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

Collected video stories of identity, connection and belonging by First Nations, Settlers and Migrants from downunder the rainbow.

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

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

GEIFN’s Potential Top 5 Talking Points to offer insights, answers and views to question “What does Reconciliation look like to you?":

1. What did the coming out process look like for you?
2. How did being LGBTQIA+ teach you about your family, community and the world?
3. Where is your gift of being LGBTQIA+ been used in personal, professional or public life?
4. Who is your message of reconciliation to?
5. Why should Australia be a place, position and player on a spherical global playing field?

IFD's existing Australian content is 12 stories, all by cis-gender males. This project is encouraging Australian-residing LGBTQIA+ Women or Women-identifying, First Nations, People of Colour/Migrants. Together, a diversity of ages, genders, views, wisdom and compassion strengthen any reconciliation.

If you or someone you know fit the description and wish to be a part of this reconciliation

project, please contact Carey on 0438 371 488 or caretaker@geifn.org

Primary Collaborator

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

Quoting from IFD website:

The stories on I’m From Driftwood send a powerful message to LGBTQIA+ people everywhere: you exist, you matter, you belong.

 

IFD’s collection of more than 1,400 professionally-produced videos and user-submitted written oral histories are shared freely online – giving voice to and forging connections among often marginalized or silenced people, educating people about the joys and challenges, complexities and intersectionalities of LGBTQIA+ lives, and increasing empathy in IFD viewers.

Some existing IFD examples:

• ImFromDriftwood: Carlo’s Gay, Catholic and Still Wanting to Have a Family. It’s Just Going to Look Different (6 mins).
• ImFromDriftwood: Charlotte’s Coming Out Is An Act Of Activism. Reflections On Being Out In The Workplace (6 mins)
• ImFromDriftwood: Homophobic Experience at Medical Center Leads Trans Student to Change Entire Life Path (8 mins)

How to Reconcile

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

The English language has 26 letters (written symbols) but it makes over 44 different sounds (syllables) and countless compound ideas (words). All relying on ‘learnt, practised or assumed knowledge' to correctly use, prevailing cognizance (ability to independently critically think), pronounce, know and then to respond.

 

To make things even more interesting, English is always changing, borrowing from many other languages with meanings that may change over time.

Let's look at the word "reconcile":

[reh’con’syle]

From late Middle English: from Old French reconcilier or Latin reconciliare, from Latin re- = back, concentrate, focus + conciliare = bring together.

verb

1. restore friendly relations between. Ie, the monarch and the archbishop were publicly reconciled. Ie, they wanted to be reconciled with their father. 
• settle (a quarrel). Ie, advice on how to reconcile the conflict. 
• make or show to be compatible. Ie, the agreement had to be reconciled with the city's new international relations policy. 
• someone accepting a disagreeable or unwelcome thing. Ie, the team was reconciled to the poor match result.
2. make (one account) consistent with another, especially by allowing for transactions begun but not yet completed. Ie, it is not necessary to reconcile the cost accounts to the financial accounts.

And this is just 1 word. Languages are made of many words. Words connected by space(s) make sentences. Sentences connected by space(s) make paragraphs. Paragraphs connected by space(s) make narratives or stories. Stories connected by space(s) make story books. Story books connected by space(s) mark time and are called tradition. This is the process of transmission. Transmission can be verbal, physical, formless or abiding in the space between.

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

• Endorsement of Uluru Statement
• Statement of Inclusion LGBTIQA+

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

How to get involved?

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

MORE:

Global Engagement In Friendlier Neighbourhoods (GEIFN)

Join us with 'humanising the other' 

Carey Rohrlach (he/him), AUSSIEstory Team Member, Tel 0438 371 488

Website

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

AUST | CUIN | UPDATING | All About Relationships and more | April-May 2025

[Edited extract from public address]

EMBODYING | Multicultural All Day Every Day - All About Relationships

Our CEO and Founder Peter Mousaferiadis travelled to the UK, France and Macao, where he forged new relationships with several people across the areas of cultural diversity, disability, AI, science and saving the planet, and got to reconnect with key friends. Closer to home, he also visited Colac with Sumardi. Learn what else our busy team are up to and read on for details of Peter’s amazing trips in this edition of the newsletter!

     

MAKING | New Friends

Peter’s trip to the UK and Paris gave him a chance to meet a world authority on multidisciplinary thinking and author of globally acclaimed book The Polymath, Waqās Ahmed and see Windsor Castle, which is directly opposite Waqās’s office. He also met environmental activist turned disability rights champion, Founder and President of the Disability Resilience Network Philip Connolly, Co-director of NGO Culture et Développement Valeria Marcolin and Global Systems Architect and legendary activist at Greenpeace International. 

23 April saw Peter delivering a Keynote at the Asia Universities Summit, Macao. These new relationships and journeys are inspiring and informative. They help strengthen our resolve and position as champions of cultural diversity.

REPORTING | Big Data & AI World London, part of Tech Show London

Our European team, Nicole Jolaoso, Kasia Hayward, Mario Chatzidamianos, along with Peter Mousaferiadis, participated in Big Data and AI World London as part of Tech Show London. This was the second year in a row for Diversity Atlas.

Mario moderated a panel with data experts Helen Dodd and Manivannan Janakiraman (above left), discussing global regulations on data and AI. Peter moderated two panels that were described by many as some of the highlights of the event, where he spoke briefly on AI and the risk of losing our must human advantage: our cultural diversity. We posted a summary of Peter’s opening remarks on the blog.

• Read more

     

REPORTING | Techerati Interview with Peter Mousaferiadis

News network Techerati published a compelling interview with Peter on AI’s global impact, opening with the following question,

Do you think AI is moving too fast for ethical considerations to keep up, or is regulation slowing down its potential benefits?

Let’s first look at previous advances in technology and their impact: for a start, we know that there’s a correlation between the rise in social media and the decline in peace. We need measures in place so AI doesn’t lead to these unintended consequences. Regulation is important.

We are witnessing a largely profit-driven race towards AGI, a race to create fully autonomous vehicles and so forth, and we’re seeing a lot of breakage on the way, and a lot of mistakes. This is inevitable and largely excusable in the development of anything new. What is worrying is the concentration of power among too few developers and the lack of transparency and apparent representative diversity in their teams. 

Democratic governments have a responsibility to dispense funding for new technology in a way that aligns with democratic values.

• Read more

     

REPORTING | Peter Mousaferiadis and Amna Ben Amara at UNESCO

Last newsletter we announced the appointment of Cultural Infusion as pro bono Secretariat for the Civil Society Organisations contributing to the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. This global network of more than 100 key organisations works pro bono to promote cultural diversity and strengthen the role of cultural expressions in education, policy, and society.

Peter and our colleague in Paris, Amna Ben Amara, spent three impactful days engaging in extensive meetings at UNESCO. Amna says, ‘Although we didn’t choose the background of the photo, its message is a stark reminder: “culture should never be a target”.’

At a time when cultural identities are increasingly under pressure, whether through conflict, politicisation, counter-politicisation, marginalisation or digital divides, their discussions focused on how a data-driven approach to cultural diversity can help shape inclusive policies and initiatives so that no one is left behind.

UNESCO’s commitment to cultural diversity is crucial. We love to show that data can be efficient, but more importantly, humane!

     

REPORTING | Pak Sumardi’s Tour of Australia

Sumardi lit up the office when he dropped in for a visit ahead of his big Australian tour. It’s been a huge delight to connect with this brilliant artist and great friend.

Following is a testimonial from Sumardi’s 22 March performance at the Hawthorn Cultural Centre:

‘It was magical – the attendees loved the story and the puppets. Sumardi is a very gentle person and was very engaging during the Q&A session at the end of the performance.’

Melinda Brown, City of Boroondara

Sumardi performed at the Colac Performing Arts Centre. Peter accompanied him on his tour, and says,

To even become a dalang is to perform continuously for nine hours – without a single break, not even for the toilet. That’s the level of dedication this ancient craft demands…

This marks Sumardi’s 10th tour to Australia with Cultural Infusion. Since 2004, he’s performed over 1,000 times across cities, regional towns and remote communities – from the east coast to the far reaches of the Pilbara in WA.

What’s especially powerful is that Sumardi is a deeply devout Muslim performing stories from the Hindu epics, The Ramayana and The Mahabharata. That’s the beauty of Wayang Kulit – a centuries-old art form that lives at the heart of Indonesia’s rich cultural fusion.

Though these tales have Hindu roots, they’re still cherished and performed by Muslim communities across Java – a reflection of how Islam arrived peacefully in Indonesia and embraced, rather than erased, the culture it met.

• Make a Booking!

     

ADDING | New Presenters and Programs

We have added the following new programs to our extensive offerings: 

• Chinese Infusion (VIC)
• Swedish Dance & Culture (QLD)
• Colombian–Caribbean Rhythms & Culture (NSW)
• Thai Infusion (QLD)
• Yalla! Arab Dance & Culture (NSW, VIC)
• Māori Infusion (QLD)
• Maloyan Infusion (WA) and 
• Rhythms of Latin America (SA).

We can’t wait to share these exciting programs with you, with more to be announced soon!

• Browse Programs

     

COMMEMORATING | NAIDOC Week (6 to 13 July) The Next Generation: Strength, Vision, and Legacy

NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) Week is a fantastic opportunity to learn from and support the vitality of the original cultures of Australia. Our excellent Aboriginal cultural programs help make NAIDOC Week one of our busiest weeks of the year. 

The popular Aboriginal Infusion educational program is available in Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and New South Wales and the Aboriginal Culture For A Day program is available in Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia showcasing Aboriginal cultures through dance, symbolic art, didgeridoo and a wide range of other engaging activities.

 

Students can learn traditional Aboriginal symbols from our First Nations presenters in our Aboriginal Storytelling Through Art educational program, available in Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and New South Wales. This unique experience will give students the opportunity to create and share their own stories and is a perfect intercultural experience for any age! 

Aboriginal Storytelling and Artefacts is available in New South Wales, Australia Capital Territory and Western Australia and combines storytelling with an introduction to the history of some Aboriginal tools and artefacts. Students will have the opportunity to act out stories and engage with cultural artefacts. 

To mark NAIDOC Week, Cultural infusion is launching a competition. Take a photo or video of your Cultural Infusion experience during NAIDOC Week. Post it on Instagram tagging @CulturalInfusion using the hashtag #NAIDOCwithCulturalInfusion.

The best post (photos and/or videos) will win 20% off their next booking.

• Book your NAIDOC program early to avoid missing out!

     

CENTRING | Culture in Science

Peter Mousaferiadis took to the stage at the Times Higher Education Asia Universities Summit, hosted at their partner organisation, the Macao University of Science and Technology.

Peter put forward the case for centring culture, as inextricable from our humanity, in all scientific endeavours and initiatives.

Agree? Do you think culture is sidelined? Of course you do, since you are here! What would science look like if it centred culture? How would this be done ethically?

He also ran the Diversity Atlas survey, and while only 29 people participated in time for the reveal, it already yielded fascinated information, including 12 different countries of birth, with the Philippines taking first place, and 22 different cultures. As we find each time, once you get into the level of detail Diversity Atlas does, every group is so richly diverse.

Diversity Atlas can be run on any group larger than 25 to uncover their collective and often hidden cultural composition. If you or someone you know is ready to discover the full diversity of their group and support ethical technology, why not get in touch with our team now for a free demo?

• Free demo

     

OFFERING | Learning Lands Gift

Last 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.

• Browse programs

     

HIGHLIGHTING | Calendar Spotlight: 21 May, World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue & Development

World Day for Cultural Diversity celebrates the richness of cultures worldwide and the importance of intercultural dialogue and harmony. By learning about diverse traditions, philosophies and social structures, we grow – becoming more adaptable, empathetic and open to new perspectives.

‘With 89% of all current conflicts in the world occurring in countries with low intercultural dialogue, to forge effective cooperation and sustain peace, strengthening intercultural dialogue must be a priority.’

- The United Nations

‘On this Day, UNESCO would like to call upon everyone to celebrate cultural diversity, through which we will be able to build the intellectual and moral solidarity of humankind.’ - UNESCO

Our Multicultural Day Program available in all states is a comprehensive cultural workshop exploring language, music and more. With interactive and engaging activities students gain a deeper understanding of cultural complexity and develop the empathy and respect needed to thrive in our diverse, globalised world.

MORE:

Cultural Infusion (CUIN)

Address: Suite 2, 273-277 Wellington Street, Collingwood, VIC 3066

Website | TikTok | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube

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

CoPP | GOV | GRANTING | Seniors Festival Grants 2025 | submissions close midnight Tuesday 10 June 2025

[Edited extract from public address]

The City of Port Phillip provides Seniors Festival events grants to fund events in Port Phillip. 

The purpose of the Seniors Festival | Friday 3 October-Friday 17 October 2025 is to promote a positive attitude to ageing amongst the whole community.

Applications are invited for events that showcase your organisation or community such as open days at sporting clubs and cultural groups, musical and literary events, dances and art exhibitions, events that prioritise inclusion and celebration.

How to apply

Applicants are required to read the guidelines before applying.

• Seniors Festival Events Grants Guidelines 2025 (PDF 927 KB)
• Seniors Festival Events Grants Guidelines 2025 (DOCX 1.6 MB)
• Application forms can be found at the Seniors Festival 2025 webpage.

MORE:

City of Port Phillip (CoPP)

Address: 99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda, VIC 3182 Australia

Telephone: 03 9209 6655

Website

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

CoPP | KHT | TRAINING | Building Aboriginal Cultural Competency for Community Groups | Wednesday 28 May 2025 | 9.30am-1.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

When there is a cultural gap, connections can be difficult. Much of the work done in this program is about understanding Aboriginal diversity rather than seeing Aboriginal people as one large homogenous group. 

Topics covered include:

• • Cultural competence – meaning and importance.
• • Australian settlement history (setting the scene and the legacy impact of colonisation on attitudes and lifestyle choices).
• • The building blocks of identity (definitions of Aboriginality; Aboriginal family values, land and identity, lore, dreaming and creation; myths of settlement).
• • The building blocks of identity – the Aboriginal community today (saying sorry, terminologies and statistical outline of Australia’s Indigenous population).
• • An introduction to developing personal strategies for working more effectively with Aboriginal people.

The Cultural Competency program offers real understanding of the diversity involved in Victoria in particular but is also adaptable to cover a National context and understanding as well.

• Where: The Garden Studio, c/- Gasworks Arts Park, 21 Graham Street, Albert Park 
• Cost: Free
• Inclusions: Morning tea
• Bookings: essential, limit of 2 tickets per organisation, online via Trybooking

MORE:

Koorie Heritage Trust (KHT)

Address: Yarra Building, Federation Square, Cnr Swanston & Flinders Streets, Melbourne VIC 3000

Tour: +61 3 8662 6300

Website | Facebook | Instagram | X

The Koorie Heritage Trust acknowledges and pays respect to the Traditional Custodians of Melbourne, on whose lands we are located. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices or names of deceased persons in photographs, film, audio recordings or printed material.

CoPP | S2b | AUCTIONING | Solidarity Art Exhibition | Saturday 10-Friday 30 May 2025

[Edited extract from public address]

Time to bid – Space2b Art Auction is our most important fundraiser for 2025

Solidarity is a curated exhibition of established artists and CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) artists. The exhibition provides mutual opportunities for participants to raise their profiles, self-esteem and standing within the wider artistic community. Solidarity is Space2b's main fundraiser for 2025 and all income from this auction will go directly to service and enable our life changing programs. Every Bid Makes A Difference

Every penny raised helps empower newcomers through creative enterprise, connection and employment.

Thank you for standing with us!

• Bidding Started 1 May
• Special Thanks to the 25 established local and culturally diverse artists
• 28 magnificent and diverse artworks to choose from

Exhibition:

Where: Space2b ArtSpace, 144 Chapel St, St Kilda VIC 3182
Cost: Free to view, make a winning bid to take home
Bidding: Online via Airauctioneer

 Also in May 

S2b | WORKSHOPPING | Pop Art Portraits Workshop | Saturday 10 May 2025 | 10.30am-1.30pm

Dive into the vibrant world of pop art with this Acrylic Pop Art Workshop! Perfect for beginners and art enthusiasts alike, this hands-on workshop will guide you through the fundamental techniques of acrylic painting while exploring the iconic style of pop art.

• Where: Space2b ArtSpace, 144 Chapel St, St Kilda VIC 3182
• Cost: $65
• Bookings: online via ClassBento

OFFERING | Internship Opportunity – Digital Content & Graphics Support

Space2b is looking for a creative and detail-oriented Digital Content & Graphics Support specialist to assist with content creation, graphic design, and digital asset management. If you have a passion for visual storytelling, design tools, digital media and is highly organised, we’d love to hear from you!

• Needing: Must be available for 8 hours per week
• Offering: Inclusion $100 per month disbursement to cover expenses
• Find out more or apply: please email info@space2b.com.au

GATHERING | Women's Circle | Thursdays, Fortnightly | 10.30am-1.30pm

Following the success of our pilot program, we’re excited to launch a regular Women's Circle – a warm and welcoming space for women from culturally diverse backgrounds to come together, connect, and support one another. 

• Where: Sol Green Community Centre Cnr Coventry & Montague St, South Melbourne
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: not required. Bring a friend or come as you are – you are always welcome! Learn more

CRAFTING | Futures – Meet the Team

In partnership with South East Community Links, we have come together to learn and to share creative business skills through traditional and non traditional Afghan hand embroidery. We look forward to sharing more photos of the workshops and the outcomes as they progress over the next few months with you.

The final creations will be launched in the Space2b Shop in June! Watch this space!

This project is supported with funding from the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs.

CLOSING | Evolving Horizons | Exhibition ends on Friday 9 May 2025

Evolving Horizons celebrates the growth and diversity of artistic expression through the work of four artists: Karen, John, Marija, and Bernadette.

Each bringing a unique perspective. Karen’s watercolours capture the vibrancy of her travels, transforming everyday scenes into moments of wonder. John’s still life and landscapes celebrate the beauty in the ordinary, evoking tranquillity and connection with nature. Marija’s versatile work in sculpture and painting invites engagement with form and emotion, while Bernadette’s abstract landscapes offer a sensory journey through nature’s moods.

• Where: Space2b ArtSpace 144 Chapel St St Kilda
• Cost: Free Admission

Together we make a difference

MORE:

Space2b Social Design (S2b)
Address: 144 Chapel Street, St Kilda, Melbourne Vic 3182
Website | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube

Space2b acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land and the diverse nature of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia. We pay respect to the Elders, past, present and future, and celebrate their stories, culture and traditions.

CoPP | PPLS | CELEBRATING | Australian Heritage Festival | 18 April-18 May 2025

[Edited extract from public address]

Celebrate the rich and diverse history of the City of Port Phillip this Australian Heritage Festival with events, exhibitions, and opportunities to share your story. 

From the bustling piers of Port Melbourne to the See Yup Temple, which has been a site of worship for people from southern China for nearly 170 years, this year’s festival shines a spotlight on the untold stories that have shaped our city.

We are also very excited to have Julian O'Shea, host of the Unknown Melbourne YouTube channel hosting a talk not to be missed.

The festival runs with events all over Victoria.

• Explore All Events

MORE:

Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS)

City of Port Phillip

Address: 99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda, VIC 3182 Australia

Telephone: 03 9209 6655

Website | Facebook | Instagram

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

CoPP | BOCL | MASTERING | Your Mind | Friday 9 May 2025 | 11am-12noon

[Edited extract from public address]

Join our workshop from Bolton Clarke (BOCL) on looking after your mental and physical health. 

Bolton Clarke’s Be Healthy and Active program provides free, practical sessions to help you get the most out of life. 

Learn how to recognise the signs of stress and a technique called mindfulness that can help you to better respond to unhealthy stress.

• Where: St Kilda Library, 150 Carlisle Street, St Kilda Victoria 3182
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: online via Trybooking

MORE:

Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS)

City of Port Phillip

Address: 99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda, VIC 3182 Australia

Telephone: 03 9209 6655

Website | Facebook | Instagram

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

CoPP | PPLS | SCREENING | En Masse RAWCUS | 13-25 May 2025 | nightly, 6pm-midnight

[Edited extract from public address]

En Masse is a larger-than-life projection installation featuring the award-winning Rawcus Ensemble.

Made in collaboration with First Nations choreographer Amelia J O’Leary and videographer Michael Carmody, En Masse explores the tension between being an individual and being part of a group. In this short, looped work diverse people appear and disappear in a choreography of solos, of couples, of crowds. En Masse is a celebration of the power of the collective and a revolt against the perfectly synchronised chorus line.

En Masse will be available for viewing from.

St Kilda Library, 150 Carlisle Street

En Masse is proudly supported by The City of Port Phillip’s Cultural Development Fund, The State Trustees Foundation and South Melbourne Community Chest.

• More Information

MORE:

Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS)

City of Port Phillip

Address: 99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda, VIC 3182 Australia

Telephone: 03 9209 6655

Website | Facebook | Instagram

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

CoPP | KHA | INFORMING | Kidney Health Session | Wednesday 14 May | 6.30-7.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Join us for a general information and Q&A session about how to keep your kidneys healthy and prevent kidney disease.

This session is hosted by David Lauder, a Health Educator with Kidney Health Australia (KHA). 

• Where: Albert Park Library, 319 Montague Street, Albert Park Victoria 3206
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: online via Trybooking

MORE:

Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS)

City of Port Phillip

Address: 99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda, VIC 3182 Australia

Telephone: 03 9209 6655

Website | Facebook | Instagram

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

CoPP | PPLS | PRESENTING | Free Online Safety: 3 Sessions in May

[Edited extract from public address]

Join us at the library in May for a series of free online safety presentations, hosted by the eSafety Commissioner.

Protecting your personal information online | Tuesday 6 May 2025 | 10am-11am

Join our 1-hour presentation to discover:

• why information privacy matters
• how to keep your information secure
• impersonation scams to look out for
• where to go for help.

Learn why protecting your personal information is so important and steps to take to protect your data.

• Where: St Kilda Library, 150 Carlisle Street, St Kilda Victoria 3182
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: online via Trybooking

 

Safer Online Banking and Shopping | Thursday 8 May 2025 | 3-4pm

Privacy and security concerns can stop those who aren’t as confident online from enjoying the same experience.

Join our 1-hour presentation to discover:

• the benefits of shopping and banking online
• how to safely shop and pay for things online
• how to do every day banking safely online
• what to look out for.

For many Australians, a connected lifestyle includes the convenience of online shopping and banking. 

• Where: St Kilda Library, 150 Carlisle Street, St Kilda Victoria 3182
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: online via Trybooking

  

Can you spot a scam? | Thursday 22 May 2025 | 3-4pm

Australians aged 55 and over lost more than $221 million to scammers in 2023*.  (*Source: Scamwatch, 2023).

Join our 1-hour presentation to discover:

• common scams including the latest Tax and Medicare scams
• tips on how to spot them
• what to do and what not to do
• where to go for help.

The internet is a wonderful place to explore and connect with others, but it pays to be savvy. 

• Where: St Kilda Library, 150 Carlisle Street, St Kilda Victoria 3182
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: online via Trybooking

MORE:

Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS)

City of Port Phillip

Address: 99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda, VIC 3182 Australia

Telephone: 03 9209 6655

Website | Facebook | Instagram

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

CoPP | PPLS | CALLING | Stories for Seniors Festival Writing Awards 2025 | submissions close Friday 27 June 2025

[Edited extract from public address]

Port Phillip Writes is an annual event that showcases the imagination, writing skills and creative expression of seniors. 

Anyone 55 or older who lives, works, or is a member of a library in Port Phillip can enter. 

Entry submission and awards:

• You can submit one fictional story, poem or a non-fiction piece on any topic.
• All entries will be published in the Port Phillip Writes publication. Entrants will receive a certificate and two copies of the publication.
• Outstanding entries are eligible for an award. In October, we’ll let you know how we’ll celebrate the winners. Use the link below to find out more information and to register.

If you require assistance to translate, type your entry or any other enquiries please contact portphillipwrites@portphillip.vic.gov.au

• Register Today

MORE:

Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS)

City of Port Phillip

Address: 99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda, VIC 3182 Australia

Telephone: 03 9209 6655

Website | Facebook | Instagram

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

CoPP | PPLS | SCREENING | Faces Places | 2 sessions: Monday 5 May & Wednesday 7 May 2025

[Edited extract from public address]

Join us each month for our cinema club where we will watch a range of outstanding films from around the world.

For May we are showing Faces Places by director Agnès Varda, one of the leading pioneers of French New Wave cinema. This award-winning film is about Agnès Varda and JR (photographer/muralist) as they journey through rural France and form an unlikely friendship.

Directed by: Agnes Varda

Rating: M

Language: French (English subtitles)

IMDB Score: 7.8  

  

• Where: Two Session Times
• Monday 5 May | 12noon-2pm | St Kilda Library, 150 Carlisle Street, St Kilda Victoria 3182
• Wednesday 7 May | 11am-1pm | Emerald Hill Library, 195 Bank Street, South Melbourne Victoria 3205
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: online via Trybooking St Kilda | Emerald Hill

MORE:

Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS)

City of Port Phillip

Address: 99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda, VIC 3182 Australia

Telephone: 03 9209 6655

Website | Facebook | Instagram

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

CoPP | PPLS | WORKSHOPPING | Art Workshop with Uncle Les Stanley | Wednesday 28 May 2025 | 1-3pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Join respected First Nations artist Uncle Leslie "Les" Stanley for an immersive traditional painting workshop at the library.

Participants will explore the rich history of Indigenous art and storytelling while creating their own painting to take home. Uncle Les will share cultural knowledge and techniques passed down through generations. 

All art materials and afternoon tea will be provided.

Port Phillip Library Service proudly supports National Reconciliation Week 2025 - a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. 

• Where: St Kilda Library, 150 Carlisle Street, St Kilda Victoria 3182
  
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: online via Trybooking

MORE:

Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS)

City of Port Phillip

Address: 99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda, VIC 3182 Australia

Telephone: 03 9209 6655

Website | Facebook | Instagram

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

GLEN EIRA | GELSS | 4 Weeks Free Swimming Lessons for Children and Adults | enrol by 30 June 2025

[Edited extract from public address]

Ready to make a splash? There’s never been a better time to jump back into swim lessons!

For a limited time only, Glen Eira Leisure Swim School (GELSS) is offering 4 WEEKS FREE to all new enrolments and returning students — but be quick, this offer is only available until 30 June 2025!

Why Join GELSS?

• Unlimited access to both Glen Eira Swimming and Aquatic Centre (GESAC) and Carnegie Memorial Swimming Pool for your child and a supervising adult (even outside of lesson times).
• Weekly lessons year-round (48 weeks).
• Small class sizes matched to your child's level.
• Only $23/week after your free period ends. 

Whether your child is learning the basics or developing more advanced strokes, our Swim School offers a safe, encouraging environment to develop their skills.

 

Interested in lessons for yourself? We have adult lessons too!

Spots fill fast enrol by 30 June 2025 to claim your 4 weeks free!

 

We’d love to welcome you and your swimmer to the Glen Eira Leisure Swim School family!

MORE:

Glen Eira Leisure Swim School (GELSS)

• Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre, 200 East Boundary Road, Bentleigh East
• Carnegie Memorial Swimming Pool, Koornang Park, Moira Avenue, Carnegie
• Caulfield Recreation Centre, 6 Maple Street, Caulfield South

Website

Glen Eira Leisure acknowledges the Boon Wurrung/Bunurong and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation as Traditional Owners and Custodians, and pays respect to their Elders past and present.

We acknowledge and uphold Traditional Owner’s continuing relationship to the land and waterways.

Council extends its respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

GEIFN | CONSOLIDATED | Community Information | Thursday 1 May 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

---

 1. HIGHLIGHTING 

1. AUST | PMW | HEARING | Insights from female migrant professionals
2. MELB | UNVesakVIC25 | COMMEMORATING | United Nations International Day of Vesak in Victoria | Saturday 3 May 2025 | 10am-3.30pm
3. VIC | DSPAC | WALKING | For Truth, Join Us | Sunday 25 May-Wednesday 18 June 2025
4. AUST | GEIFN | CALLING | LGTBIQA+ Story Tellers for AUSSIE Stories: Downunder the Rainbow

 

 1.1  AUST | PMW | HEARING | Insights from female migrant professionals

Are you a migrant woman who has started your professional career in Australia but found it difficult to progress? We want to hear from you! 

Professional Migrant Women (PMW) is conducting this anonymous survey to better understand the experiences, challenges and aspirations of migrant women who have been working professionally in Australia for at least one year. If you feel stuck in your career, overlooked despite your efforts or unsure about your next steps, your insights will help PMW develop initiatives and support programs tailored to your needs. 

This survey is completely anonymous, and personal details will not be collected. Your responses will remain confidential, and the survey should take no more than 5 minutes to complete. 
Share your experience and help PMW create real change! 

• Complete the survey

 

 1.2  MELB | UNVesakVIC25 | COMMEMORATING | United Nations International Day of Vesak in Victoria | Saturday 3 May 2025 | 10am-3.30pm

Join Victoria’s Buddhist Community in the centre of Melbourne for Vesak 2025 – a multi-cultural celebration of the Lord Buddha’s Birth, Enlightenment and Passing.
2025 marks the 18th year of the Victorian United Nations Day of Vesak (UNVesakVIC) celebrations in Victoria. We are happy to announce a program that brings together Buddhist and wider communities of various cultures and traditions to celebrate a key uniting event in our Buddhist calendar – Vesak.

The 2025 program continues with the three-part format:

• 9.45am for 10am: Sangha Dana – Lunch Offering to Buddhist Monks and Nuns @ Catholic Leadership Centre, 576 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne
• 12.15pm for 1pm: Friendship Walk – Walking mindfully together. Traditional Drummers, Buddha Floats, Flags, Lotuses, the colours of Victoria’s Buddhist Community @ Parliament Gardens Reserve, assemble corner Nicholson Street Extension & Albert Streets, East Melbourne. Public car parking nearby. Opp Parliament Station. Walk Spring Street & Collins Street to Melbourne Town Hall
• 1.45-3.30pm: Commemoration – Veneration of Buddha Relics • Chanting & Blessing from various Buddhist Traditions and languages • Guided Meditation • Interfaith Messages @ Melbourne Town Hall, corner Swanston & Collins Streets

With special feature:

• 10am-6pm: Giant 21 Taras Thangka (Painting) – Don’t miss an extraordinary opportunity to view this 9x15m painting of power and compassion of the 21 Taras (21 Goddesses) @ Melbourne Town Hall, corner Swanston & Collins Streets

Further details on each part of the program can be found at Facebook and website.

 1.3  VIC | DSPAC | WALKING | For Truth, Join Us | Sunday 25 May-Wednesday 18 June 2025

Help support the Walk for Truth. Join Deadly Sports Plus Aboriginal Corporation (DSPAC).
Starting on Sunday 25 May on Gunditjmara Country at Portland, where colonisation began, Yoorrook Justice Commission's Deputy Chair Commissioner Travis Lovett, Kerrupmara Gunditjmara will be walking 370km right up to the Victorian Parliament House on Wednesday 18 June.

This powerful journey aims to bring everyone together to walk toward truth, celebrate the strength and resistance of Aboriginal people, and be proud to have the oldest living culture in the world as ours. The walk will be a powerful way to build shared understanding of these truths, talking together about our history, while walking together to transform our future. For First Peoples and for all Victorians.

Deadly Sports Plus will be there, every step of the way to support Travis and the expected 1000s of walkers of the 25-day event. Aboriginal community events are near and dear to our hearts; help us support the Victorian Aboriginal community to share our truth with the greater community.

Join the Walk

Everyone is invited to join when Yoorrook Deputy Chair Commissioner Travis Lovett, Kerrupmara Gunditjmara, walks from Portland, where colonisation began, to Parliament, where we can transform the future. Whether it be a minute, an hour, a day, a week, or even the entire month, DS+ would love to see you join!

Details of the different Walk legs and their expected dates are below. Along the way there will be opportunities for people to join the Walk and attend a community event in each leg. To find out more, including dates and details of specific legs and community events, register to join or support the Walk for Truth.

• 25-29 May - Portland to Port Fairy
• 30 May-5 June - Port Fairy to Colac
• 6-11 June - Colac to Geelong 
• 12-15 June - Geelong to Footscray
• 16-18 June - Footscray to Parliament, CBD

• Learn More and Register 

Donate

This is a massive event, where we will have two first responders roving for 25 days straight, supporting the expected 1000s of walkers and attendees. Your support will help us cover equipment costs, consumables (such as sports taping), and vehicle costs, as well as support our staff's wages. We estimate this will be at least $40,000, so we are hoping to raise half of this.

We are also interested in partnering with companies and organisations. If you're part of an organisation that can help support DS+ with this event, please reach out to us on admin@deadlysportsplus.com

• Donate here

We are also seeking in-kind support in terms of a vehicle and equipment. Think you might have something that will support this event, reach out to us for a dicussion on admin@deadlysportsplus.com

 LAUNCHING | New Course: Mental Health First Aid 

We are excited to announce that our Managing Director and Lead Trainer, Nic, is now a Licensed Standard MHFA Instructor. The Standard Mental Health First Aid course teaches participants how to provide initial support to another adult who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis, until professional help is received or the crisis resolves.

Course participants learn about the signs and symptoms of common mental health problems in adults, how to recognise and respond to an emerging or worsening mental health problem and the treatments and supports available.

Using a practical, evidence-based action plan, course participants learn how to approach someone they are concerned about and initiate a conversation about those concerns. Participants also learn how to offer initial support and information and how to encourage the person to seek professional help or other supports.

This is currently available to deliver in workplaces across 2 x 6-hour days with a minimum group of 6 people (restricted by MHFA Australia). Pricing ranges from $300 to $350 per person. Enquire now at training@deadlysportsplus.com

Thank you for supporting Deadly Sports Plus Aboriginal Corporation. From attending a course, an event, or donating to us, it means the world.

 1.3  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 if Melbourne based optionally in a studio. 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 inclusion, reconciliation and equitable coexistence.

• For more details

Back to Topics List
Back to Section List

---

 2. GRANTING 

1. CoPP | GOV | GRANTING | Annual Community Grants and Cultural Development Fund Grants | applications close Tuesday 10 June 2025

 

 2.1  CoPP | GOV | GRANTING | Annual Community Grants and Cultural Development Fund Grants | applications close Tuesday 10 June 2025

City of Port Phillip (CoPP) funding will be for projects occurring between November 2025 and November 2026
If you have a great idea and need help for a community project that is inclusive and supports and engages activities in our local community or for a creative project, or a local festival or event that will bring people together in our places and spaces you may be eligible to apply.

Who can apply?

• Community Grants – Not-for-profit incorporated organisations or groups for up to $10,000. 

For questions about the Community Grants round contact us at grants@portphillip.vic.gov.au

• Cultural Development Fund-Festivals and Events Grants – Not-for-profit incorporated organisations or groups. For up to $10,000 for smaller festivals or events and up to $20,000 for larger festivals or events
• Cultural Development Fund-Projects Grants – Individual artists or not-for-profit incorporated organisations or groups for up to $12,000

For questions about the Cultural Development Fund grants rounds contact us at cdf@portphillip.vic.gov.au

Updated guidelines and information and links to the application forms will be available from the 29 April. To find out more go to Funds, grants and subsidies - City of Port Phillip

Back to Topics List
Back to Section List

---

 3. EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING 

1. AUST | FDPN | HIRING | Project Officer | applications close 11.59pm AEST 2nd May 2025
2. VIC | DGS | HIRING | Casual Ministerial Transport Officers
3. AUST | FDPN | SEEKING | Volunteer opportunity: Social Media Content Creator
4. VIC | GOV | SEEKING | Members for Homes Victoria Advisory Board | applications close 5pm Sunday 18 May 2025

 

 3.1  AUST | FDPN | HIRING | Project Officer | applications close 11.59pm AEST 2nd May 2025

Forcibly Displaced People Network (FDPN) is seeking a skilled and values-driven Project Officer to join our small team.
This role leads the development and delivery of activities that enhance understanding, safety, and belonging for LGBTIQA+ forcibly displaced people specifically in multicultural communities across Australia.

You will develop online training resources, coordinate community forums, and lead community and stakeholder engagement.

• Part time role - 21-28 hours per week
• SCHADS Award Level 5.1 ($49.28/hour) + superannuation 11.5%
• Fixed term contract to 30 September 2026, with possibility for extension
• Remote work with occasional travel
• Must have work rights and be based in Australia

• Click here for the full position description and to apply

 

 3.2  VIC | DGS | HIRING | Casual Ministerial Transport Officers

The Department of Government Services (DGS) is recruiting for casual Ministerial Transport Officers (MTOs) to drive Victorian Government and Opposition leaders, Ministers and VIPs.

These roles require strong customer service and professional driving skills, with a focus on building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the Victorian community.

• Location: Melbourne
• Base hourly rate: Weekdays (7:00am–7:00pm), with penalty rates for work outside these hours
• Apply: via SEEK – Transport Officer Job in Melbourne - SEEK

 

 3.3  AUST | FDPN | SEEKING | Volunteer opportunity: Social Media Content Creator

Forcibly Displaced People Network (FDPN) are looking for a creative volunteer Social Media Content Creator
Help drive momentum and engagement in the lead-up to the 2025 Queer Displacements Conference.
About the role:

• Focus: Supporting FDPN’s online presence around the conference — think announcements, speaker highlights, behind-the-scenes content, and community spotlights.
• Commitment: 3–4 hours per week
• Start: ASAP
• Skills: Confident with platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn. Experience with Canva or similar tools a plus. A passion for justice and storytelling is essential.

• Apply today

 

 3.4  VIC | GOV | SEEKING | Members for Homes Victoria Advisory Board | applications close 5pm Sunday 18 May 2025

Recruitment is now open for the Homes Victoria Advisory Board for the 2025–2027 term, with applications being accepted for both Chair and Member positions.

The Advisory Board plays a key role in providing strategic advice to the Minister for Housing and Building and the CEO of Homes Victoria. This includes advice on the long-term strategic direction of Homes Victoria, its financial performance and stability, strategic risks and opportunities, social and affordable housing approaches, and the corporate plan and performance indicators. The Board may also consider other matters referred by the Minister.

To apply, visit:

• Chair – Homes Victoria Advisory Board
• Member – Homes Victoria Advisory Board
• For more information on Homes Victoria’s work

Back to Topics List
Back to Section List

---

 4. ENGAGING 

1. CoPP | PPLS | STAYING | Connected with the Community Connector Service
2. CoPP | VPC | OFFERING | Witnessed Document Signing | weekly, every Sunday (excluding public holiday weekends) | 12noon-4pm
3. CoPP | PPLS | TEACHING | One on One Device Advice | 3 locations | weekly
4. CoPP | PPLS | OFFERING | Tech Help at Albert Park | monthly, every Wednesday (excluding school holidays) | 3.30-4.30pm
5. CoPP | PPLS | GATHERING | Write Club | monthly, last Friday | 10am-12noon
6. CoPP | PPLS | GATHERING | Queer Art Club | monthly, last Sunday | 11am-1pm
7. CoPP | GOV | ENCOURAGING | Seniors Social Connection 
8. CoPP | ATW | WORKSHOPPING | Free Community Weaving Play Sessions | Saturdays 3 May and 21 June 2025 | 1-4pm
9. CoPP | NTM | PERFORMING | Studio Sessions: A showcase by National Ballet School students | Monday 5 May 2025 | 10-11am
10. VIC | VTMH | WORKSHOPPING | Community engagement with purpose: Approaches to consider in mental health settings | Tuesday 6 May 2025 | 9.30am-4pm
11. CoPP | GOV | WEBINAR | Roles and Responsiblities of Board Members | Friday 9 May 2025 | 12noon-1pm
12. CoPP | S2b | WORKSHOPPING | Pop Art Portraits | Saturday 10 May 2025 | 10.30am-1.30pm
13. CoPP | HAHY | LAUNCHING | New Book Champagne at Three | Saturday 10 May 2025 | 2.30-4pm
14. CoPP | GOV | WORKSHOPPING | Grant Writing | Monday 12 May 2025 | 9.30am-12noon
15. VIC | VTMH | WORKSHOPPING | Approaching work with interpreters in mental health settings | Wednesday 14 May 2025 | 9.30am-4pm
16. CoPP | VPC | GATHERING | IDAHOBIT Morning Tea | Thursday 15 May 2025 | 10.30am
17. CoPP | GOV | WEBINAR | Grant writing for Creatives 2025 (online) | Monday 19 May 2025 | 6-8.30pm
18. SA | EQPR | WORKSHOPPING | Working with Rainbow Communities - coming to Regional SA
19. CoPP | GOV | WEBINAR | Grant Writing Workshop (online) | Thursday 22 May 2025 | 6-8.30pm
20. CoPP | VPC | TAKING | The Plunge for PRIDE - Abseil the Iconic Pride Centre | Saturday 24 May 2025 | 9am-6pm
21. CoPP | BRSCVIC | OFFERING | Rainbow Breast Screening in St Kilda | Monday 26-Wednesday 28 May 2025
22. CoPP | GOV | TRAINING | Creating a funding plan for Community Groups | Thursday 29 May 2025 | 9.30am-12noon
23. AUST | EQPR | CALLING | Session Proposals for Better Together 2025 | submissions close 11.59pm Monday 9 June 2025
24. VIC | VMC | SCREENING | MFF Premiere at ACMI - Save the date | Thursday 19 June 2025
25. CoPP | GOV | CALLING | Writers for Port Phillip Seniors Festival Writing Awards | submissions close Friday 27 June 2025
26. MELB | MSO | PERFORMING | Yinya dana – lighting the path: Deborah Cheetham Fraillon and NAIDOC 2025 | Friday 11 July 2025 | Arrive 7pm for 7.30pm
27. MELB | WCC | GATHERING | World Chambers Congress 2025 to Melbourne | 2-4 September 2025
28. VIC | FDPN | ANNOUNCING | 2025 Queer Displacements Conference Program & more | Wednesday 3-Friday 5 September 2025
29. AUST | EQPR | GATHERING | Better Together® 2025 | Friday 31 October-Saturday1 November 2025 | tickets on sale now

 

 4.1  CoPP | PPLS | STAYING | Connected with the Community Connector Service

Looking for support, services, or social connections as you age? The Community Connector Service (CCS) is here to help!
They can assist with: 

• Finding aged care and carer support services
• Connecting you with local services to help you stay independent
• Discovering social groups, programs, and activities
• Accessing council services like delivered meals and community transport

Meet the CCS team at your local Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS) library – use the link below for session times and more information.

Tel: 03 9209 6882 or email communityconnector@portphillip.vic.gov.au

• Learn More

 

 4.2  CoPP | VPC | OFFERING | Witnessed Document Signing | weekly, every Sunday (excluding public holiday weekends) | 12noon-4pm

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  CoPP | PPLS | TEACHING | One on One Device Advice | 3 locations | weekly

Need some help getting started with your new phone, laptop or tablet? Or just need some help navigating the latest apps?
Book in a 25-minute appointment and have your tech questions answered by our friendly Port Phillip Library Service(PPLS) team! Running weekly, these sessions can assist you with basic troubleshooting and navigation of your personal devices.

No question is too simple or silly. These sessions run weekly over three locations to choose from. 

• Where: Emerald Hill, Port Melbourne & St Kilda Libraries
• Cost: Free
• Read more: PPLS
• Bookings: Emerald Hill, Port Melbourne and St Kilda

 

 4.4  CoPP | PPLS | OFFERING | Tech Help at Albert Park | monthly, every Wednesday (excluding school holidays) | 3.30-4.30pm

Need help with digital technology? Join Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS) and Students from Albert Park College who are here to help. 
Young Mentors is an intergenerational program bringing together secondary school students and older people. 

• Learn to use your tablet, laptop, smartphone or computer 
• Learn to send emails and video chat with family online.
• Get directions on Google maps… and much more

You can book one-on-one sessions with Albert Park College students every Wednesday.

• Where: Albert Park Library, 319 Montague Street, Albert Park Victoria 3206
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: online via Trybooking

 4.5  CoPP | PPLS | GATHERING | Write Club | monthly, last Friday | 10am-12noon

Are you a writer looking for a supportive and inspiring space to share your work?
Whether you’re working on short stories, poetry, essays, or even the next big novel, Port Phillip Library Service(PPLS)'s Write Club is the perfect place to connect, create, and grow! Bring along up to 1500 words in hard copy for workshopping with our friendly group.

• Where: St Kilda Library, 150 Carlisle Street, St Kilda Victoria 3182
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: online via Trybooking

 4.6  CoPP | PPLS | GATHERING | Queer Art Club | monthly, last Sunday | 11am-1pm

Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS) Queer Art Club is a space for our Queer Community to come together, share our experiences and stories
With Queer related themes, we will have an opportunity to reflect on our lived experiences – celebrating our joys, expressing our grief and learning about our community. 

Lead by queer arts therapist Don Fazliu, Art club is an open invitation to express, explore, experiment, and engage with different art-making prompts and materials (collage, watercolors, soft pastels, oil pastels, paints and much more.) 

Unlike typical art-making spaces, we don’t instruct you on how to make art – we encourage you to find what feels right, without the pressure of it looking a certain way. 

• Where: St Kilda Library, 150 Carlisle Street, St Kilda Victoria 3182
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: online via Trybooking

 

 4.7  CoPP | GOV | ENCOURAGING | Seniors Social Connection Program

The City of Port Phillip (CoPP) Social Connection Program (Better Together) is for older people who want to connect with others and join activities or events based on their interests.
This community based social connection program is delivered through the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) and supports people to engage in structured activities which are group based. Many of the activities and programs are designed to develop, maintain, and support social connection with others through the programs delivered.

For more information, visit City of Port Phillip's social support and recreation or contact Michelle Kein on 9209 6738 or via email on socialinclusion@portphillip.vic.gov.au. 

• Download Poster for your community notice board

 

 4.8  CoPP | ATW | WORKSHOPPING | Free Community Weaving Play Sessions | Saturdays 3 May and 21 June 2025 | 1-4pm

Australian Tapestry Workshop (ATW) free community weaving play sessions for residents.
Try basic weaving and play with a range of colourful materials including wool offcuts, recycled fabric and paper.

• Where: Australian Tapestry Workshop, 262-266 Park Street, South Melbourne, Victoria 3205 Australia
• Cost: Free
• Considerations: No experience necessary, all ages welcome. All materials will be provided. Our team will be around to help as you explore the process. Stay for as long or as little as you like.
• Bookings: essential, online via ATW and select the date you would like or is available

 

 4.9  CoPP | NTM | PERFORMING | Studio Sessions: A showcase by National Ballet School students | Monday 5 May 2025 | 10-11am

Join The National Theatre Melbourne (NTM) for a showcase performance by the pre-professional students of The National Ballet School. The performance will take place in Studio 2, The National’s intimate 50 seat black box theatre. Perfect for up close and personal creative experiences.

Following the performance there will be morning tea in the foyer of The National Theatre where the audience is welcomed to get to know the performers of the future!

• Where: Studio 2, The National Theatre, 20 Carlisle St, St Kilda VIC 3182
• Cost: $9.90 (+ Booking Fee) 
• Bookings: essential, online via The National Theatre or call (03) 9525 4611

 

 4.10  VIC | VTMH | WORKSHOPPING | Community engagement with purpose: Approaches to consider in mental health settings | Tuesday 6 May 2025 | 9.30am-4pm

An advanced Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH) workshop is designed for mental health practitioners looking to apply a community engagement lens to their work, or those working in mental health settings looking to engage with diverse communities around mental health and wellbeing.
Participants will explore core concepts, practices and actions that underpin community engagement work in mental health settings, and consider organisational factors that can help and hinder community engagement efforts.

This new workshop is designed around the Community Engagement with Purpose Resource Project (VTMH, 2023), which used a co-design process to develop a suite of resources to support practitioners and organisations engage with diverse communities around mental health. Participants attending the workshop will receive a hard copy of the Resource Booklet and Project Report, and explore videos and other materials created through the project.

The workshop utilises a variety of facilitation modes, including small group work, grounded in a reflective practice approach.

An intentional and responsive approach to community engagement creates the opportunity for more purposeful and inclusive participation by diverse communities, to shape mental health service design and delivery.

VTMH workshops are open to and provided free to staff working in Victoria’s state-funded mental health workforce. This includes public clinical and community mental health services, as well as state-funded mental health programs within community health and social services.

Staff working in a range of roles within this workforce, including but not limited to community rehabilitation and recovery workers, lived experience workers, mental health nursing, social work, occupational therapy, psychiatry, community engagement roles, program leaders/project workers and administration roles, are invited to register.

If you are unsure if this workshop might be relevant to your role please feel free to contact us via vtmh.learning@svha.org.au

• Where: Multicultural Hub, Blue room, 506 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne 
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: essential.  Spaces are limited. To secure a place, please register online via VTMH

 

 4.11  CoPP | GOV | WEBINAR | Roles and Responsiblities of Board Members | Friday 9 May 2025 | 12noon-1pm

So, you’re a Board/Committee member for a Not-for-Profit – now what? 
Whether you’re new to the role or a seasoned pro, this live 1-hour webinar is here to help you understand what it really means to be a Board/Committee member. 

The City of Port Phillip (CoPP) Webinar will cover the key responsibilities that come with the role, from making smart decisions to ensuring good governance, all while keeping it fun and easy to digest.

Presented by Not for Profit Training

• When: online via Zoom Meeting. Links sent to registered participants.
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: essential, online via Eventbrite

 

 4.12  CoPP | S2b | WORKSHOPPING | Pop Art Portraits | Saturday 10 May 2025 | 10.30am-1.30pm

Join Space2b Social Design (S2b) for this hands-on workshop guiding you through the fundamental techniques of acrylic painting while exploring the iconic style of pop art. 
Perfect for beginners and art enthusiasts alike, dive into the vibrant world of pop art with Camila Paz! 

• Where: Space2b Social Design, 144 Chapel Street, St Kilda VIC 3182
• Cost: $65
• Bookings: online via ClassBento

 

 4.13  CoPP | HAHY | LAUNCHING | New Book Champagne at Three | Saturday 10 May 2025 | 2.30-4pm

Join Hares & Hyenas (HAHY) in celebrating the launch of Champagne at Three: The Story of a Trans Mining Engineer. 
Written by her sister, Dr Jill Lee, this is the biography of Rebecca Norton. Rebecca was one of the first gender reassignment patients in Victoria in the 1970s and worked as a mining engineer before and after her transition.

• Where: The Forum, Victorian Pride Centre, 79 Fitzroy St, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: essential, online via Humanitix

 

 4.14  CoPP | GOV | WORKSHOPPING | Grant Writing | Monday 12 May 2025 | 9.30am-12noon

Join Presenter Debby Maziarz in City of Port Phillip (CoPP) for this free grant writing training session will cover all aspects of grant writing.
From where to find grants, understanding the guidelines and selection criteria, working through an application and budget and how to frame your project.

• Where: Community Training Room, St Kilda Town Hall, 99A Carlisle Street, St Kilda VIC 3182. Enter via Carlisle Street and wait in the foyer to be collected.
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: essential, online via Trybooking

 

 4.15  VIC | VTMH | WORKSHOPPING | Approaching work with interpreters in mental health settings | Wednesday 14 May 2025 | 9.30am-4pm

An Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH) advanced workshop is designed for all those in mental health settings who work with interpreters.
Using a variety of facilitation modes, and grounded in a reflective practice approach, the workshop provides learners with the opportunity to explore the challenges and realities in the interpreting environment, and to understand these within broader cultural responsiveness frameworks, including an intersectional lens. The workshop also invites and promotes strategies for adapting practice for working with interpreters in a variety of mental health settings.

The workshop is informed by, and uses materials created as part of the VTMH Approaching work with interpreters in mental health settings resource Project (VTMH, 2019). The resources developed through the Project used a co-design process, involving a variety of stakeholders including consumers, carers, interpreters, clinicians and academics, across the lifespan of the project.

Participants will receive hard copies of resources developed in the project including a Practice Tips Poster, Resource Booklet and Full Report.

The workshop is delivered face to face over one day and is complimented with some self-directed learning activities.

VTMH workshops are open to and provided free to staff working in Victoria’s state-funded mental health workforce. This includes public clinical and community mental health services, as well as state-funded mental health programs within community health and social services.

This workshop will interest staff working in a range of roles within these workforces, including but not limited to community rehabilitation and recovery workers, lived experience workers, mental health nursing, social work, case management, occupational therapy, psychiatry, program leaders/project workers and administration roles, are invited to register.

• Where: St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, 41 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, VIC 3065: Building C, Level 2, Education & Learning (Conference Room)
• Cost: Free
• Considerations: Catering will also be provided.
• Bookings: essential. Spaces are limited. To secure a place, please register early online via VTMH

 

 4.16  CoPP | VPC | GATHERING | IDAHOBIT Morning Tea | Thursday 15 May 2025 | 10.30am

Join Victorian Pride Centre (VPC) for a free morning tea to mark IDAHOBIT – the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia. 
This is a day to stand together in solidarity, raise awareness, and celebrate the strength and diversity of our LGBTIQ+ communities. Enjoy a cuppa, sweet treats, and meaningful conversation in a welcoming space that champions inclusion, pride, and connection. Everyone is welcome – whether you're a familiar face or visiting for the first time.

RSVP is essential. Just come as you are. Let’s come together in community spirit and pride.

• Where: The Forum, Victorian Pride Centre, 79-81 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda VIC 3182 Australia
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: essential, online via Victoria Pride Centre

 

 4.17  CoPP | GOV | WEBINAR | Grant writing for Creatives 2025 (online) | Monday 19 May 2025 | 6-8.30pm

Join Presenter Debby Maziarz in this City of Port Phillip (CoPP) free grant writing training session.
It will share:

• practical and transferable ways to approach grant writing for arts and cultural projects
• developing and communicating your project idea and your project plan
• developing budgets and funding strategy
• working with an auspice organisation
• finding project partners
• presenting support material
• evaluating your project
• more information about City of Port Phillip 2025/2026 Cultural Development Fund grants.

• Where: Link to this online event to be provided by event organiser.
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: essential, online via Trybooking

 

 4.18  SA | EQPR | WORKSHOPPING | Working with Rainbow Communities – coming to Regional SA

Are you an allied health professional, GP, nurse, lived experience worker, or other primary healthcare provider? Lean in to learning. The Equality Project (EQPR) will be travelling to Mt Gambier, Victor Harbor and Port Augusta to deliver our ‘Working with the Rainbow Communities’ workshop for free in May.

Learn about minority stress, cultural safety and what all the words mean in a warm, pro-questions environment.

This workshop is aimed at Primary Health Care Providers, which includes GPs, nurses, allied health and community services providers, including the lived experience workforce.

Registration is free. Each workshop is limited to 25 places, so get in quick!

Free registration for these workshops has been made possible by funding from Country SA PHN.

• Mt Gambier | Monday 19 May 2025 | 5.30-8.30pm | Dinner provided
• Victor Harbor | Wednesday 21 May 2025 | 9.30am-12.30pm | Morning tea provided
• Port Augusta | Thursday 22 May 2025 | 9.30am-12.30pm | Morning tea provided
• Port Augusta | Thursday 22 May 2025 | 5.30-8.30pm | Dinner provided

 

 4.19  CoPP | GOV | WEBINAR | Grant Writing Workshop (online) | Thursday 22 May 2025 | 6-8.30pm

Join Presenter Debby Maziarz in this City of Port Phillip (CoPP) free grant writing training session.
Covering all aspects of grant writing from where to find grants, understanding the guidelines and selection criteria, working through an application and budget and how to frame your project.

• Where: The link to this online event to be provided by the event organiser.
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: essential, online via Trybooking

 

 4.20  CoPP | VPC | TAKING | The Plunge for PRIDE – Abseil the Iconic Pride Centre | Saturday 24 May 2025 | 9am-6pm

This is your chance to abseil both inside & outside the iconic five-story Victorian Pride Centre (VPC) — proceeds help keep this vital community hub thriving and vibrant!
Go over the edge of Australia’s first purpose-built Pride Centre and help raise funds for a future that’s bold, visible, and proudly LGBTIQA+.

• Rooftop bar - Munroes
• Free sausage sizzle
• Roaming photographer
• Exclusive souvenir
• No experience needed – just courage!

Take the plunge!

• Where: Victorian Pride Centre Rooftop, 79-81 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda VIC 3182 Australia
• Cost: $250 Double Descent Experience + Booking Fee
• Bookings: essential, online via Victorian Pride Centre

 

 4.21  CoPP | BRSCVIC | OFFERING | Rainbow Breast Screening in St Kilda | Monday 26-Wednesday 28 May 2025

BreastScreen Victoria (BRSCVIC) and the Victorian Pride Centre are offering dedicated Rainbow Screening Sessions for LGBTIQA+ communities at the Palais Theatre, St Kilda.For cis women, trans women (5+ years HRT), trans men (no top surgery), and gender diverse people aged 50–74.

• Where: Palais Theatre (Jacka Blvd Parking), St Kilda VIC 3182
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: book now for a safe, supportive screening. Call 13 20 50 or online via BreastScreen Victoria

 

 4.22  CoPP | GOV | TRAINING | Creating a funding plan for Community Groups | Thursday 29 May 2025 | 9.30am-12noon

Not-for-profit organisations often have a limited amount of money at their disposal and if one income stream comes to an end; sometimes it can also be the end for the organisation. 
This City of Port Phillip (CoPP) free session will help community organisations to review their current fundraising practices and look to the secure their future with alternative solutions. At the end of this session, members / groups will have constructed a three-year funding plan that fits. 

Topics include:

• Reviewing the right approach for a community organisation
• Knowing what skills are needed to succeed
• Setting a plan for who is responsible for what
• Appreciating the pros and cons of different modes of fundraising
• Embedding fundraising as part of the everyday

Delivered by Not for Profit Training.

• Where: Community Training Room, St Kilda Townhall, 99A Carlisle Street, St Kilda
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: essential, online via Trybooking

 

 4.23  AUST | EQPR | CALLING | Session Proposals for Better Together 2025 | submissions close 11.59pm Monday 9 June 2025

Share your ideas so we can be Better Together. Session Proposals are now open.
The Equality Project (EQPR) is seeking proposals from impactful individuals and organisations to run panels, workshops and BetterThink Sessions at our 7th National Rainbow Community Conference, on Friday 31 October and Saturday 1 November in Adelaide.

Share your learnings and help us make progress

Better Together is a grassroots conference. Our sessions are delivered by people like you, and are shared in service of making progress on the issues faced by the Rainbow Community.

There are three types of sessions you can propose:

• BetterThink: A 20-minute TED-Talk style presentation on a single idea
• Panel: 2-4 panellists and a moderator, talking on a topic with audience Q&A
• Workshop: A highly interactive session focused on participation and hands-on learning

We invite you to propose ideas that explore:

• A topic concerning Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual (Bi+), Trans and Gender Diverse, Intersex and Asexual communities in Australia;
• An initiative that is creating better outcomes for LGBTIQA+ communities in Australia;
• A subject of discussion that elevate the voices of diverse LGBTIQA+ communities

• Read the FAQS and Propose a Session

Need help with your conference ticket? Scholarships open in May
The Equality Project Team

 4.24  VIC | VMC | SCREENING | MFF Premiere at ACMI - Save the date | Thursday 19 June 2025

The Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)'s 2025 Multicultural Film Festival (MFF) will premiere during the evening, in Refugee Week, on Thursday 19 June 2025. Our expert judges are currently reviewing the shortlist to finalise the Official Selection of short films. 

Those selected films will also screen on SBS On Demand in November, for a 12-month period. Winning films will each receive prize money of AUD$2000, courtesy of our generous sponsors.

• Learn more

 

 4.25  CoPP | GOV | CALLING | Writers for Port Phillip Seniors Festival Writing Awards | submissions close Friday 27 June 2025

The City of Port Phillip (CoPP)'s Port Phillip Writes Awards provide an opportunity for older residents, regardless of their writing experience, to enter a competition that stimulates and celebrates local writers.
Residents over 55 can submit one fictional story, poem or a non-fiction piece on any topic. All entries will be published in the Port Phillip Writes publication. Entrants will receive a certificate and two copies of the publication. Outstanding entries are eligible for an award. In October, there will be an awards ceremony for entrants.

• Download Poster for your noticeboard
• Download Port Phillip Writes entry form

 

 4.26  MELB | MSO | PERFORMING | Yinya dana – lighting the path: Deborah Cheetham Fraillon and NAIDOC 2025 | Friday 11 July 2025 | Arrive 7pm for 7.30pm

To mark this year’s 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) celebrates the strength, vision and legacy of Yorta Yorta/Yuin composer and soprano Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO with a powerful concert of works by this much-loved and acclaimed national treasure.
With guest artists William Barton, Jess Hitchcock, Aaron Wyatt, Nicolette FraillonAM, the MSO Chorus, Dhungala Children's Choir and introducing Lillie Walker.

Co-presented by Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Short Black Opera

• Where: Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne
• Cost: Standard $68-$113 | Concession $63-$108 | Mob Tix $25 + $7 transaction fee per order
• Booking: online via MSO

 

 4.27  MELB | WCC | GATHERING | World Chambers Congress 2025 to Melbourne | 2-4 September 2025

The World Chambers Congress (WCC) is the largest global forum for chamber leaders, business professionals and policymakers to share best practices, exchange insights and build networks. Held every two years, the event fosters dialogue on critical business issues and innovations shaping industries worldwide.

With theme Business, Government, Chambers – Partners for Prosperity, the Congress will focus on key global issues, including:

• Skills shortages
• Housing crises
• Energy transition
• Artificial intelligence
• Equality
• Geopolitical relations
• Cyber security

Co-organised by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), its World Chambers Federation (WCF), and the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), the 14th edition of WCC will bring together global business leaders to address shared challenges and explore solutions.

• Where: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), Australia
• For more details: visit website

 

 4.28  MELB | FDPN | ANNOUNCING | 2025 Queer Displacements Conference Program & more | Wednesday 3-Friday 5 September 2025

Forcibly Displaced People Network (FDPN) are the voice of LGBTIQA+ displacement. Discover the Queer Displacements Conference program!
This is a space for LGBTIQA+ forcibly displaced people created by and for our community to connect, reflect, and strategise before the main conference begins.

Pre-Conference day | Wednesday 3 September 2025 | 1pm-5pm

If you have received a scholarship, stay tuned for more details. If you are an LGBTIQA+ forcibly displaced person attending the conference, your ticket already covers this day. 
 
The first release of the conference program is now live!

From critical panels and practical workshops to community-led discussions, this year’s line-up reflects the powerful voices and solutions of LGBTIQA+ forcibly displaced people and our allies. You get to see the program, before it is released via our website.

• Program: accessible version
• Program: pdf version

Whether you’re part of a service, researcher, advocate, or community member, you won’t want to miss this vital event: https://events.humanitix.com/2025-queer-displacements-conference

• Where: Victoria University, City Tower, 370 Little Lonsdale St, Naarm (Melbourne) VIC 3000, Australia
• Cost: Varies
• Bookings: spaces are limited and selling fast, online via Humanitix

 

 4.29  AUST | EQPR | GATHERING | Better Together 2025 | Friday 31 October-Saturday 1 November 2025 | tickets on sale now

[Edited extract from public address] 
The Equality Project (EQPR) believes in a world where we are better together. Secure your launch-price ticket now and join a powerful gathering of LGBTIQA+ changemakers, allies, and service providers.
This one is for our inner circle: the changemakers, the people who know we are Better Together.

The Better Together® Conference is a meaningful gathering for change. We come together under one roof with a shared vision of making progress.

Meet, learn from and collaborate with people making positive change for the LGBTIQA+ communities in Australia. Attend panels, get hands on in a workshop or share a cuppa as you take a breath and reconnect with your 'why' at Better Together 2025.

All prices include GST, additional transaction fees apply.

• Where: Adelaide Convention Centre on Kaurna Land, Adelaide
• Cost: Sliding Scale
• Bookings: Register now to secure your spot!

Need help with your conference ticket?
Scholarships will open in May

We hope to see you there.
The Equality Project Team

Back to Topics List

Back to Section List

---

 5. COLLECTIVISING 

1. YARRA | YEF | UPDATING | Stories, events and more | April 2025
2. VIC | ECCV | UPDATING | eBulletin #53 | April 2025
3. AUST | NJP | UPDATING | Community News | April 2025
4. AUST | OFEN | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds for Independent Australian Film from Local Creatives
5. WORLD | IFD | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds towards LGBTIQA+ Channel | April 2025

 

 5.1  YARRA | YEF | UPDATING | Stories, events and more | April 2025

SHARING | Getting engagement right: Lessons from neighbourhood battery projects

Could community consultation make or break your neighbourhood battery project? In our latest article, Yarra Energy Foundation (YEF)'s COO, Tim Shue, and Communications & Stakeholder Engagement Officer, Marie Lakey, share insights from their work supporting engagement strategies for battery projects across Australia.

Drawing on their experience, they offer practical tips for meaningful and productive community engagement. Key lessons include:

• Build trust and track it using the simple 'three Cs' framework
• Share information early and strategically
• Avoid framing feedback as 'pushback'—focus on listening and understanding

Need help with your own community engagement strategy? Explore YEF's services. 

• Read the full article

 

LISTENING | SwitchedOn podcast with Lachlan Hensey

Want to know what it really takes to deliver a community battery? 
In this podcast episode, you'll learn about the challenges community groups may encounter in neighbourhood battery projects, and gain insights from YEF's Fitzroy North community battery project and the hurdles that were overcome. 

Our Energy & Storage Project Lead, Lachlan Hensey, chats with Anne Delaney on the SwitchedOn podcast as part of the "So you want to install a community battery" series. 

If you are looking for your next podcast, click the link below to start listening. 

• Listen to the podcast

 

UPDATING | Neighbourhood battery funding

March was a big month for neighbourhood battery funding, with key developments at federal and state levels.

• Australian Government's ARENA has opened Round 2 of the Community Batteries Funding Initiative, with applications closing on Wednesday 30 April 2025. YEF provides support to councils, community groups and industry in preparing strong grant applications.
• The Victorian Government has announced the successful recipients of funding under Round 2 of the 100 Neighbourhood Batteries program, with 65 batteries funded across Victoria. We're proud to have supported a number of successful applicants in this round.

YEF supports proponents from early-stage feasibility studies through to battery deployment. 

• Learn more about our services 
• Learn more about ARENA Funding Round 2

 

GATHERING | Local Government Electrification Forum | Tuesday 6 May 2025 | 9am-12.30pm AEST

Next month, YEF will be hosting a knowledge-sharing forum for local governments exploring the Hume Home Energy Upgrades program for local government representatives.

Together with Hume City Council and the suppliers, we will share how solar & electrification programs help to reduce cost of living pressures for residents and lower household emissions. 

Attendees will have a chance to connect with other councils and industry stakeholders, and share their own experiences or ideas for what could work in their local context.

• Where: Yarra Energy Foundation, 425 Smith St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: for local government representatives only, tickets online via Humanitix

 

WELCOMING | Vietnamese delegates tour of Fitzroy North battery

YEF recently welcomed delegates from Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, Ministry of Construction, and Ministry of Science and Technology to our Fitzroy North community battery.

Organised by Curtin University and the University of Melbourne, the visit was part of ongoing efforts to share knowledge and build capacity across the industry.

It was a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas and support the global push to reduce emissions and achieve net-zero goals.

• Follow YEF on LinkedIn

 

OFFERING | Our Services

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

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

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

Back to Topics List
Back to Section List

 

 5.2  VIC | ECCV | UPDATING | eBulletin #53 | April 2025

Elections offer opportunities for multicultural communities to have their say. In our democracy, voting is compulsory, so we have avoided some of the pitfalls we see overseas where voting is optional and migrant voices are marginalised.
Yet, many in our migrant and refugee communities continue to face barriers, such as language limitations, 
digital exclusion, and restricted access to clear political information, which makes meaningful participation difficult. Addressing these barriers is essential to a genuinely inclusive democracy.
 
I am pleased to share that in the lead-up to the federal election, Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) will be hosting a special online forum to unpack the key policies shaping Australia’s multicultural future.

Moderated by the respected broadcaster Jon Faine, this important online conversation will take place at 1 pm on Tuesday 29 April 2025. I encourage you to join us as we centre multicultural perspectives and offer a fact-based discussion on the issues that matter most to our communities.
 
Our expert panel at the forum will include Deakin University Professor Fethi Mansouri, Grattan Institute economist Brendan Coates, and ECCV CEO Farah Farouque.
 
As we move into the holiday season, I extend my wishes for a safe and peaceful holiday period and a happy Easter for all those who celebrate! We would also like to wish Chag Pesach Sameach to our Jewish community who are observing Passover this month.
 
Abiola Akinbiyi, Chairperson

 Highlights 

AUST | ECCV | WEBINAR | Multicultural Matters | Tuesday 29 April 2025 | 1-2pm

We invite you to join our online forum, Multicultural Matters, on 29 April where a panel of experts will discuss key issues at the upcoming federal election, including housing, cost of living, migration, racism and more. Panelists for this special online event, to be hosted by the influential broadcaster Jon Faine AM, include Alfred Deakin Institute Director Professor Fethi Mansouri, Grattan Institute Program Director Brendan Coates and ECCV CEO Farah Farouque. 

• Register

 

RECEIVING | VIC | VMR | Victorian Multicultural Review 

George Lekakis AO, current Chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Review (VMR) and former ECCV Chairperson, was among a delegation that paid a visit to our offices this month to consult with our team on the state's multicultural policies and settings. ECCV CEO Farah Farouque, Chair Abiola Akinbiyi, Deputy Chair Jill and Senior Policy Advisor James Houghton took part in this in-depth discussion. ECCV plans to make a written submission to the Review.

ATTENDING | MELB | AACCI | Iftar dinner

During this year's Ramadan, ECCV CEO Farah Farouque was delighted to appear as a guest speaker for the annual Iftar dinner hosted by our member organisation, Australia Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AACCI). The event was hosted in Docklands by AACCI Victoria Chair Naim Melhem OAM, and was attended by over 200 guests. Ms Farouque spoke alongside VMC Deputy Chairperson Bwe Thay and Sheikh Wissam Saad.

TRIBUTING | Petro Georgiou

ECCV would like to pay tribute to longtime Liberal MP Petro Georgiou who recently died at the age of 77. A champion of multiculturalism, he spoke up for the rights of migrants and refugees, and directly challenged then Prime Minister John Howard's hardline policies. Born in Greece, Mr Georgiou migrated to Australia with his family in 1951. In the words of Dr Hass Dellal AO, Petro "never sought to close the door behind him for those coming in hoping for a better life.” 

 Resources and Opportunities 

SHEPPARTON | ECCV | HOSTING | Free information session for people with health conditions from migrant and refugee backgrounds and their carers | Wednesday 23 April 2025

ECCV is hosting a free information session for people with health conditions from migrant and refugee backgrounds and their carers in Shepparton next Wednesday, 23 April. The session is a great opportunity to share experiences, gain useful information and make meaningful connections.
Intereach will also be there to provide information on the NDIS and how to seek support.

• To register, contact Project Officer Suzan Saka at 0466041265 or ssaka@eccv.org.au.

 

ECCV | TRAINING | Bicultural Education | Elder Abuse Within Migrant and Refugee Communities

ECCV will hold a new round of bicultural educator training next month as part of our work raising awareness of elder abuse within migrant and refugee communities. The 2-day training program, taking place on 13 and 20 May 2025, equips bicultural educators with the tools to deliver workshops for their own communities on how to respond to, address and prevent elder abuse. 

• To find out more and book your spot, please contact hdoughan@eccv.org.au or 0478 217 956. 

Back to Topics List
Back to Section List

 

 5.3  AUST | NJP | UPDATING | Community News | April 2025

CONTENT WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this email may contain the names and images of First Nations people who are deceased. If you are experiencing distress and are in need of support, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 13YARN on 13 92 76 for First Nations readers.

Our Projects and Innovation team has had a busy start to this year!  Last month saw the official launch of National Justice Project (NJP)'s Hear Me Out with NSW Attorney General Michael Daley praising the AI-powered tool as an important platform to ensure people’s voices are heard and to help make people’s lives better. 

• Read more 

We are also proud to be helping Monash Law celebrate 50 years of Clinical Legal Education with the spotlight on supervisors at the Monash Law Clinics including our own Steven Castan who leads the National Justice Project social justice clinic with them. 

• Read more

Students in these social justice clinics are helping Hear Me Out prepare for expansion to Victoria and have also assisted in launching the Alternative First Responders project. Read more below!

CAMPAIGNING | Alternative First Responders online

Thank you to our many supporters who have helped us progress a national campaign calling for alternative first responders instead of police attending to people in a health or social crisis. 

We need to re-think the response. Our project draws attention to the need for diversity and community involvement in the first response. 

Care comes first, not force. 

We are proud to share with you a first look at our new website to help reimagine how we respond to people in need. We ask you to make the pledge to join a national movement demanding safety, dignity and care in every first response.

• Sign the pledge, spread the word and visit the new website

 

REPORTING | Our OOHC advocacy  

National Justice Project lawyers have contributed to a damning Human Rights Watch report on Western Australia’s child protection system. The report highlights the overrepresentation of Aboriginal children in out-of-home care and the need for First Nations people to be central in decision-making. 

• Read more

 

REPORTING | WA prison failings

The National Justice Project has helped expose the lack of culturally safe care in a Western Australian prison no longer ‘fit for purpose’. We supported the family of Noongar man Ricky-Lee Cound at the inquest into his death in custody and welcomed the Coroner’s call for urgent reforms.

• Read more

 

REPORTING | 1988 mystery continues

The search for truth continues for the family of Gomeroi teenager Mark Anthony Haines as the inquest into his 1988 death is again extended. Further hearings in the coronial inquest will take place later this year and we will continue to support his siblings in their fight for justice. 

• Read more

 

HOSTING | Innovative panel event

We were delighted to host a special event for our Sydney supporters last month with an ‘Invitation to Innovation’. New Board Chair Distinguished Professor Larissa BehrendtAO led a panel of our frontline team members in a discussion about the ways their work is reshaping our fight for justice. Thank you all for your amazing and ongoing support.  

HIGHLIGHTING | In the Media

The National Justice Project advocates for our clients in the courts as well as in the news media, especially around issues on human rights, discrimination and justice reform.

Here are some highlights from the past month:

• "New app gives lawyers and consumers tools to kick off complaints" via Law Society Journal, 1 April 2025
• "Four decades of torment after teen’s train track death" via Australian Associated Press, 4 April 2025

Follow our media commentary

SUPPORTING | Our work as  a regular giver

April is rich with public holidays and we are glad to note that our regular givers don’t take a holiday from their monthly donations to the National Justice Project. If you have been thinking about giving us a regular donation we’d love for you to become part of our monthly giving program. Every dollar helps us fight for a fairer society.
 
The National Justice Project is funded by people like you committed to the fight for social justice. 

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.

• Support our work

To keep up to date with our strategic legal action and advocacy, visit our website at justice.org.au or follow us on your preferred social media platform.

Back to Topics List

Back to Section List

 

 5.4  AUST | OFEN | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds for Independent Australian Film from Local Creatives

A local filmmaker Offworld Entertainment (OFEN) currently seeks funds for independent feature film, The Storm Queen — a queer romantic sci-fi fantasy set against the stunning Australian landscape. 
Think Call Me By Your Name meets Star Wars in Australia. It features a powerful queer love story, strong female leads, and is made by a passionate and diverse team of local creatives.

We're currently crowdfunding to bring this project to life and would love to partner with LGBTQIA+ supporting businesses like yours who value creativity and community. A donation of any size would make a huge difference and help us share a unique, locally-driven story with the world.

The platform we are crowdfunding through offers tax deductibility for donations as well (more info on their site) and you would be proudly thanked in the credits of the film!

You can find more about the project and team on our website here. We have posters and a teaser trailer as well!

• Find out more
• Make a donation

Thanks so much for considering, and please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!

Warm Regards,
Kii Belling, Director

Back to Topics List

Back to Section List

 5.5  WORLD | IFD | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds towards LGBTIQA+ Channel | April 2025

Celebrating 16 Years, I'm From Driftwood (IFD) collects and shares life-changing LGBTQIA+ stories.
Our stories send a simple but powerful message to queer and trans people everywhere: You are not alone.

Since 2009, we’ve produced and published over 1400 deeply personal, vulnerable, and powerful stories – each one a testament to resilience, authenticity, and the importance of being seen. From small towns to big cities, we’ve given voice to people from all walks of life. These stories have brought healing, connection, and hope to countless people – especially LGBTQIA+ youth searching for affirmation.

Help us celebrate 16 years – become a $16/month donor so we can continue sharing life-changing stories.

• Hear From Our Founder

 

LGBTQIA+ Storytelling: More Important Now Than Ever

In a time when there’s a coordinated effort to erase queer and trans stories, I’m From Driftwood is doing the opposite: we’re collecting them, amplifying them, ensuring they remain freely accessible, and making sure they’re never forgotten.

This week, we’ve been sharing highlights from our 16-year journey on Instagram – from how we got our name, a recap of our 50-state Story Tour, and a behind-the-scenes look into the dedicated work that goes into every story we produce and share. Take a look at our 16-year anniversary highlight on Instagram, relive some beautiful moments, and help us spread the joy.
  
To celebrate our 16th anniversary, we’re inviting you to become a $16/month donor.

Monthly support will help us:

• Produce and share new LGBTQIA+ stories
• Reach more young people with messages of support and belonging
• Build a stronger, more visible LGBTQIA+ future

As always, thank you to donors for being part of IFD's growing community these past 16 years! We hope to continue sharing these powerful stories, with even more ways to engage and connect on the way.

• Make a one-off or monthly donation

With gratitude,
The I’m From Driftwood Team

Back to Topics List
Back to Section List

---

 6. ANNOUNCING 

1. CoPP | GOV | ADVISING | Community Development Resources for Community Groups
2. VIC | VMC | REPORTING | Victorian Multicultural Festival – a huge success!

 

 6.1  CoPP | GOV | ADVISING | Community Development Resources for Community Groups

City of Port Phillip (CoPP) recommends a collection of co-designed resources developed to support social connection. 
Explore practical toolkits brimming with actionable strategies, tips, and guidelines to foster stronger community bonds. Practice Toolkits by Social Connection.

Creating positive change for individuals and communities, around the world, by bringing people together to realise their full potential, build on their existing networks and community strengths and to empower individual’s choice and control. Toolkits by The Jeder Institute

 6.2  VIC | VMC | REPORTING | Victorian Multicultural Festival – a huge success!

Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) is thrilled share this recap of our first-ever Victorian Multicultural Festival held at Grazeland. A heartfelt thanks to our incredible sponsors, partners and members for making this event and the Cultural Diversity Week campaign truly extraordinary! Your support brought Victorians together, strengthened communities and created lifelong memories. 
​​​​​​​
Cultural Diversity Week was sponsored by Commonwealth Bank, Grazeland, SBS, Think HQ, CultureVerse, Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, the Victorian Electoral Commission, LanguageLoop, LouvreElite Foot Solutions, John Stonemart, My Holistic Care, S&J Media Group and Leba Ethnic Media. 

ANNOUNCING | Cultural Diversity Week competition winners!

We're pleased to announce the winners of our Cultural Diversity Week 2025 digital and event campaign: 

• Best digital campaign by an organisation awarded to Melbourne City Football Club, for their creative and linguistically diverse video.
• Best digital campaign by an individual awarded to Shashi Kochhar who shared his migrant story of coming to Australia spreading an insightful message.
• Best event by an organisation awarded to The Charity Projects for staging PRINTS Runway: A Celebration of Fashion, Culture and Identitysupported development across Africa.
• Best event listed by an individual awarded to Steph Sanchez for producing a Latin Entrepreneurs Market with a Dance & Roll performance and workshop.

Thank you to everyone who spread the word about Cultural Diversity Week 2025. We look forward to reconnecting with you next year. 

• Learn more

Back to Topics List
Back to Section List

---

 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.

Back to Topics List

Back to Section 7 List

Back to Section 7.1 List

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

Back to Topics List

Back to Section 7 List

Back to Section 7.1 List

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

Back to Topics List

Back to Section 7 List

Back to Section 7.1 List

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.
• Climate Ready Communities – an innovative program empowering you and your neighbours to tackle climate challenges head-on, right where you live. Through this partnership from City of Port Phillip (CoPP) with The Resilience Canopy, you will be supported to establish, sustain and grow climate action projects for your local community. 
• 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 Safety – translated information
• 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
• Life Saving Victoria (LSV) – remembering safety is everyone’s responsibility – especially around water. 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.
• Royal Life Saving Society of Australia with The LOTE Agency (LOTEA) – Make Safe Decisions Around Water campaign highlighs five key messages to keep our multicultural and multilingual communities safe in and around water while swimming, boating, and fishing. Resources: Water safety information in community languages or  Download: RLSSA-Stakeholder-Pack-2024.pdf or resources by Language
• 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

Back to Topics List

Back to Section 7 List

Back to Section 7.1 List

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.
• Embrace Access – Easy Read books
• 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 
• Transport Accident Commission (TAC) encourages our communities to drive responsibly. Speeding is the most prevalent risky behaviour on the roads and is a factor in approximately 30% of casualty crashes. Exceeding the speed limit by just 3 km/h is associated with a 25% increase in crash risk. At 5 km/h over the limit, crash risk increases by close to 50%. Learn 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!

Back to Topics List

Back to Section 7 List

Back to Section 7.1 List

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

Back to Topics List

Back to Section 7 List

Back to Section 7.1 List

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.
• Fair Work Ombudsman – language help
• 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.
• Migrant Workers Centre –  resources
• 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.

Back to Topics List

Back to Section 7 List

Back to Section 7.1 List

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
• Our Watch (OURWATCH) – Australia’s leader in the primary prevention of violence against women. We work to embed gender equality and prevent violence where Australians live, learn, work and socialise. Download Change the story summary (698 kb); Download Change the story full suite of graphics (4 mb); Change the story: Three years on (2018) reflecting on the uptake and impact of Change the story since publication in 2015.
• Public Transport Victoria (PTV) – STOPIT aims to educate public transport users on what constitutes inappropriate behaviour while empowering vulnerable communities – including women, girls, LGBTIQA+, and multicultural passengers – as well as bystanders to report incidents to Victoria Police’s STOPIT service.
• 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

Back to Topics List

Back to Section 7 List

Back to Section 7.1 List

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

Back to Topics List

Back to Section 7 List

Back to Section 7.1 List

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.
• Raising Children Network – Translated parenting resources
• 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.

Back to Topics List

Back to Section 7 List

Back to Section 7.1 List

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

Back to Topics List

Back to Section 7 List

Back to Section 7.1 List

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.

Back to Topics List

Back to Section 7 List

Back to Section 7.1 List

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.

Back to Topics List

Back to Section 7 List

Back to Section 7.1 List

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

Back to Topics List

Back to Section 7 List

Back to Section 7.1 List

 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

Back to Topics List

Back to Section 7 List

Back to Section 7.2 List

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 

Back to Topics List

Back to Section 7 List

Back to Section 7.2 List

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

Back to Topics List

Back to Section 7 List

Back to Section 7.2 List

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. 

Back to Topics List

Back to Section 7 List

Back to Section 7.2 List

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.

Back to Topics List

Back to Section 7 List

Back to Section 7.2 List

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.

Back to Topics List

Back to Section 7 List

Back to Section 7.2 List

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

Back to Topics List

Back to Section 7 List

Back to Section 7.2 List

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 

Back to Topics List

Back to Section 7 List

Back to Section 7.2 List

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

Back to Topics List

Back to Section 7 List

Back to Section 7.2 List

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.

Back to Topics List

Back to Section 7 List

Back to Section 7.2 List

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

Back to Topics List

Back to Section 7 List

Back to Section 7.2 List

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."

Back to Topics List

Back to Section 7 List

Back to Section 7.2 List

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."

Back to Topics List

Back to Section 7 List

Back to Section 7.2 List

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."

Back to Topics List

Back to Section 7 List

Back to Section 7.2 List

 

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

Back to Topics List

Back to Section 7 List

Back to Section 7.2 List

 

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.

Back to Topics List

Back to Section 7 List

Back to Section 7.2 List

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

Back to Topics List

Back to Section 7 List

Back to Section 7.2 List

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.

Back to Topics List

Back to Section 7 List

Back to Section 7.2 List

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.

Back to Topics List

Back to Section 7 List

Back to Section 7.2 List

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

Back to Topics List

Back to Section 7 List

Back to Section 7.2 List

 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

Back to Topics List
Back to Section List

 

 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

  Back to Topics List
  Back to Section List
  
  

---

 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 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.

Back to Topics List
Back to Section List