NAVIGATION

HOME | CONTACT | ABOUT US | GATHERS | RESOURCES

AUST | GEIFN | CALLING | LGBTQIA+ Story Tellers for AUSSIE Stories: Downunder the Rainbow

AussieSTORY

Collected Video Stories of Identity, Connection and Belonging by First Nations, Settlers and Migrants Downunder the Rainbow.

As response to Voice Referendum 23, Global Engagement in Friendlier Neighbourhoods (GEIFN) and I’m From Driftwood (IFD) aim to showcase diverse Australian views by sourcing and producing 8-10min 1st-Person Video Stories of LGBTQIA+ Folk from around Australia. 

Recordings will be hosted individually on IFD website for global audience and matched with 2 others on GEIFN website for local audience.

GEIFN’s Potential Top 5 Talking Points to offer insights, answers and views to question “What does Reconciliation look like to you?":
  1. What did the coming out process look like for you?
  2. How did being LGBTQIA+ teach you about your family, community and the world?
  3. Where is your gift of being LGBTQIA+ been used in personal, professional or public life?
  4. Who is your message of reconciliation to?
  5. Why should Australia be a place, position and player on a spherical global playing field?
IFD's existing Australian content is 12 stories, all by cis-gender males. This project is preferencing Australian-residing LGBTQIA+ Women or Women-identifying, First Nations, People of Colour/Migrants.

If you or someone you know fit the description and wish to be a part of this reconciliation
project, please contact Carey on 0438 371 488 or caretaker@geifn.org

Primary Collaborator

I’m From Driftwood (IFD) is delivered digitally through a cloud-based multi-channel platform to a broad-based audience developed over the past 15 years. Part of this conversation and active enthusiasts since the conception.

Quoting from IFD website:
The stories on I’m From Driftwood send a powerful message to LGBTQIA+ people everywhere: you exist, you matter, you belong.
 
IFD’s collection of more than 1,400 professionally-produced videos and user-submitted written oral histories are shared freely online – giving voice to and forging connections among often marginalized or silenced people, educating people about the joys and challenges, complexities and intersectionalities of LGBTQIA+ lives, and increasing empathy in IFD viewers.

Some existing IFD examples:


How to Reconcile

Language is an interesting thing. It can be used to educate, mystify, divide, harm or heal. English is a particularly interesting example.

The English language has 26 letters (written symbols) but it makes over 44 different sounds (syllables) and countless compound ideas (words). All relying on ‘learnt, practised or assumed knowledge' to correctly use, prevailing cognizance (ability to independently critically think), pronounce, know and then to respond.
 
To make things even more interesting, English is always changing, borrowing from many other languages with meanings that may change over time.

Let's look at the word "reconcile":
[reh’con’syle]
From late Middle English: from Old French reconcilier or Latin reconciliare, from Latin re- = back, concentrate, focus + conciliare = bring together.

verb
  1. restore friendly relations between. Ie, the monarch and the archbishop were publicly reconciled. Ie, they wanted to be reconciled with their father. 
    • settle (a quarrel). Ie, advice on how to reconcile the conflict. 
    • make or show to be compatible. Ie, the agreement had to be reconciled with the city's new international relations policy. 
    • someone accepting a disagreeable or unwelcome thing. Ie, the team was reconciled to the poor match result.
  2. make (one account) consistent with another, especially by allowing for transactions begun but not yet completed. Ie, it is not necessary to reconcile the cost accounts to the financial accounts.
And this is just 1 word. Languages are made of many words. Words connected by space(s) make sentences. Sentences connected by space(s) make paragraphs. Paragraphs connected by space(s) make narratives or stories. Stories connected by space(s) make story books. Story books connected by space(s) mark time and are called tradition. This is the process of transmission. Transmission can be verbal, physical, formless or abiding in the space between.

Please find examples of other words (and if needed translations in other languages):

So back to this case: collected video stories of identity, connection and belonging by First Nations, Settlers and Migrants Downunder the Rainbow.

How to get involved?

  1. Fit the criteria, sorted something out, feeling crazy-brave? Volunteer to tell your story and make contact on the details below.
  2. Pass the word to someone you know has a reconcilingly good story to tell.
  3. Share the message through your socials.

MORE:

Global Engagement In Friendlier Neighbourhoods (GEIFN)
Join us with 'humanising the other' 
Carey Rohrlach (he/him), AUSSIEstory Team Member, Tel 0438 371 488

GEIFN is based in the traditional lands of the Kulin Nation. Respect is offered to past, present and future elders of all spiritual traditions. May we find together a generous way to accommodate those in need of refuge. Let us be cool, strive individually and together to overcome inequality, violence, disengagement, tragedy and injustice wherever it may be. Let us honour, savor and enjoy results of mindful effort so more thrive peacefully with less effort in our place called home.

AUST | RGA | WRAPPING | Your 2024: Rainbow Giving in Action! | Wednesday 18 December 2024

[Edited extract from public address]

It’s that time of year again. Wrapped is ready. Are you?

Life moves fast – luckily, we kept a record:
  • Kicking off the year with Aurora's Mirror Ball. Celebrating 25 years of transformative support for the LGBTQIA+ sector. We raised an incredible $220,499 to fund vital grant programs. Check out Aurora Ball photos
  • On 17 October 2024, you helped us make GiveOUT Day unforgettable. Raising a phenomenal $500,413 – that's over half a million dollars for LGBTQIA+ organisations! Check out GiveOUT Day photos

This year witnessed a historic moment as Aurora and GiveOUT came together to form Rainbow
Giving Australia (RGA).

With donor support, we helped last year's Amplify grant partners grow with monthly 'Connect and Learn' sessions that included topics on fundraising, people, and impact.

With over $500,000 in grant funding available for our upcoming Amplify and Ignite round, we’re blown away by the incredible EOIs received!

Together, we've become a stronger force for change, raising a record-breaking $1 million to support LGBTQIA+ organisations and initiatives across Australia.

CELEBRATING | community milestones

March: NSW saw a ban on Conversion practices
"saving countless people from a lifetime of pain and in some cases save lives" - Equality Australia
April: brought advocacy work by Trans Justice Project, trans leaders and advocates from across the world including from Australia and Aotearoa, and The Royal Australian New Zealand College of Psychiatrists rejected the Cass review* and stopped it gaining traction in Australia & NZ. 

* = The Cass Review was the final report of an anti-trans review of gender affirming care in the UK

June: WA hosted the first- ever Kimberly Blak Pride Festival, celebrating the intersection of First Nations and queer identities with over 1,200 attendees.

July: InterLink, an innovative psychosocial support service for people with innate variations of sex characteristics, celebrated their 1 year anniversary.

September: South Australia officially banning conversion practices, joining the national movement for
equality.

September: also ensured that The 2026 Census will finally ensure that every gay, bi- sexual, lesbian, non-binary and transgender person is counted. (Acknowledging there is still work to ensure people with innate variations of sex characteristics are also counted)

October: The NSW Equality Bill passed, allowing trans and gender-diverse people to update their birth certificates without undergoing surgery.

December: the Federal Government launched the 10-Year National Action Plan for LGBTQIA+ Health, committing to system-wide change to improve the mental and physical health outcomes of LGBTQIA+ people. This plan ensures our community can lead healthier and more fulfilling lives, with targeted funding and nationwide reforms

Together, we’ve proven that when we work together, we can make a profound impact.

Thank you to everyone who partnered with us in 2024 - we couldn't have done it without you!

Here’s to an even brighter 2025!

ANNOUNCING | An inspiring new partnership with our friends at SpencerMaurice!

For over five years, SpencerMaurice worked closely with Aurora to support and uplift LGBTQIA+ people and communities across regional, rural, and remote NSW. We are honoured to welcome them to the Rainbow Giving Australia family as we continue this vital work together.

This partnership underscores our shared commitment to making a real difference where it’s needed most. Together, Rainbow Giving Australia and SpencerMaurice are proud to offer up to $10,000 in funding to not-for-profit organisations and initiatives dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities in rural and regional areas.

Rainbow Giving Australia will be logging off on 20 December 2024 and returning refreshed and ready to make an even bigger impact, from 6 January 2025. The whole team will return on 13 January 2025.

Have a wonderful summer!

With love and gratitude,
The Rainbow Giving Australia Team

MORE:

The GiveOUT Team (GiveOUT)

GiveOUT recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants and traditional custodians of the lands on which we live and work. We pay our respects to all Elders past and present.

AUST | CUIN | UPDATING | Dancing Between the Years, Highlights and more | December 2024-January 2025

[Edited extract from public address]

DANCING | Between the Years, 2024 Highlights 

As 2024 draws to a close, we thank all our partners, clients and supporters for sharing the many highlights of the year with us. It’s been a year to consolidate our achievements, bring new people to our team, bring our insights and vision for global harmony to more of the world, and the joy and value of cultural expression wherever and in as many forms as we can. There are people who resist harmony and we thank them too, because as the great psychologist Carl Jung said, “What you resist persists.”

We wish you all a happy and safe festive season! 
     

ATTENDING | Conferences! And Holi! 

Our team presented at more conferences in 2024 than ever before – too many to name them all. Our CEO and Founder Peter Mousaferiadis presented at Big Data & AI World London to a standing-room only crowd, and a short while later delighted us with photos from Kathmandu, his face covered in paint, having arrived right in the middle of Holi to attend Salzburg Global Seminar Asia Peace Innovators Forum. Afterwards, Peter participated in the 6th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue in Baku, Azerbaijan. Peter is now regularly called upon to share his views on AI around the world.

Meanwhile, our CTO Rezza Moieni participated in the Vietnam ESG Investor Conference 2024, our Marketing & Comms Coordinator Mario Chatzidamianos represented Diversity Atlas in the European Business Summit and Product Led Hub’s DEI Summit in Athens, Greece and the Diversity Atlas team attended the annual Tech Diversity Awards gala awards night in Melbourne, Australia, mapping the diversity of the audience and participants for the third consecutive year, this time with our Product Director Quincy Hall, Education and Experiences Team Leader Nicola Diomides and Data Scientist Nicole Lee.

In August, Rezza Moieni presented at Imagine: Nonprofit in Melbourne, Peter Mousaferiadis presented at the Diversity and Inclusion Summit in Perth. In October, we welcomed new team member Kasia Hayward as Diversity Atlas’s new Head of Culture, Innovation and Engagement, based in London, and threw her into the deep end with Mario Chatzidamianos presenting at Big Data & AI World London. Mario also presented Diversity Atlas at the Seventeenth International Conference on the Inclusive Museum in Vienna, while Diversity Atlas Strategic Advisor Diane Herz presented at the Worktech conference in Los Angeles.

In October, Transformation Consultant Wanah Bumakor presented Diversity Atlas at the UNESCO Chair on International Competences Conference in Nairobi, Diversity Atlas Business Development and Sales Head Eileen Lim and Tech Lead Abdolnabi Zameni represented us at the Digital Gateway to Southeast Asia Business Exchange in Kuala Lumpur and Chief Experience Officer Michael Walmsley and Eileen Lim represented us at the first APAC DEI Summit in Malaysia. In November, our Education & Experiences Program Coordinator Toby Mills and Cultural Educator Demetrius Mousaferiadis represented Cultural Infusion at the MLTAV Annual Languages Conference.

And 2025 will be even bigger!
     

PUBLISHING | New Writing

Peter Mousaferiadis was published in The Mandarin, Australia’s leading independent news platform for public sector leaders and executives with a 1.5 million-strong public sector readership, with his urgent response to the federal government’s Multicultural Framework Review and published a longer report independently. Peter wrote two other important articles for the blog: Holistic Data and Its Role in Undoing Racism and Democratised Datasets: Valuing People for Who They Are.

Peter also wrote up his presentation to Big Data & AI World in the post, Diversity in the Age of AI: Diversified We Grow, which is our most read post of the year, sparking conversations with its thought-provoking perspective on AI and culture. Peter closed the year with a post to coincide with the International Day of Neutrality: Justice, Fortune and Creating Space of the Other – What Would the Sages Say? and there’s a post about colourism in the pipeline. Rezza Moieni wrote compellingly about cyber security in his post Cyber Security Champions: Three Years of ISO/IEC 27001 Certification at Diversity Atlas.
     

REPORTING | New Presenters and Programs

Demetrius offered popular workshops for Greek dance, while we got a great response to Barkindji Educator Djarrin’s new touring program for New South Wales.

Two other new programs that were taken up warmly were Yalla! Arab Dance & Culture and Colombian-Caribbean Rhythms and Culture.
     

EMBEDDING | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Connections

Stolen Generations Elder Aunty Gabby led many sessions this year on Embedding Aboriginal Perspectives in the Classroom and in corporate spaces. Peter Mousaferiadis with Uncle Paul and Aunty Gabby facilitated a series of workshops exploring identity with Western Health in Melton on the western outskirts of Melbourne.

NAIDOC Week, the annual celebration of the histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, continued to be one of our busiest weeks of the year and saw people of all ages meaningfully engage and learn with workshops on didgeridoo, storytelling through art and more.
     

CELEBRATING | Harmony Week

Harmony Week is one of our busiest weeks of the year. We delivered more than 100 cultural incursions to more than 90 educational and community organisations across Australia, reaching thousands of people. We recognise the history of this week, which coincides with the commemoration of the 21 March 1960 Sharpeville Massacre in South Africa and the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. We don’t take Australia’s relative peace and harmony for granted and believe such events help sustain it.

It is not too early to book for Harmony Week 2025. Book early to avoid missing out!
     

LAUNCHING | Learning Lands Gift

This year, we launched an initiative to give everyone who books a program with us three months’ free access to our Learning Lands suite of constantly updated intercultural education resources, comprising internationally award-winning apps, games and activities that integrate the arts, music, geography, history and Indigenous perspectives to put students at the forefront in intercultural competency. We have been delighted by the enthusiastic response to this offer and are pleased to continue it into 2025.

REPORTING | Diversity Atlas 

Certification and Health Check

We launched a new certification program and were delighted to award our first certificate to Melbourne City Mission (MCM) in recognition of their outstanding commitment to diversity, inclusion and wellbeing in their workplace. The survey revealed (among other things) that the MCM workforce comes from at least 33 countries of birth, speaks 77 languages and dialects, and identified 91 ancestral groups.

We produced a free Diversity, Equity & Inclusion healthcheck for anyone wishing to identify diversity data gaps in their organisation.


Anti-Racism

Cultural Infusion’s mission to build cultural harmony and intercultural understanding has meant a strong investment over years in anti-racist strategies and thought, and while developing our diversity data analytics tool, Diversity Atlas, which importantly avoids categorising people by “race”. This is an anti-racist strategy.

In 2023, we contributed to the United Nations Human Rights office of the High Commissioner Draft General Recommendation no 37 on racial discrimination in the enjoyment of the right to health, and in 2024, we were delighted to welcome leading race theorist Dr Sheena Mason to the Diversity Atlas advisory board.

Membership

And finally, Diversity Atlas launched a membership program! Sustainable change begins with informed action.

This membership program is for people who want the right support, ethical tools and fully inclusive community to navigate our complex and rapidly changing world.

Come aboard!
     

LOOKING | Forward to 2025: 

Launch of New School Packages

Cultural Infusion is launching comprehensive school packages to promote intercultural understanding, including:
  • Engaging workshops and performances
  • Digital tools including our data-analytics tool - Diversity Atlas
  • Live professional development sessions
  • Teacher resources
And more!

Our packages are curriculum aligned and tailored to your needs.

Pak Sumardi’s Programs – Book Early to Avoid Missing Out!

We are excited to remind you of the return of Indonesian Master Storyteller Pak Sumardi to Australia to present puppet theatre and insights into Indonesian culture and these renowned ancient storytelling forms to schools, preschools and community groups around Australia, including Wayang Kancil, Wayang Golek and Wayang Kulit. These are already booking fast. Book early to avoid missing out!
     

HIGHLIGHTING | Calendar Spotlight: Lunar New Year, 29 January 2025

Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, has been celebrated in many countries for thousands of years, particularly China, Korea, Indonesia and Vietnam. The New Year celebration involves removing the bad and the old, and welcoming the new and the good. It’s a time to worship ancestors and pray for good harvest. Lion dance, dragon dance, temple fairs and flower market shopping and just a few of the rich and colourful traditions. Families will redecorate their houses with red couplets, lanterns, new flowerpots and furniture, and will shop for foodstuffs for banquet specialities.

To honour the essence of this festival, we have many immersive programs to help you celebrate Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean cultures:

MORE:

Cultural Infusion (CUIN)
Address: Suite 2, 273-277 Wellington Street, Collingwood, VIC 3066

Cultural Infusion respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation and pays respect to their Elders, past and present and future custodians In continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practises of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout Australia.

VIC | VTMH | UPDATING | Community, News and Information | December 2024

[Edited extract from public address]

Welcome from the team and best wishes for the festive season

We hope this e-newsletter finds you well and that you have had a healthy, happy and productive year. 

For this newsletter, we have selected some specific information that we hope you find meaningful and useful for your practice. 

There's lots of information about some of what we have been working on for the second half of this year, some reflections from our 2024 psychiatry registrar, details about our ongoing approach to rural and regional mental health support, and much more. 

We hope you enjoy this e-newsletter and we welcome opportunities to continue working with you. 

All the very best from us to you for a relaxing festive break. 

To learn more about what we do and to access free resources, please explore our website.
 

 Team News 

INTRODUCING | new VTMH Communications Consultant - Sam Ryan

We are thrilled to have been able to create a new role within our team; that of Communications Consultant and have appointed Sam Ryan to the role. 
 

SPOTLIGHTING | VTMH Team Member – Olivia Fletcher

We realise that while many of you reading this work with some members of our team, some of you don’t know who we are!

To change this, we have decided to share with you an interview with one of our team members in each of our e-newsletters. This time VTMH Carer Consultant Olivia Fletcher has agreed to be interviewed.  
 

REFLECTING | Upon my time at VTMH - By Psychiatry Registrar Sangita Raj

This year at VTMH has been an incredibly meaningful chapter in my journey as a registrar—a role I’ve always dreamed of doing. From the moment I joined, I felt welcomed by a team whose kindness, support and inclusivity made me feel valued not just professionally but personally.
 

 News From Our Website 

REFLECTING | Upon the Daryl Oehm Oration 2024

The Daryl Oehm Oration, which is held every two years, took place this year on Wednesday 30 October 2024, at the elegant St Andrews Conservatory in Fitzroy. 

UPDATING | Rural & Regional Approach Initiative

VTMH continues to test and adapt interventions based on the rural and regional mental health services stakeholder feedback. 
 

DEVELOPING | VTMH's Group Facilitation Skills - Professional Development

The VTMH team undertook a two-day training workshop in August 2024, with Group Works Center. The workshop was focused on group facilitation Skills. This training was to strengthen and build on facilitation skills and practice for VTMH staff.

TALKING | Community Engagement in Mental Health Podcasts

Listen to our podcast series conversations about community engagement in mental health.

LEARNING | Together in 2024: Highlights from the Past Year of VTMH Workshops

Over the past 12 months, VTMH has continued to deliver training across the state, reaching participants in both metropolitan Melbourne and rural and regional areas. This year has seen significant achievements in supporting Victoria’s mental health workforce.

TALKING | Spirituality & Diversity Discussions


Over the past six months, VTMH has helped facilitate several more reflective sessions on spirituality. 

SUMMARISING | VTMH Seminars in 2024

This last year, we’ve held six seminars for the mental health sector. We’ve enjoyed the company of over 400 attendees from across the sector. 
 

OFFERING | Transcultural Clinical Discussion Service

Transcultural Clinical Discussions (TCD) are a service that VTMH offers to mental health clinicians across Victoria. This is not an emergency service. 

MORE:

Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH)
Address: St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, Level 1, Bolte Wing, 14 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Tel: (03) 9231 3300

VTMH acknowledges it is located on the traditional lands of the Boon Wurrung and Woiwurrung (Wurundjeri) peoples of the Kulin Nation. We know this land has history, custodians and stories spanning tens of thousands of years. We celebrate and recognise the First Peoples’ continuing connection to the land and water, and pay our respects to their Ancestors and Elders, past, present and emerging.
In a spirit of reconciliation, we commit to walking the journey of learning and healing together.

AUST | MUSPS | HEARING | Your say: Diverse Representations in Equity & Access in Mental Health and Sleep

[Edited extract from public address]

Understanding the sleep, wellbeing, and healthcare experiences of multicultural communities in Australia.  

Monash University School of Psychological Sciences (MUSPS) is conducting the DREAMS Study (Diverse Representations in Equity & Access in Mental Health and Sleep).

They are seeking individuals living in Australia who identify with multicultural communities to complete this 10-minute survey. 

The current survey is in English. If needed, they can provide study information in additional languages to ensure accessibility for your networks.
Please complete the survey if you can and share among your networks.

MORE:

The DREAMS Study
Monash University School of Psychological Sciences (MUSPS)
Contact Dr. Prerna Varma (she/her) on 0406 308 912 or email prerna.varma@monash.edu 

MELB | TORCH | EXHIBITING | 12th Koorie Art Show | Saturday 7 December 2024-Sunday 23 February 2025

[Edited extract from public address]

The Koorie Art Show is an open-entry, non-acquisitive award exhibition, presenting the works of Koorie and Victorian based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists (new and emerging, mid-career and senior) aged 17 years and above.

An annual event and key celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists living in Victoria. The exhibition showcases the diverse talent in forms such as painting, photography, weaving, textiles, prints, sculpture and more.

Whether you’re interested in traditional practices or contemporary expressions, the exhibition promises to captivate with its breadth of talent and personal storytelling.

All works entered in the exhibition are available for purchase, giving art lovers the opportunity to support these talented artists directly. Building on last year, this year’s show features remarkable works by 18 artists involved in The Torch:
Make sure to visit Fed Square this summer to witness this incredible exhibition or Don’t miss out on this chance to see some of the best of First Nations art and culture at the 12th Koorie Art Show.
  • Read more
  • Where: Level 2, Birrarung Building, Fed Square
  • Cost: Free

MORE:

The Torch Project (TORCH)
Address: 146 Elgin St, Carlton 3053
Tel: 03 9042 1236

VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Local Anti-Racism Initiatives Grants Program 2024-26 | applications close midday Thursday 6 February 2025

[Edited extract from public address]

Grants of up to $150,000 are available to support community-led responses to racism.

The program funds First Peoples, multicultural and multifaith community organisations and groups to deliver community-led responses to racism.

It forms part of the Victorian Government’s vision for a more inclusive state under the Victorian anti-racism strategy 2024-29.

There are four key objectives:
  1. increase broader community understanding and awareness of racism, its impact and the importance of anti-racist behaviour and practices at the local level
  2. promote awareness and understanding of First Peoples’ history and culture, and the historic and ongoing impacts of colonisation
  3. support local communities and community organisations to build their capacity to respond to racism and support affected individuals
  4. improve community reporting of racist incidents and understanding of people’s rights.
Successful recipients must deliver their initiatives by 18 December 2026.

MORE:

Multicultural Affairs
Department of Premier and Cabinet
1 Treasury Place, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Tel: 1300 112 755

CoPP | MYYS | ANNOUNCING | Summer Holidays in Port Phillip for 12-18 year-olds

[Edited extract from public address]

Get ready for an epic summer packed with exciting activities for everyone including a thrilling trip to Luna Park, skateboarding, adventures at Cable Park and Games Club!

Middle Years and Youth Services (MYYS) are proud to host fun activities for teens this summer holidays.

MORE:

City of Port Phillip (CoPP)
Address: 99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda, VIC 3182 Australia
Telephone: 03 9209 6655

City of Port Phillip Council respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of this land, the people of the Kulin Nations. ​We pay our respect to their Elders, past and present. We acknowledge and uphold their continuing relationship to this land.

MACNAMARA | GOV | GRANTING | 2024 Volunteer Grants Expressions of Interest | applications close 31 December 2024

[Edited extract from public address]

Celebrating the wonderful role volunteers play in supporting and sustaining local communities with Volunteer Grants.

There are two different categories for Volunteer Grants:
  • Category 1: For communications and IT items (such as laptops phones, payment devices and software), and paying for insurance premiums.
  • Category 2: for items and services that support the development and well-being of children and young people under the age of 18.
To be eligible for the Volunteer Grants:
  • Must be a non-for-profit organisation
  • Have a minimum of 40% of volunteers working for your organisation
  • Have an Australian Business Number (ABN) or be willing to provide a statement by Supplier form.
The grants range from $1,000-$5,000 for eligible non-for-profit organisations to help reduce barriers for volunteers and enhance community participation.

MORE:

Federal Member for Macnamara - Josh Burns MP
219 Barkly St, St Kilda VIC 3182
Tel: (03) 9534 8126

VIC | VMC | UPDATING | Community, News and Information | Wednesday 11 December 2024

[Edited extract from public address]

I hope this message finds you well. Yesterday, we commemorated Human Rights Day, a moment to reflect on the universal values of dignity, equality and freedom. 

At the Victorian Multicultural Commission, we remain dedicated to fostering inclusion, fairness and justice across all communities in Victoria. Let us continue celebrating diversity and standing up for human rights today and every day.
Friday 6 December 2024 early morning’s attack on the synagogue in Melbourne deeply shook our multicultural communities. With nearly 70% of Victorians identifying with a faith, such incidents undermine the shared sense of safety and belonging. Our hearts go out to the Jewish community. However, it was heartening to see the overwhelming condemnation of this terrible act and the outpouring support for the Jewish community. Multifaith leaders and communities united in solidarity, reinforcing the strength of our collective commitment to harmony and inclusion. 
We also recently celebrated the Multicultural Awards for Excellence at the iconic Government House. The evening honoured 67 exceptional Victorians and inducted 25 inspiring individuals into the Multicultural Honour Roll, recognising their unwavering commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in our state. These awards highlight the profound contributions of individuals and organisations in supporting multiculturalism and cross-cultural understanding in Victoria. They remind us of the collective strength within our communities to build a more cohesive and harmonious society. Congratulations to all nominees, highly commended individuals and winners for your remarkable achievements. Your efforts continue to inspire us all. 

Submissions are now open for the 2025 Multicultural Film Festival (MFF), celebrating multiculturalism through short films that tell stories of cultural diversity and life in Australia. The festival highlights our nation’s unique identity, home to the world’s oldest continuous culture and over 300 ancestries. 
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 

Multicultural Film Festival 2025 | entries now open, closing Monday 10 March 2025

The premiere event will screen in Melbourne during Refugee Week | 15-21 June 2025. Anyone is welcome to submit a short film from 5-12 minutes.

The following awards will be distributed on the night:

Victorian Entrants:
  • Best Victorian Short Fiction Film
  • Best Victorian Short Non-Fiction Film
  • People’s Choice Award for Best Victorian Short Film (audience-voted at the premiere screening)

National Entrants:
  • Best National Short Film (all genres)

International Entrants:
  • Best International Short Film (all genres)

Special Award:
  • Chairperson's Refugee Stories Award (highlighting refugee or asylum seeker experiences, open to national and international entrants)

Submit your short film to win prizes and screen at multiple venues in partnership with the Victorian Multicultural Commission!
 

AUST | POLARON | WEBINAR | Refugee experience in Australia study 2024 | Wednesday 18 December 2024 | Two Sessions

Join Social Research Centre, Scanlon Foundation Research Institute and Polaron for an online briefing on the Refugee Experience in Australia Study 2024, focusing on refugees who arrived in the past 10 years.

Learn how you can get involved as a community connector (paid role). For questions, contact marketing@polaron.com.au or 1300 88 55 61.
 

VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Sporting Club Grants Program

The Victorian Government is supporting local sports clubs with over $1.2 million in grants through the Sporting Club Grants Program. These grants will help clubs purchase equipment, train volunteers and improve accessibility.

Successful recipients include Surfing Victoria, which received $5,000 to enhance their rescue and first aid training, and the Victorian International Optimist Dinghy Association, which received $4,500 to support athletes in the Australian Optimist Championships.

VIC | MSV | OFFERING | Financial help for Victorians with mortgage stress

Victorians struggling with mortgage repayments can now access Mortgage Stress Victoria (MSV), Australia’s only free service dedicated to helping homeowners manage their finances. The service, supported by the Victorian Government, offers expert legal, financial and social work support both in-person and remotely.

MSV assists homeowners by negotiating affordable repayments, protecting legal rights and offering emotional support. Since 2022, MSV has helped prevent home repossession in over 190 cases, with a focus on victim-survivors of family violence.

Victorians who live in their mortgaged primary residence, earn $75,000 or less, or are affected by family violence can access support.
  • For more information and learn more, visit website or call 1800 572 292.

VIC | VHBA | GRANTING | Upgrades to mental health facilities | submissions close 5pm Friday 28 February 2025

The Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA) is upgrading mental health facilities with applications now open for the latest round of the Mental Health Capital Renewal Fund. A total of $10 million is available, with individual grants of up to $1 million.

This funding supports projects that improve safety, quality and efficiency in mental health services, addressing recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.

Recent projects funded include the refurbishment of Monash Health’s Doveton Community Care Unit and upgrades to Austin Hospital’s Acute Psychiatric Unit.
 

VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Scholarships for interpreting services in Victoria

The 2025 Interpreter Scholarship Program is now open, with scholarships of up to $8,000 for students undertaking interpreting courses at RMIT University.

The Victorian Government is offering scholarships to support students from linguistically diverse backgrounds to improve access to essential services for non-English speaking Victorians, focusing on key languages in high demand, including emerging and underrepresented community languages.

These scholarships are available to Victorians who meet specific criteria, including residency, citizenship and acceptance into the RMIT program. The scholarships offer an opportunity to develop professional interpreting skills and help bridge language barriers across the state.
 

VIC | TAFE | OFFERING | Free training for Victorians

The Victorian Government is making it easier for Victorians to train for in-demand jobs through Free TAFE. The subsidised training will focus on critical workforce needs, including housing and renewable energy.

In 2025, a larger proportion of the Victorian Training Guarantee will be allocated to TAFEs, particularly in regional areas. Prioritised training will include residential housing construction and foundational courses in literacy and numeracy, aimed at helping unemployed Victorians gain skills and secure jobs.

The government is funding more than 530 courses to meet industry needs now and in the future, with a focus on regional training and community organisations. Women make up 60% of Free TAFE applicants, highlighting the program’s accessibility.

MORE:

Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)
Address: Level 1, 3 Treasury Place, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9651 5901

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.

CoPP | VPC | OFFERING | Free Justice of Peace signing service | Every Sunday from 11am to 3pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Need documents signed, certified, or witnessed? 

Community JPs (Justice of the Peace) offer a FREE document signing service in the Forum of the Victorian Pride Centre (excluding public holiday weekends). No appointment necessary!

Services include:
  • Affidavits and statutory declarations
  • Witnessing business documents
  • Certifying qualifications
  • Certifying wills and copies of wills
  • Certifying identity documents (births, deaths, marriages, etc.)
  • This is the only DSC within a 10km radius of Melbourne’s CBD that is not a Police Station of Law Court.
JPs are on hand to witness, certify and execute life’s most important paperwork for you.

The JP’s specialise in documents specific to the LGBTIQA+ communities and can also assist with Enduring Powers of Attorney, Medical Decision Making and basic Wills.

Drop in and get life’s important paperwork sorted.

MORE:

Victorian Pride Centre (VPC)
Address: 79-81 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda, VIC 3182
Tel: 03 7035 3592

The Victorian Pride Centre respectfully acknowledges the Yaluk-ut Weelam Clan of the Boon Wurrung peoples. We pay our respects to their Elders, both past and present. We uphold their continuing relationship to this land where the Victorian Pride Centre exists today.

CoPP | GOV | CALLING | Participants for Environmental Leaders Course 2025 | now open

[Edited extract from public address]

Do you have an environmental idea to give back to your community? Are you passionate about environmental sustainability but not sure where to start? Do you want to meet a group of like-minded people?

The Port Phillip Environmental Leaders course could be for you. You don't need any previous experience to attend, just come along with an open mind and enthusiasm to do great things for your community. 

Since it's conception in 2018, almost 300 community members have participated in the program. The course could be more aptly described as an inner journey in community building.

Testimonials include:
"An incredible course that lets you gain valuable insight into community, self and how we can better our immediate environments!"
"If you think "maybe I could", then this course is for you. It will help you discover practical ways to make your dreams and ambitions happen. All the way through, you will be guided and supported, inspired and encouraged."
This free course is run by the City of Port Phillip over a 10 week period. Expressions of interest are now open for the 2025 course. 

MORE:

City of Port Phillip (CoPP)
Address: 99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda, VIC 3182 Australia
Telephone: 03 9209 6655

City of Port Phillip Council respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of this land, the people of the Kulin Nations. ​We pay our respect to their Elders, past and present. We acknowledge and uphold their continuing relationship to this land.

GEIFN | MIXING | Media | December 2024

[Edited extract from public address]
May this find you well, kindly treated, with festivity in season and finding yee-ha in the New.

Best wishes for less Suffering, more Happiness with Good Health and Time to Enjoy it. Welcome to Byzantine Calendar year 7532–7533.

While parts of the world continue to endure conflict, displacement, deprivation, disease and disaster, it may be useful to read the situations as "chapters", however difficult and uncertain, in the continuing story of the greater human history book.

Sharing a timely aspiration:
“May all beings have happiness, 
May all beings be free from suffering, 
May all beings feel an ocean of happiness and joy
And may we live with the good heart 
Feeling close to all.”
Attributed to Buddhism (since 483 BCE to present)

If having no reason to celebrate this month, here are 3 prepared earlier:

This edition, we revisit an Ancient Indian concept of Kamma/Karma/Causality (Pali/Sanskrit/English) and different ways to look at it.

Any thing that has a beginning, must also have an end. No thing arises of its own accord but is dependent on preexisting conditions. Existence is as long as conditions agree. When conditions change, so too must the thing. 

Life is the most precious asset any being has, is fragile and easily lost. 

For living things, the ability to feel is a characteristic of being alive. Feeling means feeling pleasure, pain and indifference is a natural part of existence. Neutral or equal in validity until we judge, evaluate or give it a value. 

While there may be no/limited/unknowable control over prevailing conditions, there still exists choice in whether to adapt, evolve or extinguish. Our present moment results from our activity (thoughts, words and actions). 

When we understand this, Suffering becomes optional. 

The future is not fixed – it has countless possibilities and unlimited in potential. Every moment is precious. What we do in the present makes our future. While death is certain for every living thing, the timing is unknown.

Freedom from conflict, disease and famine won't come about by accident but as a concerted effort using skilful means with non-selfishness as it's primary goal, methods and means.

Other words meaning same thing:

  • Dependent Origination
  • Conditional Existence
  • Cause and Effect
  • Causation or Causality
  • Results
  • Choices and Consequences

Please note information may contain misunderstandings, deliberate omissions and complete fabrications. And remember to watch out for the thing forgotten. Accept nothing blindly. Test for usefulness, if useful keep, adapt for personal circumstances or if unuseful discard. Be your own guiding light.

Read on intrepid Mixers, and let's see what is to discover this edition. Subscribers decide if anything is useful.


Topics

  1. Guest Sings
  2. Street Jives
  3. Wisdom Reconciles
  4. Media Writes
  5. TED Talks
  6. Music Challenges
  7. Acknowledgments


1. Guest Sings

Approx 5 min presentation

 

2. Street Jives

Approx 2 min presentation

 

3. Wisdom Reconciles

 

4. Media Writes

Approx 5 min reads

Intro
Michael Lallo explores childhood, growing up and interacting with Anthony Field who "As a Wiggle, he brought joy to millions, but privately, he was in pain” via The Brisbane Times 

Art Simone explores childhood, glamour and inspiration recounting how "I grew up as an outcast but I found solace in drag” via WA Today

Courtney Kruk explores place, people and purpose with Birrunga Wiradyuri who says "‘I’m still an outsider’: A path from a childhood in denial to lighting up the CBD” via The Sydney Morning Herald


Intra
Benjamin Law talks dicey topics Money, Bodies and Politics with Charlotte Wood who says “Shut up and listen to people who know what they’re talking about” via The Sydney Morning Herald

Amra Pajalic explores authenticity, education and learning in "Teachers are quitting in droves. Here’s why I’m not one of them” via The Age

Lenny Ann Low explores life, living and love recounting how "Midnight Oil rocker Jim had one quality Christabel had never seen in a man” via The Sydney Morning Herald


Inter
Melissa Fyfe explores childhood, familiars and loving environments "In Ashlee’s childhood of drug deals and violence, Grandma’s home was a safe haven” via The Age

Bridie Smith explores education, neuro-diversity and understanding when "The way some Melbourne University students are taught has changed. Here’s why” via The Age

Mick Brown explores ability, opportunity and adaptation with Hanif Kureishi recounting how "‘The worst thing is losing your hands’: on life as a tetraplegic” via The Brisbane Times


Multi
Benjamin Law explores dicey topics Money, Sex and Death with Artist Cao Fei on how "‘I enjoyed the misunderstanding’: how her mum made her special” via The Age

Bhakta Dasa explores childhood, learning and embodying recounting "How a schoolyard bully set me on my spiritual path” via The Age

Kerrie O’Brien explores place, purpose and passion when "Musical explores the curiously closeted world of Aussie rules” via The Age


All
Ross Gittins explores identity, gender and influences when "How you vote now comes down to one variable above all” via The Brisbane Times

Jake Niall explores people, place and passion "‘I thought, geez, this is a happy story’: Helen Garner on her footy book” via The Age

Benjamin Preiss explores place, people and poise as "‘Photo in the sky’ draws streams of curious onlookers to this town” via The Sydney Morning Herald


Togather
Liam Mannix explores dedication, discovery and diagnosis are behind how "Melbourne team helped solve the mystery of a killer skin disease” via The Sydney Morning Herald

Peter FitzSimons explores gender, education and future with Briony Scott about "The surprising sex talk Sydney’s most respected principal gives her students” via The Sydney Morning Herald

Tim Elliott explores athleticism, aging and solace when deciding to "‘Let’s do one more year’: At 90, Nancy and Betty still teach teen boys athletics” via The Brisbane Times


Nobly
Andrew Probyn and Danielle Post explores disease, medicine and collaboration recounting how "‘It was a revolution’: The forgotten Australian whose medical breakthrough saved millions of lives” via The Sydney Morning Herald

Dilvin Yasa explores motivation, generosity and timeliness are some of the reasons why "These four women have found the secret to fulfilment” via The Age

Brooke Boney explores people, place and purpose recounting when "I received an invitation to meet the King and Queen. This is why I accepted it” via The Brisbane Times

  

5. TED Talks

5-20 min presentations

6. Music Challenges

Approx 30 min presentation + reflection times

If desired, a short selection of publicly available material on a chosen theme for personal reflection. 

For best results, sit comfortably with a straight back, have headphones in a shared space, after each clicked link, allow a little reflection with your personally-held view before clicking on the next link.

Get ready to Reflect!
Choose your playing level:
Be introduced at 1.
Be soothed at 2-4.
Be shocked at 5.
Be inspired at 6.
Fuller illumination 1-6.
You be the judge. Or not.

Cryptic Clue:
What is a way to harmonise presence, difference, coexistence and gathering with purpose?
        1. Inspire
        2. Perspire
        3. Collaborate
        4. Engage: Test for personal circumstances, if useful keep, if unuseful discard, if exceeds needs, share mindfully
        5. Endure: Adapt for present times without sacrificing intent
        6. Endear: (Inspiring Others To Tend the Flame) live/ demonstrate/ inspire/ teach experience with others
        This challenge is connecting gratitude, fraternity, forgiveness & commemoration.

        connecting
        [con’neck’ting]
        From late Middle English: from Latin connexio(n-), from connectere: from con- = together + nectere = bind + -ing = a suffix denoting a verbal action, an instance of this, or its result (ie, fighting, outing, building); denoting a verbal action relating to an occupation, skill, etc (ie, banking, ice skating, welding); denoting material used for or associated with a process etc (ie, cladding, piping); denoting something involved in an action or process but with no corresponding verb (ie, sacking; forming the gerund of verbs (ie, painting, as in I love painting).

        noun
        1. a relationship in which a person or thing is linked or associated with something else. Ie, the connections between social attitudes and productivity. Ie, sufferers deny that their problems have any connection with drugs. 
          • the action of linking one thing with another. Ie, connection to the internet. 
          • the placing of parts of an electric circuit in contact so that a current may flow. 
          • a link between electrical components or pipes. Ie, ensure that all connections between the wires are properly made. 
          • a link between two phones. Ie, the caller replaced the receiver before the connection was made. 
          • an arrangement or opportunity for catching a connecting train, bus, aircraft, etc. Ie, ferry connections are sporadic in the low season. 
          • a connecting train, bus, etc. Ie, we had to wait for our connection to the next city. 
          • (connections) people with whom one has social or professional contact or to whom one is related, especially those with influence and able to offer one help. Ie, the newcomer had connections in the music industry. 
        2. (informal, mainly North American) a supplier of narcotics. 
          • a narcotics sale or purchase. 
        3. (historical) an association of Methodist Churches. Ie, the primitive Methodists broke with the Wesleyan connection in 1810.

        gratitude
        [grah’tih’tood]
        From late Middle English: from Old French, or from medieval Latin gratitudo, from Latin gratus = pleasing, thankful.

        noun
        • the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. Ie, they expressed gratitude to the committee for their support.

        fraternity
        [frah’turn’ih’tee]
        From Middle English: from Old French fraternite, from Latin fraternitas, from fraternus; from frater = brother.

        noun
        1. a group of people sharing a common profession or interests. Ie, members of the art fraternity.
          • (North American English) a male students' society in a university or college.
          • a religious or Masonic society or guild.
        2. friendship and mutual support within a group. Ie, the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity.

        forgiveness
        [Fore’givv’ness]
        From Old English forgiefan, of Germanic origin, related to Dutch vergeven and German vergeben; from For- = prefix prohibiting, abstention from, neglecting, or renunciating, used as an intensifier; + give = transferrance of possessions of some thing from one to another, cause or allow (someone or something) to have or experience something; carry out or perform (a specified action); yield as a product or result; concede (something) as valid or deserved in respect of (someone); state or put forward (information or argument); alter in shape under pressure rather than resist or break + -nes, -ness, of Germanic origin = a state or condition, an instance of a state or condition, or something in a certain state; from Latin -n = past participle of… + -ess = from esse = be.

        noun
        • the action or process of forgiving or being forgiven. Ie, the students are quick to ask forgiveness when they have overstepped the line. 

        commemoration
        [com’mem’or’ray’shen]
        From late Middle English: from Latin commemoratio(n-), from the verb commemorare = bring to remembrance;  from com- altogether + memorare = relate; from memor = mindful.

        noun
        • the action or fact of commemorating a dead person or past event. Ie, local martyrs received public commemoration. Ie, the statue was ordered by the Council in commemoration of women’s contributions to society
          • a ceremony or celebration in which a person or event is remembered, Ie, commemorations of wedding anniversaries.
        [Practice]

        Optional
        -- Chant Mantrastyle

        Why? Why not?
        Start today. 
        As the case may be.
        Or not.



        7. Acknowledgments

        Reconciliation
        Acknowledging traditional inhabitants of Cities of Port Phillip and Glen Eira are the Boon Wurrung, Bunurong and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation. Respect is offered to past, present and future elders of all spiritual traditions. May we find together a generous way to accommodate those in need of refuge. Let us be cool, strive individually and together to overcome inequality, violence, disengagement, tragedy and injustice wherever it may be. Let us honour, savor and enjoy results of mindful effort so more thrive peacefully with less effort in our place called home.

        Invitation to Support Content Creators
        The music/stories/videos have been sourced from public domain. If you like any of the content, please consider buying directly from online marketplaces to support creators and truth telling in the public interest.

        Caretaker Disclosure
        Words and concepts are conditional things that point to a 'reflection of experience'. They are limited and do not adequately describe the 'full lived experience'. Like the moon's reflection on a lake's surface, it is not the moon, nor the experience of gazing up at the darkened sky transformed by the presence of a full moon. It is in the eyes/ears/nose/mouth/touch/cognisance of the beholder.

        This curation is an interpretation of the universal basis of re:lig:ion (Latin = again:uniting:energy) or bodhicitta (Sanskrit = Awakening Consciousness). This email invites a sharing of countless thoughts, words and actions wishing, causing and receiving less Suffering and more Happiness. For benefit initially of the individual increasing in beneficiaries until it includes all across the 3 times and 10 directions. Or not. As each case may be.

        It is not personal, it just the way things are.

        Jackie Huggins, Bidjara/Pitjara, Birri Gubba Juru woman and Aboriginal Australian