I hope this message finds you well. As the end of the year approaches, I want to take a moment to reflect on some of the incredible achievements and initiatives that have shaped 2024. These diverse milestones highlight the great strength and resilience of Victoria’s multicultural communities.
Last week, I attended an
International Men’s Day event hosted by AGAPI Care, which shed light on critical issues impacting men’s health such as mental health and suicide prevention. Centred around the theme,
Men’s Health Champions, the event emphasised the importance of building healthy communities, supporting one another and creating a healthier future. These conversations are essential for breaking down barriers to men’s wellbeing and inspiring meaningful action. Thanks, AGAPI Care Inc!
The VMC held its
End of Year Reflections event, earlier this week, at Springvale City Hall. The event – which acknowledged almost 400 community leaders, partners and sponsors – reflected on a busy year of partnerships, collaborations and milestones. The event featured a passionate address from Nick Staikos MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs (representing the Minister, Ingrid Stitt MP); a presentation by Anthea Hancocks, CEO of the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute, on findings from the recently launched
Annual Social Cohesion Mapping research; and a vote of thanks from the VMC Chairperson Vivienne Nguyen, for the commitment communities carry each and every day to champion diverse communities.
Watch highlights from event.
Today, Australia’s
Race Discrimination Commissioner released the
National Anti-Racism Framework, a comprehensive plan featuring 63 recommendations to combat racism across sectors such as justice, health, education, media, and workplaces. Key measures include establishing a
National Anti-Racism Taskforce and a dedicated strategy to address racism experienced by First Nations peoples. The Framework calls for a united, whole-of-society effort to foster inclusion and eliminate racism. The VMC is proud to support this important initiative.
Read full report.
Finally, next week, at Government House, the Multicultural Awards for Excellence (MAEs) will celebrate remarkable individuals and organisations who strive to create positive and lasting change in communities throughout Victoria: a significant and satisfying event at the end of a busy and challenging year; one rich with stories and achievement.
Thank you for your continued support as we work together to build a stronger, more inclusive Victoria.
Warm regards,
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson
News and Events
REPORTING | VMC End of Year event highlights
On Monday night, we gathered at Springvale Town Hall for the VMC End of Year event, a moment to reflect on the achievements of 2024 and our ongoing mission to support and strengthen Victoria’s multicultural communities.
The evening highlighted key milestones, partnerships and research that guide our work in fostering inclusion and social cohesion across the state.
Thank you to all who joined us in celebrating the contributions of multicultural communities and in reinforcing our shared commitment to a more inclusive Victoria.
AUST | AHRC | ANNOUNCING | National Anti-Racism Framework release
This important initiative outlines key measures such as the establishment of a National Anti-Racism Taskforce, a strategy to combat racism experienced by First Nations peoples, and a call for a whole-of-society effort to promote inclusion and eliminate racism.
The VMC is proud to support this framework, which represents a significant step toward fostering a more inclusive and respectful Australia.
VIC | GOV | SEEKING | Candidates for Victoria’s Health Service Boards | applications close Sunday 24 November 2024
The Victorian Government is inviting Victorians with expertise in public health systems, finance, and health governance to apply for positions on health service boards. These roles are crucial in delivering timely, efficient and sustainable care across the state.
Applications are now open for various positions, including directors and chairs at Victoria’s largest health services, Ambulance Victoria and HealthShare Victoria.
Successful candidates will support the Victorian Government’s vision for a more reliable health system and workforce.
Term begins 1 July 2025 for up to three years.
AUST | PLS | WEBINAR | A community response to the Multicultural Framework Review | Tuesday 3 December 2024 | 10-11.30am AEDT
Polaron Language Services (PLS), in partnership with
Myriad Kofkin Global (MKG), is hosting an online event featuring a panel of expert speakers. The webinar will include a discussion on key recommendations from the first forum, facilitated by
Maria Dimopoulos and
Eva Hussain.
- For questions: contact Polaron Language Services at marketing@polaron.com.au or 1300 88 55 61.
- Where: Online (Registration required)
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: Register by Monday 2 December 2024 online via Humanitix
VIC | GOV | ANNOUNCING | New Anti-Vilification and Social Cohesion Laws
The Victorian Government is introducing new laws aimed at protecting all Victorians from vilification and hate. The Justice Legislation Amendment (Anti-vilification and Social Cohesion) Bill 2024 seeks to ensure everyone is safe in our state – free from hate, regardless of who they are, where they come from, or whom they love.
Key provisions of the Bill include:
- Expanded Protections: The Bill extends protections to disability, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, and personal associations, ensuring all Victorians are safeguarded against vilification.
- New Criminal Offences: Two new offences will be introduced for serious vilification—inciting hatred or threatening harm against individuals or groups based on their protected attributes. These offences will carry penalties of up to five years imprisonment.
- Strengthened Civil Protections: The Bill enhances existing civil protections and expands options for seeking redress, including through dispute resolution services or the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission.
- Balancing Free Speech & Protection: The reforms also ensure the right to free speech and religion remains protected, while safeguarding individuals from hate speech or vilification. Exceptions for political expression and genuine religious activities will be included.
VIC | GOV | ADVISING | $400 School Saving Bonus is here
The $400 School Saving Bonus is now available to help Victorian families with the cost of living and education expenses. The Government has announced that families can access this bonus from this week, providing support for school-related costs such as textbooks, uniforms, camps and excursions.
Key details of the bonus:
- Automatic & Universal: Families with children in government schools will receive the $400 per child automatically. No application is required.
- Flexible Spending: Families can use the bonus for uniforms, textbooks, or add funds to their school account for extracurricular activities. For example, a family with three children will receive $1,200.
- Redeemable at Approved Suppliers: Vouchers for uniforms and textbooks can be used at local school-approved suppliers and second-hand stores. Unspent funds will automatically transfer to the school account after the voucher period ends.
- Support for Non-Government School Families: Families with students in non-government schools will receive $400 directly through the school, with eligibility based on means-tested support.
VIC | GOV | SHARING | Cyber security awareness month
October was Cyber Security Awareness Month, and the VMC is encouraging everyone to stay alert against phishing scams.
Focus of the Week: Protect yourself from Phishing
Phishing is one of the most common tactics cybercriminals use to steal your personal and financial information. It can also trick you into installing harmful software on your devices.
Why is phishing dangerous?
- Phishing scams often appear as fake emails or messages, designed to look like they come from trusted sources.
- Cybercriminals use phishing to steal sensitive information like passwords, banking details and credit card numbers.
- They can also trick you into downloading malicious software that can compromise your devices.
How to protect yourself from Phishing:
Keep an eye out for these red flags:
- Too good to be true offers or deals.
- Being pressured to act quickly.
- Requests for financial help or unusual payments.
- Unusual links or attachments in messages.
- Strange behaviour from someone you know.
Always double-check the source of unsolicited messages or links and ensure you are dealing with a trusted organisation.
VIC | MOUN | CALLING | Research participants
The Monash University (MOUN) research team is seeking Korean, Japanese and Chinese women in Victoria, who have experienced separation or divorce to participate in a study on post-crisis recovery. This research aims to better understand the challenges faced by migrant women navigating life after separation or divorce, particularly in relation to accessing support services.
Interviews will be conducted in the participant’s preferred language: English, Chinese, Japanese or Korean.
- Compensation: $50 gift voucher
- What’s Involved: A 60-minute Zoom interview
- Privacy: All information will be anonymised and kept confidential.
For more information or to participate, contact the research team:
- Dr. Iori Hamada - iori.hamada@monash.edu (Japanese/English)
- Dr. Hyein Ellen Cho - ellen.cho@monash.edu (Korean/English)
- Dr. Shu Zhu - shu.zhu@monash.edu (Chinese/English)
