I hope this message finds you well. These are challenging times, globally and locally. Conflicts overseas are impacting communities at home are testing the high level of social cohesion which has long-defined Victoria.
My thoughts and prayers go out to those impacted by these conflicts. I extend my thanks and appreciation to the many community leaders, faith leaders and individuals who continue to provide much-needed support to affected communities. I acknowledge, especially, those who engage across multicultural and multifaith communities with such respect and patience.
Thank you for coming together and working together – for taking care of one another, for the ongoing conversations we are having to find opportunities to collaborate, for reaching out and staying connected.
I also extend a warm welcome and congratulations to Farah Farouque, the newly appointed CEO of the Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV). The ECCV has championed multiculturalism for 50 years. Farah brings with her a wealth of experience as an executive manager, policy analyst and advocate. We look forward to her leadership and the continued impact of the ECCV in fostering a more inclusive Victoria.
It is with sadness that I acknowledge the recent passing of Zulya Kamalova, CEO of Victoria’s iconic multicultural music organisation The Boite. Zulya’s dedication and contribution to multiculturalism have left a lasting legacy, and she will be dearly missed by all who knew her and the communities she served.
In an important step towards strengthening community protections, the Department of Justice and Community Safety (DJCS) has released proposed anti-vilification reforms and is inviting feedback from communities. I encourage you to provide your comments or submissions by 5pm Friday 11 October 2024. Your feedback will help ensure that the proposed reforms reflect the needs and voices of our diverse communities.
This week, I had the privilege of attending Indiancare’s AGM, where the Recommendation Report for Project Maitri was launched. Project Maitri, which ran from July 2023 to August 2024, was developed to address family violence in South Asian communities using a systems-based, intersectional approach. The importance of this report cannot be overstated, as it outlines key strategies for better preventing, reducing and responding to family violence in these communities. I commend Indiancare for their leadership in this critical work, and I look forward to seeing the impact of the recommendations.
Thank you for your continued commitment to supporting one another and building a stronger, more inclusive community. Let us continue to stand united in the face of challenges, promoting peace, respect and understanding across all communities.
Warm regards,
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson
News and Events
VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Chinese community infrastructure fund | applications open until 2 December 2024
The Victorian Government is excited to announce a wonderful opportunity for Victoria’s Chinese communities. Through the newly launched Chinese Community Infrastructure Fund, grants of up to $400,000 are available for Chinese community organisations to upgrade, renovate, or build community infrastructure.
The program aims to support Victoria's Chinese community organisations to have safe and secure places to celebrate and share their history and traditions, build connections, and thrive.
VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Multicultural Festivals and Events Program Round 2 | applications close at 3pm Friday 25 October 2024
The Victorian Government is providing Grants of up to $50,000 to support multicultural festivals and events. This initiative aims to empower community organisations to host cultural celebrations that allow Victorians to:
- Celebrate and preserve their unique cultures and traditions
- Foster participation from the wider Victorian community, promoting learning, understanding, and respect for diverse cultures
More than $1 million is available through the Regional Multicultural Festivals and Events Fund, designed to assist multicultural organisations in delivering impactful events throughout regional Victoria.
Funding is available in three streams:
- Small: up to $5,000
- Medium: between $5,001 and $15,000
- Large: between $15,001 and $50,000
Round 2 applications are now open and will close at 3pm Friday 25 October 2024.
MELB | BOITE | PRESENTING | Sonidos Flamencos | Friday 11 October 2024 | 7.30pm
The Boite is excited to invite you to the much anticipated Sonidos Flamencos, a vibrant and lively voice, guitar and dance ensemble that unites traditional flamenco forms with traces of contemporary influence.
These artists share a combined experience that includes many years of working both the structures and principles of the form.
The gravitas of song with the prowess of the flamenco guitar reciprocates an impetuous flow of rhythm integral to flamenco.
The subtlety and complexity of this rhythm is matched by the visceral energy of the dance that claims the space with elegance and poise.
Register for an unforgettable evening of passion and artistry!
- Where: Box Hill Community Arts Centre, 470 Station St, Box Hill
- Cost: General Admission $30, Concession $20
- Bookings: online via Trybooking
VIC | CDS | INVITING | Students to Participate
Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) is inviting primary school students to contribute to the “Message in a Bottle” installation at Scienceworks. Since November 2023, the scheme has recycled over 700 million containers and returned more than $70 million to Victorians.
To celebrate the scheme’s first anniversary, students can submit messages about the importance of recycling through a digital portal until 4 October. Primary Students can do their messages in their own language, if they wish to. Selected messages will be featured in the interactive installation, which will educate visitors about recycling and the circular economy.
Parents are encouraged to have their children participate, and educators can access classroom resources.
- For more information and to participate please visit Share Your Message in a Bottle
VIC | GOV | SUPPORTING | Young Victorians in Navigating Life
The Victorian Government is helping young Victorians navigate important aspects of life with an online platform that is fun to use and includes information about a range of topics.
The platform, YouthNav has been closely developed with young people and those helping young people in their work
The platform helps young people understand, plan for and succeed in skills like getting a job, moving out of home, getting around, having their say and managing money.
VIC | VMC | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds for Project Us x VMC food drive | Friday 18-Saturday 19 October 2024 | 8am-5pm
The Project Us Foundation, in partnership with the VMC, is organising a food drive on 18 October 2024 to provide fresh and nutritious food to those in need. This effort aims to alleviate hunger, enhance community well-being, and demonstrate how we can come together to support one another.
Project Us Foundation is an Australian charity dedicated to providing fresh, culturally appropriate food to low-income and vulnerable communities.
Beyond food relief, the foundation focuses on empowering individuals through skill-building and community engagement, fostering long-term impact.
- For more information and to participate please email engagement@vmc.vic.gov.au
VIC | GOV | SUPPORTING | Multicultural Health Workforce
The Victorian Government is supporting healthcare workers who cannot shave due to religious, cultural or medical reasons. Healthcare workers can now use the "Singh Thattha" technique in Victorian health services.
The technique involves using an elastic band to cover the beard to create a smooth surface, which is then tied to the top of the wearer’s head, with the respirator mask worn and the seal formed on the band.
Health services are encouraged to work closely with multicultural and multifaith workforce, including Sikh Victorians, to support the implementation of Singh Thattha.
VIC | TAC | CAMPAIGNING | Only Protected for a Moment
Travelling by motorcycle or scooter can be enjoyable. However, it's important to know how to protect yourself and any pillion passengers before you ride.
If you ride a motorcycle, you can increase your safety on the road by:
- Wearing your protective clothing every time you ride. Buy the best gear you can afford and ensure your helmet is up to scratch.
- Making yourself visible by wearing light-coloured clothing or reflective gear
- Purchasing a motorcycle with ABS
- Riding within the speed limit
- Stay up to date with the latest gear and bikes by visiting the Spokes website and signing up for the Spokes newsletter.
VIC | GOV | SUPPORTING | New Facility and Vehicles for Sikh Volunteers Australia
The Victorian Government is supporting individuals and families in need with a new kitchen facility and three new vehicles for not-for-profit organisation Sikh Volunteers Australia.
Sikh Volunteers Australia is a volunteer-run organisation that provides free food for Victorians in need and supports communities in Victoria and nearby regions in times of crisis such as bushfires or floods.
In 2023 Sikh Volunteers Australia distributed more than 28,000 free meals from their vans, and they also provide free food, water and necessary items to a range of communities during disaster relief operations.
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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.