Fast Facts: Community Responses Victoria & Australia
In This Section
- Highlighted
- Granting
- Employment & Training
- Engaging
- Collectivising
- Announcing
- Supporting
- Acknowledging
1. HIGHLIGHTED
In this Section
- VIC | VEC | EDUCATING | Democracy and Free voter education sessions
- VIC | VTMH | WEBINAR | Empowerment through community-led responses to racism | Wednesday 20 March 2024 | 3–4pm
1.1 VIC | VEC | EDUCATING | Democracy and Free voter education sessions
Free voter education sessions about elections by Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC), delivered to communities including:- people with disabilities (especially people with intellectual disabilities)
- people experiencing homelessness
- people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds
- people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
- young people from all communities.
Voter education sessions can be delivered in some community languages and we can provide interpreters.
Free online education sessions to your community to help people learn about:
- who can vote
- how to enrol to vote
- how to vote correctly
- where to get help to vote.
- Book a session: Be Heard! Session booking form
- For more information visit Learn to vote | Victorian Electoral Commission
1.2 VIC | VTMH | WEBINAR | Empowerment through community-led responses to racism | Wednesday 20 March 2024 | 3–4pm
In 2021, Victoria University (VU), Wyndham City Council (WCC) and Wyndham Community and Education Centre (Wyndham CEC) jointly launched a new local support network.This network was the first of its kind in Australia, set up in close collaboration with communities to offer alternative community-based reporting pathways and support services for people who have experienced racism. Since that time, numerous other agencies have partnered with VU to co-design similar community-led mechanisms for responding to racism on a municipal scale.
Join Tom Clark, Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities (Victoria University) present the projects that we have contributed to, detailing the work accomplished by communities and the issues encountered there. Offering a practical discussion about how similar anti-racism support networks and services can be developed and implemented, in close collaboration with local communities and other stakeholders, in municipalities across Victoria and beyond – led by municipal councils or other key local organisations.
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.
- Where: Online via Zoom — details to be sent to registrants in advance
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: essential, spaces are limited. To secure a place, please register early online via VTMH website.
2. GRANTING
In this Section
- CoPP | GOV | GRANTING | Port Phillip Community Grants 2024 | now open, closing 4 April 2024
2.1 CoPP | GOV | GRANTING | Port Phillip Community Grants 2024 | now open, closing 4 April 2024
This year the City of Port Phillip (CoPP) Community Grants Program application timeline will be earlier.This is to allow enough time for Community Groups to apply before the Council elections caretaker period.
Information and guidelines will be available from Tuesday 27 February and can be found by visiting the Funds, grants and subsidies page of the Port Phillip Council website or attending one of the information sessions listed below.
Port Phillip Community Grants Information 2024 (in person) | Monday 4 March 2024 | 10–11am
Council’s Annual Community Grants are opening 27 February 2024 and closing 4 April 2024. This information session will support applicants to understand the Community Grants Program guidelines and application process. All potential applicants are encouraged to attend one of the information sessions.
- Where: Community Training Room, St Kilda Town Hall, 99A Carlisle Street, St Kilda VIC 3182
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: essential, online via Trybooking
Port Phillip Community Grants Information 2024 (online) | Tuesday 12 March 2024 from 6–7pm
Council’s Annual Community Grants are opening 27 February 2024 and closing 4 April 2024. This information session will support applicants to understand the Community Grants Program guidelines and application process. All potential applicants are encouraged to attend one of the information sessions.
- Where: online, link provided upon registration
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: essential, online via Trybooking
3. EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING
In this Section
- SYD | ILF | HIRING | Book Buzz Co‑ordinator
- VIC | GOV | CALLING | Expressions of interest for Board Members | applications close Thursday 14 March 2024
- VIC | VTMH | HIRING | Evaluation & Research Assistant
- VIC | VOVI | TRAINING | Building an Inclusive Volunteer Program | Tuesday 16 April 2024 | 9.30am–12.30pm
- CoPP | PPLS | SUPPORTING | Finding Jobs Advice from Killara
3.1 SYD | ILF | HIRING | Book Buzz Co‑ordinator
The Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) is seeking a Book Buzz Coordinator to join our small team based in Sydney’s CBD! The position requires strong coordination and relationship building skills to work with the Book Buzz Manager to coordinate the program for young children in remote Communities. First Nations candidates are encouraged to apply.3.2 VIC | GOV | CALLING | Expressions of interest for Board Members | applications close Thursday 14 March 2024
Multicultural Business Ministerial CouncilThe Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions is seeking applications from suitably qualified and interested individuals to be considered for appointment as a chairperson or member to the Multicultural Business Ministerial Council (MBMC).
Small Business Ministerial Council
The Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions is seeking applications from suitably qualified and interested individuals to be considered for appointment as a chairperson or member to the Small Business Ministerial Council (SBMC).
3.3 VIC | VTMH | HIRING | Evaluation & Research Assistant
Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH) currently has one (1) vacant position within our team. This role is for an Evaluation & Research Assistant in a full time, fixed term capacity (until 30 June 2024).If you or someone you know is interested in this role, please forward this email to them or click the link below for further information.
Alternatively, you are also welcome to contact the VTMH Manager, Adriana Mendoza, via email at adriana.mendoza@svha.org.au with any questions or comments you may have.
3.4 VIC | VOVI | TRAINING | Building an Inclusive Volunteer Program | Tuesday 16 April 2024 | 9.30am–12.30pm
Volunteering has a powerful impact when it is accessible to all and reflects our diverse communities. However, developing and maintaining a truly inclusive volunteer program can be challenging.An interactive workshop by Volunteering Victoria (VOVI) provides participants with the skills and knowledge needed to recruit, engage, and retain a diverse team of volunteers, including reviewing organisational procedures and workplace culture.
Learning outcomes:
- Review organisational procedures to identify opportunities for promoting inclusion in volunteering
- Reflect on workplace culture and inclusion
- Identify and develop strategies for promoting diversity and inclusion in volunteering.
- Where: Online, via Zoom
- Cost: FREE (supported by VMA funding)
- Bookings: essential, online via Volunteering Victoria
3.5 CoPP | PPLS | SUPPORTING | Finding Jobs Advice from Killara
Come along to Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS) and meet James from Killara, who can help you to find work. James can help you find work and access to a range of services. He can provide information, advice, and support in person, online, and on the phone.- Port Melbourne | Monday & Wednesday | 10am–12noon
- St Kilda | Wednesday & Friday | 1–3pm
- Find out more and how to get in touch
4. ENGAGING
In this Section
- VIC | AAV | CREATING | Future Reset - Maker Space
- MELB | BACC | EXHIBITING | Unfinished Business | on now, until Tuesday 21 April 2024
- MELB | NGVA | EXHIBITING | Wurrdha Marra – Many Mobs
- CoPP | PPLS | TUTORING | Local High School Students for Free
- CoPP | GOV | ACCESSING | Hop-on hop-off free community bus
- CoPP | GOV | DELIVERING | Meals to eligible residents (Meals on Wheels)
- CoPP | S2b | EXHIBITING | Dignity – a Solo Exhibition by Angelina Mirabito | on now, until Saturday 2 March 2024
- CoPP | PPLS | MAKING | Smartphone Stories - Stories of Positive Aging | Saturday 2 March | 10am–5pm
- CoPP | S2b | TURNING | Heads with Its A Wrap Headscarf Workshop | Saturday 2 March 2024 | 11am-12.30pm
- CoPP | CUAD | GATHERING | Community Marine Reserve Clean Up Day | Sunday 3 March 2024 | 9–10.30am
- CoPP | GOV | TRAINING | Grant Writing Workshop 2024 (in person) | Wednesday 6 March 2024 | 9.30am–12noon
- CoPP | PPLS | TALKING | With Authors Alexandra Collier and Katia Ariel | Wednesday 6 March 2024 | 6.30–7.30pm
- VIC | VTMH | WEBINAR | Medicate or contemplate? The time constraints of the system | Tuesday 12 March 2024 | 10.30am–12noon
- CoPP | GOV | WEBINAR | Grant Writing Workshop 2024 (online) | Thursday 14 March 2024 | 6–8.30pm
- CoPP | S2b | CELEBRATING | Festival Africa | Sunday 17 March 2024 | 11am-5pm
- CoPP | GOV | WEBINAR | Grant Writing for Creatives 2024 (online) | Monday 18 March 2024 | 6–8.30pm
- VIC | VMC | SHARING | Cultural Diversity Week | Monday 18–Sunday 24 March 2024
- MELB | ASRC | CATERING | Feast for Freedom | Monday 18–Sunday 24 March 2024
- AUST | TJP | GATHERING | Trans Justice Strategy Retreat | 19–21 April 2024
- CoPP | GOV | ADAPTATION | Preparing for climate change over a board game | Saturday 20 April 2024 | 10am–2pm
- MELB | EQPR | DEVELOPING | Your Adaptive Leadership Capacity | 28-30 May 2024
- VIC | VTMH | TRAINING | Mental Health and Cultural Diversity Community of Practice | Registrations open for 2024 | next session Wednesday 29 May 2024
- AUST | EQPR | GATHERING | Better Together 2024 | Friday 14–Saturday 15 June 2024
4.1 VIC | AAV | CREATING | Future Reset - Maker Space
Arts Access Victoria (AAV) offers Future Reset – Maker Space is a year of free in person and online visual and digital arts workshops and is for young Deaf and Disabled people aged 18–25 who live in Victoria. Beginners welcome!This is a safe space for making art, socialising and creating community with peers. Workshops in visual and digital arts, professional development and free studio time, led by Deaf and Disabled artists.
All workshops are Auslan interpreted. Make 2024 a year of creativity and meeting new people.
- Where: Join in person on Saturdays in Melbourne CBD, and online on Wednesday evenings.
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: essential, online via Arts Access Victoria.
4.2 MELB | BACC | EXHIBITING | Unfinished Business | on now, until Tuesday 21 April 2024
Unfinished Business in an exhibition at Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre (BACC) at Melbourne Museum of photographic portraits revealing stories of 30 First Nations people with lived experience of disability from across Australia.Each participant’s story is complex and intertwined with Australia’s political and social history, which has resulted in today’s high rates of disability in Aboriginal and Torres Strait communities.
Through their involvement in the project, each participant’s self-narratives accompanying their portraits contextualise and draw much-needed attention to critical issues that impact on their lives.
- Where: Birrarung Gallery, Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Melbourne Museum
- Cost: included with museum entry 0 to $15
- Bookings: open 9am–5pm (Closed Good Friday And Christmas Day). Online through Melbourne Museum
4.3 MELB | NGVA | EXHIBITING | Wurrdha Marra – Many Mobs
Welcome to Wurrdha Marra – meaning ‘Many Mobs’ in the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung language.The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia (NGVA) is a home to Australian art, presenting First Nations and non-First Nations art from historical to present day. The name comes from the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, supporting the purpose of this space in sharing the work of First Nations artists, from emerging to senior figures, and across time and place.
For First Nations peoples around the world, art and design are part of a continuum where the past intersects with the present, different materials converge, and diverse perspectives come together. The central role of art in passing down important cultural knowledge is celebrated in this display through the diverse approaches that artists take to maintaining and regenerating customary cultural practices and iconography while also creating new forms of expression.
Wurrdha Marra is a dynamic exhibition space in which familiar works from the NGV’s collection of First Nations Australian art and design are displayed alongside new acquisitions. Presented through a series of changing thematics, the works on display offers a series of visual dialogues as a way to explore how parallel innovations and continuities can continue to inspire new ways of thinking about art.
The works included in this inaugural hang are by emerging artists as well as senior figures across both time and place. Each of these artists has in their own way been at the forefront in creating new forms of expression, and in maintaining and regenerating customary cultural practices and iconography. Great individual artists, working in Aboriginal-owned art centres or independently after studying at art school, continue to shape and transform art in Australia, inspiring many others to follow their example.
- Read More
- Where: NGV Australia (NGVA), The Ian Potter Centre, Fed Square, Melbourne
- Cost: Free entry
- Bookings: no booking required. Now showing 10am–5pm daily
4.4 CoPP | PPLS | TUTORING | Local High School Students for Free
The City of Port Phillip (CoPP) and Emerald Hill Library (PPLS) in South Melbourne will be running a free Homework Tutoring Club for local High School Students during 2024.Its aim is to improve educational outcomes to students through providing learning assistance with volunteer tutors.
The homework assistance sessions will be held on Thursday evenings during school terms, from 6–7.30pm. There is also the option for tutoring on Tuesday evenings, from 6–7.30pm. Volunteer tutors will be on hand to assist students with their homework tasks such as Maths, English, Science and school projects around history, geography, social issues and other topics.
- For more information please contact Peter Conlon on email homies@portphillip.vic.gov.au or on 9209 6611.
4.5 CoPP | GOV | ACCESSING | Hop-on hop-off free community bus
Bridging the gap in accessible transport by providing reliable, sustainable transport options for the Port Phillip community.Not everyone in our community can access public or private transport services. That’s why City of Port Phillip (CoPP) have reintroduced our Hop-on, Hop-off Community Transportrouted service.
The service currently operates Monday to Friday 8.30am–3pm and has over 150 community transport bus stops between Caulfield Hospital, Elwood, South Melbourne Market, Alfred Hospital and St Kilda Library.
New Timetables and Route Maps Available Now!
Pick up yours on the Community Bus, at Town Halls or at The Library or online.
- For more information 8.30am–2pm Monday to Friday, contact 03 9209 6223 or email commbus@portphillip.vic.gov.au.
4.6 CoPP | GOV | DELIVERING | Meals to eligible residents (Meals on Wheels)
City of Port Phillip (CoPP) delivered meals service is designed to assist eligible residents who are having difficulty preparing meals for themselves.Meals are delivered to resident's homes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and are delivered fresh to be consumed within three days or can be frozen for up to two months. The number of meals provided to each eligible resident is based on a needs assessment and can be up to seven meals per week.
The meals are delivered by Choice Fresh Meals who offer a great variety of nutritional food and can cater to many special dietary requirements including texture modified. Meals are three courses and include a soup/sandwich, main meal and dessert option. Meal packaging has been designed to be easily heated and is both microwave and oven safe.
A regular delivery time will be provided with a two-hour window depending on suburb of resident.
- For more information contact ASSIST on 03 9209 6777 or email meals@portphillip.vic.gov.au
- Download poster for your organisation
4.7 CoPP | S2b | EXHIBITING | Dignity – a Solo Exhibition by Angelina Mirabito | on now, until Saturday 2 March 2024
Space2b Social Design (S2b)'s Dignity Exhibition celebrates art's power to transform the way we experience public and private spaces. The presence of art in daily life can have a dignifying effect, regardless of who we are or our story. Art can create meaningful connections and remind us of what's possible.- Where: Space2b Artspace, 144 Chapel Street, St. Kilda
- More info
4.8 CoPP | PPLS | MAKING | Smartphone Stories - Stories of Positive Aging | Saturday 2 March | 10am–5pm
Learn how to make short films using your smartphone at Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS)!Whether you’re a complete novice, or you already have some film-making experience, this workshop will equip you with the skills necessary to craft compelling films using your Smartphone.
Over the course of two days, you’ll learn how to write, plan, shoot, and edit your own film, all exclusively using your very own smartphone. Acquire new skills, boost your digital confidence, create your debut film, and forge connections with your community!
- Where: St Kilda Library Community Room
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: Find out more and book online via Eventbrite
4.9 CoPP | S2b | TURNING | Heads with Its A Wrap Headscarf Workshop | Saturday 2 March 2024 | 11am-12.30pm
Embrace your inner Queen! Learn how to confidently wear a head scarf in a variety of styles. As part of Melbourne Fashion Festival Independent Programme, Space2b Social Design (S2b) is running this fun-filled workshop, hosted by the wonderful Abouk Girr.
Help keep our city beautiful and prevent litter reaching the bay by coming along to the City of Port Phillip’s Clean Up Australia Day event.
Where: Marine Reserve near St Kilda Skate Park
Landmark: Meet near the Skate Park/Car Park at the round sculpture
Please register to make sure we know you are coming and we have enough gear. Click the link for more information on how to get involved.
From where to find grants, understanding the guidelines and selection criteria, working through an application and budget and how to frame your project.
Join Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS) and Alexandra and Katia to discuss their individual writing practice, and their raw and honest memoirs that deal with family, grief, betrayal, motherhood, sexuality, and desire.
This reflective Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH) peer group allows mental health practitioners to deepen their understanding about spiritual diversity, which can include beliefs, values, traditions and practices.
In partnership with Spiritual Health Association (SHA), Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH) is pleased to offer more opportunities for mental health practitioners to identify and explore challenges when spirituality or religion comes up during encounters with consumers.
Sessions in this series are for practitioners working in publicly funded mental health programs across Victoria. This includes staff based in clinical mental health services, community-managed services, as well as people working within mental health programs in community health and human social services. Unfortunately, these discussions are not open to students on clinical placement.
From where to find grants, understanding the guidelines and selection criteria, working through an application and budget and how to frame your project.
Sharing:
Digital resources are now available
If you're planning an event we would love to promote it on our website and social media! Please share your plans with us at communications@vmc.vic.gov.au
This year’s Feast For Freedom Week runs from 18 to 24 March, but you can choose to host your Feast any time before 30 April.Feast for Freedom is not just an event; it’s a powerful expression of community coming together in support of refugees and people seeking asylum, and a celebration of their food, their culture, their stories, and their contribution to Australia’s diversity.
Over the coming weeks, hosts will embark on a special journey filled with delicious food, inspiring stories, and favourite recipes gifted to us by this year’s Hero Cooks, Harchana and Reveka. Both cooks have prepared special feasts for you to recreate in your kitchen, showcasing traditional dishes from their home countries of Malaysia and Venezuela.
The recipes from these two feasts make more than just meals; they’re memories intertwined with incredible stories of courage, hope, and possibility.Whether you’ve been a steadfast supporter of the ASRC or are newly involved with our cause, we invite you to join us in the Feast for Freedom, helping to raise vital funds for the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.
To celebrate the beginning of the Feast, we’re gifting the first 200 sign-ups a beautiful falafel spice and recipe from our social enterprise, ASRC Catering. With a $25 donation, you can also secure a limited edition 2024 Feast for Freedom tea towel.
As a Feast for Freedom host, you’ll be inviting your guests to come on a culinary journey with you, discovering new foods, cultures, and traditions while asking people to make a donation to the ASRC to help provide food, shelter, healthcare and other vital services for people seeking asylum.Your participation can make a difference in the lives of more than 7,000 people seeking asylum who use the ASRC services each year while they rebuild their lives in safety.
So, gather your friends, family, colleagues or community and get ready to come together for a life-changing feast.
Yours in food and feasting,
Jo Gumley & Suzana Dewa, Feast For Freedom Coordinators
In the face of the global attacks on trans peoples rights, lives, and health care, Trans Justice Project (TJP) is facilitating the first national Trans Justice Strategy Retreat to bring together 100 trans activists, advocates, and allies for three days of workshops, trainings, and plenaries.
This retreat will be a big moment for our movement.
As an attendee you will have the chance to hear from local and national campaigns, build connections with leaders from all over the country, and gain tools and insights that will help strengthen and sharpen your own campaigns.
The conversations that we will have together will fundamentally shape the work our movement does in the coming year. That's why we have tried to make it as affordable as possible for people to attend.
Tickets are on a sliding scale with scholarships available and free tickets for First Nations people. We also have a shuttle travelling to and from the nearest train station to cut down on travel costs.
The event is wheelchair accessible, has strong covid-safety measures, and all attendees will be vetted to ensure safety and confidentiality. Best of all, your ticket price will cover your food and accommodation for the whole weekend.
If you are doing work connected to trans justice then this event is for you, whether you are trans or an ally. I am so excited for us all to come together to talk, plan, and share.
Jackie Turner (she/her), Director
This is a co-operative game where all the players work together, so you don’t have to be “good at games”. You will play with three other people, and there will be a facilitator running your game, making it as easy as possible.
Come for the game, stay for the connections, and learn how you can make a meaningful contribution to your community’s resilience.
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.
The Mental Health & Cultural Diversity Community of Practice (MHCD CoP) offers members an opportunity to explore contemporary practices and have robust and respectful conversations about ways we can make our practice more accessible and responsive to the diverse needs of local communities.
Facilitated state-wide by Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH), using a variety of formats to engage in these discussions, including holding reflective conversations, engaging in dialogue with guest presenters on a range of topics and panel discussions to name a few.
The CoP:
Registering as member of the CoP is essential. Membership is renewed annually. For more information on becoming a member, visit our website below.
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 explores the current issues facing the LGBTIQA+ movement in Australia, and celebrates 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.
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.
Ben Penning (BEPE) is in the midst of a very encouraging 2 day Supreme Court hearing.
Adani twice tried to raid Ben's home and has attacked him in the Murdoch press. Since then they’ve dropped their damages claim from $600 million to $17 million.
People power MUST match Adani’s billions.
Ben needs our help to finance his defence in this unprecedented court case for the right to peacefully protest.
Her refusal to properly assess the climate impact of two huge new coal mines is unacceptable.
We can’t let her get away with it.
They need our help to fund this landmark court case that starts in less than 2 weeks! Will you help them hold her accountable?
"There’s no time left to avoid the science or the reality. We cannot simply wait, and hope, that governments will listen to the science and do the right thing.
The science is clear. Burning coal and gas fuels dangerous climate change."
Let's make sure the Minister has a legal obligation to act on climate harm.
Thanks to support, they can now begin upgrading the tin shed, installing the much needed security gate as well as purchasing washing machines, art supplies and new mattresses. Stay tuned, we'll make sure to show you their progress along the way!
But the women at Galupa do have one final wish.
Gayili herself shared how urgent it is for the Community to have a dedicated vehicle to pick up girls at risk of domestic violence.
If you can support Gayili and the other women and babies at Galupa, they would be forever grateful.
The Community at Galupa was offered $3 million by the neighbouring mining company, Rio Tinto to leave their homeland.
In addition to a donation, you have the option to purchase fine art photographs & Community paintings to support the Women and Children of Galupa.
With your support Galupa Women's Shelter can continue its irreplaceable work across the region protecting First Nations Women and their Children, who like anyone else in this country are entitled to live safely and with dignity.
2023 was a pivotal year for the Pertame School (PESC), in which we launched the first total Immersion Language Nest playgroup in Australia.
We are proud to say that we are watching our Pertame babies grow, thrive, talk and play in their endangered Indigenous language. We have run over 100 Language Nest Immersion playgroup sessions providing wholesome meals, social development, health, fitness and community connection to 27 Pertame 0-5 year olds.
We have run over 400 hours of complete Pertame immersion sessions, employing 13 young parents, 8 Elders and 10 Pertame support staff.
Our Pertame children have proudly sung in their language alongside Paul Kelly. Our Elders and staff have travelled and exchanged with First Nations communities in the Navaho Nation in New Mexico, the Yuchi Immersion School in Oklahoma and the Salish Immersion School in Montana USA.
Lastly, we have started the construction of our On-country Learning Hub - a permanent home for our language, on the land the language originated from.
However, this would not have been possible without the backing we have received from so many generous supporters and partners who have believed in our Elder's dreams to see our small grassroots program grow.
It takes a village to raise a child, and we thank you all for being a part of our village to gift Pertame babies their heritage language for the first time in 45 years.
We believe that by restoring our Pertame language as the living, breathing spoken word of our community, we can rebuild the critical Pertame structures to heal our children, community and country. We will raise our next generation of Pertame children as secure, connected and healthy people immersed within their language.
We aim to create an intentional community, a village to raise our babies together, where we will maintain the highest standards of health, education, care and wellbeing, straight from our traditional knowledge.
Vanessa and the Pertame School team
In addition to our flagship projects, we have embarked on a number of new projects, which enable us to deepen our strategic partnerships and cross-sector collaborations with
our members and stakeholders. This includes our work in improving emergency preparedness and mental health outcomes for people from migrant and refugee backgrounds, which you can read more about below.
We are delighted to welcome on board several new staff members, and look forward to continuing to grow our team and our capacity throughout the year.
Last week saw the publication of our Pre-Budget Submission 2024-25, which makes a suite of recommendations to the Victorian and federal governments about the urgent priorities facing migrant and refugee communities. A focus was the need to address the rise in racism and vilification in recent years, and its impact on our communities. While we commend the state government for spearheading the Anti-Racism Strategy, we call on them to commit priority funding for its implementation as well as the implementation of other measures to combat institutional racism.
We are also currently developing ECCV's new Strategic Plan, which we are excited to publish in April. We have been consulting widely with our members, stakeholders and communities as part of this process to ensure ECCV remains the leading voice for multicultural Victoria.
The Strategic Plan 2024-34 will provide a clear roadmap for the next decade, with the goal of clarifying our purpose, vision, and mission, and detailing measurable objectives to guide our actions and effectively measure our social impact.
This year also marks a half-century since ECCV was first established in 1974. The organisation, and the diverse communities we represent, have come a mighty long way since then, and we are excited to celebrate our milestone 50th anniversary with you in the coming months.
Eddie Micallef, Chairperson
Australia is in the worst cost-of-living crisis in over 20 years, and migrants and refugees have been hit particularly hard. ECCV’s Pre-Budget Submission 2024-25 calls for targeted investments across a range of areas including employment, emergency management and mental health to support our diverse communities through this crisis.
Multicultural leaders honoured on 26 January 2024
Many multicultural leaders were recognised as part of the Australia Day Honours List 2024. We would especially like to congratulate our members and friends: former ECCV Board Member Zeynep Yesilyurt OAM, longstanding ECCV volunteer Con PagonisOAM, Dr Francis Acquah AM, Loc Huu Lam OAM, Peter Gaspar OAM, Lesley Gaspar OAM and Florence Tafadzwa Mauwa OAM.
First 2024 meeting of the MEMP
ECCV was pleased to attend the first Planning Meeting of the year for the Multicultural Emergency Management Partnership (MEMP), which is supported by our Multicultural Emergency Management Initiative. The Meeting, which was held on 24 January, was a fantastic opportunity to come together with the community leaders, emergency service representatives and organisations involved in the MEMP.
Revisit highlights from our AGM
ECCV's 2023 AGM was one of our most well-attended in recent years, with over 100 members and friends joining us on 30 November, when we announced ECCV's new patron, the Hon Steve Bracks AC. Watch the highlights in our AGM wrap video. You can also watch Mr Bracks' full keyote address, and ECCV CEO Mo Elrafihi’s speech.
Have you read our latest Annual Report?
ECCV's Annual Report 2022-23 is available online now. The Report offers an overview of what ECCV has achieved over the last financial year through our policy, advocacy and project work with a focus on our strategic collaborations. Thank you to all our members, partners and communities who helped shape our work.
Learn more about financial elder abuse | Thursday 8 February 2024 | 4–5.30pm
ECCV has partnered with Financial Counselling Victoria to hold an online workshop next week about financial elder abuse and how to support seniors to identify and respond to the issue. Speakers at the workshop include Lyn Dundon, Project Coordinator at FCV and Michele Padbury, Financial Counsellor at VincentCare.
ECCV is pleased to share our new online Policy Library, which makes it easier to search our reports, submissions and position papers about key advocacy areas, including anti-racism, aged care, disability, and employment. Our research and policy publications are a vital part of our work to advance the rights and wellbeing of Victoria’s migrant and refugee communities.
Join our mental health workshops
Do you work in the mental health sector and want to learn how to provide culturally safe services? ECCV is holding workshops to help practitioners understand the factors impacting poorer mental health outcomes for multicultural communities. To arrange a workshop, please contact ECCV's Partnerships & Engagement Lead Surmeli Yesilyurt on 0481 589 664 or syesilyurt@eccv.org.au.
Raising voices of diverse people with disability
In partnership with the Migrant Resource Centre North West Region, ECCV is delivering workshops to empower people with disability from migrant and refugee communities. The Raise Our Voices program will support people with disability from multicultural backgrounds to understand what self-advocacy is, why it's important and how they can improve their self-advocacy skills.
Whilst this list is not exhaustive it is comprehensive to represent each of the religions in good faith.
We know many of you are looking forward to celebrating all over again with the Lunar New Year, which falls on 10 February this year because our schools team is busy taking a lot of bookings. This is a joyous time for the whole community as we anticipate moving from the Year of the Rabbit to the Year of the Dragon. The dragon is a propitious sign indicating improvement and abundance for everyone. May it be so!
With any Cultural Infusion booking, you will now receive free access to a suite of constantly updated intercultural education resources, comprising internationally award-winning apps, games and activities that integrate the arts, music, geography, history and Indigenous perspectives that will put your students at the forefront in intercultural competency. There is no better way to prepare students for our globalised and ever-changing world.
We remember the history of this week. Harmony Week promotes respect, inclusivity and a sense of belonging for everyone and will be celebrated from the 20 to 26 March 2024, but harmony isn’t the full story of how this event came about. The United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination commemorates the 21 March 1960 Sharpeville Massacre in South Africa where 69 people peacefully protesting apartheid laws were killed by South African police and more than 200 were wounded. This was a turning point in South Africa’s history, galvanising international sympathy for the anti-apartheid cause. In 1994, South Africa became the last country in Africa to gain liberation from colonisation and apartheid.
Quincy wrote he had waited 12 years for the chance and finally took it…
Catherine wrote about reading Melissa Lucashenko’s 2023 novel Edenglassie:
About 400 languages are spoken in Australia, of which about 167 are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, with 19% of the population aged over five speaking a language other than English at home.
Australia’s linguistic diversity is a precious resource that we could embrace much better. In fact, Australia has been called ‘a graveyard of languages’ by a linguistics professor at Macquarie Uni. More than 70% of us are monolingual, and we come lowest out of the OECD countries in terms of provision and uptake of languages. The benefits of multilingualism are well documented, and studies have shown that students in Australia who speak only English statistically perform the poorest in English at school.
How aware are you of the linguistic diversity in your own communities? Language, including mother language, is one of the 7 pillars underpinning our world-leading diversity data tool, Diversity Atlas. Language is one of the most important aspects of our cultural diversity that Diversity Atlas can reveal because of its vast language dataset, comprising every known (to our expert researchers) language and dialect in the world, numbering 11,200 in total.
The article also sheds light on the challenges organisations may face when implementing these crucial initiatives and provides valuable insights into understanding, addressing, and ultimately overcoming resistance.
Discover practical strategies for fostering a workplace culture that embraces diversity and inclusion, and learn how effective communication and commitment from leadership can make a lasting impact. Join us in exploring the keys to navigating DEI backlash and building a more inclusive environment for everyone.
Likewise, if you consider yourself a cultural diversity champion or even an entry level employee, you may benefit from our training programs, adjusted to serve your needs from general information to detailed strategies development. Stay tuned for more updates!
In a world dominated by fourth-generation technology services and tools, individuals attempt to put these developments at their service to achieve socio-economic upliftment. The United Nations resolution on the Right to Development mandates this principle, which also becomes clearer when met under the Resolution on Achieving the SDGs.
The problem lies in the fact that governments lack comprehensive and inclusive data sets through which they could design and implement relevant policies. This article uses the world's first inclusive diversity data tool, Diversity Atlas, as an example for designing social innovation policies that leave no one behind. The article is published in the 13 edition of the ‘Allilon’ magazine, a periodical dedicated to social and solidarity economics to be published in March 2024.
The interactive sessions, underpinned by Diversity Atlas’s insights, emphasised the urgent need for enhanced belonging among workers through data-driven diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies. The events featured deep conversations on advancing DEI and were capped off with actionable insights for embracing a truly diverse and inclusive business landscape in Pakistan.
The series was part of Mashood’s road trip to Future Fest, Pakistan’s largest tech expo – where he connected with tech leaders from Pakistan and abroad to discuss the way forward for measuring diversity and how it can help companies take their best step into the future. It was great to connect with so many new people along the way, and spark some great new projects that we’ll keep you posted on through the course of this year.
This year heralds the arrival of the Year of the Dragon, a symbol of strength, courage, and good fortune. As we embrace the dragon's auspicious energy, families gather for joyous festivities marked by colourful parades, traditional dances, and feasts symbolising prosperity.
Wishing everyone a happy and prosperous Lunar New Year from all of us at Diversity Atlas!
On 26 January, Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) took the time to reflect on the incredible strengths and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Communities across Australia throughout our shared history. On this day, and every day, the Indigenous Literacy Foundation acknowledges First Nations Peoples' unbroken connections to land, sea and sky and pay our respects to Elders and all First Nations peoples.
Our thoughts are with Far North Queensland, Wujal Wujal and surrounding Aboriginal Communities needing support as a result of the ongoing devastating floods.
We would like to thank all of our supporters who donated to our Festive Appeal, as a result we raised over $20,000 which will go towards our programs in remote Communities for 2024. These include:
In regard to events, it's not too early to save Wednesday 4 September for your Indigenous Literacy Day celebration and we are currently planning our two key fundraisers, the Great Book Swap and Busking for Change. More to come!
Mandaang guwu,
Ben Bowen (Wiradjuri/Gandagarra), Chief Executive Officer
This month's word is are you well? in Wiradjuri language! Wiradjuri Country is located in central New South Wales.
Connecting Up this 26 January 2024
Learn about the importance of January 26th, ways to engage and how the ILF uses this day to connect with other First Nations people and organisations on Gadigal Country.
We are pleased to announce that we have a new Book Buzz kit available to remote playgroups this year. The Can You Dance? kit was chosen as this kit focuses on gross motor skill development including dance and movement elements. It also includes other fun elements such as finger puppets, musical instruments and a parachute!
Congratulations to ILF Ambassador Jessica Mauboy on her brand new single, ‘Forget You’ which is out now. We would also like to congratulate Jess on her new album, 'Yours Forever' which will be available soon. Anita Heiss
A big congratulations to ILF Ambassador Anita Heiss on the success of Tiddas, a play based on her much loved novel which was held at the Belvoir St. Theatre as part of the Sydney Festival's Blak Out Program.
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.
Every year the Colin Biggers & Paisley Foundation runs a Final Hour Appeal offering the opportunity for their staff to donate the final hour of their working day for the year to their major charity partner, the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. Staff were also given the option of giving their work Christmas gift to the ILF. The combined donation raised over $18,328 which will support our Book Supply program.
An enormous thank you to Kinokuniya Books for providing us the opportunity for the second year in a row for Festive Gift Wrapping during the festive period. It was a fantastic result where we raised over $16,800 while engaging with the delightful customers of Kinokuniya. We would also like to thank our incredible 248 volunteers who were amazing to work with every step of the way!
One of our most beloved books and characters, Moli det bigibigi, is the first ever ILF picture book to have a sequel!
Written in Kriol and English and based on a true story, it follows the adventures of a real-life pig called Moli.
Looking for shade on a hot day in Binjari, Moli takes shelter under a local van, but ends up getting stuck!
Will she manage to get free?
Mayarda (Pelicans)
Featuring beautiful illustrations of pelicans and fish, learn to count in Gooniyandi with this playful song book. Children can count the hungry pelicans and the unfortunate fish that the pelicans want to eat. The playful tune will have the whole family singing along.
The book is a bilingual board book, written in Gooniyandi and English.
Kurrartuwarnti (Brolgas)
In the wet season, a family of brolgas make their nests in the long grass. They look after their eggs, search for food, and dance together while defying any foes who might want to eat them up.
The book is a bilingual board book, written in Walmajarri and English.
Manyi Nganyjaali (Bush Tomatoes)
Manyi Nganyjaali (Bush Tomatoes) is a snapshot of daily Community life as three cousins head out in a red car, searching for a feed of juicy bush tomatoes. This delightful board book shares a snapshot of everyday life in a remote Community.
The book is a bilingual board book, written in Gooniyandi and English.
Jirntipirriny jaa Lamparn Parri (Willy Wagtail and the Little Boy)
One morning, a little boy and his family go looking for bush berries. The boy wanders off on his own, following the calls of a willy wagtail. Learn more about life on Country with the little boy and his family. The story emphasises the importance of family and belonging.
The book is a bilingual children's picture book written in Walmajarri and English.
We warmly welcome these three outstanding individuals who each bring a wealth of experience and wisdom that will support the ILF in the next phase of our strategic vision.
Thomas Mayo
Thomas Mayo is a Kaurareg Aboriginal, and Kulkalgal, Erubamle Torres Strait Islander man. He is a best selling author and Assistant National Secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia. Thomas has long advocated for social justice issues, including Indigenous and asylum seekers rights. Thomas is a signatory of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and has been a leading advocate since its inception in May 2017.
Amara Barnes
Amara is a proud Wiradyuri yinaa (woman). For the past decade Amara has worked across multiple sectors and industries, including in media, tertiary, community, non-profit and private organisations, towards meaningful and positive outcomes for First Nations peoples.
Amara is an advocate for First Nations self-determination, through Nation re-building, including the preservation and practice of languages and cultures. She is passionate about re-learning Wiradyuri language and passing it on to her gudha-galang (children).
Nicole Abadee
Nicole Abadee was a barrister and then legal academic for 20 years, with a background in International Law and Human Rights Law. Nicole has worked in the book industry, working as a senior editor at Penguin Random House. She is currently the books writer for Good Weekend Magazine as well as a festival moderator, interviewing writers at writers’ festivals and Australian literary events.
Nicole was heavily involved in the Yes Campaign for the 2023 Referendum for a First Nations Voice to Parliament, and co-founded Writers for the Voice, an advocacy group with over 700 members.
Strong governance is critical to the ILF to achieve aspirational Community led targets to enact Community literacy journeys. I look forward to the opportunity to work closely with Nicole, Amara and Thomas in their capacity as ILF Board members.
To show our gratitude, we would like to offer you the opportunity to write your will for free online, with our partner, Safewill – an Australian owned operation based in Sydney.
Safewill has made it easier and more affordable for the 70% of Australians that don’t have a legally binding Will to protect the people and organisations that mean the most to them.
This offer to write your Will for free will only be available for 2 weeks.
Join the free webinar on Monday 18 March at 12.30pm to learn about:
We look forward to seeing you online!
Featuring Great Grandmother Mary Lyons, Donna Goodman, Jacqui Patterson, Kehkashan Basu, Emily Echevarria, Patricia Fero, and Osprey Orielle. Join panelists representing environmental organizations on what they are doing and how others can help.
Enjoy a special feature of this newsletter exploring PoWR's signature document, Towards a Global Ethic. This essay was selected as the first-place winner of the 2023 Global Ethic Essay Contest and read on the main stage of the 2023 Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago, USA.
Written by Audrey Ferrer, a Religious Education & Family Life Resource Teacher (K-12) at the Toronto Catholic District School Board in Canada, the essay explored how to bring the Global Ethic into the classroom and how it can help students engage with various moral issues.
We all deserve a workplace that works and sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest difference. Find out how you can start to make your workplace more autism inclusive by learning more at amaze.com
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander
Ageism
Climate, Environment & Emergency
Community, Connection & Belonging
Difability & Disability
Employment
Family & Neighbourhood Violence
Health, Sickness & Wellbeing
Kids, Youth, Parenting & Education
Racism
Women
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.
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.
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:
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.
Or click the following Reconciliation Australia links that interest you:
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:
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.
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.
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.
You can show your support by:
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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
Children’s Ground vision includes:
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:
Other projects include:
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:
The following links are currently being used to promote COVID-19 resources in language (via the translations icon):
Individuals can collect up to two packets for themselves plus up to two packets for each household member per visit. People with a disability or their carer can collect up to four packets of tests.
To learn in other ways about Victoria's responses:
Other Resources
- Where: Space2b Social Design, 144 Chapel St, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia
- Cost: $95
- Bookings: online via S2b website
4.10 CoPP | CUAD | GATHERING | Community Marine Reserve Clean Up Day | Sunday 3 March 2024 | 9–10.30am
Join City of Port Phillip (CoPP)'s Clean Up Australia Day (CUAD) event at Marine Reserve near St Kilda Skate Park.Help keep our city beautiful and prevent litter reaching the bay by coming along to the City of Port Phillip’s Clean Up Australia Day event.
Where: Marine Reserve near St Kilda Skate Park
Landmark: Meet near the Skate Park/Car Park at the round sculpture
Please register to make sure we know you are coming and we have enough gear. Click the link for more information on how to get involved.
4.11 CoPP | GOV | TRAINING | Grant Writing Workshop 2024 (in person) | Wednesday 6 March 2024 | 9.30am–12noon
This City of Port Phillip (CoPP) grant writing training session with Debby Maziarz will cover all aspects of grant writing.From where to find grants, understanding the guidelines and selection criteria, working through an application and budget and how to frame your project.
- Where: Community Training Room, St Kilda Town Hall, 99A Carlisle Street, St Kilda VIC 3182
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: essential, online via Trybooking
4.12 CoPP | PPLS | TALKING | With Authors Alexandra Collier and Katia Ariel | Wednesday 6 March 2024 | 6.30–7.30pm
The Truth about Memoirs: What are the ethics of writing about those that you love, while also revealing your most personal and tender flaws?Join Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS) and Alexandra and Katia to discuss their individual writing practice, and their raw and honest memoirs that deal with family, grief, betrayal, motherhood, sexuality, and desire.
- Where: St Kilda Library
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: online via Trybookings
4.13 VIC | VTMH | WEBINAR | Medicate or contemplate? The time constraints of the system | Tuesday 12 March 2024 | 10.30am–12noon
While person-centred care models include these domains, workers often feel ill-equipped to support people in these aspects of their lives.This reflective Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH) peer group allows mental health practitioners to deepen their understanding about spiritual diversity, which can include beliefs, values, traditions and practices.
In partnership with Spiritual Health Association (SHA), Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH) is pleased to offer more opportunities for mental health practitioners to identify and explore challenges when spirituality or religion comes up during encounters with consumers.
Sessions in this series are for practitioners working in publicly funded mental health programs across Victoria. This includes staff based in clinical mental health services, community-managed services, as well as people working within mental health programs in community health and human social services. Unfortunately, these discussions are not open to students on clinical placement.
- Where: Online via Zoom — details to be sent to registrants in advance
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: essential as spaces are limited. Please register early to secure a place. More information or register
4.14 CoPP | GOV | WEBINAR | Grant Writing Workshop 2024 (online) | Thursday 14 March 2024 | 6–8.30pm
This City of Port Phillip (CoPP) grant writing training session with Debby Maziarz will cover all aspects of grant writing.From where to find grants, understanding the guidelines and selection criteria, working through an application and budget and how to frame your project.
- Where: online. The link to this online event to be provided by the event organiser.
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: essential, online via Trybooking
4.15 CoPP | S2b | CELEBRATING | Festival Africa | Sunday 17 March 2024 | 11am-5pm
Space2b Social Design (S2b) & Astral African Market presents a celebration of african cultures. Music, dance, food, craft, art and more.4.16 CoPP | GOV | WEBINAR | Grant Writing for Creatives 2024 (online) | Monday 18 March 2024 | 6–8.30pm
A City of Port Phillip (CoPP) grant writing training session Debby Maziarz.Sharing:
- practical and transferable ways to approach grant writing for arts and cultural projects
- developing and communicating your project idea and your project plan
- developing budgets and funding strategy
- working with an auspice organisation
- finding project partners
- presenting support material
- evaluating your project
- more information about City of Port Phillip 2024/2025 Cultural Development Fund grants.
- Where: online. The link to this online event to be provided by the event organiser.
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: essential, online via Trybooking
4.17 VIC | VMC | SHARING | Cultural Diversity Week | Monday 18–Sunday 24 March 2024
Victoria's vibrant Cultural Diversity Week is happening with this year's theme, "Our Shared Stories - Celebrating Together," invites everyone to join a tapestry of experiences and celebrate the beauty of our diverse state. As part of Cultural Diversity Week, we are excited to highlight the diverse and vibrant events hosted by councils across Victoria.Digital resources are now available
If you're planning an event we would love to promote it on our website and social media! Please share your plans with us at communications@vmc.vic.gov.au
4.18 MELB | ASRC | CATERING | Feast for Freedom | Monday 18–Sunday 24 March 2024
Excitement levels at Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) Catering are at an all-time high in the kitchen as the launch of Feast for Freedom is just around the corner.This year’s Feast For Freedom Week runs from 18 to 24 March, but you can choose to host your Feast any time before 30 April.Feast for Freedom is not just an event; it’s a powerful expression of community coming together in support of refugees and people seeking asylum, and a celebration of their food, their culture, their stories, and their contribution to Australia’s diversity.
Over the coming weeks, hosts will embark on a special journey filled with delicious food, inspiring stories, and favourite recipes gifted to us by this year’s Hero Cooks, Harchana and Reveka. Both cooks have prepared special feasts for you to recreate in your kitchen, showcasing traditional dishes from their home countries of Malaysia and Venezuela.
The recipes from these two feasts make more than just meals; they’re memories intertwined with incredible stories of courage, hope, and possibility.Whether you’ve been a steadfast supporter of the ASRC or are newly involved with our cause, we invite you to join us in the Feast for Freedom, helping to raise vital funds for the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.
To celebrate the beginning of the Feast, we’re gifting the first 200 sign-ups a beautiful falafel spice and recipe from our social enterprise, ASRC Catering. With a $25 donation, you can also secure a limited edition 2024 Feast for Freedom tea towel.
As a Feast for Freedom host, you’ll be inviting your guests to come on a culinary journey with you, discovering new foods, cultures, and traditions while asking people to make a donation to the ASRC to help provide food, shelter, healthcare and other vital services for people seeking asylum.Your participation can make a difference in the lives of more than 7,000 people seeking asylum who use the ASRC services each year while they rebuild their lives in safety.
So, gather your friends, family, colleagues or community and get ready to come together for a life-changing feast.
Yours in food and feasting,
Jo Gumley & Suzana Dewa, Feast For Freedom Coordinators
4.19 AUST | TJP | GATHERING | Trans Justice Strategy Retreat | 19–21 April 2024
Together, we are forging a new vision for how we create a future where all trans and gender diverse people are safe, celebrated, and free.In the face of the global attacks on trans peoples rights, lives, and health care, Trans Justice Project (TJP) is facilitating the first national Trans Justice Strategy Retreat to bring together 100 trans activists, advocates, and allies for three days of workshops, trainings, and plenaries.
This retreat will be a big moment for our movement.
As an attendee you will have the chance to hear from local and national campaigns, build connections with leaders from all over the country, and gain tools and insights that will help strengthen and sharpen your own campaigns.
The conversations that we will have together will fundamentally shape the work our movement does in the coming year. That's why we have tried to make it as affordable as possible for people to attend.
Tickets are on a sliding scale with scholarships available and free tickets for First Nations people. We also have a shuttle travelling to and from the nearest train station to cut down on travel costs.
The event is wheelchair accessible, has strong covid-safety measures, and all attendees will be vetted to ensure safety and confidentiality. Best of all, your ticket price will cover your food and accommodation for the whole weekend.
If you are doing work connected to trans justice then this event is for you, whether you are trans or an ally. I am so excited for us all to come together to talk, plan, and share.
- Where: Lake Dewar Discovery Camp, Myrniong, VIC, 3341
- Cost: Free–AU$330 + BF
- Bookings: Tickets strictly limited and selling fast, online via Humantix
Jackie Turner (she/her), Director
4.20 CoPP | GOV | ADAPTATION | Preparing for climate change over a board game | Saturday 20 April 2024 | 10am–2pm
City of Port Phillip (CoPP) is thrilled to bring The Adaptation Game (TAG) board game to our community. It's a playful workshop for Port Phillip residents to connect and prepare to be more resilient to climate change.TAG is based on real science about how climate change will affect Port Phillip. You get to play out ways to prepare and protect your home, family, community, and environment.This is a co-operative game where all the players work together, so you don’t have to be “good at games”. You will play with three other people, and there will be a facilitator running your game, making it as easy as possible.
Come for the game, stay for the connections, and learn how you can make a meaningful contribution to your community’s resilience.
- Where: St Kilda Town Hall
- Cost: Free
- Inclusions: Lunch will be provided
- Learn more
4.21 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.
4.22 VIC | VTMH | TRAINING | Mental Health and Cultural Diversity Community of Practice | Registrations open for 2024 | next session Wednesday 29 May 2024
A Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH) facilitated space to critically reflect on cultural diversity and mental health.The Mental Health & Cultural Diversity Community of Practice (MHCD CoP) offers members an opportunity to explore contemporary practices and have robust and respectful conversations about ways we can make our practice more accessible and responsive to the diverse needs of local communities.
Facilitated state-wide by Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH), using a variety of formats to engage in these discussions, including holding reflective conversations, engaging in dialogue with guest presenters on a range of topics and panel discussions to name a few.
The CoP:
- Is a free program
- Facilitated online via Zoom and/or Face to face
- Meets quarterly throughout the year. Remaining 2024 dates are:
- Wednesday 29 May 2024
- Monday 26 August 2024
- Wednesday 27 November 2024
- Each meeting runs for 2 hours, from 10am-12pm
Registering as member of the CoP is essential. Membership is renewed annually. For more information on becoming a member, visit our website below.
4.23 AUST | EQPR | GATHERING | Better Together 2024 | Friday 14–Saturday 15 June 2024
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 explores the current issues facing the LGBTIQA+ movement in Australia, and celebrates 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.
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.
5. COLLECTIVISING
In this Section
- QLD | BEPE | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds towards Defending Environmental Activism
- QLD | ECoCeQ | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds towards Protecting our #LivingWonders by mounting Climate Cases
- NT | GWS | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds towards Women's Shelter
- NT | PESC | PUBLISHING | Pertame School 2023 Annual Report
- VIC | ECCV | UPDATING | eBulletin #42 | February 2024
- VIC | FCCV | PUBLISHING | Multifaith Calendar 2024
- AUST | CUIN | UPDATING | Spectacular New Year | February 2024
- AUST | ILF | UPDATING | News from the Indigenous Literacy Foundation | February 2024
- WORLD | PWR | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds towards global interfaith movement
5.1 QLD | BEPE | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds towards Defending Environmental Activism
After three and a half years of harrowing multi-million dollar litigation affecting my family, I’m grateful the Supreme Court will now examine whether parts or all of Adani’s case should also be dumped.Ben Penning (BEPE) is in the midst of a very encouraging 2 day Supreme Court hearing.
"In a very exciting development, my legal team will be arguing why Adani’s remaining allegations should be ‘Struck Out’ or declared an ‘Abuse of Process’All Donations Will Be Matched By Prominent Supporters
Some of my supporters have offered to match donations to my legal defence fund.
I haven’t got 100 BILLION DOLLARS like Mr Adani so I need your help!"
Adani twice tried to raid Ben's home and has attacked him in the Murdoch press. Since then they’ve dropped their damages claim from $600 million to $17 million.
People power MUST match Adani’s billions.
Ben needs our help to finance his defence in this unprecedented court case for the right to peacefully protest.
5.2 QLD | ECoCeQ | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds towards Protecting our #LivingWonders by mounting Climate Cases
The volunteer group Environment Council of Central Queensland (ECoCeQ) is taking the Environment Minister to court for failing to do her one job - to protect our environment from harm.Her refusal to properly assess the climate impact of two huge new coal mines is unacceptable.
We can’t let her get away with it.
They need our help to fund this landmark court case that starts in less than 2 weeks! Will you help them hold her accountable?
"There’s no time left to avoid the science or the reality. We cannot simply wait, and hope, that governments will listen to the science and do the right thing.
The science is clear. Burning coal and gas fuels dangerous climate change."
Let's make sure the Minister has a legal obligation to act on climate harm.
5.3 NT | GWS | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds towards Women's Shelter
The women and babies at Galupa Women's Shelter are blown away by the generosity of donors.Thanks to support, they can now begin upgrading the tin shed, installing the much needed security gate as well as purchasing washing machines, art supplies and new mattresses. Stay tuned, we'll make sure to show you their progress along the way!
But the women at Galupa do have one final wish.
Gayili herself shared how urgent it is for the Community to have a dedicated vehicle to pick up girls at risk of domestic violence.
"When one of our girls or mothers is at risk of violence, we need to be able to go and pick her up right away. It is really urgent that we can get her and any babies or children as quickly as possible to our safe place, away from harm."As you know, Gayili is a highly influential Elder in her Community who has shown time and time again the pathway to safety. She is credited for turning the suicide rate in the area from the then highest documented in Australia - to zero.
If you can support Gayili and the other women and babies at Galupa, they would be forever grateful.
The Community at Galupa was offered $3 million by the neighbouring mining company, Rio Tinto to leave their homeland.
"If we leave Galupa we would be disrespecting our Lore and we would have nothing."Instead, they are raising funds to STAY on their homeland and create a place of safety for women and babies.
In addition to a donation, you have the option to purchase fine art photographs & Community paintings to support the Women and Children of Galupa.
With your support Galupa Women's Shelter can continue its irreplaceable work across the region protecting First Nations Women and their Children, who like anyone else in this country are entitled to live safely and with dignity.
5.4 NT | PESC | PUBLISHING | Pertame School 2023 Annual Report
Werta Pertame friends and supporters. Arrangkerra marra? You all well?2023 was a pivotal year for the Pertame School (PESC), in which we launched the first total Immersion Language Nest playgroup in Australia.
We are proud to say that we are watching our Pertame babies grow, thrive, talk and play in their endangered Indigenous language. We have run over 100 Language Nest Immersion playgroup sessions providing wholesome meals, social development, health, fitness and community connection to 27 Pertame 0-5 year olds.
We have run over 400 hours of complete Pertame immersion sessions, employing 13 young parents, 8 Elders and 10 Pertame support staff.
Our Pertame children have proudly sung in their language alongside Paul Kelly. Our Elders and staff have travelled and exchanged with First Nations communities in the Navaho Nation in New Mexico, the Yuchi Immersion School in Oklahoma and the Salish Immersion School in Montana USA.
Lastly, we have started the construction of our On-country Learning Hub - a permanent home for our language, on the land the language originated from.
However, this would not have been possible without the backing we have received from so many generous supporters and partners who have believed in our Elder's dreams to see our small grassroots program grow.
It takes a village to raise a child, and we thank you all for being a part of our village to gift Pertame babies their heritage language for the first time in 45 years.
We believe that by restoring our Pertame language as the living, breathing spoken word of our community, we can rebuild the critical Pertame structures to heal our children, community and country. We will raise our next generation of Pertame children as secure, connected and healthy people immersed within their language.
We aim to create an intentional community, a village to raise our babies together, where we will maintain the highest standards of health, education, care and wellbeing, straight from our traditional knowledge.
- Read our 2023 Annual Report and feel free to share the report widely.
Vanessa and the Pertame School team
5.5 VIC | ECCV | UPDATING | eBulletin #42 | February 2024
Welcome to Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV)'s first eBulletin for 2024. We hope that, like the team here, you enjoyed a restful break and are energised for the year ahead.In addition to our flagship projects, we have embarked on a number of new projects, which enable us to deepen our strategic partnerships and cross-sector collaborations with
our members and stakeholders. This includes our work in improving emergency preparedness and mental health outcomes for people from migrant and refugee backgrounds, which you can read more about below.
We are delighted to welcome on board several new staff members, and look forward to continuing to grow our team and our capacity throughout the year.
Last week saw the publication of our Pre-Budget Submission 2024-25, which makes a suite of recommendations to the Victorian and federal governments about the urgent priorities facing migrant and refugee communities. A focus was the need to address the rise in racism and vilification in recent years, and its impact on our communities. While we commend the state government for spearheading the Anti-Racism Strategy, we call on them to commit priority funding for its implementation as well as the implementation of other measures to combat institutional racism.
We are also currently developing ECCV's new Strategic Plan, which we are excited to publish in April. We have been consulting widely with our members, stakeholders and communities as part of this process to ensure ECCV remains the leading voice for multicultural Victoria.
The Strategic Plan 2024-34 will provide a clear roadmap for the next decade, with the goal of clarifying our purpose, vision, and mission, and detailing measurable objectives to guide our actions and effectively measure our social impact.
This year also marks a half-century since ECCV was first established in 1974. The organisation, and the diverse communities we represent, have come a mighty long way since then, and we are excited to celebrate our milestone 50th anniversary with you in the coming months.
Eddie Micallef, Chairperson
Highlights
Pre-budget submissionAustralia is in the worst cost-of-living crisis in over 20 years, and migrants and refugees have been hit particularly hard. ECCV’s Pre-Budget Submission 2024-25 calls for targeted investments across a range of areas including employment, emergency management and mental health to support our diverse communities through this crisis.
Multicultural leaders honoured on 26 January 2024
Many multicultural leaders were recognised as part of the Australia Day Honours List 2024. We would especially like to congratulate our members and friends: former ECCV Board Member Zeynep Yesilyurt OAM, longstanding ECCV volunteer Con PagonisOAM, Dr Francis Acquah AM, Loc Huu Lam OAM, Peter Gaspar OAM, Lesley Gaspar OAM and Florence Tafadzwa Mauwa OAM.
First 2024 meeting of the MEMP
ECCV was pleased to attend the first Planning Meeting of the year for the Multicultural Emergency Management Partnership (MEMP), which is supported by our Multicultural Emergency Management Initiative. The Meeting, which was held on 24 January, was a fantastic opportunity to come together with the community leaders, emergency service representatives and organisations involved in the MEMP.
Revisit highlights from our AGM
ECCV's 2023 AGM was one of our most well-attended in recent years, with over 100 members and friends joining us on 30 November, when we announced ECCV's new patron, the Hon Steve Bracks AC. Watch the highlights in our AGM wrap video. You can also watch Mr Bracks' full keyote address, and ECCV CEO Mo Elrafihi’s speech.
Have you read our latest Annual Report?
ECCV's Annual Report 2022-23 is available online now. The Report offers an overview of what ECCV has achieved over the last financial year through our policy, advocacy and project work with a focus on our strategic collaborations. Thank you to all our members, partners and communities who helped shape our work.
Learn more about financial elder abuse | Thursday 8 February 2024 | 4–5.30pm
ECCV has partnered with Financial Counselling Victoria to hold an online workshop next week about financial elder abuse and how to support seniors to identify and respond to the issue. Speakers at the workshop include Lyn Dundon, Project Coordinator at FCV and Michele Padbury, Financial Counsellor at VincentCare.
Opportunities and Resources
Browse ECCV's new Policy LibraryECCV is pleased to share our new online Policy Library, which makes it easier to search our reports, submissions and position papers about key advocacy areas, including anti-racism, aged care, disability, and employment. Our research and policy publications are a vital part of our work to advance the rights and wellbeing of Victoria’s migrant and refugee communities.
Join our mental health workshops
Do you work in the mental health sector and want to learn how to provide culturally safe services? ECCV is holding workshops to help practitioners understand the factors impacting poorer mental health outcomes for multicultural communities. To arrange a workshop, please contact ECCV's Partnerships & Engagement Lead Surmeli Yesilyurt on 0481 589 664 or syesilyurt@eccv.org.au.
Raising voices of diverse people with disability
In partnership with the Migrant Resource Centre North West Region, ECCV is delivering workshops to empower people with disability from migrant and refugee communities. The Raise Our Voices program will support people with disability from multicultural backgrounds to understand what self-advocacy is, why it's important and how they can improve their self-advocacy skills.
5.6 VIC | FCCV | PUBLISHING | Multifaith Calendar 2024
Victorian Faith Communities Council of Victoria (FCCV) have published their annual multifaith calendar outlining major holy days and festivals for Baha'i, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism and Sikhism.Whilst this list is not exhaustive it is comprehensive to represent each of the religions in good faith.
5.7 AUST | CUIN | UPDATING | Spectacular New Year | February 2024
Cultural Infusion (CUIN) hopes the New Year has started well for you.We know many of you are looking forward to celebrating all over again with the Lunar New Year, which falls on 10 February this year because our schools team is busy taking a lot of bookings. This is a joyous time for the whole community as we anticipate moving from the Year of the Rabbit to the Year of the Dragon. The dragon is a propitious sign indicating improvement and abundance for everyone. May it be so!
BOOKING | With Us and Putting Culture at the Heart of Education!
We have a huge announcement to kick off the year.With any Cultural Infusion booking, you will now receive free access to a suite of constantly updated intercultural education resources, comprising internationally award-winning apps, games and activities that integrate the arts, music, geography, history and Indigenous perspectives that will put your students at the forefront in intercultural competency. There is no better way to prepare students for our globalised and ever-changing world.
SHARING | 6 Ways of Celebrating Lunar New Year in the Classroom
Check out our informative post with tips on how to celebrate Lunar New Year or go straight to our cultural educations page to book your celebrations now! We have a range of relevant programs, including Chinese Calligraphy & Brush Ink Painting, Chinese Classical Music, Chinese Culture for a Day, Chinese Kite Making, Chinese Lantern Making and Calligraphy, Chinese Lion Dance, Chinese Martial Arts, Filipino Music and Storytelling, Indonesian Infusion, Korean Classical Dance and Vietnamese Classical Dance.OFFERING | Free Diversity Health Check
How well is your organisation managing the diversity of its stakeholders (customers, students, clients etc)? This Diversity, Equity & Inclusion health check is for everyone and it is free. Share it with everyone you know!BOOKING | For Harmony Week | Wednesday 20–Tuesday 26 March 2024
Bookings are filling up fast for our Harmony Week programs. Our Education and Experiences team delivered more than 100 cultural incursions over Harmony Week 2023 for our phenomenal Harmony Week offerings, reaching more than 90 early learning centres, schools and community organisations across Australia.We remember the history of this week. Harmony Week promotes respect, inclusivity and a sense of belonging for everyone and will be celebrated from the 20 to 26 March 2024, but harmony isn’t the full story of how this event came about. The United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination commemorates the 21 March 1960 Sharpeville Massacre in South Africa where 69 people peacefully protesting apartheid laws were killed by South African police and more than 200 were wounded. This was a turning point in South Africa’s history, galvanising international sympathy for the anti-apartheid cause. In 1994, South Africa became the last country in Africa to gain liberation from colonisation and apartheid.
REFLECTING | Culture Corner
We asked our staff if they’d like to contribute a description of any cultural experience they had enjoyed over the summer break. Two answered the call. This is what they came back with.Quincy wrote he had waited 12 years for the chance and finally took it…
I went to MONA in Hobart. It was even better than I imagined it would be. The amazing blend of old and new art was astounding and inspiring. I stared into an Egyptian tablet from 2000 bc and then watched a musician compose a piece of music in front of me, that he then performed at 4pm on the same day he wrote it. Old and new indeed. At one stage I looked up at a big screen and someone had looped a series of Wonder Woman TV clips. I looked down and found myself next to a chair on which there was a white soup bowl with two live goldfish swimming about in it, along with a meat cleaver. I looked across the room at a mural by Sydney Nolan comprising more than 1500 small paintings. I then sat under a volcano – a soundscape by Jonsi from Sigur Ros that rattled my guts – then sat on a vibrating couch looking at a wall of vaginas. I spent five hours wandering about wishing I had 25 hours to spare. Art is more than just cultural expression. For me it’s liberation as well; liberation from structures, normalcy, routines, expectations and every other aspect of reality that we all diligently and responsibly live out. Art is not escapism like a dream or a holiday is, it’s liberation of the most beautiful, expressive, unique and weird aspects of our selves, and MONA is a brilliant celebration of this. Five stars!
Catherine wrote about reading Melissa Lucashenko’s 2023 novel Edenglassie:
The narrative takes place in 2024 and 1855 and gave me a strong sense of the Brisbane/Meanjin area (which was for a short time known as Edendglassie), its early colonial history and how this history continues to play out. The story was partly inspired by the wrongful conviction of Kipper Billy in 1861, a conviction that was only formally overturned in 2018.
SPOTLIGHTING | International Mother Language Day | 21 February
International Mother Language Day falls on 21 February. This day was an initiative of Bangladesh, approved at the 1999 UNESCO General Conference and has been observed worldwide since 2000.About 400 languages are spoken in Australia, of which about 167 are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, with 19% of the population aged over five speaking a language other than English at home.
Australia’s linguistic diversity is a precious resource that we could embrace much better. In fact, Australia has been called ‘a graveyard of languages’ by a linguistics professor at Macquarie Uni. More than 70% of us are monolingual, and we come lowest out of the OECD countries in terms of provision and uptake of languages. The benefits of multilingualism are well documented, and studies have shown that students in Australia who speak only English statistically perform the poorest in English at school.
How aware are you of the linguistic diversity in your own communities? Language, including mother language, is one of the 7 pillars underpinning our world-leading diversity data tool, Diversity Atlas. Language is one of the most important aspects of our cultural diversity that Diversity Atlas can reveal because of its vast language dataset, comprising every known (to our expert researchers) language and dialect in the world, numbering 11,200 in total.
BENCHMARKING | Kick off the year of where your DEI Strategy sits
New year is the time for starting fresh — and if you’re looking to start on a DEI plan, the best way to kick off is with our free Diversity Atlas Healthcheck - a free survey we’re offering online to help you come to terms with where your organisation is at currently with diversity, equity and inclusion. It only takes 5 to 10 minutes, which gets you a report with a score out of 100. You will find out where you’re doing well, and receive advice to rectify potential gaps in your practice. Not only does this help your organisation, but the Diversity Data Health Check is great for the DEI community.FEATURING | Our latest blog on DEI Backlash
Our latest blog post delves into the complex landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, exploring the nuanced topic of DEI backlash.The article also sheds light on the challenges organisations may face when implementing these crucial initiatives and provides valuable insights into understanding, addressing, and ultimately overcoming resistance.
Discover practical strategies for fostering a workplace culture that embraces diversity and inclusion, and learn how effective communication and commitment from leadership can make a lasting impact. Join us in exploring the keys to navigating DEI backlash and building a more inclusive environment for everyone.
INTRODUCING | 2024 Webinar Series
Diversity Atlas is proud to announce that 2024 will be the year in which we’ll continue developing our pool of Cultural Diversity thought leaders, and our first step is a series of webinars to be launched from February 2024 onwards. Our series of webinars will be themed under the following categories of using Diversity Atlas: for events, for research in universities, for building Gender Equality Planning (GEP) blocks and reporting under the Horizon Europe context, for fundraising, for benchmarking, and of course for reporting Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) indicators.Likewise, if you consider yourself a cultural diversity champion or even an entry level employee, you may benefit from our training programs, adjusted to serve your needs from general information to detailed strategies development. Stay tuned for more updates!
ELABORATING | Inclusive strategies & datasets (in Greek) – Allilon13th edition
Diversity Atlas CEO and founder, Peter Mousaferiadis, and our Cultural Ambassador Mario Chatzidamianos are elaborating on the UN’s Right to Development and SDGs resolutions, based on Diversity Atlas’s inclusive datasets, on the 13th edition of the 'Allilon' magazine in Greece, produced by AllilonNET Non-profit Company.In a world dominated by fourth-generation technology services and tools, individuals attempt to put these developments at their service to achieve socio-economic upliftment. The United Nations resolution on the Right to Development mandates this principle, which also becomes clearer when met under the Resolution on Achieving the SDGs.
The problem lies in the fact that governments lack comprehensive and inclusive data sets through which they could design and implement relevant policies. This article uses the world's first inclusive diversity data tool, Diversity Atlas, as an example for designing social innovation policies that leave no one behind. The article is published in the 13 edition of the ‘Allilon’ magazine, a periodical dedicated to social and solidarity economics to be published in March 2024.
BRINGING | Diversity Atlas around Pakistan
Mashood Qureshi, our Client Experience Director, hosted a string of engaging events in Pakistan’s major northern cities. Titled ‘Diversity Data for Bottom-Line Growth,’ these roundtables convened C-Suite and HR leaders from top national companies, covering eighteen industries. The focus was on leveraging precise diversity data to drive profitability and inclusivity in the workplace.The interactive sessions, underpinned by Diversity Atlas’s insights, emphasised the urgent need for enhanced belonging among workers through data-driven diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies. The events featured deep conversations on advancing DEI and were capped off with actionable insights for embracing a truly diverse and inclusive business landscape in Pakistan.
The series was part of Mashood’s road trip to Future Fest, Pakistan’s largest tech expo – where he connected with tech leaders from Pakistan and abroad to discuss the way forward for measuring diversity and how it can help companies take their best step into the future. It was great to connect with so many new people along the way, and spark some great new projects that we’ll keep you posted on through the course of this year.
SPOTLIGHTING | Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is celebrated by numerous Asian and other communities around the world.This year heralds the arrival of the Year of the Dragon, a symbol of strength, courage, and good fortune. As we embrace the dragon's auspicious energy, families gather for joyous festivities marked by colourful parades, traditional dances, and feasts symbolising prosperity.
Wishing everyone a happy and prosperous Lunar New Year from all of us at Diversity Atlas!
5.8 AUST | ILF | UPDATING | News from the Indigenous Literacy Foundation | February 2024
Yamandhu marang, Happy 2024 and we hope you all had a safe and relaxing break.On 26 January, Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) took the time to reflect on the incredible strengths and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Communities across Australia throughout our shared history. On this day, and every day, the Indigenous Literacy Foundation acknowledges First Nations Peoples' unbroken connections to land, sea and sky and pay our respects to Elders and all First Nations peoples.
Our thoughts are with Far North Queensland, Wujal Wujal and surrounding Aboriginal Communities needing support as a result of the ongoing devastating floods.
We would like to thank all of our supporters who donated to our Festive Appeal, as a result we raised over $20,000 which will go towards our programs in remote Communities for 2024. These include:
- gifting 136,800 culturally relevant books into 430 remote Communities
- strengthening our relationships with the 107 playgroups we are working with through our Book Buzz program
- publishing 30 books representing 21 languages through our Community Publishing
- and hosting two Create Initiatives and one Pamela Lofts Bequest project
In regard to events, it's not too early to save Wednesday 4 September for your Indigenous Literacy Day celebration and we are currently planning our two key fundraisers, the Great Book Swap and Busking for Change. More to come!
Mandaang guwu,
Ben Bowen (Wiradjuri/Gandagarra), Chief Executive Officer
SPOTLIGHTING | Word of the Month
To celebrate second year of 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 are you well? in Wiradjuri language! Wiradjuri Country is located in central New South Wales.
- Are you well? = yamandhu marang
- Phonetics: yama-do mar-rang
- Download the audio
PARTICIPATED | Yabun Festival | Friday 26 January 2024
The ILF participated in Yabun on Gadigal Country. Yabun is the largest, annual, one-day gathering and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in Australia, held on the traditional lands of the Gadigal people. We are so grateful to be able to connect with other First Nations people and organisations on this important day. Thank you to everyone who supported our stall.Connecting Up this 26 January 2024
Learn about the importance of January 26th, ways to engage and how the ILF uses this day to connect with other First Nations people and organisations on Gadigal Country.
ANNOUNCING | New Tote Bags - Available Now!
We are pleased to announce that we have four new tote bags with illustrations from Country Tells Us When…. The totes showcase the ngamagarri (white cockatoo), the yari (humpback whale), jurru (snake), and an illustration of Buru (Country). Read more about the illustrations here.CLICKING | For More Stories
WORKING | Community
ANNOUNCING | Can You Dance? Book Buzz KitWe are pleased to announce that we have a new Book Buzz kit available to remote playgroups this year. The Can You Dance? kit was chosen as this kit focuses on gross motor skill development including dance and movement elements. It also includes other fun elements such as finger puppets, musical instruments and a parachute!
ANNOUNCING | Ambassador News
Jessica MauboyCongratulations to ILF Ambassador Jessica Mauboy on her brand new single, ‘Forget You’ which is out now. We would also like to congratulate Jess on her new album, 'Yours Forever' which will be available soon. Anita Heiss
A big congratulations to ILF Ambassador Anita Heiss on the success of Tiddas, a play based on her much loved novel which was held at the Belvoir St. Theatre as part of the Sydney Festival's Blak Out Program.
THANKING | Especially
Thinking of writing your will? The ILF has partnered with Safewill and will be hosting a webinar for Free Wills Week commencing on 18 March 2024 - save the date!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.
Every year the Colin Biggers & Paisley Foundation runs a Final Hour Appeal offering the opportunity for their staff to donate the final hour of their working day for the year to their major charity partner, the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. Staff were also given the option of giving their work Christmas gift to the ILF. The combined donation raised over $18,328 which will support our Book Supply program.
THANKING | Community Fundraisers
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 the next 12 months. “We really wanted to raise funds for a charity that was supporting First Nations Communities and making a difference, especially in young peoples’ lives.”An enormous thank you to Kinokuniya Books for providing us the opportunity for the second year in a row for Festive Gift Wrapping during the festive period. It was a fantastic result where we raised over $16,800 while engaging with the delightful customers of Kinokuniya. We would also like to thank our incredible 248 volunteers who were amazing to work with every step of the way!
PUBLISHING | Moli bin git stak (Molly gets stuck) | Available Now!
Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) are so excited to launch Moli bin git stak (Molly gets stuck)!One of our most beloved books and characters, Moli det bigibigi, is the first ever ILF picture book to have a sequel!
Written in Kriol and English and based on a true story, it follows the adventures of a real-life pig called Moli.
Looking for shade on a hot day in Binjari, Moli takes shelter under a local van, but ends up getting stuck!
Will she manage to get free?
“This is my second book and I think I’m the first one to write a second book – I just want to continue on writing books. It’s really important to me to share the Kriol language to help our Indigenous Children. It’s really important for our little ones and when they get older, they might, you know, do something like write a book too.” Author Karen Manbulloo and Molly the pig, 2023
PUBLISHING | Four New Bilingual Books!
We are excited to launch four new bilingual books written and illustrated by women at the Baya Gawiy Children and Family Centre in Fitzroy Crossing, Western Australia.Mayarda (Pelicans)
Featuring beautiful illustrations of pelicans and fish, learn to count in Gooniyandi with this playful song book. Children can count the hungry pelicans and the unfortunate fish that the pelicans want to eat. The playful tune will have the whole family singing along.
The book is a bilingual board book, written in Gooniyandi and English.
Kurrartuwarnti (Brolgas)
In the wet season, a family of brolgas make their nests in the long grass. They look after their eggs, search for food, and dance together while defying any foes who might want to eat them up.
The book is a bilingual board book, written in Walmajarri and English.
Manyi Nganyjaali (Bush Tomatoes)
Manyi Nganyjaali (Bush Tomatoes) is a snapshot of daily Community life as three cousins head out in a red car, searching for a feed of juicy bush tomatoes. This delightful board book shares a snapshot of everyday life in a remote Community.
The book is a bilingual board book, written in Gooniyandi and English.
Jirntipirriny jaa Lamparn Parri (Willy Wagtail and the Little Boy)
One morning, a little boy and his family go looking for bush berries. The boy wanders off on his own, following the calls of a willy wagtail. Learn more about life on Country with the little boy and his family. The story emphasises the importance of family and belonging.
The book is a bilingual children's picture book written in Walmajarri and English.
INTRODUCING | New Board Members
ILF is delighted to announce the appointment of three new Board Members commencing February 2024.We warmly welcome these three outstanding individuals who each bring a wealth of experience and wisdom that will support the ILF in the next phase of our strategic vision.
Thomas Mayo
Thomas Mayo is a Kaurareg Aboriginal, and Kulkalgal, Erubamle Torres Strait Islander man. He is a best selling author and Assistant National Secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia. Thomas has long advocated for social justice issues, including Indigenous and asylum seekers rights. Thomas is a signatory of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and has been a leading advocate since its inception in May 2017.
Amara Barnes
Amara is a proud Wiradyuri yinaa (woman). For the past decade Amara has worked across multiple sectors and industries, including in media, tertiary, community, non-profit and private organisations, towards meaningful and positive outcomes for First Nations peoples.
Amara is an advocate for First Nations self-determination, through Nation re-building, including the preservation and practice of languages and cultures. She is passionate about re-learning Wiradyuri language and passing it on to her gudha-galang (children).
Nicole Abadee
Nicole Abadee was a barrister and then legal academic for 20 years, with a background in International Law and Human Rights Law. Nicole has worked in the book industry, working as a senior editor at Penguin Random House. She is currently the books writer for Good Weekend Magazine as well as a festival moderator, interviewing writers at writers’ festivals and Australian literary events.
Nicole was heavily involved in the Yes Campaign for the 2023 Referendum for a First Nations Voice to Parliament, and co-founded Writers for the Voice, an advocacy group with over 700 members.
Strong governance is critical to the ILF to achieve aspirational Community led targets to enact Community literacy journeys. I look forward to the opportunity to work closely with Nicole, Amara and Thomas in their capacity as ILF Board members.
OFFERING | Write your Will online for FREE | Monday 18 March 2024–Sunday 31 March 2024
Supporters of the Indigenous Literacy Foundation have helped us to run our programs around the country – bringing books and literacy resources to children in remote Communities around Australia.To show our gratitude, we would like to offer you the opportunity to write your will for free online, with our partner, Safewill – an Australian owned operation based in Sydney.
Safewill has made it easier and more affordable for the 70% of Australians that don’t have a legally binding Will to protect the people and organisations that mean the most to them.
This offer to write your Will for free will only be available for 2 weeks.
Join the free webinar on Monday 18 March at 12.30pm to learn about:
- the importance of making a will
- the process of writing your online will
- dispelling the myths about making an online will.
We look forward to seeing you online!
5.9 WORLD | PWR | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds towards global interfaith movement
GATHERING | Women and Girls on the Frontlines of Sustainable Climate Actions | Friday 22 March 2024 | 2.30pm USA ET
On Friday 22 March 2024 the Parliament of the World's Religions (PWR) in partnership with the Green Tent Movement, The Chisholm Legacy Project, the Green Hope Foundation, and the Earth Child Institute presents Women and Girls on the Frontlines of Sustainable Climate Actions, a parallel event to the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).Featuring Great Grandmother Mary Lyons, Donna Goodman, Jacqui Patterson, Kehkashan Basu, Emily Echevarria, Patricia Fero, and Osprey Orielle. Join panelists representing environmental organizations on what they are doing and how others can help.
- Where: UN Church Center 10th Floor & Online
- Learn More
EXPLORING | Towards A Global Ethic
Fostering Opportunities for Students to Learn About, and Live Out the Parliament's Global EthicEnjoy a special feature of this newsletter exploring PoWR's signature document, Towards a Global Ethic. This essay was selected as the first-place winner of the 2023 Global Ethic Essay Contest and read on the main stage of the 2023 Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago, USA.
Written by Audrey Ferrer, a Religious Education & Family Life Resource Teacher (K-12) at the Toronto Catholic District School Board in Canada, the essay explored how to bring the Global Ethic into the classroom and how it can help students engage with various moral issues.
RECAPPING | Did You Catch This?
- Welcoming the Trustee Class of 2026
- A New Year’s Message from the Chair of the Board: Reflecting on 2023 and Welcoming 2024
- 朝全球化倫理的方向發展 – The Global Ethic (PoWR)
- Hacia Una Ética Mundial - The Global Ethic (PoWR)
- KU ETYCE GLOBALNEJ – The Global Ethic (PoWR)
- Women Advancing Knowledge Equity: The Parliament of the World’s Religions
STAYING | Up to date with the work of the Parliament
SUPPORTING | Our Work
Stay connected with the Parliament of the World's Religions, join us online across our social media platforms.
- Donate
6. ANNOUNCING
In this Section
- VIC | GOV | ANNOUNCING | Investing in community sports to change the game
- VIC | POL | ADVISING | Police are drug testing across Victoria
- AUST | GOV | ADVISING | Health information for multicultural communities
- AUST | AMAZE | MAKING | Autism friendly workplaces
6.1 VIC | GOV | ANNOUNCING | Investing in community sports to change the game
The Victorian Government has announced its backing more women and girls from all backgrounds to get involved in the sport they love, right across the state. Grants up to $10,000 are available to support community sport and recreation clubs.6.2 VIC | POL | ADVISING | Police are drug testing across Victoria
Police are out there day and night to keep everyone in the community safe. If you drive with illicit drugs in your system, chances are the police will catch you. Police can be anywhere at anytime.6.3 AUST | GOV | ADVISING | Health information for multicultural communities
MyMedicare is a new, voluntary and free way to register with your regular doctor or clinic. These are government-funded telehealth consultations with your regular doctor and it gives your doctor more resources to treat you.
6.4 AUST | AMAZE | MAKING | Autism friendly workplaces
We all deserve a workplace that works and sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest difference. Find out how you can start to make your workplace more autism inclusive by learning more at amaze.com 7. SUPPORTING
In this Section
- AUST | MANY | Helpers and Reliable Sources Along the Way
- AUST | MULTI | Supporting Voices, Treaty and Meaningful Reconciliation with First Peoples, Settlers, and Those Who Come After
- VIC | GOV | UPDATING | Coronavirus Response
- AUST | MULTI | UPDATING | Coronavirus Response
7.1 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
- LGBTIQA+
- Men
- Racism
- Women
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander
- Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan Aboriginal Corporation school teaches Aboriginal kids in their own language started in 2022 with just 15 students and this year they already have 74 enrolments plus a waiting list!
- 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.
- The Torch Project (TORCH) provides art, cultural and arts industry support to First Nations people currently in, or recently released, from Victorian prisons.
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
- Country Fire Authority – Summer Campaign Communications Kit includes a range of resources in different languages to help you stay safe during a bushfire
- 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
- Royal Life Saving – a handy checklist to help identify any areas of drownings concern, allowing everyone to be fully prepared for the upcoming summer.
- State Emergency Service – SES flood guide – Be aware of your risk, check your local area or call VIC SES on 132 500 for support
- Vic Emergency app or Call 1800 226 226 for Vic Emergency hotline
- Victoria Health Department – in hot weather or extreme weather, be neighbourly, check in on vulnerable neighbours
- 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
- The Boîte is a cornerstone of Victoria's multicultural music scene and champions diverse artists and musical experiences, enriching Australia's cultural landscape.
- Carer Gateway – an Australian Government website for carers that provides practical information and advice, and connects carers to services and support.
- Carer Gateway Real Carers, Real Stories - In Their Own Words digital photographic exhibition.
- 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.
- Quit Victoria – Tired of letting cravings control you? Beat the cravings, one at a time.
- 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)
LGBTIQA+
- The Equality Project – training and conferences
- GiveOUT – growing the pot of gold under the rainbow by supporting LGBTQIA+ organisations to access and use resources for the better.
- I'm From Driftwood – LGBTQIA+ first-person stories
- LGBTIQ+ Health Australia – free training activities for LGBTIQ+ people with disability
- Trans Justice Project – Impact Report 2023
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
7.2 AUST | MULTI | Supporting Voices, Treaty and Meaningful Reconciliation with First Peoples, Settlers, and Those Who Come After
- 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 | CHGR | BUILDING | First Nations kids learning and loving to learn. Their families walking beside. Seeing hope for the future
- AUST | YSS | EDUCATING | Aboriginal Pedagogy, Social Justice and Self-Determination
- AUST | EVCO | BUILDING | Stronger, more inclusive organisation through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Competence Training Programs
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.
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.
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.
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
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.Walk with Michael Long in support of the "Yes" campaign on one or more legs of the walk from Melbourne to Canberra.
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."
- 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.
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 GiveOUTPolls 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
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.
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 2017By 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:
- Help create a safe place for thinking, talking and taking action
- Acknowledge the experience and wisdom each person brings to the table
- Enter discussions in good faith with an open, constructive spirit
- Engage in respectful discussion, even in the face of dissent
- Be prepared to listen, gain new insight, and test one’s own opinions
Together, Yes invites people from all walks of life to gather in small group discussions and engage in an honest reckoning of the harm and injustice of our colonial past; Australia’s history of constitutional indifference; and how a Voice to parliament can make a difference.
- Watch video (3 mins)
- Visit website
- Stay in the Loop
- Become a Conversation Host. Bring others with you.
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.
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."
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."
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:
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.
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
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.
Other projects include:
- Foregrounding Anti Bias Perspectives
- Yarn Strong Brutha
- Enterprise for Empowerment.
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
7.3 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
7.4 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
8. ACKNOWLEDGING
In this Section
- Acknowledgment to Sources
- Bye bye to Essentialists
- Self-Isolators, Non-Essentials And The Homebound
8.1 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.
8.2 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.
8.3 Self-Isolators, Non-Essentials And The Homebound
Meanwhile, if with a surplus of time, this and the following is offered. Discuss with sincerity. Deny untruth. Dismiss unuseful. Accept useful. Adapt to change. Adopt least effort most benefit. Adept with sharing. Enjoy throughout. As each case may be. Round about. And again. Or not.