I hope this message finds you well. As we prepare for upcoming cultural celebrations, I want to reflect on the significance of religious and cultural events we have recently observed, including the Jewish community’s High Holidays, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and the Mawlid al-Nabi, as well as the upcoming Diwali festival which is a five-day celebration, celebrated across many South Asian communities.
These occasions are integral to Victoria’s cultural calendar, fostering community togetherness and contributing to our state’s economic prosperity. They remind us of the strength we draw from celebrating our rich and diverse traditions.
At the Victorian Multicultural Commission, we have been working with Deakin University and community partners on research which looks at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of public funding allocation for service providers who service diverse communities including migrant and refugee communities. It will be launched in late November. Stay tuned!
I’d also like to recognise the vital role of multicultural and ethnic media in our community, particularly in providing much needed information on programs, services and providing opportunities for civic engagement in a range of issues affecting our way of life, legislations and policy directions. Just as importantly, multicultural and ethnic media plays a role in keeping us informed and in that process reducing misinformation and disinformation. The VMC has been collaborating with the Melbourne Press Club (MPC) and Independent Multicultural Media Inc. (IMMA) to strengthen this sector and in keeping communities informed and have the knowledge to participate and engage fully and meaningfully. On this, don’t forget to have your say about the age limit on social media by completing the survey.
Lastly, as we approach local government elections, I want to acknowledge the diversity of the candidates who are taking an active part in the democratic process of our state and nation. I am pleased to see that many of the candidates have been leading and supporting diverse communities for many years, who bring their lived experience and professional expertise to the local government settings. And I am pleased to say that I have the opportunity to work with many of them in this role as Chairperson of the VMC on various projects and initiatives at different times. The dedication of these individuals is commendable, and I wish all candidates the very best in the upcoming elections.
Thank you for your continued support as we work together to build a stronger, more inclusive Victoria.
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson
News and Events
VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Multicultural media grants | applications open until 8 November 2024
The Victorian Government is supporting multicultural media organisations to continue their critical role reflecting the diverse voices, stories and experiences of Victorian communities and providing access to essential information.
Grants of up to $25,000 will be available through the 2024-25 Multicultural Media Grants program to support multicultural media organisations across the state.
The grants will help multicultural media organisations with the cost of production and publication, equipment upgrades, and training and development for volunteers and staff.
VIC | GOV | CALLING | Members for Ministerial youth advisory group
Expressions of interest are now open to young people aged 15 to 25 years with experience living away from their families in the Victorian care system, including foster, kinship, permanent, and residential care to give advice on:
- Different experiences young people can have living in child protection and care.
- What works well and how to improve child protection and care services for young people in Victoria.
The Ministerial Youth Advisory Group (MYAG) will meet with the Hon. Lizzie Blandthorn, the Minister for Children, 4 times per year.
VIC | GOV | HEARING | Your say: age limits on social media | submissions close 5pm Friday 1 November 2024
The Victorian Government wants parents, teachers and young people to share their experiences with social media through an online survey before Friday 1 November.
You can have a say on national laws that will be developed to help protect the mental health and social development of young Australians and reduce the risk of online harm. Victorians can provide feedback individually, or as a group by hosting a self-guided discussion using the online guide on the Engage Victoria platform.
The consultation will consider the positive and negative impacts of social media on young people’s lives and ensure the voices of Victorians are represented in the reforms. The findings will also be used to develop a new resource for schools to keep young people safe online – Safe Socials
AUST | SFRI | LAUNCHING | 2024 Scanlon mapping social cohesion report | Tuesday 19 November 2024 | 8.30am-12noon
Join the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute (SFRI) for the launch of the 2024 Mapping Social Cohesion Report, which provides a comprehensive study of attitudes towards life in Australia.
Now in its seventeenth year, this annual report offers crucial insights into how Australians view and experience social cohesion, focusing on key issues including national identity, immigration, financial satisfaction, and trust in government.
The event will feature a detailed presentation of the report’s key findings by report author Dr. James O'Donnell (Australian National University), followed by a Q&A session facilitated by Anthea Hancocks, CEO of the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute.
After morning tea, a collaborative workshop introduced by Emeritus Professor Andrew Markus AO (Monash University) will provide attendees with the opportunity to explore the challenges and opportunities facing Australia in a rapidly changing social and economic landscape.
For further inquiries, please contact Celia Tran at info@scanloninstitute.org.au
- Where: Q Events, 123 Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: Register online via Humanitix
CANTERBURY | SGG | GRANTING | Strathcona Girls Grammar scholarship | applications close Monday 11 November 2024
Strathcona Girls Grammar (SGG), 34 Scott St, Canterbury VIC 3126, is offering a full scholarship to a student in Year 7, 8, 9, or 10 commencing in 2025.
This scholarship aims to extend a Strathcona education to a girl from a limited financial background or challenging circumstances, reflecting the school’s legacy of inclusion, generosity, and empowerment.
For more information, contact the Registrar, Julie Drew, at Admissions@strathcona.vic.au.
MELB | VMC | RAISING | Funds, Awareness and Support for Project Us x VMC food drive | 13-14 December 2024 | 8am-5pm
The Project Us Foundation, in partnership with the VMC, is organising a food drive on 18 October and 13-14 December 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 | VMC | ADVISING | Cyber security awareness month
October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, and the VMC is encouraging everyone to review their passwords.
Make your passwords long and unique. Longer is stronger.
Try making ‘passphrases.’ A passphrase is a password made up of 4 or more random words. They’re tricky for cybercriminals to crack, but easy for you to remember.
Examples:
glowering-armour-permanently-jackets
umbrella-spherical-thunder-lightbulb
magazine-bottle-alligators-escalator
VIC | CRT | HEARING | Your say: residential parks in Victoria | submissions close Friday 8 November 2024.
The Commissioner for Residential Tenancies (CRT) invites submissions regarding the experiences of residential park residents in Victoria. This initiative aims to inform the Victorian Government about issues affecting residential tenants.
Feedback is sought from park residents, local government, park operators, and support organisations about current conditions and improvements in the residential parks sector.
This Call for Submissions is part of a project by the Consumer Policy Research Centre (CPRC), which includes information gathering from other jurisdictions and interviews with stakeholders.
- Submit to: info@rentingcommissioner.vic.gov.au
with subject: Residential Parks Project Submission - For more information, please contact the office on tel 1300 029 783 or visit website
VIC | PROV | GRANTING | Grants to celebrate Victorian history | applications close 11.59pm Monday 9 December 2024
The Victorian Government's Public Record Office Victoria (PROV) is supporting community groups to preserve Victoria’s rich history by showcasing historical records and collections.
Community groups such as historical societies, museums and schools are all encouraged to apply for grants to assist with funding for their historical projects, with up to $15,000 available per grant.
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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.