It has been seven long months since war first broke out in the Middle East, and we acknowledge the profoundly painful impact this has caused our local communities.
We fully support calls from across Australia and around the world for the release of hostages and an end to the war.
In times of global turmoil, we are starkly reminded of the importance of social cohesion. We stand in solidarity with
all Victorians affected by the war, and remain committed to supporting multicultural and multifaith communities to come together with mutual respect and understanding.
There are no winners in war. We unequivocally condemn all acts of violence against innocent civilians, and support the steps being taken to pave the way for a two-state solution. We are hopeful for a future where Palestine can co-exist as an independent sovereign state alongside an independent sovereign Israel, and where the people of both nations can live side by side in peace and freedom.
Closer to home, this week's Victorian Budget outlined a range of targeted initiatives to address the unique challenges and needs of diverse communities, such as $10.4 million for community language schools, and $4 million to fund legal help for asylum seekers, refugees and temporary visa holders, and to assist newly arrived migrants to connect to their new home.
However, we are disappointed and concerned that funding is lapsing for the Strategic Partnerships and Engagement Coordinator programs which provides vital support to regional multicultural communities. ECCV will continue to advocate for the sustainable funding of regional ethnic communities’ councils, recognising the critical role they play in supporting migrant and refugee communities across Victoria.
Eddie Micallef, Chairperson
Highlights
EXPLAINING | How the Victorian Budget stacked up
ECCV welcomes the investment in targeted programs for multicultural communities in the Victorian Budget 2024-25 released this Tuesday. Key investments include more than $86 million in education and community language initiatives, and more than $17 million to expand the delivery of the Victorian African Communities Action Plan.
- Read ECCV media release and look out for our detailed Budget analysis.
SUBMITTING | ECCV's first response to the Federal Budget
Ahead of the release of the Federal Budget next Tuesday, we are pleased to share ECCV's first Federal Pre-Budget Submission. It draws on our earlier Pre-Budget Submission which made funding recommendations at state and federal levels. Given the current review of the national Multicultural Framework, ECCV has identified new areas for government investment to build the capacity of our diverse communities.
PUBLISHING | ECCV's new Strategic Plan 2025-30
ECCV's new Strategic Plan 2025-30 provides a framework for how we can build a more inclusive and equitable Victoria over the next five years. The Strategic Plan was developed in consultation with our members, Board of Directors, staff as well as government and other stakeholders. It charts a clear direction for ECCV, which centres the importance of advocacy, sustainability and capability.
Opportunities and Resources
PUBLISHING | Latest Our Golden Years | out now
A new Our Golden Years is out now! Our Golden Years is ECCV's biannual print newsletter which offers hands-on tips and practical information on ageing well plus a round-up of resources and events for migrant seniors and multicultural seniors groups. In the latest issue, you can find stories on financial elder abuse, mental health and more.
PARTICIPATING | In 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, contact Partnerships & Engagement Lead Surmeli Yesilyurt on 0481 589 664 or via email at 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 supports 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.
MORE:
Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV)
Address: Suite 101, 398 Sydney Road, Coburg Vic 3058
Tel: (03) 9354 9555
ECCV acknowledges the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nations as the Traditional Owners of the Country on which we work. We pay respect to their Elders past and present, acknowledge their continuing connections to land, sea and community, and extend respect to Traditional Owners throughout Victoria.