As we navigate these times together, I would like to share some important updates and heartfelt wishes.
'In a world marked by displacement, this year’s Refugee Week theme “Finding Freedom” – with a focus on family – encapsulates the resilience, strength, and unity that define the refugee experience. This week, we highlight the transformative power of family bonds, both biological and chosen, which provide solace, support, and a sense of belonging to those forced to flee their homelands.' At the VMC, we will always advocate for refugee rights and celebrate the bonds that transcend borders, offering hope and solidarity to those seeking refuge. Stay tuned for the VMC refugee story from our commissioners, coming soon!
The Federal government has announced the opening of the Community Cohesion and Support Program (CCSP) grant round. This fund is crucial in addressing the specific needs of Australian Palestinian, Muslim, and Arab communities affected by the ongoing Hamas-Israel conflict. The grants, up to $50,000, aim to promote a sense of belonging and foster social inclusion and cohesion, with a particular focus on youth and women.
At VMC, we recognise the important role of community organisations in fostering community harmony, cohesion so that all Victorians can live in harmony and look forward to supporting initiatives on the ground.
I also want to congratulate the Ethnic Community Council of Victoria's (ECCV) on their 50th anniversary. The event was a remarkable opportunity to reflect on ECCV's history and achievements over the past half-century. It also provided a moment to look ahead at how we can continue to support and empower multicultural Victoria well into the future.
Thank you for your continued dedication to fostering a more inclusive and cohesive society. Together, we can make a difference.
Lastly, as we approach Eid ul Adha, I extend my warmest wishes to all who celebrate. May this festive season bring joy, peace, and a renewed sense of community. Eid Mubarak!
Warm regards,
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson
News and Events
AUST | WoCA | SUPPORTING | Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program | applications close on 1 July 2024
Delivered in partnership with Women of Colour Australia, this program is designed for Women of Colour including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, who currently hold or aspire to hold senior leadership roles in their workplaces. It runs from August to November 2024 and is available to 16 participants.
AUST | ETHNOLINK | GATHERING | Annual Summit 2024 | Tuesday 27 August 2024
Ethnolink Summit is Australia's leading event on multicultural communications. Diverse voices unite in common passion to making multicultural communications mainstream through exploring innovative tools and strategies to reach and engage multicultural audiences.
VIC | GOV | FUNDING | Support for newly arrived Palestinians
The Victorian government announced that funding of $125,000 will be provided to Palestine Australia Relief and Action (PARA) to support people who have arrived in Victoria since October 2023.
VIC | WWDV | LAUNCHING | Preventing violence against women with disabilities from multicultural communities | Thursday 20 June 2024 | 11-12noon
Women with Disabilities Victoria (WWDV) and the Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health invite you to a free online event to launch new gender and disability workforce development resources.
- Where: Online zoom
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: online via Women With Disabilities Victoria
VIC | MIDSUMMA | GRANTING | Victorian pride regional activation program | applications close Tuesday 6 August 2024
The Victorian Government is encouraging groups with ideas for regional activities and projects celebrating LGBTIQA+ inclusion to apply to be part of the 2025 Midsumma Victoria’s Pride Festival 19 Jan–9 Feb 2025.
VIC | RTIF | GRANTING | Regional Tourism Investment fund 2024 | application close on Friday 19 July 2024
The Regional Tourism Investment Fund (RTIF) provides grants for new and innovative tourism infrastructure projects in regional and rural Victoria.
Grants of up to $5 million per project for new and innovative tourism infrastructure projects.
Supporting projects to increase visitation and length of stay, as well as improve the quality of visitor experiences.
VIC | GOV | CALLING | Expression of interest open for multiple board members at the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions | submissions close 11.59pm Tuesday 25 June 2024.
The Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR) is seeking expressions of interest (EOI) from suitably qualified and interested individuals to be considered for appointment to Victorian sport, tourism and events entity boards.
MONASH | MIG | GATHERING | NAIDOC Week | Saturday 6 July 2024 | 10-2pm
Invites you to take part in a traditional smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country with an Indigenous Elder.
You can learn from Book Club members as they discuss books aimed for both adults and children that cover First Nations themes.
This is a partnership event between the Monash Interfaith Gathering (MIG) Intercultural Book Club and Monash Libraries for NAIDOC Week.
- Where: Wheelers Hill Library - Monash Public Library Service, 860 Ferntree Gully Road, Wheelers Hill Victoria 3150
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: register online via Trybooking
BALLARAT | BOITE | PERFORMING | Unity And Music In Concert | Sundays, 16-30 June 2024 | 2-4.30pm
The Ballarat Welcome Centre Hall will be holding a series of free concerts, featuring Wadawurrung country local, DeborahN and acts across Naarm, in a special performance to celebrate unity and music.
- Where: Ballarat Welcome Centre, 25 Barkly St, Ballarat East VIC 3350, Australia
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: register online via Boite
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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.