As we celebrated Ramadan and Easter with our community members and came together for new year festivities recently, we were reminded of the importance of joining together in faith and friendship.
Heartbreaking scenes continue to come out of New South Wales as the tragedies of the last few days come to light. It is impossible to make sense of the situations that unfolded but we stand with all of those affected, sending support and strength.
Challenging events of the past have strengthened our resolve to work together, across communities and authorities. As we are once again faced with similar times, I am grateful for the widespread public statements condemning violence and extremism, and commitment to social cohesion.
I am heartened by the strong leadership of faith and community leaders in working together, along with authorities during this difficult time. Many of us came to Australia from troubled experiences with hope and aspirations for a new peaceful and prosperous life. We must continue to support each other and protect our way of life, free from hate, violence and racism.
There can be no tolerance for racism, hate or vilification of any form in our multicultural and multifaith society.
If you or anyone you know needs support, please reach out within your community networks and to service providers. There are also a range of supports and resources available through:
- Lifeline - 13 11 14
- BeyondBlue - 1300 22 4636
- 13YARN - 13 92 76
Take care and I look forward to seeing you at upcoming gatherings over the next few weeks, such as the Pesach and Orthodox Easter.
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson
News and Events
VIC | GOV | REOPENING | Victoria's Overseas Qualification Unit
The Victorian Government's Overseas Qualification Unit are accepting applications for migrants to have their international qualifications recognised in Australia.
This is a free and confidential assessment service open to all Victorians.
AUS | GOV | PROVIDING | Free internet for 30,000 families with school age children
The Australian Government extended the 'School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI)' to help support families with school-aged children access online learning at home.
This initiative is providing up to 30,000 eligible families with school-aged children who have with no internet at home access to free nbn® until 31 December 2025.
- To see if you're eligible, contact the National Referral Centre on 1800 954 610 (Mon-Fri, 10am - 6pm).
- Read more information about the School Student Broadband Initiative
TRAI | HELPING | People feel more confident when using public transport | Thursday 9 May2024 | 10.30am-2pm
Try Before You Ride is an event hosted by Travellers Aid (TRAI) and Melbourne's public transport operators for people of all abilities to learn more about the public transport network.
By attending this event, people can:
- Learn how to travel safely with confidence
- Familiarise themselves with the various vehicles and Southern Cross station
- Speak with public transport staff and accessibility services
- Where: Southern Cross Station
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: Find out more and register
EMV | HEARING | Your say: About volunteering within the emergency management sector | survey closes Friday 19 April 2024
Emergency Management Victoria (EMV) is asking for volunteer or membership organisations to participate in their survey that looks into volunteering within the emergency management sector.
By completing this survey, it will help EMV identify opportunities for improved communication and consultation between volunteer agencies, organisations and the Victorian Government about emergency management.
VIC | GOV | GRANTING | For the live music industry | applications close Friday 17 May 2024
The Victorian Government will be investing $10 million into the 'Live Music Festival Fund' and '10,000 Gigs: The Victorian Gig Fund' to support the live music sector and ensure more artists have paid opportunities.
The 'Live Music Festival Fund' will provide grants of up to $50,000 to established Victorian festival organisers to help them stage new or existing events.
The '10,000 Gigs: The Victorian Gig Fund' will provide grants of up to $10,000 to Victorian live music venues to cover Victorian artists' fees for gigs at their venue.
VIC | GOV | SEEKING | Expressions of Interest for Board members at the Game Management Authority and Victorian Fisheries Authority | applications close 28 April 2024
The Game Management Authority and the Victorian Fisheries Authority are looking for new Board Directors.
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The VMC acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout Victoria and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.