I hope this message finds you well. As we approach Diwali, I’d like to recognise the many communities across Victoria who will celebrate this beautiful festival of lights.
Diwali holds profound meaning for South Asian communities and beyond, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. It’s a reminder of the power of togetherness and the joy that our diverse celebrations bring to the Victorian community.
Recently, I had the privilege of attending the 2024 annual Alfred Deakin Institute Oration at Deakin Downtown, and heard from the Hon. Tony Burke MP, Minister for Multicultural Affairs. There were many insights, but two really resonated with me - Diversity is not where everyone owns their bits of the country but where we all share in the story of this country; and let’s not emphasise the right to bigotry but the responsibility to decency. Multiculturalism requires work, ongoing work, by all and social cohesion is more than tolerance but a commitment to mutual respect, empathy, and understanding as we navigate our diverse narratives together and build on the success of this country for us now and for the future generations.
On the commitment to fostering social cohesion, which is at the heart of our work at the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC), I invite you to check out our 2023-24 Annual Report, recently tabled in State Parliament, which highlights our dedication to supporting and advocating for multicultural communities across Victoria. Over the past year, our 12 Commissioners attended more than 530 community events, addressing critical issues and fostering mutual respect, understanding and empathy across the state. Read the full report. We are deeply grateful to our dedicated partners, staff, and stakeholders, and particularly our Multifaith Advisory Group members, Regional Advisory Council members and Multicultural Youth Network members whose tireless efforts make these achievements possible.
And this work continues with our next Regional Advisory Council (RAC) round, focussing on key issues impacting Victoria’s multicultural communities, such as education, housing, mental health, family violence, and employment. These discussions ensure that a broad range of voices shape our priorities, reinforcing our commitment to an inclusive, responsive, and culturally rich Victoria.
Lastly. I’d like to celebrate the recent inductees to the Victorian Honour Roll of Women. This year, 21 remarkable women from across diverse fields - from the arts and academia to community leadership and advocacy - were recognised for their contributions. Their dedication to creating a more inclusive and just Victoria inspires us all.
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 | Working Together program | applications close 10am Monday 18 November 2024
The Victorian Government is pleased to share that they are now accepting applications for grants as part of a second phase of the ‘Working Together: Strengthening Family and Sexual Violence Support’ grant program.
The ‘Working Together’ 2025-2027 grant program aims to strengthen collaboration between multicultural community organisations and specialist family and sexual violence services so that victim survivors or people using violence from multicultural communities can access culturally responsive, safe and tailored supports.
The ‘Working Together’ grant program has two streams:
- Stream 1: focused on service system integration with multicultural community organisations and specialist family violence services
- Stream 2: focused on service system integration with multicultural community organisations and specialist sexual violence services, including raising awareness of sexual violence service support in communities.
Grants of up to $340,000 over two years are available under each stream.
MELB | AMCF | CELEBRATING | African Music and Cultural Festival | Friday 15-Sunday 17 November 2024
The African Music and Cultural Festival (AMCF) returns to Fed Square for three days.
This three-day celebration of African culture is a spring highlight - and a place to enjoy over 35 African countries and community organisations represented through music, food, fashion, film, dance, art and culture - right in the heart of Melbourne.
VIC | GOV | LAUNCHING | Victorian Cancer Plan
The Victorian Cancer Plan 2024-2028 outlines the government’s strategic direction for enhancing cancer outcomes for all Victorians. Building on previous successes, it aims to prevent cancer, improve survival rates, enhance the treatment experience, and promote equitable outcomes.
Key insights for the plan were gathered through statewide engagement, evaluation reports, and patient experience surveys. The government is committed to ensuring that every Victorian receives the care and support they need, regardless of their circumstances.
AUST | GOV | OFFERING | Small Business Cyber Resilience Service
The Australian Government has launched the Small Business Cyber Resilience Service to help small businesses strengthen their cyber security defences and bounce back after a cyber incident.
The average cost of a cybercrime is $46,000 for small businesses. This service helps small businesses with the right tools and knowledge to combat their cyber security risks.
The free service is for Australian small businesses with 19 employees or less, including sole traders. It is delivered via a helpline run by experts at @IDCARE, a national, not-for-profit service specialising in cyber support.
You can call the Small Business Cyber Resilience Service helpline on 1800 595 170 or submit a request through IDCARE’s website.
AUST | SSIA | GRANTING | Refugee education scholarships | applications close Sunday 17 November 2024
Applications for the SSI Allianz (SSIA) Refugee Education Scholarships for the 2025 academic year are now open.
These scholarships support refugees facing challenges in Australia, offering approximately 35 awards across various education categories:
- Secondary School: Up to $1,500
- Vocational Education and Training: Up to $3,000
- University: Up to $5,000
- Skills and Qualifications Recognition: Up to $5,000
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be from a refugee background on a humanitarian visa.
- Must have lived in Australia for five years or less.
- Must reside and study in NSW, QLD, or VIC.
- Must meet specific criteria for each scholarship category.
- Previous recipients of SSI Allianz scholarships are ineligible.
- Only one scholarship per immediate family per year is allowed.
- For more details or to check visa eligibility, contact scholarships@ssi.org.au or call 0402 797 827.
MELB | VMC | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds for Project Us x VMC food drive | Friday 13-Saturday 14 December 2024
The Project Us Foundation, in partnership with the VMC, is organising a food drive 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 | ADVISING | Cyber security awareness month
October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, and the VMC is encouraging everyone to review their passwords.
Focus of the Week: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring two or more verification methods to access your accounts—such as entering your password and a code sent to your phone. This is especially important if your password is compromised.
MFA can include:
- Passwords and PINs
- SMS or email codes
- Authenticator app codes
- Facial recognition
Using MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorised access to your online accounts.
CAULFIELD | CCV | TRAINING | Upstander Behaviour | Thursday 7 November 2024 | 9.30am-11.30am
Courage to Care Victoria (CCV) is hosting a training session focused on upstander behaviour, featuring small group activities and case study discussions.
Participants will:
- Learn the importance of upstander behaviour and the challenges to taking action
- Develop practical strategies for safe upstander responses
- Understand how unacceptable behaviours become normalised
- Where: Glen Eira Town Hall — Caulfield Cup Room
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: essential, call 9524 3333, email multicultural@gleneira.vic.gov.au, or online via Trybooking
WHITTLESEA | CoW | OFFERING | Work ready program
The City of Whittlesea (CoW) offers a 12-week placement program for newly arrived non-student migrants and refugees.
Program Benefits:
- Learn Australian workplace culture
- Gain local employment experience
- Work in a field relevant to your qualifications
- Access internal training and job opportunities
- Build skills, networks, and confidence
- Receive local employment references
- Daily expense allowance of $20.00
Eligibility Criteria:
- City of Whittlesea resident
- Newly arrived migrant or refugee
- Hold a relevant working visa or permit
- Possess overseas qualifications and work experience
- Have a good level of conversational English
This initiative supports participants in gaining valuable Australian workplace experience and overcoming employment challenges.
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.