It is exciting to share some important updates with you today.
Firstly, I'm thrilled to announce the appointment of Kashif Bouns as Director, Strategy and Operations of the Victorian Multicultural Commission. Kashif brings a wealth of experience in education, business, sport, and community development. His passion for fostering inclusivity and empowerment makes him a perfect fit to lead our commission and to serve our diverse communities. I look forward to working with Kashif in the pursuit to strengthen social cohesion and advocate for our diverse Victorian communities.
Last week, Commissioner Tarang Chawla joined the Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commission as they convened crisis talks into the alarming rates of murdered and missing women in Australia this year. This crucial gathering united experts from across the nation to confront the critical issue of gender-based violence in Australia. The roundtable resulted in a collective call for immediate action, and stakeholders are actively collaborating on solutions to prevent future tragedies.
The VMC will be meeting with the Commissioner for Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence soon to discuss opportunities for collaboration, particularly in relation to ensuring representation and participation from the multicultural communities. Our commitment to creating a safer future for women and a society free from gender-based violence is unwavering.
Please remember support is always available:
Victorian State Budget
The recently announced Victorian State Budget prioritises supporting families through these challenging times. Premier Allan emphasized the importance of providing cost-of-living relief and investing in essential services to strengthen Victorian families.
The VMC welcomes the increase in the multicultural affairs portfolio State Budget allocation to $64.6m for the 2024-25 financial year (from $61.5m) and in particular the:
- $4m over two years towards anti-discrimination measures;
- $4.4m over three years to support newly arrived migrant communities, including funding towards Multicultural Hubs Australia and Refugee Legal;
- $5.2m over four years to continue the important delivery of programs through the Victorian African Communities Action Plan;
The VMC also welcomes the additional targeted funding through the education and health portfolios towards:
- Community language schools ($10.4m over five years) including an increase in the per student funding as well as indexation.
- English as an Additional language ($44.5m over four years).
- The Victorian African Communities Action Plan ($12m over four years) through the Education portfolio
- Strengthening participation of CALD children in early childhood education ($9.4m over three years)
- Tailored healthcare for refugees and asylum seekers through the health portfolio ($4.4m in 2024-25).
The VMC will continue to work across government to ensure that other broader commitments are inclusive and address the needs of Victoria’s increasingly diverse multicultural population.
Warm regards,
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson, Victorian Multicultural Commission
News and Events
AUST | ETHN | REACHING | Multicultural audiences through community radio | Tuesday 4 June 2024 | 2pm AEST/12noon AWST
Looking to enhance your strategies for connecting with multicultural audiences across Australia? Ethnolink (ETHN) will be hosting a free one hour webinar specifically for professionals working in communications and community engagement roles in government and not-for-profit sector.
- Where: Online, please register below
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: For more information and to register online via Ethnolink
VIC | GOV | 2024 Learn Local Awards nominations now open
The Learn Local Awards celebrate excellence and innovation in pre-accredited adult community education. Learners, trainers, training organisations and programs are all eligible for nomination.
MELB | VMC | SEEKING | Manager | applications close Midnight Sunday 19 May 2024
An exciting opportunity exists for an experienced and skilled leader to join the Victorian Multicultural Commission as Manager.
VIC | QUIT | TAKING | Action today for a healthier tomorrow
Taking the first step towards quitting is a big milestone in itself. Stopping smoking can bring numerous benefits to your health, wellbeing, and overall quality of life. If you need support to take action today visit quit.org.au for more information.
VIC | MOUN | HEARING | Your say: Racism in Victorian sport
Are you over 18 and participate in community sport?
Monash University (MOUN), Victoria University and the University of Melbourne have developed a survey that examines the extent, nature and impact of racism in community sport as well as current approaches to anti-racism.
POLARON | WEBINAR | Preventing family violence | Thursday 23 May 2024 | 10am-11.30am AEST
Presented by Polaron Language Services and Myriad Kofkin Global, this online free webinar aims to improve communication and introduce policy frameworks for linguistically diverse communities facing family violence issues.
- Where: Online
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: For more information and to register online via polaron.com.au/events
VIC | VLW | LEARNING | About Victorian Law Week and the Law in your life | Monday 20-Sunday 26 May 2024
Victorian Law Week (VLW) is a state-wide program of community based events to learn about the law and how the law can help. Events are held online and in-person, across Victoria to learn more about the law in your life.
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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.