strong positions and self-righteous anger. The smartphones in our pockets claim to increase our connections with “friends” but they are optimised for moral grandstanding. It’s making us lonely and miserable.

It doesn’t have to be that way. Real social cohesion comes from the slow and unglamorous work of listening to people carefully, paying them respect and giving them the benefit of the doubt. 

It comes from the sort of morally attentive conversation the philosopher Raimond Gaita so generously creates. It also comes from the work of mission-driven organisations like The Conversation. We see the role of the media as creating a better world, not just a more profitable one.

In our case, collaboration is both the means and the ends of everything we do. Our work is made possible by thousands of thoughtful and generous readers who see the value of reliable information, and who care enough to help us provide it.

"Your authors' presentation of scientific facts, in layman's language, helps me and my colleagues to challenge attitudes and the powers behind them." – Steve, Friend of The Conversation

My deepest thanks to every academic who gave up something else important to write an article for The Conversation. Sincere thanks also to our passionate and attentive readers, our university partners and philanthropic funders who work so hard to make a positive difference. 

Thanks also to the volunteer board members and my colleagues, a team of professionals in editorial, administration and technology, who are smart, passionate, humble and fun.

A very special thanks to the 800 people who became monthly donors in December and the thousands more who have supported us throughout the year. If you haven’t donated yet in 2023 and would like to, you still can. 

Finally, from everyone here at The Conversation, we wish you a socially cohesive Christmas full of friends, family, reading, reflection and affection. 

I’m looking forward to working with you again in 2024 to fight the worst impulses of social media and hopefully play a small part in getting those Scanlon Foundation social cohesion numbers moving in the right direction.

Best wishes,
Misha Ketchell. Editor

PS: For those interested in learning more about what we've achieved this year I've included our 2023 Stakeholder Report plus our most recent Impact Report. And if you are looking for a last-minute Christmas gift our book A Year of Consequence is available from your favourite bookshop. 

SATISFYING | Gift- buying for the last minute

To satisfy the intellectually curious, look no further than our annual yearbook for a gift.

A Year of Consequence is a collection of some of the best essays from the year 2023 of consequential decisions, not just for Australia and New Zealand, but the world. 

• Available to buy at a bookshop near you or online here. 

 

THANK YOU | for being a Friend of the Conversation.  

• Make a donation

 

31. AUST | TJP | REPORTING | Everything we achieved together in 2023

[Edited extract from public address]
Looking back on the last year I am incredibly humbled and honoured with the trust our community has put in the Trans Justice Project (TJP).
It’s been hard work, and sometimes quite daunting, starting this organisation but I have found so much courage in how people have wrapped around us, backed us up, and offered their time, expertise, and money to help make a difference.
 
We have just released our Impact Report for 2023. You can read the full report on our website but here is just a small snapshot of what we have achieved together.

• Read our Impact Report

I am incredibly proud to show the efforts of the last year and how our movement is already changing the landscape around trans justice in Australia.

• 65 People trained in strategic messaging for trans justice
• 600+ People trained in identifying anti-trans disinformation
• 250+ People trained in how to have conversations for trans justice
• 50+ Organisations briefed on the tactics and strategy of the anti-trans lobby
• Released the 'Fuelling Hate' Report the largest investigation into experiences of anti-trans hate in Australia
• 116 copies of the Fueling Hate report delivered to more than 88 politicians
• 200+ Organisations signed onto our Statement of Solidarity with the Trans Community
• 35+ Media mentions, appearances, or articles written about the work of the Trans Justice Project

We are gearing up for a massive year in 2024. We will be supporting the formation of local action groups, holding our first strategy retreat, and establishing a training program for trans and gender diverse change-makers. Additionally, we will be launching Disinfo Watch, our new campaign to expose the lies of the anti-trans lobby. I honestly can't wait.

Thanks for being a part of this journey and I am so excited for us all to work together in 2024.

Love and solidarity,
Jackie Turner (she/her), Director

33. WORLD | IFD | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds towards LGTBIQA+ Channel

Wrapping up 2023, I wanted to extend a heartfelt thanks for ongoing support in sharing and celebrating the LGBTQIA+ stories at I'm From Driftwood (IFD). 
We've continued publishing a new story every week, totaling an incredible 52 professionally-produced, first-person Video Stories this year. The stories on I'm From Driftwood's YouTube channel alone have amassed over 38.8 million views.

In addition to our weekly stories, we've had the privilege of showcasing the storytellers themselves at four Storyteller Spotlights this year – two at the Stonewall Inn in New York City and two in Austin, TX. These live events have allowed us to connect with our community in a more personal way, bridging the gap between digital storytelling and real-world connections.

As of today, we are over 50% of our $25,000 year-end goal. Your contributions have helped us get this far, but we need your help to cross the finish line. Donate now; no amount is too small, and every dollar takes us closer to our goal.

With donors' help, we'll continue making a positive impact in the lives of LGBTQIA+ individuals everywhere, from the smallest towns to the biggest cities across the world.

• Make a Donation

Thank you for being part of the I'm From Driftwood family. I can't wait to show you what we have in store for 2024.

Nathan Manske
Founder, Executive Director

34. WORLD | PWR | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds towards global interfaith movement

Towards global Women Advancing Knowledge Equity movement

At the 2023 Parliament of World's Religions (PWR), the Women's Task Force hosted the Women's Freedom Assembly (150mins) and facilitated spaces for sharing messages of hope and identifying partners and partnership opportunities around critical areas of concern: 

• education for women and girls
• justice for children
• political literacy
• women and community
• financial literacy
• climate solutions
• human trafficking, and 
• women’s health and wellbeing.

Standing on our commitment to women’s freedom and wisdom, the Parliament of the World’s Religions published Women Advancing Knowledge Equity: The Parliament of the World’s Religions, a collection of biographies about women who are noteworthy leaders and participants in the Parliament Convenings but whose geographical location, economic status, and occupational attentions obscure the significant influence and impact of their lives and work.

This volume, an outgrowth of the ATLA Women in Religion series and the Women in Religion Wiki Project, continues the initiative’s work of creating biographical sources about women in religion that challenge and explore biased conventions and principles that regulate print and digital content creation about women.

This season of giving we invite you to commit to knowledge equity, women's freedom and human rights, and the ongoing work of our organization.

• Support Our Work

 

 ANNOUNCING  

35. VIC | VMC | CONGRATULATING | Winners of the MAE!

The Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) recognises outstanding contributions to multiculturalism and diversity across arts, business, education, and more.

Congratulations to all winners and thank you to everyone who helped make the event special! 

• Find the full list of all the winners

 SUPPORTING 

36. AUST | RLS | ASKING | Are you summer water-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.

• Download checklist now

 

37. VIC | CFA | ADVISING | Summer fire-safety

The Victorian Multicultural Commission (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. 

• Learn more here

 

38. CoPP | GOV | ADVISING | Community Information Resources – keeping safe during extreme weather

Know the risks and be prepared for storms, floods and heatwaves

Extreme weather including storms, floods and heat waves can affect anyone at any time. Dangerous flash flooding is a particular risk in the City of Port Phillip with some areas including Elwood, St Kilda, Balaclava and South Melbourne, at a higher risk. Most people have less than an hour’s warning before a flash flood, so it pays to prepare ahead of time. This summer we are also at a higher risk of heatwaves.

To help keep yourself, your family, your pets and property safe follow these life-saving emergency steps.

5 steps to keep safe:

1. Be aware of your risk, check your local area’s SES flood guide
2. Be prepared by making a plan, checking your insurance cover, storing items off the ground and cleaning drains and gutters.
3. Be neighbourly, check in on vulnerable neighbours during hot weather or extreme weather.
4. Be safe during extreme weather. Don’t drive during storms – it only takes 15cm to float. During heatwaves don’t go out in the heat of the day and keep cool.
5. Be informed, sign up to the Vic Emergency app.

During an emergency:

• Call VIC SES on 132 500 for support.
• Call Triple Zero (000) for any life-threatening emergencies.
• Call 1800 226 226 for the Vic Emergency hotline.

Council's role in a weather emergency
Council is responsible for managing resources and coordinating relief and recovery for affected community members.

• For more information

 

39. 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. 

• Learn more

 
40. AUST | MANY | Helpers and Reliable Sources Along the Way

In this Section

• Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander
• Ageism
• Asylum Seeking & Refugees
• Climate, Environment & Emergency
• Community, Connection & Belonging
• Difability & Disability
• Employment
• Family & Neighbourhood Violence
• Health, Sickness & Wellbeing
• Kids, Youth, Parenting & Education
• Men
• Racism
• Women

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander

• 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.
• 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.
• Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) Book Supply – creating and translating books with the collective storytelling of First Nations authors, illustrators and Elders
• 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
• Reconciliation Victoria – promoting reconciliation across Victoria, promoting deeper understanding, respect and justice for and with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Ageism

• 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.
• Southern Metro Elder Abuse Prevention Network (SMEAPN) free online course: Framing Age Self-Paced Training: 5 Online Modules – EAPN LMS

Climate, Environment & Emergency

• Better Health – Surviving Extreme Heat In-language video
• 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.
• 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
• Country Fire Authority advises Reduce fire risk by using lithium-ion battery powered devices safely
• 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
• Emergency management improvement report with engaged multicultural communities, government and emergency services
• 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
• 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

Community, Connection & Belonging

• Carer Gateway – an Australian Government website for carers that provides practical information and advice, and connects carers to services and support. 
• 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
• Cultural Infusion (CUIN)'s online Cultural Calendar is designed to assist schools with organising cultural incursions throughout the year.
• 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) 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.
• Faith and LGBTQA identity can coexist resources kit developed Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC).
• Foundation House – The Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture for a world without torture and where communities respect, embrace and empower people from refugee backgrounds to thrive
• 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.
• National Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcasters' Council (NEMBC) is the peak organisation representing ethnic community broadcasters across Australia. Listen to news
• Paramount Chief Kuol Adol Foundation (PCKAF) aiming to improve the livelihoods of South Sudanese communities through programs in both South Sudan and Melbourne.
• 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.
• 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 
• 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
• SBS 2023 Multicultural Film Festival via SBS OnDemand! 
• 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
• Spiritual Health Association (SHA) in partnership with Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH)  has been running The Spirituality & Diversity Discussion Project since 2019. Read More 
• 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.
• Volunteer West (VOWE) – culturally inclusive toolkit. 
• Victorian Multicultural Commission have published Victorian Multicultural Commission Impact Report. or Watch 40 years of the Victorian Multicultural Commission video (6 min)
• Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH)'s new podcast episode 'Diversity Of Communities: Who Is Left Behind?' Read More or Listen to podcast (38 mins)

Difability & Disability

• Australian Government Department of Social Services – Daily update on NDIS participants and workforce and easy English information on COVID-19. 
• 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.
• Blind Citizens Australia – Information on coronavirus for people who are blind or vision impaired. 
• 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
• Down Syndrome Australia – Easy Read guide about using money on the internet.
• 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
• LGBTIQ+ Health Australia – free training activities for LGBTIQ+ people with disability
• 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 
• 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
• NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission – Information contains links to updates, training, alerts, and resources for NDIS participants and providers.
• 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).
• Summer Foundation (SUFO)'s Reasonable & Necessary podcast series helps simplify the NDIS for participants, their families and anyone supporting NDIS participants.
• 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.

Employment

• 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.
• Jobs that Matter campaign highlights a range of roles available across the community services sector in Victoria.
• Social Services Jobs Guarantee program - Victorian Diploma of Community Services graduates 1 September 2022–31 August 2024
• 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 Volunteering opportunities available.

Family & Neighbourhood Violence

• Domestic and family violence and your visa Department of Home Affairs web page. Learn more
• Orange Door – for adults, children and young people experiencing family violence
• Respect Victoria (REVI) – brings light to common types of non-physical violence that can be used in intimate relationships, how to spot the warning signs, and how to look out for yourself and your friends. 
• 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

Health, Sickness & Wellbeing

• 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.
• Beyond Blue –  translated information on managing your mental health during COVID-19 in 63 languages. 
• Cancer Council Victoria (CCV) – online resources in simple English to support linguistically diverse Victorians learn about bowel cancer screening. Watch video (10 mins)
• Dementia information for multicultural communities
• DirectLine alcohol and drug counselling - 1800 888 236 - confidential drug and alcohol counselling and referral
• 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
• 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.
• 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.
• Lifeline – 13 11 14 – crisis support available 24/7 via phone, text or online chat
• 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.
• 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.
• NURSE-ON-CALL – 1300 60 60 24 – expert health information and advice
• Palliative Care Advice Service (PCAS) – supporting people diagnosed with life-limiting illnesses and those who support them.
• Staying safe in the water – how to enjoy our state's waterways including beaches, rivers and lakes.
• 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.
• Victorian Polio immunisation factsheets
• 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 Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH) have created the 'Community Engagement with Purpose' resource.
• 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

Kids, Youth, Parenting & Education

• Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is the main way the Australian Government is helping families with the cost of early childhood education and care. For translated materials
• Couch International Student Centre is a safe and free lounge space in Melbourne for international students to socialise, relax, study, and seek assistance
• Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800 – for kids, teens and young adults
• 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
• 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.
• 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
• Study Melbourne (STME)  has many free or low cost events for international students who are studying and living in Victoria. Find student events near you 
• Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) online community VMConnect is home to a dedicated Group for multicultural young people living in Victoria
• #16DAYS4KIDS | Colouring Your Conversation
• WHISE, in collaboration with the Promoting Respect and Equity Together (PRET) Regional Partnership. Teaching children about respect and gender equality is crucial for their personal and social development. It equips them with essential life skills, fosters positive relationships, and contributes to a more compassionate and harmonious society. Download Colouring Sheets
• 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)

 

Men

The following crisis and counselling services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week:

• 1800RESPECT – Call 1800 737 732 or visit website
• MensLine Australia Call 1300 78 99 78 or visit website

Racism

• Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) have continued their national campaign: Racism. It Stops With Me. Learn more
• 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
• 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.
• 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
• 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.

Women

• 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.
• My Body. My Health – a five-part series of educational presentations to help organisations deliver health information to women from migrant and refugee backgrounds.
• 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.
• Women Leading Locally is delivered by the Institute of Community Directors Australia in partnership with Women for Election.
• 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
• Respect Victoria
• Safe and Equal 

41. AUST | MULTI | Supporting Voices, Treaty and Meaningful Reconciliation with First Peoples, Settlers, and Those Who Come After

In This Section

• 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
• AUST | TLW | CALLING | Those Interested to Lace Up Your Shoes and Come Walk with Michael Long in support of the "Yes" campaign
• AUST | WRITERS | ENDORSING | The Voice as a major reform leading to better outcomes for First Nations Peoples
• AUST | GiveOUT | SUPPORTING | Proudly for a First Nations Voice to Parliament
• VIC | ECCV | ADVOCATING | Victorian Multicultural Voices for ‘Yes’ campaign
• VIC | VWT | ENGAGING | Listen and learn together through kitchen conversations. It’s time to say yes
• VIC | VTMH | DEMONSTRATING | Solidarity In Context to the Referendum
• AUST | GEIFN | HOW | To Accept No: Contest of Binaries | Sunday 15 October 2023
• AUST | GEIFN | WHY | To Accept No: Contest of Timing | Monday 16 October 2023
• AUST | GEIFN | WHEN | To Accept No: Contest of Terra nullius | Tuesday 17 October 2023 and beyond
• AUST | VTMH | OFFERING | Reflections following the Referendum
• CoPP | PPCR | STRIVING | Towards Meaningful Reconciliation

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.

• Read the referendum question and constitutional amendment.
• Multilingual poster

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.

• Pledge your support
• Volunteer
• Stay up to date
• Stay informed 

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 Referendum 
• 30-second in-language videos – with subtitles and voiceovers.

• For more information

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?
• How do we get a First Nations Voice to Parliament?
• What work has been done so far?
• What will be added to the Constitution?
• Guiding principles of the Voice
• Do Australians want change?
• Common myths and misbeliefs
• Multilingual information
• See learning resources and information

 

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. 


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


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

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.

• Testimonials
• Supporting Writers
• Read more

AUST | GiveOUT | SUPPORTING | Proudly for a First Nations Voice to Parliament
The GiveOUT Team (GiveOUT) supports Australia saying YES in the Referendum for a constitutionally enshrined First Nations Voice
LGBTQIA+ people understand the significance of a public vote about their lives, and the importance of allies in advocating for change. It is time for the LGBTQIA+ community, and the Australian people as a whole, to stand in solidarity with our First Nations communities, including our Brotherboys, Sistergirls and other LGBTQIA+ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

At GiveOUT, we know that there is no substitute for the wisdom of lived experience when it comes to designing policies and programs.

“As an organisation that exists to address systemic disadvantage, and provide impacted communities the resources they need to drive their own solutions, GiveOUT fully supports this much needed reform to ensure First Nations people are recognised in the constitution and are given a voice on the issues and interventions that impact them.” – Georgia Mathews, Chair of GiveOUT

Polls have demonstrated that over 80% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people support a Voice to Parliament*. We call upon our LGBTQIA+ friends and allies to join this historic movement and vote ‘YES’ in the Referendum. We must take this important step toward a fairer future for this country. 

You can show your support by: 

• Going public with your support of YES to a Voice 
• If you’re an LGBTIQA+ community organisation, adding your organisation’s name to Equality Australia’s statement
• Take action via yes23.com.au 

*Source: https://www.unsw.edu.au/news/2023/06/ten-questions-about-the-voice-to-parliament---answered-by-the-ex 


VIC | ECCV | ADVOCATING | Victorian Multicultural Voices for ‘Yes’ campaign
The Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) joins forces with Yes23 and the Multicultural Australia for Voicealliance for Victorian Multicultural Voices for ‘Yes’.

Harnessing the power of multicultural communities to raise awareness about why the recognition of our First Nations People in the Constitution is important and how voting ‘Yes’ will achieve that.

Multicultural and multifaith leaders, along with First Nations Elders, attended the launch, with guest speakers Aunty Esme Bamblett, CEO of the Aboriginal Advancement League and a member of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, Minister for Multicultural Affairs Colin Brooks, and the Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Gabrielle Williams.

Victorian Multicultural Voices for ‘Yes’ will be organising community town hall forums and community workshops in the lead-up to the referendum. These engagements aim to empower and equip multicultural communities with how to have conversations about the referendum and why it matters.

ECCV Members will be hosting their own community forums to inform members of their communities about why voting ‘YES’ matters, including the Islamic Council of Victoria and the Greek Community of Melbourne.

The launch follows the success of a national multicultural town hall forum at Springvale City Hall with Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney, which was attended by more than 700 people in August 2023.

The ECCV is the peak body for multicultural Victoria, with over 220 organisational members.

• Read full article

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 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 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:

1. Help create a safe place for thinking, talking and taking action
2. Acknowledge the experience and wisdom each person brings to the table
3. Enter discussions in good faith with an open, constructive spirit
4. Engage in respectful discussion, even in the face of dissent
5. 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.

VIC | VTMH | DEMONSTRATING | Solidarity In Context to the Referendum
At an important moment in history, Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH) supports the national vote adding an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice (The Voice) to the Australian Constitution.

VTMH aligns with the principles of unity and understanding promoted by Reconciliation Australia, and we also endorse the stance taken by St Vincent's Health Australia on this matter.

VTMH sees this as a big chance to bring people together and make things better. We know that health and wellness are connected to making things right between different groups of people in Australia. VTMH thinks this vote can make real changes and respect the different viewpoints of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

• Read More

AUST | GEIFN | HOW | To Accept No: Contest of Binaries | Sunday 15 October 2023
With any adversarial system where only 2 options (aka binary) are offered, part of informed consent is accepting that for every winner there has to be non-winners.
Binaries (this OR that) is Absolutism. It takes time for people to realise that there are no lasting Absolutes.

To explore further, every thing with a beginning has also got within the seeds of its end. As daybreak begins it has ended night. As night begins it ends daylight. But when we understand fully we understand that the sun is always shining, it is just our personal vantage point that moved while individually we might be standing still. The spherical planet we all call home is spinning on its own axis as it revolves around the sun. It is only the side facing the sun that gets the sun at any given time. The half in darkness hasn't lost, it is just waiting again for its time in the sun. So dark does not exist without light.

"To be or not to be – that is the question." – William Shakespeare, English playwright, poet and actor (1564-1616 CE)

And when that gets easy, consider "To be AND not to be – that is the answer."

Accepting No majority means you're ready to continue the national conversation reconciling Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders' (aka First Nations') existence with Colonialism and those who come after. A No majority result is an acknowledgment that this conversation has now began in earnest. And also being just another day in a functioning civil democracy finding its way, steady as we go, full steam ahead.

When this proposition gets easier to understand, the opportunities for an outcome that benefits everyone becomes self realising. So if not now, then take comfort in the old wise saying "a journey of a 1,000 steps begins with the first but made realisable with the 2nd and subsequent."

AUST | GEIFN | WHY | To Accept No: Contest of Timing | Monday 16 October 2023
With big gains come the potential for big setbacks, obstacles and arguments. With practice, patience and perseverance, wisdom, compassion and non-selfish generosity always prevails.

"Life is a hard battle anyway. If we laugh and sing a little as we fight the good fight of freedom, it makes it all go easier. I will not allow my life's light to be determined by the darkness around me."
Sojourner Truth, American abolitionist and activist for African-American civil rights, women's rights, and alcohol temperance (died 1883 CE)

A No majority doesn't mean "never" it just means "not now". For 235 years there has only been 1 resounding No: Terra nullius (nobody's land). Countering this false fact, has now formally recognised a resounding 40% yes to preexistence, a marked improvement from its 0% starting position. Meaning Australia is now ready to begin a conversation reconciling Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders' (aka First Nations') existence with Colonialism and those who come after. 

A No majority result is an acknowledgment that this conversation has now began in earnest. While also being just another day in a functioning civil democracy finding its way, steady as we go, full steam ahead.

When this proposition gets easier to understand, the opportunities for an outcome that benefits a greater number until including all becomes self realising. So if not now, then take comfort in the old wise saying "a journey of a 1,000 steps begins with the first but made realisable with the 2nd and subsequent."

AUST | GEIFN | WHEN | To Accept No: Contest of Terra nullius | Tuesday 17 October 2023 and beyond
Terra nullius is a Latin expression meaning "nobody's land".  It was a principle sometimes used in international law to justify claims that territory may be acquired by a state's occupation of it. Denying the existence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders' existence by the British gave the British permission to land, stay and colonise.

Reconciling this falsehood in Australia's birth began 265 years ago and continues in our minds, hearts and actions. As testimony to this, the Australia today was unimaginable to our forebears. If we accept what we do today influences the future, it is also how brighter futures for a greater benefit is made possible – the real work being undertaken in the majority of ordinary days between the extra-ordinary milestones.

"I am my ancestor’s wildest dreams" – Maxine Beneba Clarke, Australian writer of Afro-Caribbean descent (1979- CE)

Accepting No majority means you're ready to continue the national conversation reconciling Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders' (aka First Nations') existence with British Colonialism and those who come after. A No majority result is an acknowledgment that this Australian conversation has now began in earnest. Celebrate just another day in a functioning civil democracy finding its way, steady as we go, full steam ahead.

When this proposition gets easier to understand, the opportunities for an outcome that benefits everyone becomes self realising. So if not now, then make comfort by applying the old wise saying "Conquer anger through gentleness, unkindness through kindness, greed through generosity, and falsehood by truth."

 

AUST | VTMH | OFFERING | Reflections following the Referendum

Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH) has taken some time following the Voice Referendum to reflect and attempt to find words to express our disappointment regarding this outcome. 
We deeply acknowledge the courage and generosity of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and leaders who extended this invitation to the Australian community to walk together in this journey for learning and healing together.

In the weeks since the referendum we have reflected on the impacts that colonisation has had in shaping practices in the mental health sector, including our service, and the continued challenges faced in providing culturally responsive care given the history of these lands.

VTMH deeply admires the strength and resilience of First Nations communities across the country. We commit to rising strong, leaning in, and to finding ways to honour our commitment to learning and healing together.

We encourage teams and individuals in all sectors to continue joining collective efforts to support a more culturally safe and humanistic system and society. 

To learn more about what is happening in Victoria towards truth, treaty and voice, we encourage you to visit the links below: 

• Yoorrook Justice Commission 
• TREATY FOR VICTORIA | First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria

 

CoPP | PPCR | STRIVING | Towards Meaningful Reconciliation

Port Phillip Citizens for Reconciliation (PPCR) is a voluntary, not for profit community group. 
It began in 1997 at a public meeting, at St Kilda Town Hall, convened by Jacki Willox and attended by hundreds of people, including politicians, councillors, indigenous musicians and general public.

Objectives

• To maintain local awareness of the reconciliation agenda, recognising that information, understanding and community discussion are integral to the process.
• promoting an understanding of the history of Aboriginal people, particularly in our local area.

Mungo, our monthly newsletter, continues to be a good news source for events, circulating annually to over 3,500 as well as members of other networks.

47. VIC | GOV | UPDATING | Coronavirus 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):

• Protect yourself and others from COVID-19 | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) translated information | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

 

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

 

42. AUST | MULTI | UPDATING | Coronavirus Response

• 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.

Other Resources

• 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.
• Access Easy English – Over 70 resources developed on coronavirus.
• Amaze – step-by-step social scripts outlining the COVID-19 vaccine process to help people with autism.
• Better Health – COVID-19 and flu vaccinations health information available in more than fifteen languages. Learn more
• 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 
• Council for Intellectual Disability (CID) – Easy English information for people with intellectual disability and videos about COVID-19.
• DHHS – Victorian Government Department of Health and Human Services advice and information on coronavirus available in 56 languages
• Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) – Multicultural COVID-19 Outreach Program
• Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) – COVID-19 video series Protecting Our Communities
• 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.
• 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
• 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.
• SBS – news and information about coronavirus (COVID - 19) available in 63 languages.
• Scope - Key word sign video, posters and easy english resources on communicating COVID-19.
• 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. 
• Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) surveyed 1500 Victorians and targeted follow up interviews were used to create the commission’s new research pandemic snapshots – Supporting workers with disability and Juggling parenting, caring and work. Explore the research snapshots, FaceBook

 

 ACKNOWLEDGING 

44. 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.

45. 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.

46. Self-Isolators, Non-Essentials And The Homebound

Meanwhile, if with a surplus of time, this 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.