GEIFN | CONSOLIDATED | Community Information | Wednesday 1 January 2025

Fast Facts: Community Responses Victoria & Australia

Topics List

1. Highlighting
2. Granting
3. Employment & Training
4. Engaging
5. Collectivising
6. Announcing
7. Supporting
8. Acknowledging

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 1. HIGHLIGHTING 

1. MELB | ICM | SHARING | Concert of Sacred Music, Seasons Greetings and a Happy New Year
2. AUST | GEIFN | CALLING | LGTBIQA+ Story Tellers for AUSSIE Stories: Downunder the Rainbow

 

 1.1  MELB | ICM | SHARING | Concert of Sacred Music, Seasons Greetings and a Happy New Year! 

A Joyful Christmas to our Christian friends.
Happy Hanukkah to our Jewish friends 25 December 2024-2 January 2025.

The Interfaith Centre of Melbourne (ICM) sends our greetings of joy, peace, love and blessings to everyone.

Global events in 2024 have challenged our social cohesion, and yet we have come together in peaceful, meaningful and hopeful ways throughout the year, strengthening interfaith and intercultural relationships and community.
 
In the spirit of coming together, we offer a video of our Concert of Sacred Music, for your reflection over the Summer. The Concert was produced in partnership with St Michael's Uniting Church, Melbourne, in November 2022.

Sacred music is the profoundest expression of the human spirit that is part of each one of us.
 
Sacred music symbolises the yearnings for harmony, with oneself and with others.

"There is something in music that transcends and unites. This is evident in the sacred music of every community - music that expresses the universal yearning that is shared by people all over the globe." - H.H. The Dalai Lama, 1998

We hope you enjoy the songs, chants and music of the sacred music practitioners, with special guest William Barton, master musician, and Fred Leone, cultural leader and songman.

• Watch the video (74 mins)

All good wishes for safe and Happy Holidays,
Reverend Helen Summers OAM, Director

 1.2  AUST | GEIFN | CALLING | LGTBIQA+ 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.
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 LGTBIQA+ Folk from around Australia. 

Now seeking Storytellers who have demonstrated reconciliation(s) in their own life. Recordings will be done remotely through Zoom or in a studio if Melbourne based. Storytellers will have opportunity to review final edit. Final edit recordings will be hosted individually on IFD website for global audience and bundled in a group of 3 for GEIFN website and local audience. 

Please feel welcome to share with your networks interested in reconciliation.

• For more details

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 2. GRANTING 

1. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Sporting Club Grants Program
2. VIC | MSV | OFFERING | Financial help for Victorians with mortgage stress
3. VIC | VHBA | GRANTING | Upgrades to mental health facilities | submissions close 5pm Friday 28 February 2025

 

 2.1  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.

• For more information and learn more

 

 2.2  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.

 

 2.3  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.

• For more information, including guidelines and how to apply

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 3. EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING 

1. VIC | TAFE | OFFERING | Free training for Victorians
2. CoPP | GOV | TRAINING | Participants in Environmental Leadership Course 2025 | now open
3. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Local Anti-Racism Initiatives Grants Program 2024-26 | applications close midday Thursday 6 February 2025
4. MELB | RMIT | GRANTING | Interpreter Scholarship Program | applications close Friday 7 February 2025
5. YARRA | YEF | TRAINING | Advanced Neighbourhood Battery 2-day course | Tuesday 18 & Wednesday 19 February 2025 | 8.45am-4.45pm | registrations now open

 

 3.1  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.

• For more information and learn more

 

 3.2  CoPP | GOV | TRAINING | Participants in Environmental Leadership Course 2025 | now open

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 City of Port Phillip (CoPP) 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. 

• Express your interest for Environmental Leadership course online via City of Port Phillip

 

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

State Government of Victoria's Multicultural Affairs 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.

• Learn more and apply

 

 3.4  MELB | RMIT | GRANTING | Interpreter Scholarship Program | applications close Friday 7 February 2025

Applications are open for the 2025 RMIT Interpreter Scholarship Program, which has supported over 1,500 individuals in gaining NAATI certification. Scholarships cover program and student fees for:

• Advanced Diploma: Arabic, Greek, Italian, Persian, Spanish, Vietnamese
• Diploma: Burmese, Dari, Dinka, Punjabi, Portuguese, Samoan, S’gaw Karen, Somali, Russian, Urdu
• Skill Set: Albanian, Bangla, Bislama, Chichewa, Gujarati, Hakha Chin, Hakka Chinese, Hazaragi, Hmong, Kayah (Karenni), Khmer, Kirundi, Kurdish Kurmanji, Lingala, Macedonian, Malay, Maltese, Nepali, Nuer, Pashto, Rohingya, Ukrainian, Sinhalese, Swahili

Bilingual individuals aiming to become professional interpreters are encouraged to apply. Scholarships are awarded on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.

The courses are primarily online, with some in-person sessions in Melbourne. For more information, contact translating.interpreting@rmit.edu.au.

• Learn more and apply

 

 3.5  YARRA | YEF | TRAINING | Advanced Neighbourhood Battery 2-day course | Tuesday 18 & Wednesday 19 February 2025 | 8.45am-4.45pm | registrations now open

The Yarra Energy Foundation (YEF) training is designed for industry practitioners, community groups, governments, and businesses that want to deploy Neighbourhood Batteries (NBs) in Victoria. 
In particular, those who are seeking assistance to prepare to apply for grant funding in the 3rd and final round of the Victorian Government’s 100 Neighbourhood Batteriesprogram.  

Delivered over two days, the course will cover:

• steps towards developing a robust project plan and business case for a NB
• fundamentals of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) components, operation, and procurement
• process for determining whether a NB is the right solution for your circumstances
• different value streams available to owners of NBs, including market participation, retail arrangements and network tariffs
• different business/operating models, use cases, and dispatch control methods including neighbourhood batteries in energy back-up systems
• and much more!

On the first day, participants will visit the Fitzroy North community battery, guided by Energy & Storage Programs Manager, Chris Wallin.

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and Yarra Energy Foundationare providing significant co-subsidies for the general admission and non-profit tickets for Victorian attendees. All information about ticket prices and non-profit registration can be found at the link below. 

• If you require booking assistance, please email tim.shue@yef.org.au
• Where: Yarra Energy Foundation offices, United Co (co-working space), Fitzroy, Australia
• Cost: from $579.70 + $14.99 fee
• Bookings: Register online via Humanitix

 

OFFERING | Our Services

You can find out more about the Yarra Energy Foundation services. These include:

• Feasibility studies
• Community Engagement
• Community battery strategies for local councils
• Consulting & advice
• Project management 
• Solar & electrification programs

We have a small team of extremely passionate energy experts with decades of combined industry, governmental, business, and sustainability experience.

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 4. ENGAGING 

1. CoPP | MYYS | OFFERING | Summer Holidays in Port Phillip for 12-18 year-olds
2. CoPP | VPC | OFFERING | Witnessed Document Signing | operates every Sunday (excluding public holiday weekends) | 11am-3pm
3. AUST | MUSPS | HEARING | Your say: Diverse Representations in Equity & Access in Mental Health and Sleep
4. MELB | TORCH | EXHIBITING | 12th Koorie Art Show | on now, until Sunday 23 February 2025
5. VIC | VMC | CALLING | Submissions to Multicultural Film Festival 2025 | entries now open, closing Monday 10 March 2025
6. VIC | VMC | EMBRACING | Cultural Diversity Week 2025 | 17-23 March 2025
7. AUST | EQPR | READYING | To Lead Change in 2025. Join our Adaptive Leadership Program | Wednesday 2-Friday 4 April 

 

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

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!
City of Port Phillip (CoPP)'s Middle Years and Youth Services (MYYS) are proud to host fun activities for teens this summer holidays.

• Bookings: complete form for any 12-18 year olds
• Download: poster for your community notice board

 

 4.2  CoPP | VPC | OFFERING | Witnessed Document Signing | operates every Sunday (excluding public holiday weekends) | 11am-3pm

The Victorian Pride Centre (VPC) has launched a Document Signing Centre (DSC) service in St Kilda where legal documents can be witnessed by a Justice of the Peace.
This is the only community-based DSC within a 10 km radius of Melbourne's CBD that's not a police station or law court. The DSC@VPC provides a space where everyone, regardless of their background or identity, can feel secure and supported in having their legal documents witnessed.

This is a free service managed by the Royal Victorian Association of Honorary Justices, and may be expanded next year.

• Learn more
• Where: The Forum, Victorian Pride Centre, 19-81 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda VIC 3182
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: Appointments aren't necessary

 

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

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.

• Read Explanatory Statement
• Download the DREAMS flyer
• Complete the Survey

Please complete the survey if eligible and share among your networks.

 4.4  MELB | TORCH | EXHIBITING | 12th Koorie Art Show | on now, until Sunday 23 February 2025

The The Torch Project (TORCH) 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:

• Alfred Carter, Gunaikurnai people
• Bonkers, Gunditjmara/Gunaikurnai peoples
• Bushka, Barrinbinya people
• C.Kane, Gunditjmara/Meru/Latje Latje peoples
• Daniel JC, Darug people
• David Roe, Warumungu/Yawuru peoples
• Flick Chafer-Smith, Ngarrindjeri people
• Frances Castles, Kamilaroi people
• Jaye, Gunaikurnai people
• J.Ellis, Yorta Yorta people
• Marbukk, Yorta Yorta/Wemba Wemba peoples
• Melissa Bell, Gunditjmara/Yorta Yorta peoples
• Miles, Eora/Gadigal peoples
• Sean Miller, Gamilaroi people
• Sonia, Torres Strait Islands people
• Thelma Beeton, Palawa people
• T.J, Yorta Yorta people
• Tupun Wultatinyeri, Ngarrindjeri/Kukabrak peoples

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

 

 4.5  VIC | VMC | CALLING | Submissions to Multicultural Film Festival 2025 | entries now open, closing Monday 10 March 2025

This Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) 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!

• For more information and learn more

 

 4.6  VIC | VMC | EMBRACING | Cultural Diversity Week 2025 | 17-23 March 2025

Victoria’s largest multicultural celebration is back! Our state will come together for Cultural Diversity Week and celebrate the power, influence and stories of Victoria’s rich multicultural communities.

The theme for 2025 is “Embrace The Journey, Shape Our Future.”. The theme highlights the unique and shared cultural journeys that define our diverse communities, encouraging us to honour our own cultural stories and those of others, fostering understanding, belonging, and connection.
Whether it’s as an individual, community group, business, or government agency, we encourage you to host a Cultural Diversity Week event or activity.

You can also join the statewide conversation by using the hashtags #CulturalDiversityWeek, #CDW2025, #EmbraceTheJourney, #ShapeOurFuture.

• For resources, inspiration and to learn more 

 

 4.7  AUST | EQPR | READYING | To Lead Change in 2025. Join our Adaptive Leadership Program | Wednesday 2-Friday 4 April 2025

Join The Equality Project (EQPR) in Melbourne on 2-4 April 2025 for a transformative 3-day experience designed to amplify your leadership potential and spark meaningful impact.
A great way to invest in your growth before the year wraps up.

Who's it for?

This program is for ERG Leaders, D&I Managers, Pride Network Leads, and Consultants looking to grow their leadership skills and make a lasting difference. Over three engaging days, you’ll gain practical tools and fresh perspectives to address challenges with confidence and clarity.

What you'll gain:

• Practical strategies to navigate leadership challenges effectively
• A network of like-minded leaders to share ideas and experiences
• Clear pathways to create tangible and meaningful outcomes in your work

Whether you’re new to leadership or building on years of expertise, this program offers actionable insights and the support you need to achieve your goals.

Start your leadership journey now.

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 5. COLLECTIVISING 

1. COPP | PHAAA | UPDATING | Community | December 2024
2. YARRA | YEF | UPDATING | Stories, events and more | December 2024
3. VIC | ECCV | UPDATING | eBulletin #51 | December 2024
4. VIC | VTMH | UPDATING | Community, News and Information | December 2024
5. AUST | CUIN | UPDATING | Dancing Between the Years, Highlights and more | December 2024-January 2025
6. AUST | NJP | UPDATING | Community News | December 2024
7. AUST | RAWCS | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds for Ukraine Crisis Appeal
8. AUST | RGA | WRAPPING | 2024 Rainbow Giving in Action | Wednesday 18 December 2024
9. AUST | TJP | REPORTING | Trans Justice Project’s impact in 2024
10. AUST | THCO | UPDATING | Awareness, Funds and Support for independent media and more | December 2024
11. WORLD | WIKIPEDIA | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds so everyone can have equal access to knowledge

 

 5.1  COPP | PHAAA | UPDATING | Community | December 2024

As this year comes to a close, we are thrilled to announce upcoming workshops in 2025. 
Join Planetary Healing Artists Association of Australia (PHAAA) in celebrating and supporting our mission of promoting an all inclusive, harmonious future through the creativity of art and healing. Here are the exciting activities we have planned:

CALLING | All Artists: Share Your Creative Passion!

We are excited to announce an amazing opportunity for artists to get involved in our community at Planetary Healing Artists.

We are hosting fortnightly art workshops at our headquarters, and we are looking for artists who are interested in sharing their creative skills and passions at our events. Whether you're skilled in painting, crafting, mixed media, or any other artistic medium, we invite you to come and share your creative talents with us.

What we’re looking for:

• Artists who are passionate about teaching and sharing their craft.
• Workshops that uplift participants, encourage creative expression, and connect the community.
• You don't have to be an experienced workshop leader – if this is your first time running a workshop, we are here to help!

What we offer:

• Mentorship and guidance: Our team is here to support you through every step of organising your workshop.
• A supportive community: A welcoming and inclusive space to connect with fellow artists.
• A platform to share your art: An opportunity to inspire others, grow your network, and make a positive impact. 

Get involved:
If this sounds like the opportunity for you, we’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch with us at exhibit@planetaryhealingartists.org to discuss your workshop ideas. We are looking forward to hearing from you!

REPORTING | St Kilda Peace Festival 2024

Thank you City of Port Phillip for your support. This year's St Kilda Peace Festival was a great success at the Theatrette, Victorian Pride Centre, St Kilda on September 15, 2024. We celebrated creativity and peace with interactive activities, live performances, and a communal space for reflection and connection, aimed at promoting world peace and community healing with the theme 'Healing the Community'.

• Check out the video (5 mins)

 

WISHING | Happy Solstice & Festive Season.

Thank you all for your support in 2024!
We have been truly blessed and thank you each and every one of you who joined us in 2024, whether you volunteered, presented your work or offered supported we’re so grateful to have had you be a part of the Planetary Healing Artists’ community. 

Volunteers Needed & Holiday Celebration Poll
To show our gratitude we’re planning a possible fundraising sausage sizzle over the break and would love some help! If you’re available to volunteer, please let us know - we’d greatly appreciate your support.

Additionally, we’re organising a celebration in the New Year and and we would love to hear your thoughts: When would be a convenient time for you to join us? We’d also appreciate your input on what activities you’d like to enjoy and any venue preferences. Please share your availability and ideas with us via email at volunteer@planetaryhealingartists.org

Looking forward to hearing from you.

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 5.2  YARRA | YEF | UPDATING | Stories, events and more | December 2024

Wired For Tomorrow: a vision for electrified precincts 

Yarra Energy Foundation (YEF) took up the challenge over a year ago to answer the question: what would it really take to make an all-electric precinct?

We titled this future-gazing project Wired for Tomorrow, which was funded by Yarra City Council. We thank all our partners, especially Brendan Lim of Little Sketches for the interactive website.

Our precinct, located on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung land, spans one and a half kilometres of dense, urban habitat in North Fitzroy and Clifton Hill. With over 600 dwellings, 80 local businesses, and a mix of housing types, it reflects the wider Yarra community.

Once home to a polluting gasworks, the site is now being transformed into a sustainable urban village. Like all Australians, we share a vision for energy that is affordable, clean, and reliable for everyone.

Reaching an all-electric future powered by renewables requires more than upgrades to individual households—it’s about the connections between them. Precinct-scale thinking helps identify opportunities at the community level that often go overlooked, such as bi-directional EV charging, electrified public transport, e-mobility infrastructure with safe cycling lanes, neighbourhood batteries, and local energy-sharing arrangements.

Beyond energy benefits, all-electric precincts bring positive outcomes for public health, including reduced noise pollution, improved indoor and outdoor air quality, and greater resilience to heatwaves and grid outages.

• Explore Wired for Tomorrow

 

TRAINING | Neighbourhood Battery 2-day advanced course | Tuesday 18-Wednesday 19 February 2025 | registrations open

Previous participants have rated the course 9/10 for experience, engaging content and quality of presenters. 

“The course exceeded my expectations. The knowledge sharing from YEF of their own experiences owning and operating a battery plus industry insights from completing a wide range of NB business cases is invaluable information that isn't otherwise accessible for many organisations." – Participant feedback

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and Yarra Energy Foundation are providing significant co-subsidies for general admission and non-profit tickets for Victorian attendees. All information about ticket prices and non-profit registration can be found at the link below.

• Register for Neighbourhood Battery Training

 

REPORTING | Victoria’s leading energy backup systems

This week, the team visited two leading examples of energy backup systems in Monbulk and Healesville, developed through the Victorian Government’s Energy Resilience Solutions program.

At Monbulk RSL, the backup system transforms the venue into a vital community hub during outages, offering residents hot showers and somewhere to charge their devices.

Healesville High School’s new energy backup system supports school operations, reduces bills, and provides a space for the community during emergencies.

Both of these projects highlight the importance of energy resilience in tackling climate-driven events and outages. 

• Insights and learnings from these initiatives be included in our Neighbourhood Batteries Training Course in February 2025.
• Read more about the backup systems

 

JOINING | Net Zero Leaders panel

YEF’s COO Tim Shue recently joined the Net Zero Leaders panel at Monash University, hosted by Climateworks Centre.

Speaking alongside Alison Read (Telstra) and Samuel Dawes (Carbon Market Institute), Tim shared insights on neighbourhood batteries and their role in the energy transition.

The panel highlighted key themes, including the importance of collaboration across sectors, the falling costs of cleantech, and the need for diverse expertise to achieve net zero. It was an inspiring session with engaged students and thought-provoking discussions on climate leadership.

• Follow YEF on LinkedIn

 

OFFERING | Our Services

You can find out more about the services that the Yarra Energy Foundation can offer on our website. These include:

• Feasibility studies
• Community Engagement
• Community battery strategies for local councils
• Consulting & advice
• Project management 
• Solar & electrification programs

We have a small team of extremely passionate energy experts with decades of combined industry, governmental, business, and sustainability experience.

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 5.3  VIC | ECCV | UPDATING | eBulletin #51 | December 2024

The past year has been challenging for many people in our multicultural communities. Cost-of-living has been a major pressure point, and the consequences of overseas conflicts and humanitarian crises have undoubtedly had impacts locally. 
 
It is more important than ever to dedicate ourselves to building a cohesive society. I believe we can build unity while upholding the right to free speech and engaging in debate on the issues that matter to us as individuals and communities. 
 
Being able to worship freely and safely is a fundamental human right and must be respected. The recent arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea was a heinous act that strikes at the core of our multicultural and multifaith state. Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) condemns and rejects antisemitism, Islamophobia and racism in all forms. Diversity and difference are at the heart of what makes our state great. 
 
ECCV has been the voice of multicultural Victoria since 1974, and, on a happy note, we were delighted to celebrate our 50th anniversary with so many friends old and new at our Annual General Meeting earlier this month. Thank you to all our guests, including guest speakers Lee Tarlamis MP and Hass Dellal AO, for joining us. 
 
If you are curious about ECCV's history, you can watch a short film commemorating our organisation's 50-year legacy here, which features interviews with myself as well as ECCV co-founder George Papadopoulos, multicultural champions Marion Lau OAM and George Lekakis AO, and new ECCV CEO Farah Farouque.
 
Celebrating ECCV's history is also about celebrating our members, supporters and communities. It was wonderful to see a significant number of our members honoured at the 2024 Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence. Congratulations to all the individuals and organisations honoured at the Awards and to all the new inductees of the Multicultural Honour Roll.
 
Eddie Micallef, Chairperson

 Highlights 

HOSTING | Full house at Fitzroy Town Hall for ECCV AGM

We were proud to host more than 100 guests at our Annual General Meeting at Fitzroy Town Hall this month, where we also celebrated our 50th anniversary. The event featured a video message from Multicultural Affairs Minister Ingrid Stitt MP, an address from Lee Tarlamis MP and a conversation between Hass Dellal AO and ECCV CEO Farah Farouque. 

• See photos and relive the evening's highlights.

 

APPOINTING | ECCV to Seniors Advisory Committee

ECCV will sit on the newly set-up Senior Victorians Advisory Committee along with three other sector members and eight community members. ECCV looks forward to advising the government on the experiences and needs of seniors from migrant and refugee backgrounds as part of the committee, and helping all Victorians to age well.

• The Victorian government announced the establishment of the Committee. 

 

LAUNCHING | Victorian Anti-Racism Strategy

The Victorian government recently released its Anti-Racism Strategy, the first of its kind in the state and Australia. ECCV welcomes the Strategy and helped develop it as a member of the Victorian Anti-Racism Taskforce alongside other peak bodies and organisations advocating for First Nations, multi-faith and multicultural communities. 

• Find out more about the Strategy.

 

PUBLISHING | New report on multicultural service provision

Deakin University published a project report last month that looks at the shift in service delivery from community-specific to mainstream organisations. The 'Mapping Social Services Provision for Diverse Communities' report emphasises the importance of diversity and inclusion practices in the sector and a hybrid service provision model. ECCV was proud to be a partner on this research project. 

• Read the report.

 

REPORTING | ECCV part of UniMelb panel on digital inclusion

ECCV Policy Advisor Dr Jennifer Borrell took part in a panel discussion recently at the University of Melbourne exploring digital inclusion for older Australians and the role of Artificial Intelligence. Dr Borrell authored ECCV's report about the impact of the digital divide on older migrants and appeared on the panel with UniMelb researchers and representatives from Elder Rights Advocacy and SisterWorks.

 Opportunities and Resources 

READING | Our latest Annual Report

ECCV is pleased to share our Annual Report 2023-24 which was officially launched at our Annual General Meeting on 5 December. The Annual Report highlights our ongoing work supporting Victoria's migrant and refugee communities in a challenging year, where many in our diverse communities grappled with rising cost-of-living pressures and the impacts of global humanitarian crises. 

• Read the Annual Report.

 

WATCHING | A short film of ECCV's 50-year history

For the past half-century, ECCV has been working with and for our state's migrant and refugee communities. The story of ECCV is also the story of multicultural Victoria, and we're proud to celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2024. As part of marking this milestone, we produced a short film about our history and vision for the future. Let us know what you think of the video by tagging us on social media.

• Watch video (8 mins)

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

[Edited extract from public address] 
Welcome from the Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH) team and best wishes for the festive season
We hope this 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. 

• Read more about Sam

 

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.  

• Read more

 

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.

• Read more

 

 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. 

• Read more

 

UPDATING | Rural & Regional Approach Initiative

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

• Read more

 

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.

• Read more

 

TALKING | Community Engagement in Mental Health Podcasts

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

• Listen here

 

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.

• Read more

 

TALKING | Spirituality & Diversity Discussions

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

• Read more

 

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. 

• Read more

 

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. 

• Read more

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

DANCING | Between the Years, 2024 Highlights 

As 2024 draws to a close, Cultural Infusion (CUIN) 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 Chatzidamianosrepresented 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 Zamenirepresented 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 Mousaferiadisrepresented 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.

• Browse Programs

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 Mousaferiadiswith 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!

• Book Here

 

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.

• Browse Programs

 

 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.

• Find Out More

 

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!

• Find Out More

     

 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 Sumardito 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!

• Browse Our Programs

 

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:

• Chinese Lion Dance (VIC, QLD, NSW, ACT, WA)
• Chinese Martial Arts (VIC, QLD, NSW, ACT, WA)
• Chinese Calligraphy & Brush Ink Painting (NSW)
• Chinese Classical Dance (VIC, NSW, SA, WA)
• Chinese Classical Music (VIC, NSW, SA)
• Chinese Drumming (VIC, QLD, NSW)
• Chinese Fan Painting (NSW)
• Chinese Culture for Day (VIC, NSW)
• Chinese-Korean Ethnic Dance (VIC)
• Korean (K-pop) Dance (NSW)
• Korean Classical Dance (NSW, VIC) 
• Vietnamese Classical Music (NSW)
• Vietnamese Classical Dance (VIC, QLD)

• Visit Our Cultural Calender

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 5.6  AUST | NJP | UPDATING | Community News | December 2024

This has been an exceptionally busy year for us all at the National Justice Project (NJP) and we wish to thank our many supporters for standing alongside us and fighting the good fight. 
We have achieved a great deal for our clients and communities during 2024 and we look forward to our 10th year in 2025. 

We end this year with some bittersweet news. Steven Castan, our Board Chair for the last five years, will be stepping down from this role in January 2025. We would like to sincerely thank and celebrate Steven for playing a vital role as Chair of the National Justice Project and being a part of our growth, fearlessly fighting for a society where all people are treated equitably and without discrimination. Steven will continue to be a Director of the Board and assisting where he can add value.

We are pleased to announce that Distinguished Professor Larissa Behrendt OA will be appointed as our Chair, effective from 2 January 2025. Larissa is an Euahleyai/Gamillaroi woman and Laureate Fellow at the Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning at the University of Technology, Sydney. She received an Order of Australia in 2020 for distinguished service to Indigenous education and research, to the law, and to the visual and performing arts. We have been benefiting from Larissa’s knowledge and passion since she joined our Board in 2021, and we look forward to welcoming her to her new position as Chair next year.

We wish you all a safe and peaceful end to 2024 and look forward to celebrating 2025 with you in the new year.

THANKYOU | For helping us make an impact this year

We are delighted to share with you our Impact Report for 2024 showcasing the National Justice Project's workd to end discrimination through the power of strategic legal action, social justice education, client-centred advocacy, innovation and strong partnerships.

Earlier this year we shared an Impact Report capturing our work in the previous calendar year. As we are now moving to produce an annual report across the financial year instead, we didn't want you to miss our advocacy and impact during January-June 2024. 

We hope you enjoy this bonus report for the year and than you for your ongoing commitment to the National Justice Project, and the role you have played in creating this impact. 

• Read more

 

THANKYOU | For supporting our impact through fundraising

Thank you again to the many people who supported our 10 Days to Donate in Decemberjourney. This campaign in the lead up to International Human Rights Day on 10 December will help us Finish the Fight for the refugee families who rely on us to fight for their human rights.

This support will help our legal team push forward the 40 offshore detention cases we have before the Federal Court. There is still time to donate and help us Finish the Fight for our courageous refugee families.

• Donate Now

The National Justice Project is a Public Benevolent Institution endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) covered by Item 1 of the table in section 30-15 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.  Donations of $2.00 or more are tax deductible.

Thank you for your support in 2024
Our office will be closed December 20 to January 6
The National Justice Project looks forward to our 10th year in 2025

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 5.7  AUST | RAWCS | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds for Ukraine Crisis Appeal

Thanks to generous support the Ukraine Crisis Appeal has directly assisted over 880,000 war stricken victims. 
With this help, we have:

• Saved hundreds of children with medical and trauma treatment.
• Provided 8 ambulances filled with medical supplies.
• Supported families with shelter, child-friendly spaces, and psychological support.
• Funded rehabilitation for war veterans and their families.
• Supplied over $2.5 million in medical supplies and $29 million in donated equipment.

As 2024 ends, let's embrace the giving spirit and think of those enduring another harsh winter in a war zone, especially vulnerable children.

Oleksandr is a 7-year-old boy from Donetsk Oblast fighting at the same time cancer and the effects of war. After a missile hit his hospital, he continues to battle a complex tumour. Our partner, the Tabletochki Foundation, supports his family with medicines, tests, and psychological assistance.

Many children like Oleksandr need our help. Their fathers are often fighting for their country, with many not returning or sustaining injuries.

We hope you can support us again this festive season with a life-saving donation for the children of Ukraine suffering from war, sickness, and trauma.

Please donate: Any amount will help save and improve lives.
Donate Now

Giving through the Ukraine Crisis Appeal and Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) ensures your donation provides urgently needed assistance across Ukraine:

• The Ukraine Crisis Appeal is a totally voluntary organisation and works directly with aid workers and volunteers in Ukraine, who inform us daily on needs and dangers.  This means that your gift/donation will be directed across Ukraine providing urgently needed assistance.
• RAWCS has advanced humanitarian causes since 1966, thanks to Rotary clubs and Rotarians in Australia.

Donate again to the Ukraine Crisis Appeal in partnership with RAWCS. Your donation is tax-deductible.

• Donate Now

We wish you a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Thank you on behalf of the children of Ukraine.

Warm regards,
Diahanna (Darka) Senko, Chair, Ukraine Crisis Appeal
Director, Humanitarian and Medical Aid, Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations

Mahir Momand, Chief Executive Officer
Rotary Australia World Community Service

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 5.8  AUST | RGA | WRAPPING | 2024 Rainbow Giving in Action | Wednesday 18 December 2024

It’s that time of year again. Wrapped is ready. Are you?
Life moves fast – luckily, Rainbow Giving Australia (RGA) 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

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 5.9  AUST | TJP | REPORTING | Trans Justice Project’s impact in 2024

2024 was Trans Justice Project (TJP)’s biggest year yet.  We doubled the size of our team, held the first ever Trans Justice Strategy Retreat, launched the Anti-Trans Disinformation Handbook, and stopped the notorious anti-trans campaigner, Kellie-Jay Keen, from entering Australia. 

Our movement has been fighting for trans justice in a rapidly changing political and social climate. 

Across Australia, we’ve seen some big legal wins. Roxane Tickle won her landmark case, confirming that trans women are protected under sex discrimination laws, the same as all other women. And every state and territory has now passed laws allowing people to amend their legal gender without requiring surgery. 

But this year has also seen cynical politicians campaigning on restricting gender affirming care, and our Federal government has abandoned laws protecting us from discrimination in religious settings.
 
With Trump's victory in the US, and a looming Federal election here in Australia, we know that we have a challenging time ahead of us.

In this climate, our work has never been more important.

As we look to the year ahead we must continue urgently organising in our communities and fighting for freedom, justice and equality.
 
It’s going to take all of us, but together, we will build a better future for all trans and gender diverse people.

• Read our 2024 Impact Report for the full story!

P.S. 2024 was huge for us, and we’re preparing for 2025 to be even bigger. We rely on donations from our community and supporters to fund this vital work.

One powerful way you can help our movement is by signing up as a solidarity member to make a monthly donation.

We are up against the power and money of the anti-trans lobby, but your donation can help us tip the scales back in our favour.

• Support our work by becoming a monthly donor.

If the content of this email has raised difficult feelings for you remember that you can get support. Call Rainbow Door (10am-5pm) if you are in Victoria on 1800 729 367 or QLife(3pm-12midnight) on 1800 184 527. You can also access support through Beyondblueon 1300 224 636 (available 24/7) or Lifeline on 13 11 14 (available 24/7).

In solidarity for trans justice,
Jackie Turner (she/her), Director

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 5.10  AUST | THCO | UPDATING | Awareness, Funds and Support for independent media and more | December 2024

Thank you to generous supporters of The Conversation (THCO) in 2024. We couldn't do this without you.
Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do, and nothing we’ve achieved this year would have been possible without you, and thousands of people like you, who care about access to quality information and who go out of their way to make The Conversation a successful project and an incredible place to work.
Special thanks also go to every academic who gave up their valuable time to write an article and share their expertise this year. Thanks to our university partners and philanthropic funders who work so hard to make a positive difference. And thanks also to the volunteer board members and my colleagues in editorial, administration and technology, who are smart, passionate, humble and fun.

A warm welcome and thank you to the 800 people who became monthly donors this December and the thousands more who supported us with gifts throughout the year. (And if you haven’t donated yet to this campaign you still can). 

Finally, from everyone in the team here, we wish you a joyous and peaceful Christmas full of friends, family, reading (start with our Best Books of 2024 article for recommendations), reflection and affection. 

PS: For those interested in learning more about what we've achieved this year, I've included our 2024 Stakeholder Report and our most recent Impact Report. 
 
Thank you for being a Friend of the Conversation.  

Best wishes,
Misha Ketchell, Editor

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 5.11  WORLD | WIKIPEDIA | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds so everyone can have equal access to knowledge

Thank you to donors for supporting Wikimedia Foundation (WIKIPEDIA) and the Wikimedia Foundation. 
With this support, you help strengthen our nonprofit mission to ensure people everywhere can access the information they need, whenever they need it, for free.

Wikipedia only works because of the hundreds of thousands of humans who dedicate their time and energy to making it one of the most trusted sources of information online. The tireless efforts of these volunteers are what makes this website invaluable to billions of readers worldwide. This is even more important today with the changes in technology and artificial intelligence shaping our world.

How are donations used?

• Sustains and improves the technology that runs Wikipedia and the other Wikimedia knowledge projects.
• Empowers the 265,000+ volunteers, organizations, and groups who share their knowledge with the world.
• Advances our global mission of sharing the sum of all knowledge with everyone, everywhere.

So the next time you visit Wikipedia, I hope you take pride in knowing that you help make this possible. Wikipedia is a collective labor of love, and you’re a part of it. Thank you again for your dedication to this remarkable mission.

• Donate

With gratitude,
Maryana Iskander, CEO

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 6. ANNOUNCING 

1. VIC | LSV | ADVISING | Water Safety Week

 

 6.1  VIC | LSV | ADVISING | Water Safety Week

As we enter the holiday season and the weather gets warmer, Life Saving Victoria (LSV) advises the importance of remembering that safety is everyone’s responsibility – especially around water.

In the 2023-24 season, 21 people from CALD backgrounds tragically fatally drowned—the highest number on record. This heartbreaking statistic is a reminder of the importance of staying vigilant and taking all necessary precautions when enjoying aquatic environments.

If you're new to pools or water settings, please take a moment to speak with a lifesaver or lifeguard before entering the water. Always read and follow the safety signs at your location to ensure you're fully informed.

Let’s work together to make this holiday season safer and full of joyful memories. Stay safe, stay aware, and let’s all do our part to keep one another protected.

If you're unsure about water safety, don’t hesitate to ask for help!

• Learn more

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 7. SUPPORTING 

1. AUST | MANY | Helpers and Reliable Sources Along the Way
2. AUST | MULTI | Supporting Voices, Treaty and Meaningful Reconciliation with First Peoples, Settlers, and Those Who Come After
3. VIC | GOV | UPDATING | Coronavirus Response
4. AUST | MULTI | UPDATING | Coronavirus Response

 

 7.1  AUST | MANY | Helpers and Reliable Sources Along the Way

1. Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander
2. Ageism
3. Asylum Seeking & Refugees
4. Climate, Environment & Emergency
5. Community, Connection & Belonging
6. Difability & Disability
7. Employment
8. Family & Neighbourhood Violence
9. Health, Sickness & Wellbeing
10. Kids, Youth, Parenting & Education
11. LGBTIQA+
12. Men
13. Racism
14. Women

7.1.1 Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander

• BlaQ Aboriginal Corporation (BLAQ) – National service provider and NSW State Peak Organisation supporting and representing community living with the intersection of a Cultural life and LGBTQ+SB identity.
• Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan Aboriginal Corporation school teaches Aboriginal kids in their own language started in 2022 with just 15 students and this year they already have 74 enrolments plus a waiting list!
• Call It Out: A First Nations Racism Register App – University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research, in partnership with the National Justice Project, are proud to announce the launch of the Call It Out App, a ground-breaking platform aimed at documenting and addressing racism against First Nations Peoples in communities across Australia. Download on Apple and Android now to report racism anytime, anywhere. 
• From the Heart (FTH) views a Voice to Parliament as a body enshrined in the Constitution would enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to provide advice to the Parliament on policies and projects that impact their lives.
• The Healing Foundation (THF) – a national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation providing a platform to amplify voices and lived experience of Stolen Generations survivors and their families.
• Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) Book Supply – creating and translating books with the collective storytelling of First Nations authors, illustrators and Elders
• Koorie Women Mean Business
• Mungo Explorer – online learning platform by Cultural Infusion (CUIN). An inquiry based resource aligned with the Australian curriculum and covers Year 4 First Contact and Year 7 Ancient History. Allowing teachers to share Indigenous perspectives, historical and scientific thinking to teach students about the remarkable story of Mungo Man and Mungo Lady.
• National Justice Project (NJP)
• Pathfinders National Aboriginal Birth Certificate Program (PNABCP) – Canberra not-for-profit group helping make life easier for people in need. As part of its many programs, it helps provide free birth certificates and registrations for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island community
• Reconciliation Victoria – promoting reconciliation across Victoria, promoting deeper understanding, respect and justice for and with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
• The Torch Project (TORCH) provides art, cultural and arts industry support to First Nations people currently in, or recently released, from Victorian prisons.

7.1.2 Ageism

• Ageism and reducing its impact – reframing the discussion to help everyone better understand how to communicate about age, ageing and issues affecting older people. Download the Framing age message guide and Download the quick reminder Cheat Sheet
• ‘Ageing well in Victoria: An action plan for strengthening wellbeing for senior Victorians 2022-2026' supporting older Victorians from all backgrounds to connect socially and live healthy, active, and purposeful lives.
• Southern Metro Elder Abuse Prevention Network (SMEAPN) free online course: Framing Age Self-Paced Training: 5 Online Modules – EAPN LMS

7.1.3 Asylum Seeking & Refugees

• Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) – independent not for profit supporting and empowering over 7,000 people seeking asylum each year to maximise their physical, mental and social wellbeing. As a movement we mobilise and unites communities to creating social and policy change for people seeking asylum and refugees in Australia.
• Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project (BASP) – providing food, housing, English classes, employment assistance, legal and medical support, and donations of money.
• City of Whittlesea (CoW) – offering a 12-week placement program for newly arrived non-student migrants and refugees. Learn more and apply

7.1.4 Climate, Environment & Emergency

• Better Health – Surviving Extreme Heat In-language video
• Australian Islamic Centre (AIC) has co-produced award winning Fired Up (36 mins) short documentary which tells the story of AIC volunteers who travelled to areas impacted by the devastating 2019-2020 bushires to provide essential supplies to communities in critical need.
• Country Fire Authority and Fire Rescue Victoria recommend your smoke alarms are tested regularly, that batteries are replaced once a year, and smoke alarm units are replaced every 10 years. Learn more
• Country Fire Authority advises Reduce fire risk by using lithium-ion battery powered devices safely
• Country Fire Authority  – Summer Campaign Communications Kit includes a range of resources in different languages to help you stay safe during a bushfire
• Crime Stoppers Victoria (CSV) with Ethnolink – video on how to report a crime, now available in our 11 priority languages: Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Dinka, Farsi, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Punjabi, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Watch videos
• Emergency management improvement report with engaged multicultural communities, government and emergency services
• Fire season preparation in Regional Victoria – visit Country Fire Authority's website, sign up to MyCFA to get local information on how to plan and prepare for fires and other emergencies in your area or learn more
• Royal Life Saving – a handy checklist to help identify any areas of drownings concern, allowing everyone to be fully prepared for the upcoming summer.
• Solar Savers – Start saving on energy bills with City of Port Phillip
• State Emergency Service – SES flood guide – Be aware of your risk, check your local area or call VIC SES on 132 500 for support
• Vic Emergency app or Call 1800 226 226 for Vic Emergency hotline
• Victoria Health Department – in hot weather or extreme weather, be neighbourly, check in on vulnerable neighbours
• Yarra Energy Foundation (YEF) and sustainability consultancy Point Advisory have produced a comprehensive document full of relevant information, step-by-step advice, and guidance on how to tackle the roadblocks faced by apartment tenants, owners, and management companies when approaching solar for apartments. Download guide

7.1.5 Community, Connection & Belonging

• Australian GLBTIQ Multicultural Council (AGMC) – Living and Loving in Diversity: An anthology of Australian multicultural queer adventures. Read More and buy
• Better Boards Australasia (BBA) – free online minute-taking course.
• The Boîte is a cornerstone of Victoria's multicultural music scene and champions diverse artists and musical experiences, enriching Australia's cultural landscape.
• Carer Gateway (CAGA) Real Carers, Real Stories - In Their Own Words digital photographic exhibition. 
• Carer Gateway (CAGA) is a national initiative program funded by the Australian Government – free and diverse range of short term services to help you manage your caring role and improve your wellbeing. There are more than 2.65 million unpaid carers in Australia, and 1 in 12 are under 25 years old. If you are an unpaid carer and wish to get access in your language you can call Uniting on 1800 422 737 or visit website to learn more.
• City of Port Phillip (CoPP) Neighbours and Seniors Register creates links between Port Phillip residents over 55, enabling getting to know each other and better supporting each other. Register by using the seniors registration form (PDF 78 KB)
• The Conversation (THCO) – continuing to grow, making an important contribution to public knowledge
• Cultural Infusion (CUIN)'s online Cultural Calendar is designed to assist schools with organising cultural incursions throughout the year.
• Equality Project (EQPR) Better Together Training Academy – for LGBTIQ+ and Allies to hone advocacy, transform leadership Initiate, activate, lead to make a positive impact in your community.
• Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) Speak My Language podcasts feature people sharing stories and practical advice about living well with disability in a range of community languages.
• Ethnolink Language Services – Multi-lingual resource library with information available on coronavirus in 71 languages.
• Expression Australia – Keep up to date with regular Auslan videos on COVID-19, breaking news in Victoria, Australia and abroad.
• Faith Communities Council of Victoria (FCCV) have published their annual multifaith calendar outlining major holy days and festivals for Baha'i, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism and Sikhism. View 2024 Multifaith Calendar (pdf) and view 2025 Multifaith Calendar (pdf)  
• Faith and LGBTQA identity can coexist resources kit developed Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC).
• Foundation House – The Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture for a world without torture and where communities respect, embrace and empower people from refugee backgrounds to thrive
• Multicultural Framework Review (MFR), ‘Towards Fairness – a multicultural Australia for all’ – towards realising Australia's full potential as a nation made up of many cultures, faiths and lived experiences.
• Mungo Explorer – online learning platform by Cultural Infusion (CUIN). An inquiry based resource aligned with the Australian curriculum and covers Year 4 First Contact and Year 7 Ancient History. Allowing teachers to share Indigenous perspectives, historical and scientific thinking to teach students about the remarkable story of Mungo Man and Mungo Lady.
• National Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcasters' Council (NEMBC) is the peak organisation representing ethnic community broadcasters across Australia. Listen to news
• Paramount Chief Kuol Adol Foundation (PCKAF) aiming to improve the livelihoods of South Sudanese communities through programs in both South Sudan and Melbourne.
• Port Phillip Men’s Shed provides a safe and caring mateship environment. Our members hail from all walks of life and from different age groups. Women are welcome to participate.
• Professional Migrant Women (PWM) – Undefeated is a collection of 118 stories from 90 migrant women, who against all odds, overcame the challenges and barriers of living in a foreign land, speaking a different language, and being singled out for the wrong reason. Find out more and buy
• St Kilda Repair Cafe (SKRC) – free monthly repair cafe sessions at the Port Phillip EcoCentre on the second Sunday of each month from 2-5pm. Volunteers fix or mend, offer their time and skills to help make possible repairs free of charge to damaged items from home 
• SBS عربي News streams live at 8pm on weeknights and SBS 中文 News is live from 8.30 pm on weeknights and available to stream at any time on SBS On Demand.
• SBS Interactive 2021 Census Explorer
• SBS 2023 Multicultural Film Festival via SBS OnDemand! 
• Scanlon Foundation Research Institute's (SFRI) 2022 Mapping Social Cohesion
• Spiritual Health Association (SHA) in partnership with Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH)  has been running The Spirituality & Diversity Discussion Project since 2019. Read More 
• Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) is an interpreting service provided by the Department of Home Affairs for people who do not speak English and for agencies and businesses that need to communicate with their non-English speaking clients. Over 70 years' experience in language services and access to more than 2700 interpreters in more than 150 languages. The phone interpreting service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year for the cost of a local call for any person or organisation in Australia who needs an interpreter.
• Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing has recently launched 37 profiles of cultural communities. The profiles are designed to be a snapshot of each community, showing their diverse and unique needs.
• Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC), free voter education sessions about elections can be delivered in some community languages and we can provide interpreters. Free online education sessions to your community or Learn to vote | Victorian Electoral Commission
• Volunteer West (VOWE) – culturally inclusive toolkit. 
• Victorian Multicultural Commission have published Victorian Multicultural Commission Impact Report. or Watch 40 years of the Victorian Multicultural Commission video (6 min)
• Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH)'s new podcast episode 'Diversity Of Communities: Who Is Left Behind?' Read More or Listen to podcast (38 mins)
• Voices of Australia - Scanlon Foundation Research Institute (SFRI) podcast exploring all things interesting in the world of social cohesion. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also watch the recording on video, in addition to audio-only! Tune in every Thursday at 10am for a new episode!

7.1.6 Difability & Disability

• Arts Access Victoria (AAV) offers Future Reset – Maker Space is a year of free in person and online visual and digital arts workshops and is for young Deaf and Disabled people aged 18–25 who live in Victoria. Beginners welcome!
• Aspergers Victoria (ASVI) – support groups and events for people who have Aspergers, autism, or other similar neurodiverse profiles.
• AUSLAN – Updates by Expression Australia - Regular Auslan only videos on updates of breaking news in Victoria, Australia and abroad.
• Australian Government Department of Social Services – Daily update on NDIS participants and workforce and easy English information on COVID-19. 
• Autism friendly workplaces – We all deserve a workplace that works and sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest difference. Find out how you can start to make your workplace more autism inclusive by learning more at amaze.com 
• Blind Citizens Australia – Information on coronavirus for people who are blind or vision impaired. 
• Disability, Engaging Australians with Ask Me First and How to – 16 mins episode of a discussion on support and advocacy for people with disability and inclusion from CALD communities.
• Disability Gateway Service – the Australian Government provides free information and services to help people living with disability, their families, friends and carers in key areas including finance, employment, health and equipment. Translated fact sheets and videos
• Down Syndrome Australia – Easy Read guide about using money on the internet.
• Extended Families (EXFA) – vibrant social events for children and young adults with a disability in Melbourne’s Southeastern suburbs.
• IncludeAbility: employment for people with disability –  an initiative of the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), designed to support employers who want to create meaningful employment opportunities for people with disability, and people with disability seeking employment, developing a career or considering self-employment. Learn more
• LGBTIQ+ Health Australia – free training activities for LGBTIQ+ people with disability
• MiACCESS Multilingual Information Access to resources & information – A purpose-built website for CALD people with disability, carers and communities.
• Migrant Resource Centre North West Region (MRCNWR) – Diversity and Disability YouTube Channel 
• National Disability Gateway –  a one-stop shop from the Department of Social Services assisting all people with disability, their families and carers to locate and access services across Australia
• National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) – Information about changes to how the NDIS work during the COVID -19 pandemic in 12 languages.
• National Ethnic Disability Alliance (NEDA)  – free training activities for LGBTIQ+ people with disability
• NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission – Information contains links to updates, training, alerts, and resources for NDIS participants and providers.
• Self Advocacy Resource Unit (SARU) supports Victorian self-advocacy groups run by and for people with intellectual disability, people with acquired brain injury and people with complex communication support needs. Watch 'Live Our Lives' (4 mins music video).
• Summer Foundation (SUFO)'s Reasonable & Necessary podcast series helps simplify the NDIS for participants, their families and anyone supporting NDIS participants.
• VALID – 16 Page plain language guide to NDIS Specialist Disability Accommodation
• Vietnamese resources supporting people with disability and their families, friends and carers – a suite of Vietnamese resources available in English and Vietnamese informing how to articulate rights and entitlements, negotiate service agreements and conditions with support providers.
• Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA) – women and non-binary people with disability, sharing a diverse range of experiences

7.1.7 Employment

• Bicultural workforce toolkit - The Victorian Government toolkit is an online resource that aims to educate public sector organisations so they can harness the value bicultural workers bring to the workforce.
• Equal pay matters – educational resources for organisations by Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC). For small-to-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to understand and implement equal pay in their workplaces.
• Jobs that Matter campaign highlights a range of roles available across the community services sector in Victoria.
• Middle Years and Youth Services (MYYS) are now offering a platform for local businesses or organisations to advertise job opportunities that would suit young people. The jobs appear regularly on the Port Phillip Youth Instagram page.
• Professional Migrant Women (PWM) – Undefeated is a collection of 118 stories from 90 migrant women, who against all odds, overcame the challenges and barriers of living in a foreign land, speaking a different language, and being singled out for the wrong reason. Find out more and buy
• Social Services Jobs Guarantee program - Victorian Diploma of Community Services graduates 1 September 2022–31 August 2024
• The Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee provides 38 hours a year of sick and carer's pay at the national minimum wage ($21.38 per hour). Translations available in 19 different languages.
• Victorian Volunteering opportunities available.

7.1.8 Family & Neighbourhood Violence

• Domestic and family violence and your visa Department of Home Affairs web page. Learn more
• Orange Door – for adults, children and young people experiencing family violence
• Respect Victoria (REVI) – brings light to common types of non-physical violence that can be used in intimate relationships, how to spot the warning signs, and how to look out for yourself and your friends. 
• Safe and Equal (SAE)'s Are You Safe at Home? website features lots of helpful information around family violence and where to go for help. Learn about family violence. Watch a video in your language
• Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre – Victoria’s statewide first response service for women, young people and children experiencing family violence. Tel 1800 015 188 – family violence specialists available 24/7
• Safer and Stronger Communities Pilot, South East Community Links (SECL) – In-language videos for family violence prevention and multilingual resources for Dari, Hazaragi, Hindi, Punjabi and Tamil speaking community members. View on SECL website

7.1.9 Health, Sickness & Wellbeing

• Australian Psychological Society Referral Service – Tel 1800 333 497
• Be You is the national mental health in education initiative delivered by Beyond Blue, in collaboration with Early Childhood Australia and headspace. Offering a range of online, evidence-based tools, resources and professional learning aimed at improving the skills and knowledge of educators to support mental health and wellbeing in children and young people.
• Beyond Blue –  translated information on managing your mental health during COVID-19 in 63 languages. 
• Cancer Council Victoria (CCV) – online resources in simple English to support linguistically diverse Victorians learn about bowel cancer screening. Watch video (10 mins). Download cancer information in Vietnamese and Modern Standard Arabic. Read Victorian Cancer Plan 2024-2028
• Dementia information for multicultural communities
• DirectLine alcohol and drug counselling - 1800 888 236 - confidential drug and alcohol counselling and referral
• Gambling Help Online (GHO). Free, confidential and available 24/7. Take a step forward
• GP Expert Advice Matters – a website for patients translated into Arabic, simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Hindi and Vietnamese, and has practical information on how to access a local GP, telehealth and interpreter services
• Headway – a small business package of free wellbeing services and resources for all Victorian sole traders and small business owners, their employees and advisers.
• Health Translations – Australian health and wellbeing information - free online library multilingual translations including Auslan and Easy English.
• Hepatitis B and the importance of testing and management to reduce liver cancer risk. Protect against liver cancer by raising awareness message by Cancer Council Victoria (CCV)
• Hepatitis B In-language videos – allowing people in CALD communities to access clear and simple information about liver health, available in Arabic, Burmese, Khmer, Mandarin Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese.
• Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) is a free state-wide non legal advocacy service for people at risk of or subject to compulsory treatment in Victoria.
• Influenza vaccines are free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for: children aged 6 months to under 5 years; pregnant people at any stage of pregnancy; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; people 65 years or over; people who have certain medical conditions which increase their risk of serious illness. Translated resources are available in 15 languages. You can also get more information from your doctor or clinic.
• Lifeline – 13 11 14 – crisis support available 24/7 via phone, text or online chat
• Mental Health & Wellbeing Hubs – 1300 375 330 – appointments for anyone feeling overwhelmed or in need of support with mental health.
• Mental Health Complaints Commission (MHCC) – Digital and print resources in 20 languages through community-approved translations that are culturally and linguistically appropriate for each community.
• Mental Health Foundation Australia (MHFA) – Small Business Engagement Program to benefit business owners, staff, and customers.
• Moving Pictures launched 12 new short films aimed at raising awareness about dementia, and the importance of early diagnosis to enable better treatment and quality of life. Watch the films
• mpox vaccine – protect yourself and your loved ones
• from this virus. Find out if you qualify for free vaccination and get vaccinated today.
• MyMedicare is a new, voluntary and free way by Australian Government to register with your regular doctor or clinic. These are government-funded telehealth consultations with your regular doctor and it gives your doctor more resources to treat you
• Multicultural Health Connect (MHC) – hotline that can be used to find health services such as doctors, hospitals, and community health centres. The hotline is available 11.30am-8pm, 7 days a week - including public holidays. Call the hotline on 1800 186 815.
• NURSE-ON-CALL – 1300 60 60 24 – expert health information and advice
• Palliative Care Advice Service (PCAS) – supporting people diagnosed with life-limiting illnesses and those who support them.
• Quit Victoria – Tired of letting cravings control you? Beat the cravings, one at a time.
• R U OK? is a national suicide prevention charity that encourages people to stay connected and have conversations that can help others through difficult times. Key resources are also translated in six languages Arabic (العربية), Simplified Chinese (中文), Greek (Ελληνικά), Hindi (हिन्दी), Korean (한국어) and Vietnamese (tiếng Việt)
• Staying safe in the water – how to enjoy our state's waterways including beaches, rivers and lakes.
• Survive the heat campaign – raising awareness of the risks extreme heat poses to the health of all Victorians.
• Trans Justice Project (TJP) – building a movement standing up for justice, freedom, and equality for all trans and gender diverse people.
• Transport Accident Commission (TAC) - safest way to know for sure that you are under 0.05 Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level is to completely separate drinking and driving. Sign up for the Spokes newsletter. Read more about Only Protected for a Moment campaign.
• Victorian Polio immunisation factsheets
• Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH) seminars are open to individuals, from all disciplines and working in all sectors, who are based in Australia and interested in diversity and mental health.
• Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH) have created the 'Community Engagement with Purpose' resource.
• Water Well Project works with people with migrant, refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds to provide health education to improve health and wellbeing. Releasing a series of simple but informative videos on health and wellbeing topics including COVID-19 vaccination, mental health for kids, and preventative healthcare. Learn about The Water Well Project

7.1.10 Kids, Youth, Parenting & Education

• Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is the main way the Australian Government is helping families with the cost of early childhood education and care. For translated materials
• Couch International Student Centre is a safe and free lounge space in Melbourne for international students to socialise, relax, study, and seek assistance
• Courage to Care Victoria (CTCV) has launched a set of six digital ‘How to be an Upstander’ lesson plans for years 9&10, complementing their existing face to face Upstander Programs. Find more here
• Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800 – for kids, teens and young adults
• Little Dreamers (LIDR) is Australia’s leading Young Carer organisation, supporting young people who provide unpaid care for a family member affected by disability, chronic or mental illness, addiction or frail age. Watch 3 min video
• Middle Years and Youth Services (MYYS) are now offering a platform for local City of Port Phillip businesses or organisations to advertise job opportunities that would suit young people. The jobs appear regularly on the Port Phillip Youth Instagram page.
• Parentline – 13 22 89 – for parents and carers
• Parenting courses by Relationships Victoria (REVI) offers free 6 to 12 week courses for parents to learn better ways to connect with their children and family in a culturally sensitive way.
• Red Earth (REEA)'s School Immersions are all-inclusive, comprehensive programs designed to open the hearts and minds of students to the beauty and realities of life in remote Indigenous Australia. Find out more
• Refugee Council of Australia (RCA) – Face-to-Face program involves presentations to students from a speaker with a refugee background. Learn more
• Study Melbourne (STME)  has many free or low cost events for international students who are studying and living in Victoria. Find student events near you 
• Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) online community VMConnect is home to a dedicated Group for multicultural young people living in Victoria
• #16DAYS4KIDS | Colouring Your Conversation
• WHISE, in collaboration with the Promoting Respect and Equity Together (PRET) Regional Partnership. Teaching children about respect and gender equality is crucial for their personal and social development. It equips them with essential life skills, fosters positive relationships, and contributes to a more compassionate and harmonious society. Download Colouring Sheets
• Youth and Family Support Network (YFSN) delivering activities and initiatives that empower local African-Australian communities to tackle racism and support social cohesion. Watch video (2 mins)
• YouthNav - helping young Victorians understand, plan for and succeed in skills like getting a job, moving out of home, getting around, having their say and managing money.

 

7.1.11 LGBTIQA+

• Australian GLBTIQ Multicultural Council (AGMC) – Living and Loving in Diversity: An anthology of Australian multicultural queer adventures. Read More and buy
• BlaQ Aboriginal Corporation (BLAQ) – National service provider and NSW State Peak Organisation supporting and representing community living with the intersection of a Cultural life and LGBTQ+SB identity.
• The Equality Project – training and conferences
• Faith and LGBTQA identity can coexist resources kit developed Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC).
• Gay Asian Proud (GAP) – a social group for same sex-attracted Asian men based in Melbourne and wider Victoria. Find out more
• GiveOUT – growing the pot of gold under the rainbow by supporting LGBTQIA+ organisations to access and use resources for the better. 
• I'm From Driftwood – LGBTQIA+ first-person stories
• LGBTIQ+ Health Australia – free training activities for LGBTIQ+ people with disability
• Our Point 3 (OP3) – not-for-profit organisation, led by and for LGBTQIA+/queer international students, alumni, and allies.
• Trans Justice Project – Impact Report 2023
• Unsaid Says A Lot is an Australian-first campaign by Victoria's Department of Families, Fairness and Housing(DFFH) in support of trans and gender diverse communities. A nation leading campaign. It was co-designed, produced and created by TGD communities. Watch Video (2 mins) and stay connected via Socials Facebook | Instagram | Linked In | Youtube

 

7.1.12 Men

The following crisis and counselling services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week:

• 1800RESPECT – Call 1800 737 732 or visit website
• Lifeline: 13 11 14 or visit website - Counselling, information and referrals for personal crisis
• Mensline: 1300 789 978  or visit website - 24/7 Support for men
• Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 or visit website - Advice and support for depression and anxiety.
• Headspace: 1800 650 890 or visit website - National youth mental health foundation, chat, email or speak with a qualified professional.
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 - Counselling for anyone suicidal or affected by suicide
• Tomorrow Man visit website - Australian social enterprise committed to redefining masculinity and improving men’s mental health.

7.1.13 Racism

• Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) have continued their national campaign: Racism. It Stops With Me. Learn more
• Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) – releasing National Anti-Racism Framework, a comprehensive plan featuring 63 recommendations aimed at addressing racism across critical sectors including justice, health, education, media, and workplaces. Read full report
• Call It Out: A First Nations Racism Register App – University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research, in partnership with the National Justice Project, are proud to announce the launch of the Call It Out App, a ground-breaking platform aimed at documenting and addressing racism against First Nations Peoples in communities across Australia. Download on Apple and Android now to report racism anytime, anywhere. 
• Courage to Care Victoria (CTCV) has launched a set of six digital ‘How to be an Upstander’ lesson plans for years 9&10, complementing their existing face to face Upstander Programs. Find more here
• Eastern Community Legal Centre (ECLC) is supporting culturally and linguistically diverse community leaders to become Anti-racism Ambassadors in partnership with IndianCare, the Centre for Holistic Health and the Communities’ Council on Ethnic Issues. Learn more
• Independent Broad-Based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBBACC) is Victoria's independent body responsible for preventing and exposing police misconduct. You can report anything police do to deny your rights to IBAC.
• Prejudice Motivated Crime in Victoria and Reporting –  Victoria Police website, an animated video (2 min) and poster. Resources are available in English, Arabic, Chinese (Traditional and Simplified), Hindi, Korean, Persian, Punjabi, Somali, Urdu and Vietnamese. Explore the resources
• Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) partnering with Cinespace developed a fictional short film that tests contestants on their knowledge of racism. Watch the video (6 mins) and how to report racism in Victoria through VEOHRC. Visit Reducing Racism information hub to understand your rights, know the options available to report your experiences, and obtain help.

7.1.14 Women

• Koorie Women Mean Business
• National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) - envisioning Zero Deaths from breast cancer
• Made by Many Minds is a one-stop digital platform that provides migrant women in business with a range of services including legal, finance, marketing and merchandising.
• My Body. My Health – a five-part series of educational presentations to help organisations deliver health information to women from migrant and refugee backgrounds.
• Respect Victoria
• Rural Health Connect (RHC) – telehealth psychology sessions to women and families who have experienced stillbirth or miscarriage. Sessions are bulk-billed or available at low cost, depending on a person’s situation. Find out more 
• Safe and Equal 
• SisterWorks is a not-for-profit social enterprise, empowering migrant and refugee women by connecting them with entrepreneurship and employment opportunities. Empowerment Hubs are workplaces and training centres providing opportunities for women to share their experiences with other women and develop pathways to education, employment, entrepreneurship and leadership.
• Victorian Women’s Trust
• Women Leading Locally is delivered by the Institute of Community Directors Australia in partnership with Women for Election.
• Women’s Information and Referral Exchange (WIRE) – Free support, referral and information for all Victorian women, nonbinary and gender-diverse people.
• Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA) – women and non-binary people with disability, sharing a diverse range of experiences

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 7.2  AUST | MULTI | Supporting Voices, Treaty and Meaningful Reconciliation with First Peoples, Settlers, and Those Who Come After

• AUST | GOV | OFFERING | Resources and Translations on The Voice and Referendum 2023
• AUST | AICR | ENCOURAGING | YES23. Recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Constitution through a Voice
• AUST | LWB | TRANSLATING | Resources in 45+ community languages on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice
• AUST | REAU | EXPLAINING | Voice to Parliament and Referendum 2023
• AUST | RJfV | ISSUING | An Open Letter to the Australian Public: The Voice to Parliament would enhance Australian governance
• AUST | TLW | CALLING | Those Interested to Lace Up Your Shoes and Come Walk with Michael Long in support of the "Yes" campaign
• AUST | WRITERS | ENDORSING | The Voice as a major reform leading to better outcomes for First Nations Peoples
• AUST | GiveOUT | SUPPORTING | Proudly for a First Nations Voice to Parliament
• VIC | ECCV | ADVOCATING | Victorian Multicultural Voices for ‘Yes’ campaign
• VIC | VWT | ENGAGING | Listen and learn together through kitchen conversations. It’s time to say yes
• VIC | VTMH | DEMONSTRATING | Solidarity In Context to the Referendum
• AUST | GEIFN | HOW | To Accept No: Contest of Binaries | Sunday 15 October 2023
• AUST | GEIFN | WHY | To Accept No: Contest of Timing | Monday 16 October 2023
• AUST | GEIFN | WHEN | To Accept No: Contest of Terra nullius | Tuesday 17 October 2023 and beyond
• AUST | VTMH | OFFERING | Reflections following the Referendum
• CoPP | PPCR | STRIVING | Towards Meaningful Reconciliation
• AUST | CHGR | BUILDING | First Nations kids learning and loving to learn. Their families walking beside. Seeing hope for the future
• AUST | YSS | EDUCATING | Aboriginal Pedagogy, Social Justice and Self-Determination
• AUST | EVCO | BUILDING | Stronger, more inclusive organisation through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Competence Training Programs
• MELB | NGVA | EXHIBITING | Wurrdha Marra – Many Mobs

AUST | GOV | OFFERING | Resources and Translations on The Voice and Referendum 2023

Australian Government in late 2023 held a referendum about whether to change the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice would be an independent and permanent advisory body. It would give advice to the Australian Parliament and Government on matters that affect the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have called for members of the Voice to be chosen by First Nations peoples based on the wishes of local communities.

• Read the referendum question and constitutional amendment.
• Multilingual poster

AUST | AICR | ENCOURAGING | YES23. Recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Constitution through a Voice 
Australians for Indigenous Constitutional Recognition (AICR) asks all to consider voting Yes. It’s time to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Constitution through a Voice.

What is the 2023 Referendum?
This vote will give all Australians the chance to come together and consider a change to our constitution that will honour and celebrate the rights, history, and ongoing relationship of Indigenous Australians with this land. It’s a rare chance to make a major positive impact now and for future generations.

Australia has been considering constitutional recognition for more than 15 years. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have asked that the form of recognition come through a Voice to Parliament, which will give advice on laws and policies that affect Indigenous people. 

This is what the Australian people are now being asked to decide: Should we recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in The Constitution, with a Voice? 

A Voice will provide advice to the Federal Parliament about laws and policies, through a consultative policy making process that delivers meaningful structural change.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people know and understand the best way to deliver real and practical change in their communities. When they have a say through a Voice, we can finally start to close the gap that still exists between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australians on practical issues like life expectancy, educational outcomes, and employment. 

This is why a “Yes” result is important.

• Pledge your support
• Volunteer
• Stay up to date
• Stay informed 

AUST | LWB | TRANSLATING | Resources in 45+ community languages on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice
To encourage participation in the Referendum for all Australians, Polaron Language Services with Life Without Barriers (LWB) and several partner organisations have developed accessible translated resources in more than 45 languages.

These are free to download and aim to break down language, literacy and communication barriers among Australia’s diverse communities. This includes:

• Three social media tiles in 45+ languages that are shareable and easy to disseminate.
• Factsheets in 45+ languages letting communities know about the Referendum 
• 30-second in-language videos – with subtitles and voiceovers.

• For more information

AUST | REAU | EXPLAINING | Voice to Parliament and Referendum 2023
Reconciliation Australia (REAU) advises First Nations Voice to Parliament protected by the Constitution is a key element of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
The Bill to enable the referendum became law in mid-June, but we are waiting for the referendum date to be announced.

The referendum question contained in the Bill is:

A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Do you approve this proposed alteration?

What is a referendum

Find out more at Australian Electoral Commission.

Or click the following Reconciliation Australia links that interest you:

• Why do we need a First Nations Voice?
• How do we get a First Nations Voice to Parliament?
• What work has been done so far?
• What will be added to the Constitution?
• Guiding principles of the Voice
• Do Australians want change?
• Common myths and misbeliefs
• Multilingual information
• See learning resources and information

 

Why do we need a First Nations Voice?

A Voice to Parliament will give Indigenous communities a route to help inform policy and legal decisions that impact their lives. Giving people a say will lead to more effective results.

Embedding a Voice in the Constitution would recognise the special place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia’s history, but importantly would also mean that it can’t be shut down by successive Governments.

This is important because Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and bodies have called for voice for close to 100 years. 


AUST | RJfV | ISSUING | An Open Letter to the Australian Public: The Voice to Parliament would enhance Australian governance 
We are individuals representing no political party or political interest. We speak, rather, as retired judges (RJfV) who spent our professional lives listening to, and seeking to evaluate, contending arguments.

We have since considered carefully both the case for, and the case against, the proposed Voice to Parliament. Having done so, we confidently believe that, by raising the quality of our public debate, the proposed Voice will both enrich our democracy and increase the likelihood of governments making correct decisions about matters that affect Indigenous peoples. It will also, and very importantly, give Indigenous Australians their due recognition in our Constitution as this nation’s first peoples.  

Democracies are at their best when decisions are made after informed and respectful debate to which all may contribute. Life being what it is, the rich and the powerful have and will retain that privilege to a greater degree than most. Some, among them Australia’s First Nations peoples, have continually battled to be heard at all.

If successful, the referendum on the Voice will not diminish the influence of anyone. But it will help to correct an historic wrong. It will give recognition, and a voice, to those who for thousands of years owned and lived in balance with this land, only to have their rights to it disregarded during the centuries which have followed settlement from other lands. No consideration was given to the deep connections with country which the original inhabitants have incorporated into their very being; and the newcomers who now occupy their land listened, if they listened at all, with none of the empathy to which everyone should be entitled.

Constitutional recognition of the Voice in a successful referendum will acknowledge these facts, and do much to rectify a long-existing injustice. It will not, in our opinion, divide our nation. On the contrary, it will heal a wound which presently divides us. Nor will it disrupt government or destabilise the presently stable and appropriate division of power between the parliament, the executive and the judiciary.

The possibility of disruption and instability is a concern which nevertheless deserves respect (although not when it descends to ridiculous fears such as that Anzac Day will be ‘cancelled’). It is also reasonable to have doubts about the detail of the arrangements which will follow a successful referendum. We nevertheless firmly believe that these are not reasons for voting ‘No’. First, Australia can draw upon its wealth of common sense and its capacity for sensible compromise. The Voice will not waste its time, energy, finances or goodwill with silly claims that have no chance of political or judicial support. And secondly, detailed arrangements must allow for a degree of flexibility which is impossible if incorporated into a less than flexible constitution. The details are properly to be determined by the parliament of the day according to the changing circumstances of the day.

Advocates for the ‘No’ case point to the proposed amendment’s inclusion of a power in the parliament to make laws with respect to the powers of the Voice. The referendum if passed does not confer powers on parliament that it does not already have to pass such laws. We believe that the likelihood of parliament acting inappropriately in this respect is small. In our opinion it fails to justify a ‘No’ vote.  

Advocates for a ‘No’ vote also claim that the Voice is a creature of Canberra. That is untrue. The call for the Voice was made in the Uluru Statement from the Heart, which is the product of the widest survey of the views of First Nations peoples ever undertaken and which is a deeply respectful call “from all points of the Southern Sky”. 

It includes an invitation to all Australians to create a better future. We think this invitation should be accepted.

Signed:

• The Hon Mary Gaudron KC, Former Judge of the High Court of Australia
• The Hon Carmel McLure AC KC, Former President of the Supreme Court of Western Australia Court of Appeal
• The Hon Stephen Charles AO KC, Former Judge of the Supreme Court of Victoria Court of Appeal
• The Hon David Harper AM KC, Former Judge of the Supreme Court of Victoria Court of Appeal
• The Hon Robert Redlich AM KC, Former Commissioner of the Victorian Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC), former Judge of the Supreme Court of Victoria Court of Appeal
• The Hon Paul Stein AM KC, Former Judge of the Supreme Court of NSW Court of Appeal, former President of the Anti-Discrimination Board
• The Hon Anthony Whealy KC, Former Judge of the Supreme Court of NSW Court of Appeal
• The Hon Margaret White AO, Former Judge of the Supreme Court of Queensland Court of Appeal

Thank-you for reading the open letter supporting the Voice. Please forward this letter to anyone you think would be interested to read it.


AUST | TLW | CALLING | Those Interested to Lace Up Your Shoes and Come Walk with Michael Long in support of the "Yes" campaign 
The Long Walk (TLW)'s Michael Long is once again setting off from Melbourne to Canberra in support of the "Yes" campaign.
Michael Long is one of the most recognisable Aboriginal figures in AFL football. He played for the Essendon Football Club between 1989 and 2001, was a member of two premiership sides and the winner of the 1993 Norm Smith Medal.

Michael championed the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cause within the AFL. In 1995, Michael made a stand against racial abuse, following an on-field incident with another player, asserting that racism had no place in sport.

Ultimately this lead to Michael being one of the pioneering forces behind the racial abuse code that was adopted by the AFL in the 1990s. Michael retired from football in 2001.

"Lace Up Your Shoes and Come Walk with Me. We walked in 2004 for a Voice and a Vision.
This year I have decided to bring forward my 20th Anniversary Long Walk to support the campaign for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament."

Walk with Michael Long in support of the "Yes" campaign on one or more legs of the walk from Melbourne to Canberra.

• Register to share with us which legs you'll be joining.
• Subscribe to get special offers, free giveaways, and once-in-a-lifetime deals.
• Make a donation. Financial support will help to make this journey a reality.

AUST | WRITERS | ENDORSING | The Voice as a major reform leading to better outcomes for First Nations Peoples
It’s only fair. Writers for The Voice (WRITERS) accept the generous, modest invitation of First Nations Peoples in the Uluru Statement from the Heart to walk with them towards a better Australia. 

We support their call for recognition via a constitutionally enshrined Voice to Parliament because we believe passionately that this major reform, the product of broad grassroots consultation and supported by the great majority of First Nations Peoples, will lead to better outcomes for First Nations Peoples.

• Testimonials
• Supporting Writers
• Read more

AUST | GiveOUT | SUPPORTING | Proudly for a First Nations Voice to Parliament
The GiveOUT Team (GiveOUT) supports Australia saying YES in the Referendum for a constitutionally enshrined First Nations Voice
LGBTQIA+ people understand the significance of a public vote about their lives, and the importance of allies in advocating for change. It is time for the LGBTQIA+ community, and the Australian people as a whole, to stand in solidarity with our First Nations communities, including our Brotherboys, Sistergirls and other LGBTQIA+ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

At GiveOUT, we know that there is no substitute for the wisdom of lived experience when it comes to designing policies and programs.

“As an organisation that exists to address systemic disadvantage, and provide impacted communities the resources they need to drive their own solutions, GiveOUT fully supports this much needed reform to ensure First Nations people are recognised in the constitution and are given a voice on the issues and interventions that impact them.” – Georgia Mathews, Chair of GiveOUT

Polls have demonstrated that over 80% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people support a Voice to Parliament*. We call upon our LGBTQIA+ friends and allies to join this historic movement and vote ‘YES’ in the Referendum. We must take this important step toward a fairer future for this country. 

You can show your support by: 

• Going public with your support of YES to a Voice 
• If you’re an LGBTIQA+ community organisation, adding your organisation’s name to Equality Australia’s statement
• Take action via yes23.com.au 

*Source: https://www.unsw.edu.au/news/2023/06/ten-questions-about-the-voice-to-parliament---answered-by-the-ex 


VIC | ECCV | ADVOCATING | Victorian Multicultural Voices for ‘Yes’ campaign
The Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) joins forces with Yes23 and the Multicultural Australia for Voice alliance for Victorian Multicultural Voices for ‘Yes’.

Harnessing the power of multicultural communities to raise awareness about why the recognition of our First Nations People in the Constitution is important and how voting ‘Yes’ will achieve that.

Multicultural and multifaith leaders, along with First Nations Elders, attended the launch, with guest speakers Aunty Esme Bamblett, CEO of the Aboriginal Advancement League and a member of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, Minister for Multicultural Affairs Colin Brooks, and the Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Gabrielle Williams.

Victorian Multicultural Voices for ‘Yes’ will be organising community town hall forums and community workshops in the lead-up to the referendum. These engagements aim to empower and equip multicultural communities with how to have conversations about the referendum and why it matters.

ECCV Members will be hosting their own community forums to inform members of their communities about why voting ‘YES’ matters, including the Islamic Council of Victoria and the Greek Community of Melbourne.

The launch follows the success of a national multicultural town hall forum at Springvale City Hall with Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney, which was attended by more than 700 people in August 2023.

The ECCV is the peak body for multicultural Victoria, with over 220 organisational members.

• Read full article

VIC | VWT | ENGAGING | Listen and learn together through kitchen conversations. It’s time to say yes 
Together, Yes is a kitchen conversations movement by Victorian Women’s Trust (VWT) in support of a YES vote in the 2023 referendum on a First Nations Voice to parliament. It’s a powerful way you can participate in the referendum to enshrine an Indigenous Voice in our constitution.

In 1967 we were counted, in 2017 we seek to be heard. We leave base camp and start our trek across this vast country. We invite you to walk with us in a movement of the Australian people for a better future. – Uluru Statement from the Heart, May 2017

By voting YES in the referendum, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will finally have a say on the policies and laws that affect their communities.

But voting ‘yes’ isn’t enough. We need to unite to ensure it’s a resounding YES from every corner of the country.

Is Together, Yes working with First Nations people?
Yes. The Victorian Women’s Trust (creator of Together, Yes) have been working in partnership with Koorie Women Mean Business for more than 30 years, which has guided much of our work since.

Since October 2022 we have been in close collaboration with indigenous-led campaigners to ensure Together, Yes helps achieve a positive referendum outcome.

Together, Yes uses ‘kitchen table conversations’, a model designed by the Victorian Women’s Trust more than twenty years ago. Tried and tested, it arose from a powerfully simple idea: engaging people in respectful and honest dialogue creates real and lasting change.

This civic engagement model is built on a set of important values. People are encouraged to:

1. Help create a safe place for thinking, talking and taking action
2. Acknowledge the experience and wisdom each person brings to the table
3. Enter discussions in good faith with an open, constructive spirit
4. Engage in respectful discussion, even in the face of dissent
5. Be prepared to listen, gain new insight, and test one’s own opinions

Together, Yes invites people from all walks of life to gather in small group discussions and engage in an honest reckoning of the harm and injustice of our colonial past; Australia’s history of constitutional indifference; and how a Voice to parliament can make a difference.

• Watch video (3 mins)
• Visit website
• Stay in the Loop
• Become a Conversation Host. Bring others with you.

VIC | VTMH | DEMONSTRATING | Solidarity In Context to the Referendum
At an important moment in history, Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH) supports the national vote adding an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice (The Voice) to the Australian Constitution.

VTMH aligns with the principles of unity and understanding promoted by Reconciliation Australia, and we also endorse the stance taken by St Vincent's Health Australia on this matter.

VTMH sees this as a big chance to bring people together and make things better. We know that health and wellness are connected to making things right between different groups of people in Australia. VTMH thinks this vote can make real changes and respect the different viewpoints of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

• Read More

AUST | GEIFN | HOW | To Accept No: Contest of Binaries | Sunday 15 October 2023
With any adversarial system where only 2 options (aka binary) are offered, part of informed consent is accepting that for every winner there has to be non-winners.
Binaries (this OR that) is Absolutism. It takes time for people to realise that there are no lasting Absolutes.

To explore further, every thing with a beginning has also got within the seeds of its end. As daybreak begins it has ended night. As night begins it ends daylight. But when we understand fully we understand that the sun is always shining, it is just our personal vantage point that moved while individually we might be standing still. The spherical planet we all call home is spinning on its own axis as it revolves around the sun. It is only the side facing the sun that gets the sun at any given time. The half in darkness hasn't lost, it is just waiting again for its time in the sun. So dark does not exist without light.

"To be or not to be – that is the question." – William Shakespeare, English playwright, poet and actor (1564-1616 CE)

And when that gets easy, consider "To be AND not to be – that is the answer."

Accepting No majority means you're ready to continue the national conversation reconciling Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders' (aka First Nations') existence with Colonialism and those who come after. A No majority result is an acknowledgment that this conversation has now began in earnest. And also being just another day in a functioning civil democracy finding its way, steady as we go, full steam ahead.

When this proposition gets easier to understand, the opportunities for an outcome that benefits everyone becomes self realising. So if not now, then take comfort in the old wise saying "a journey of a 1,000 steps begins with the first but made realisable with the 2nd and subsequent."

AUST | GEIFN | WHY | To Accept No: Contest of Timing | Monday 16 October 2023
With big gains come the potential for big setbacks, obstacles and arguments. With practice, patience and perseverance, wisdom, compassion and non-selfish generosity always prevails.

"Life is a hard battle anyway. If we laugh and sing a little as we fight the good fight of freedom, it makes it all go easier. I will not allow my life's light to be determined by the darkness around me."
Sojourner Truth, American abolitionist and activist for African-American civil rights, women's rights, and alcohol temperance (died 1883 CE)

A No majority doesn't mean "never" it just means "not now". For 235 years there has only been 1 resounding No: Terra nullius (nobody's land). Countering this false fact, has now formally recognised a resounding 40% yes to preexistence, a marked improvement from its 0% starting position. Meaning Australia is now ready to begin a conversation reconciling Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders' (aka First Nations') existence with Colonialism and those who come after. 

A No majority result is an acknowledgment that this conversation has now began in earnest. While also being just another day in a functioning civil democracy finding its way, steady as we go, full steam ahead.

When this proposition gets easier to understand, the opportunities for an outcome that benefits a greater number until including all becomes self realising. So if not now, then take comfort in the old wise saying "a journey of a 1,000 steps begins with the first but made realisable with the 2nd and subsequent."

AUST | GEIFN | WHEN | To Accept No: Contest of Terra nullius | Tuesday 17 October 2023 and beyond
Terra nullius is a Latin expression meaning "nobody's land".  It was a principle sometimes used in international law to justify claims that territory may be acquired by a state's occupation of it. Denying the existence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders' existence by the British gave the British permission to land, stay and colonise.

Reconciling this falsehood in Australia's birth began 265 years ago and continues in our minds, hearts and actions. As testimony to this, the Australia today was unimaginable to our forebears. If we accept what we do today influences the future, it is also how brighter futures for a greater benefit is made possible – the real work being undertaken in the majority of ordinary days between the extra-ordinary milestones.

"I am my ancestor’s wildest dreams" – Maxine Beneba Clarke, Australian writer of Afro-Caribbean descent (1979- CE)

Accepting No majority means you're ready to continue the national conversation reconciling Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders' (aka First Nations') existence with British Colonialism and those who come after. A No majority result is an acknowledgment that this Australian conversation has now began in earnest. Celebrate just another day in a functioning civil democracy finding its way, steady as we go, full steam ahead.

When this proposition gets easier to understand, the opportunities for an outcome that benefits everyone becomes self realising. So if not now, then make comfort by applying the old wise saying "Conquer anger through gentleness, unkindness through kindness, greed through generosity, and falsehood by truth."

 

AUST | VTMH | OFFERING | Reflections following the Referendum

Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH) has taken some time following the Voice Referendum to reflect and attempt to find words to express our disappointment regarding this outcome. 
We deeply acknowledge the courage and generosity of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and leaders who extended this invitation to the Australian community to walk together in this journey for learning and healing together.

In the weeks since the referendum we have reflected on the impacts that colonisation has had in shaping practices in the mental health sector, including our service, and the continued challenges faced in providing culturally responsive care given the history of these lands.

VTMH deeply admires the strength and resilience of First Nations communities across the country. We commit to rising strong, leaning in, and to finding ways to honour our commitment to learning and healing together.

We encourage teams and individuals in all sectors to continue joining collective efforts to support a more culturally safe and humanistic system and society. 

To learn more about what is happening in Victoria towards truth, treaty and voice, we encourage you to visit the links below: 

• Yoorrook Justice Commission 
• TREATY FOR VICTORIA | First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria

 

CoPP | PPCR | STRIVING | Towards Meaningful Reconciliation

Port Phillip Citizens for Reconciliation (PPCR) is a voluntary, not for profit community group. 
It began in 1997 at a public meeting, at St Kilda Town Hall, convened by Jacki Willox and attended by hundreds of people, including politicians, councillors, indigenous musicians and general public.

Objectives

• To maintain local awareness of the reconciliation agenda, recognising that information, understanding and community discussion are integral to the process.
• promoting an understanding of the history of Aboriginal people, particularly in our local area.

Mungo, our monthly newsletter, continues to be a good news source for events, circulating annually to over 3,500 as well as members of other networks.

AUST | CHGR | BUILDING | First Nations kids learning and loving to learn. Their families walking beside. Seeing hope for the future

Children's Ground Limited (CHGR) introduces you to our ongoing bold vision for change – a future in which every First Nations child can experience a lifetime of opportunity, entering adulthood strong in their identity and culture, connected to their local and global world, and economically independent.

Children’s Ground vision includes:

• First Nations people across Australia having self-determination and enjoying social, cultural, political and economic justice.
• First Nations' next generation of children knowing and celebrating their culture and identity, having freedom of choice and expression and living with opportunity, peace, harmony and wellbeing.
• Australians recognising our shared history and celebrating First Nations' culture and strength.

• Watch video (4 mins)
• Make a donation

AUST | YSS | EDUCATING | Aboriginal Pedagogy, Social Justice and Self-Determination

Yarn Strong Sista (YSS) has over 20 years of experience and excellence in Aboriginal pedagogy, social justice and self-determination.

YSS is a National Indigenous Educational Consultancy and Training Provider. Indigenous owned and run specialising in Aboriginal Pedagogy, providing authentic Aboriginal training for early childhood professionals, primary school teachers and corporate teams.

YSS are specialists with offering a range of services including:

• visits to Early Childhood environments to facilitate storytelling and arts workshops with children, 
• hosting Professional Development training for Educators
• facilitating arts experiences and face-painting at festivals and events, and 
• providing First Nations-designed resources and educational tools on our website.

Working beyond Early Years, customising our programs to meet the curriculum needs of Primary and Secondary students, and work in community contexts supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Our Aboriginal Early Childhood Education Resources include: Artefacts, Dolls, Children’s Music, Children’s Books, Games, Felt Hand and Finger Puppets, Felt Mats for Storytelling, Puzzles, and Teachers Resource Guides.

Other projects include:

• Foregrounding Anti Bias Perspectives
• Yarn Strong Brutha
• Enterprise for Empowerment.

Providing relevant resources and books that assist parents, teachers and organisations to acknowledge and celebrate Aboriginal Ways of Being. All our resources are ethically made and sourced, in collaboration with Indigenous artists and Fair-Trade partners.

AUST | EVCO | BUILDING | Stronger, more inclusive organisation through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Competence Training Programs

Be part of the big 10 year goal to inspire 10 million Allies to create a kinder, more inclusive Australia.

Build a stronger, more inclusive organisation through Evolve Communities Pty Ltd (EVCO)'s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Competence Training Programs.

When it comes to cultural awareness training, there isn’t necessarily a one-size-fits-all solution for education, reconciliation and allyship training. 

That’s why Evolve Communities offer different training courses and programs to suit any team’s size or style and let you choose the cultural competency training that is the best fit for your business including:

• 7 Steps Online Course
• Yarning Circle Workshops
• Ally Accreditation

Evolve Communities is a NSW-based Trusted Authority for Australian Indigenous cultural awareness, ally & facilitator training.

MELB | NGVA | EXHIBITING | Wurrdha Marra – Many Mobs

Welcome to Wurrdha Marra – meaning ‘Many Mobs’ in the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung language. 
The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia (NGVA) is a home to Australian art, presenting First Nations and non-First Nations art from historical to present day. The name comes from the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, supporting the purpose of this space in sharing the work of First Nations artists, from emerging to senior figures, and across time and place. 

For First Nations peoples around the world, art and design are part of a continuum where the past intersects with the present, different materials converge, and diverse perspectives come together. The central role of art in passing down important cultural knowledge is celebrated in this display through the diverse approaches that artists take to maintaining and regenerating customary cultural practices and iconography while also creating new forms of expression.

Wurrdha Marra is a dynamic exhibition space in which familiar works from the NGV’s collection of First Nations Australian art and design are displayed alongside new acquisitions. Presented through a series of changing thematics, the works on display offers a series of visual dialogues as a way to explore how parallel innovations and continuities can continue to inspire new ways of thinking about art.

The works included in this inaugural hang are by emerging artists as well as senior figures across both time and place. Each of these artists has in their own way been at the forefront in creating new forms of expression, and in maintaining and regenerating customary cultural practices and iconography. Great individual artists, working in Aboriginal-owned art centres or independently after studying at art school, continue to shape and transform art in Australia, inspiring many others to follow their example.

• Read More
• Where: NGV Australia (NGVA), The Ian Potter Centre, Fed Square, Melbourne
• Cost: Free entry
• Bookings: no booking required. Now showing 10am–5pm daily

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 7.3  VIC | GOV | UPDATING | Coronavirus Response

Stay up to date on the latest health advice and please consider both the COVID-19 and flu vaccinations if eligible. If you need access to food or financial relief, there is information available for how to get this support.

UPDATING | COVID safe and vaccination information to support CALD people with disability

The COVID safe and vaccination information to support CALD people with disability translated fact sheets are now obsolete and will not be updated or maintained.

The following links are currently being used to promote COVID-19 resources in language (via the translations icon):

• Protect yourself and others from COVID-19 | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) translated information | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

 

Free RATS Now Available to everyone through your local council

The Victorian Government has now made Rapid Antigen tests free and available at more than 200 local council distribution sites such as libraries and council customer service centres. The program is open to all Victorians, with all eligibility requirements removed.

Individuals can collect up to two packets for themselves plus up to two packets for each household member per visit. People with a disability or their carer can collect up to four packets of tests.

• To find out if your local council is participating, check the collection sites in your neighbourhood at coronavirus.vic.gov.au/get-a-covid-19-test
• For simple tips on staying ahead of COVID-19 and staying well this summer, visit: coronavirus.vic.gov.au/health-advice
• Coronavirus in-language information

To learn in other ways about Victoria's responses:

• Call the Victorian Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398. International, interstate and mobile callers can phone (+613) 9096 9000.
• Department of Health's website in English or Other Languages
• What to do if you are a close contact
• Financial support for coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Isolation and quarantine – extra help and support
• Mental health resources 
• Mental health support services
• Information for people with disability - coronavirus (COVID-19) 
• Emergency relief packages 
• COVID business information 
• COVIDSafe religion and ceremony guidance
• Safe accommodation and support for family violence is available. Call Safe Steps on 1800 015 188 or email safesteps@safesteps.org.au for help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• People with a high risk of getting very sick with COVID-19 can get medicine to help them stay well. There are medicines to reduce your chances of getting COVID-19 and treat COVID-19 symptoms if you get infected. Only people most likely to need hospital care can get COVID-19 medicines. This includes people who are aged 70 and over; are aged 50 and over with certain health conditions (or 30 if they're Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander); or have a weakened immune system, disability or are born with heart disease. Learn more

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 7.4  AUST | MULTI | UPDATING | Coronavirus Response

• Coronavirus hotline: If you are concerned, call the coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 (24 Hours).
• Coronavirus in-language information
• If you are an NDIS participant you can also call the national hotline on 1800 020 080.
• Information and referrals for people with disability and their supporters about Coronavirus: Contact the Disability Information Helpline on 1800 634 787. 
• If you are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can also call the National Relay Service on 133 677.
• Interpreting service: If you need an interpreter, call TIS National on 131 450.
• Testing locations: Find a testing location near you.
• Call-to-Test-at-Home service, providing in-home coronavirus testing to Victorians who would otherwise be unable to get tested, call the DHHS Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.
• Triple Zero: Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.

Other Resources

• Australian Government Department of Health – Translated resources into 60 different languages, informing communities about COVID-19 vaccines and availability across Australia.
• Access Easy English – Over 70 resources developed on coronavirus.
• Amaze – step-by-step social scripts outlining the COVID-19 vaccine process to help people with autism.
• Better Health – COVID-19 and flu vaccinations health information available in more than fifteen languages. Learn more
• Centre for Culture, Ethnicity & Health (CEH) has translated Long COVID fact sheet into nine in-language written resources and five in-language audio recordings. The Long COVID project focuses on priority CALD communities particularly impacted by COVID-19 in 2020. Read the factsheet 
• Council for Intellectual Disability (CID) – Easy English information for people with intellectual disability and videos about COVID-19.
• DHHS – Victorian Government Department of Health and Human Services advice and information on coronavirus available in 56 languages
• Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) – Multicultural COVID-19 Outreach Program
• Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) – COVID-19 video series Protecting Our Communities
• MyAus Covid-19 app – Multilingual resource application produced by Migration Council Australia (MCA) for Australia's culturally and linguistically diverse communities about COVID - 19, it's impact and available support.
• National Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcasters' Council (NEMBC) – translated audio explainers of COVID-19 and flu vaccinations on SoundCloud. Translated audio available includes Arabic, Cantonese, Dari, Dinka, Hindi, Mandarinand Vietnamese. Listen today
• NWMPHN Maintaining good mental health through the pandemic through in-language videos. Help spread the message of looking after our mental health in Hindi, Cantonese, Mandarin, Dinka and Vietnamese.
• Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) – promoting The Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line (OPCSL) within ethno-specific communities.
• SBS – news and information about coronavirus (COVID - 19) available in 63 languages.
• Scope - Key word sign video, posters and easy english resources on communicating COVID-19.
• StarHealth fact sheets on COVID-19 are now available – using only valid information sources for its fact sheets, distilling the key points from only trusted sources. 
• Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) surveyed 1500 Victorians and targeted follow up interviews were used to create the commission’s new research pandemic snapshots – Supporting workers with disability and Juggling parenting, caring and work. Explore the research snapshots, FaceBook

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 8. ACKNOWLEDGING 

1. Acknowledgment to Sources
2. Bye bye to Essentialists
3. Self-Isolators, Non-Essentials And The Homebound

 

 8.1  Acknowledgment to Sources

This is a consolidated account of information current at time of issuance, sourced, collated and provided by Victorian Multicultural Commission, Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria, various Government Authorities, community organisations, public domain and individuals, received with gratitude.

 8.2  Bye bye to Essentialists

Us non-essentialists will endeavour to manage our expection of miracles and do our best to follow rules while staying out of the way. 

Contact your closest friendly non-essentialist if you need anything that can be done remotely. Bye bye to Essentialists for now, please leave to attend to the essential work. That is all from the Caretaker at this time.

 8.3  Self-Isolators, Non-Essentials And The Homebound

Meanwhile, if with a surplus of time, this and the following is offered. Discuss with sincerity. Deny untruth. Dismiss unuseful. Accept useful. Adapt to change. Adopt least effort most benefit. Adept with sharing. Enjoy throughout. As each case may be. Round about. And again. Or not.

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