Wednesday 1 May 2024, we hosted a multifaith service in Parliament, the House of freedom and democracy. It was great to have Victoria’s leaders of faiths coming together in solidarity to reaffirm a unified commitment to unity, love, peace and mutual respect.
Faith leaders spoke words of empathy, compassion, shared responsibility and coexistence.
They wanted to visibly evidence their respect for the deep wisdoms and to keep doing together what have found to be beneficial at other times of difficulty, that is to come together offer our prayers and listening respectfully to the prayers of others.
In the words of one faith leader…”It is important that we do not allow fear or prejudice to drive a wedge between us, but rather that we respond compassionately and collaboratively. To combat hate in all its forms, and to reject intolerance and discrimination wherever it may appear, we must stand united."
I thank the Minister for Multicultural Affairs as well as the Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police for their presence and support along with Victorian faith and community leaders. We can’t be what we can’t see and this visible evidence of unity is incredibly important.
Last week, I joined the Dandenong RSL at the ANZAC Day dawn service to pay tribute to our nation's heroes. Their courage, resilience, and lasting impact were deeply felt.
We also marked World Day for Safety and Health at Work on Sunday 28 April 2024, a day to remind us of the importance of creating safe and healthy workplaces for all. The wellbeing of employees should always be a top priority by preventing accidents and injuries, and fostering a culture of care and support. Hear from Commissioner Gabrielle Marchetti on this message.
These reflections also bring to light the ongoing fight for women's safety, amplified by recent marches across Australia. These demonstrations highlight the urgent need to tackle gender-based violence, harassment, and discrimination. Every individual deserves to feel safe. It's our collective responsibility to build a society where women can live free from fear and violence.
As we navigate through these challenging times, let us draw strength from the bravery and resilience of those who have come before us. Let us continue to strive for a future where safety, equality, and respect are fundamental principles upheld in every aspect of our society.
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson
News and Events
VIC | UNITING | Leaders of faith standing in solidarity
Yesterday, leaders from diverse faiths gathered in a spirit of unity. This service aims to visibly demonstrate our profound respect for each other's wisdom and shared yearnings. We offered meditations and prayers that echo these common desires for peace and cohesion.
This service also sought to send a broader message. To stand united, quietly reaffirming our commitment to multifaith harmony. It is our shared belief that every individual deserves respect, free from racism, vilification, and violence in all its forms.
AUST | AMES | TURNING | Listening into action | 7 May 2024 | 12noon-12:45pm AEST
An online webinar that will discuss how to engage with multicultural communities hosted by AMES. It will be presented by Deputy Chairperson of the VMC, Bwe Thay and Practice Leader, Sameera Fieldgrass from Centre of Multicultural Youth.
- Where: Online event
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: essential to obtain link, online via Humanitix
AUST | CAGA | SUPPORTING | Unpaid carers
There are more than 2.65 million unpaid carers in Australia, and 1 in 12 are under 25 years old.
Carer Gateway (CAGA) is a national initiative program funded by the Australian Government that offers a free and diverse range of short term services to help you manage your caring role and improve your wellbeing.
If you are an unpaid carer and wish to get access to Carer Gateway (CAGA) in your language you can call Uniting on 1800 422 737 or visit their website to learn more.
MELB | FGS | COMMEMORATING | Buddha's Day and Multicultural Festival | Friday 3-Sunday 5 May 2024
Organised by Fo Guang Shan (FGS) and Buddha’s Light International Association of Victoria (BLIA Vic), Buddha’s Day and Multicultural Festival is back at Fed Square for three days, bringing together arts, music and multicultural performances.
Times:
3 May | 6.30pm-9pm
4 May | 10am-9pm
5 May | 11am-9pm
- Where: Federation Square, Swanston and Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Cost: Free
- Find out more
AUST | RHC | SUPPORTING | Women and families following pregnancy loss
Rural Health Connect (RHC) has launched a new service to provide telehealth psychology sessions to women and families who have experienced stillbirth or miscarriage.
The sessions are bulk-billed or available at low cost, depending on a person’s situation.
This new service aims to help:
- multicultural families
- women aged under 20 years
- migrant and refugee communities, and
- people living in rural and remote Australia
VIC | ARBV | CALLING | Expressions of Interest for a Director at Architects Registration Board of Victoria
The Architects Registration Board of Victoria (ARBV) is looking for a Director to provide leadership and strategic direction.
VIC | GOV | CALLING | Expressions of interest for Board Members at Adult, Community and Further Education (ACFE) and AMES Australia
The Victorian Government is inviting expressions of interest for appointments to the Boards of the Adult, Community and Further Education (ACFE) and AMES Australia.
MORE:
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.