GEIFN | MIXING | Media | July 2025

[Edited extract from public address]

Best wishes for less Suffering, more Happiness with Good Health and Time to Enjoy it. Welcome to Berber Calendar Year 2975.

Sharing a timely aspiration:
"It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences."
Audre Lorde, American writer, womanist, radical feminist, professor, and civil rights activist (1934-1992 CE)

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

• July: NAIDOC Week (Australia)
• 18 July: Nelson Mandela International Day (International)
• 30 July: International Day of Friendship (International)

This edition, we reflect upon an Ancient Indian concept of Ānāpānasati/Ānāpānasmṛti/Mindfulness of Breathing(Pali/Sanskrit/English) and different ways to look at it. A form of Buddhist meditation originally taught by Gautama Buddha. Mindfulness of breathing develops the link between interiority of understanding the mind with considered attitudes and activity in daily life. 

With Theravada view, mindfulness of inhalation and exhalation is a part of paying attention to one’s body in quietude, and recommends meditation as a means of cultivating the Seven Factors of Enlightenment:

1. Sati/Mindfulness (Pali/English)
2. Dhamma vicaya/Analysis
3. Viriya/Persistence, which leads to 
4. Pīti/Joyfulness, then to 
5. Passaddhi/Serenity, which in turn leads to 
6. Samadhi/Concentration and then to 
7. Upekkhā/Equanimity. 

Remember: information may contain misunderstandings, deliberate omissions and complete fabrications. Accept nothing blindly. Test for usefulness: if useful keep; adapt for personal circumstances if necessary; or if unuseful discard. Be your own guiding light.

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

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Topics List

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

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1. Guest Sings

Approx 5 min presentation

• Mitch Tambo and Voice of Lele - My Island Home

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2. Street Jives

Approx 2 min presentation

• Sesame Street with Maren Morris - Oops! Whoops! Wait, Ah ha

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3. Wisdom Reconciles

• Kiyanosh Sahebi: 2024 RAW Comedy National Grand Final (8 mins)
• CNBC Explains: What is Asean? (5 mins)
• Top Master: Google Quantum Computer Rewrites History After Analyzing K218b (30 mins)
• Australian Story: The early signs of dementia that Jim missed for years (30 mins)
• Australian citizenship: Government and the law in Australia - Part 3 (6 mins)

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4. Media Writes

Approx 5 min reads

Intro
Jane Rocca explores literature, impressions and impactfulness when "The book that changed me: Hannah Kent, Sarah Wilson, Hilde Hinton and more” via The Age

Nicole Elphick explores identity, connection and belonging as "Star of ABC hit The Newsreader mines real-life family drama for new project” via The Sydney Morning Herald

Sheriden Rhodes explores place, people and possibilities recalling how "Chappo didn’t like Shakes when they first met. Now, they’re ‘like brothers’” via The Brisbane Times


Intra
Henrietta Cook explores presenting symptoms, diagnosis and treatment when going "Beyond the knife: How public hospitals are diverting patients away from surgery and into therapy” via The Age

Nicole Precel explores maths, numeracy and learning when calling to "Cut the fluff’: Fixing primary school maths one problem at a time” via The Age

Tony Wright explores place, people and purpose with "A message stick, aching feet and great expectations as truth walk ends” via The Age


Inter
Victoria Laurie explores identity, connection and belonging with a call to "‘Find things in common’: After a cancer shock, Pat Dodson has words of hope” via WA Today

Nell Geraets explores creating, content and constructive engagement in "Is this the end of faceless internet trolls? How one ‘mumfluencer’ is turning the tables” via The Sydney Morning Herald

Luke Heeney and Sarah Davis explores learning, innovation and context seeing "Trump’s war on innovation is a golden opportunity for Australia, if we’re smart enough to take it” via The Sydney Morning Herald


Multi
George Brandis explores power, authority and leadership as "King Charles and Pope Leo defend US Constitution from Trump” via The Sydney Morning Herald

Lenny Ann Low explore courtship, continents and contentment recalling how "He was a management consultant; she’s a Harvard grad. Now they sell pre-owned clothes” via The Age

Nick Dent explores artistry, perspective and expression when reviewing Brsibane’s Gallery of Modern Art’s Wonderstruck in "Yayoi Kusama’s Obliteration Room is back. This time, it’s a house” via The Brisbane Times


All
Cameron Woodhead and Tony Way explores identity, craft and expression when reviewing "Feminist funfest takes a laugh-out-loud swipe at superhero culture” via The Age

Shona Hendley explores households, membership and contributions with "‘They’re like therapy animals’: How backyard chooks made a comeback” via The Brisbane Times

Angus Dalton explores place, people and participation in "The Australian scientist helping to re-write the story of civilisation” via WA Today


Togather
Nicole Abadee explores identity, connection and belonging in "They’d been friends for decades – then they applied for the same job” via The Sydney Morning Herald

Nicole Precel explores childhood, homelessness and education recounting how "Annie was 17 when she slept on a park bench. All she cared about was school the next day” via The Age

Linda Morris explores people, place and passion to “‘Like nothing you have seen before’: Meet the artists entrancing New York” via The Age


Nobly
Carolyn Webb explores selfless, consistent and loving unconditionally as "King’s Birthday Honours shine light on years of unheralded human decency” via The Age

Michael Lallo explores place, people and purpose revealing "How SBS evolved from ‘clogs and cooking’ into our most innovative broadcaster” via The Sydney Morning Herald

Lauren Ironmonger explores community, connection and camaraderie in "‘It’s a classic win-win’: The ways volunteering does you good” via WA Today

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5. TED Talks

5-20 min presentations

• Cecilia Guan: The benefits of fostering beginner's mind (13 mins)
• Noeline Kirabo: 2 questions to uncover your passion -- and turn it into a career (11 mins)
• Maya Shankar: Why change is so scary — and how to unlock its potential (14 mins)
• Lillian Faderman: Harvey Milk's radical vision of equality (6 mins)
• Jon Youshaei and Michelle Weise: How do you prepare for jobs that don't exist yet? A work expert and a YouTuber answer (28 mins)

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6. Music Challenges

Approx 30 min presentation + reflection times

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

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

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

Cryptic Clue:

What is a way to come together for peace's sake?

1. Inspire
2. Perspire
3. Collaborate
4. Engage: Test for personal circumstances, if useful keep, if unuseful discard, if exceeds needs, share mindfully
5. Endure: Adapt for present times without sacrificing intent
6. Endear: (Inspiring Others To Tend the Flame) live/ demonstrate/ inspire/ teach experience with others

This challenge is consolidating cohesion, conniving, census, catastrophe, collaborate & certainty.

consolidating
[con’so’lih’dayt’ing]
From early 16th century = combine into a whole; from Latin consolidare, from con- = together + solidare = make firm; from solidus = solid.

verb

1. make (something) physically stronger or more solid. Ie, the first phase of the project is to consolidate the outside walls.
   • strengthen (one's position or power). Ie, the company consolidated its position in the international market.
2. combine (a number of things) into a single more effective or coherent whole. Ie, all manufacturing activities have been consolidated in new premises.
   • combine (a number of financial accounts or funds) into a single overall account or set of accounts. Ie, consolidated accounts.
   • (mainly British English) combine (separate pieces of legislation) into a single legislative act. Ie, the Companies Act 1948 and subsequent enactments were consolidated by the Companies Act 1985.

cohesion
[co’he’shen]
From mid 17th century: from Latin cohaes- = cleaved together, from the verb cohaerere,  from co- = together + haerere = to stick.

noun

• the action or fact of forming a united whole. Ie, the completed work radiated cohesion.
  • (Physics) the sticking together of particles of the same substance.

conniving
[con’nyve’ing]
From early 17th century: from French conniver or Latin connivere = shut the eyes (to), from con- = together + an unrecorded word related to nictare = to wink.

adjective

• given to or involved in conspiring to do something immoral, illegal, or harmful. Ie, a heartless and conniving person.

verb

• secretly allow (something immoral, illegal, or harmful) to occur. I was not involved in the conniving of falsified documents.
• (usually connive to do something) conspiring to do something immoral, illegal, or harmful. Ie, they were conniving with bank officials to launder money.

census
[sen’suss]
From early 17th century (denoting a poll tax): from Latin, applied to the registration of citizens and property in ancient Rome, usually for taxation, from censere = assess. The current sense dates from the mid 18th century.

noun

• an official count or survey, especially of a population. Ie, the Australian Census is conducted every 5 years.

catastrophe
[ca’tas’troe’phee]
From mid 16th century = denouement; from Latin catastropha, from Greek katastrophē = overturning, sudden turn, from kata- = down + strophē = turning; from strephein = to turn.

noun

1. an event causing great and usually sudden damage or suffering; a disaster. Ie, an environmental catastrophe. Ie, inaction will only bring us closer to catastrophe.
   • something very unfortunate or unsuccessful. Ie, the tax would be a catastrophe for the industry.
2. the denouement of a drama, especially a classical tragedy.

collaborate
[cole’lab’oh’rate]
From late 19th century: from Latin collaborat- = worked with, from the verb collaborare, from col- = together + laborare = to work.

verb

1. work jointly on an activity or project. Ie, they collaborated with each other on numerous hotel projects.
2. cooperate traitorously with an enemy. Ie, during the last war they collaborated with the invaders.

certainty
[sir’ten’tee]
From Middle English: from Old French certainete, based on Latin certus = settled, sure.

noun

• firm conviction that something is the case. Ie, they knew with absolute certainty that a solution would be discovered soon.
  • the quality of being reliably true. Ie, there is a bewildering lack of certainty and clarity in the law.
  • a general air of confidence. Ie, a petitioner exuding certainty.
  • a fact that is definitely true or an event that is definitely going to take place. Ie, the passing of the act made a general election a certainty.
  • a person that is certain to do or win the specified thing. Ie, the home favourite was expected to be a certainty for a gold medal.

[Practice]

Optional
-- Chant Mantrastyle

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

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7. Acknowledgments

Reconciliation

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

Invitation to Support Content Creators

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

Caretaker Disclosure

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

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

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

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GEIFN | CONSOLIDATED | Community Information | Tuesday 1 July 2025

 Fast Facts: Community Responses Victoria & Australia

Topics List

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

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 1. HIGHLIGHTING 

1. CoPP | GOV | GATHERING | NAIDOC Week Flag Raising Ceremony | Monday 7 July 2025 | 11am-12noon
2. CoPP | GOV | CALLING | Participants for Environmental Leaders Course 2025 | now open for next course starting Tuesday 22 July 2025
3. VIC | VEOHRC | CREATING | Inclusive Workplaces for LGBTIQA+ Employees
4. VIC | VMC | WRAPPING | The MFF premiere!
5. AUST | GOV | ADDRESSING | Hate in Our Communities
6. AUST | GEIFN | CALLING | LGTBIQA+ Story Tellers for AUSSIE Stories: Downunder the Rainbow

 

 1.1  CoPP | GOV | GATHERING | NAIDOC Week Flag Raising Ceremony | Monday 7 July 2025 | 11am-12noon

Join City of Port Phillip (CoPP) for a Flag Raising Ceremony to commemorate the start of NAIDOC Week 2025, and to celebrate the 50 years of NAIDOC Week and legacy of elevating Indigenous voices, culture, and resilience. 
NAIDOC Week (National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee Week) is a time to celebrate and recognise the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The theme for this year is “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy" which celebrates not only the achievements of the past but the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of young First Nation leaders, and the legacy of their ancestors. 

This event is organised by City of Port Phillip and the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation and will mark the start of our NAIDOC Week celebrations (6 July – 13 July 2025). 

• Where: Front lawn of St Kilda Town Hall, 99A Carlisle Street, St Kilda
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: All members of the community are invited to attend. No registration required. 

 

 1.2  CoPP | GOV | CALLING | Participants for Environmental Leaders Course 2025 | now open for next course starting Tuesday 22 July 2025

Do you have an environmental idea you would like to put into action?
Are you passionate about environmental sustainability but not sure where to start? 
Do you want to meet like-minded people? 

The City of Port Phillip (CoPP) Port Phillip Environmental Leaders course could be for you! No prior experience is required to attend – just bring an open mind and a passion for making a difference in your community. 

• Duration: course runs over a 10-week period.
• Cost: Free
• Learn more and book: online via CoPP

 

 1.3  VIC | VEOHRC | CREATING | Inclusive Workplaces for LGBTIQA+ Employees

The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) has launched the Guideline: LGBTIQA+ Inclusive Workplaces to support employers in fostering safer, more inclusive environments.

The guideline outlines:

• What workplace discrimination looks like and its impacts
• Employers’ legal responsibilities under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic)
• Five minimum standards with practical actions to meet positive duty requirements

For more information or support, contact: enquiries@veohrc.vic.gov.au.

• Learn more

 

 1.4  VIC | VMC | WRAPPING | The MFF premiere!

This year’s Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) Multicultural Film Festival brought together incredible stories that reflect the diversity, creativity and resilience of our communities – from refugee experiences, international perspectives, to local storytelling.

A huge thank you to our delivery partner Swinburne University of Technology and our generous sponsors for making these awards possible, and congratulations to all the talented filmmakers in the Official Selection!

Award Winners:
Best Victorian Short Fiction Film
Sponsored by Swinburne University of Technology
You are My Tomorrow – Lara Köse, William Duan and Molly O’Connor

Best Victorian Short Non-Fiction Film
Sponsored by The Bruce Wong Foundation
Outpicker – Le Luo and Feifei Liao

People's Choice Award for Best Victorian Short Film
Sponsored by The University of Melbourne
Gabriel – Kevin Duran Du and Moly Sizer

Best National Short Film
Sponsored by SBS
Housekeepers – Kaede Miyamura, Anna Warwick and Evangeline Parks

Best International Short Film
Sponsored by Segmento
Mechanical Resonance – Juejun Chen

Chairperson’s Refugee Stories Award
Sponsored by Victorian Multicultural Commission
The Way to Freedom – Hussam Saraf and Darryl McConnell

• Full list of award winners and honourable mentions

 

 1.5  AUST | GOV | ADDRESSING | Hate in Our Communities

Everyone deserves to live free from hate and discrimination.
If you experience or witness hate, don’t stay silent. There are safe and effective ways to respond:
In an emergency: Call Triple Zero (000).

To report an incident: Contact police (131 444), the Australian Human Rights Commission, your state anti-discrimination body, local council, the eSafety Commissioner, or a community-led register.

Speak up: If it’s safe, show support. Even small actions make a difference.

• Learn more and access reporting links

 

 1.6  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

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 2. GRANTING 

1. CoPP | GOV | GRANTING | Palais Theatre community grants and reservations
2. CoPP | SMCC | GRANTING | South Melbourne Community Chest (SMCC) grants | applications open 7 July-11 August 2025
3. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Men’s Shed Grants | applications close 4pm Thursday 17 July 2025
4. AUST | EQPR | GRANTING | #BT2025 Scholarships | applications now open

 

 2.1  CoPP | GOV | GRANTING | Palais Theatre community grants and reservations

The City of Port Phillip (CoPP) curtain has risen on two terrific community opportunities:

Palais Theatre Community Fund

The Palais Theatre Community Fund provides grants of up to $5000 to enhance a vibrant Port Phillip community. Applications for Round 12 are open until 5 pm, 4 July 2025

• Palais Theatre | Community Support

 

Palais Theatre Community Reservations

Community Reservations at the Palais Theatre is a City of Port Phillip and Live Nation initiative to increase access to groups that may not otherwise be able to utilise this extraordinary venue due to hire costs. Successful applicants for a community booking will have venue hire costs reduced to $1, enabling a range of users to experience the majestic Palais. Applications are now open for 2025 and 2026 events

• Palais Theatre Community Reservations - City of Port Phillip
• Learn more

 

 2.2  CoPP | SMCC | GRANTING | South Melbourne Community Chest (SMCC) grants | applications open 7 July-11 August 2025

Do you have a great idea to benefit people living in Port Phillip?
To be eligible for consideration, proposed projects must be costed and planned for completion within a year of the grant being issued. 

Each year, South Melbourne Community Chest (SMCC)  distributes grants to a variety of community organisations including environmental groups, after school programs, gymnastics, meal programs and older persons groups and clubs within the City of Port Phillip.

• Find out more

 

 2.3  VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Men’s Shed Grants | applications close 4pm Thursday 17 July 2025

The 2025–26 Men’s Shed Funding Program is now accepting applications to support the development and expansion of men’s sheds throughout Victoria.

More than $860,000 in funding is available to:

• Construct new men’s sheds
• Upgrade or expand existing facilities
• Purchase tools, equipment, or machinery

The program focuses on projects that reduce social isolation and deliver tangible benefits to local communities, particularly in areas lacking shared spaces for connection.

With more than 360 men’s sheds across the state, these spaces continue to provide valuable opportunities for social connection, skill sharing and support for men from all walks of life.

• For more and to apply

 

 2.4  AUST | EQPR | GRANTING | #BT2025 Scholarships | applications now open

You can now apply for a scholarship to attend The Equality Project (EQPR)'s Better Together 2025 in Adelaide on 31 October and 1 November. 
Scholarships in 2025 are $139 excl. fees, with some fully-funded places via a variety of specific access programs.

Did you know, over 50% of attendees at Better Together 2024 had their ticket subsidised by us at The Equality Project, or one of our amazing conference partners?

The Equality Project recieves no ongoing funding, but our financial access programs have always been at the heart of our work. This is part of what we mean when we say Better Together is a grassroots conference.

If you don't need a scholarship yourself, you can also help to support someone else attending by donating to our ongoing scholarship program.

• Apply for a Scholarship
• Donate

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 3. EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING 

1. YARRA | YEF | HIRING | Project Officer

 

 3.1  YARRA | YEF | HIRING | Project Officer

Yarra Energy Foundation (YEF) is hiring! YEF is looking for a motivated Project Officer to join our team and help deliver meaningful community energy projects.

Why join YEF:

• Flexible hybrid work arrangement
• 0.8–1.0 FTE (negotiable)
• Strong focus on learning and professional development

This is a great opportunity to work on programs that reduce emissions, support households, and drive the energy transition – while growing your skills in a collaborative and supportive team.

• To apply, please submit your CV and a response to the Application .

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 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 | PPLS | TALKING | ESL Conversation Circle | Weekly, 2 Sessions & 2 Locations
9. MELB | PMOA | EXHIBITING | 65,000 Years: A Short History of Australian Art | Tuesday-Saturday 30 May-22 Nov 2025 | 11am-5pm
10. CoPP | CSAS | SHOWING | Unfolding futures | Monday 7 July-Friday 31 October 2025 | Monday to Friday (closed public holidays) | 8.30am-5pm
11. CoPP | PPLS | SCREENING | Brooklyn | Monday 7 July 2025 | 12noon-2pm
12. CoPP | PPLS | SCREENING | NAIDOC Week: Our Warrior and Q&A with Uncle Charles Pakana | Tuesday 8 July 2025 | 6-7.30pm
13. MELB | MSO | PERFORMING | Yinya dana – lighting the path: Deborah Cheetham Fraillon and NAIDOC 2025 | Friday 11 July 2025 | Arrive 7pm for 7.30pm
14. CoPP | PPLS | TALKING | Tough Guys Book Club | Tuesday 15 July 2025 | 6.30-7.30pm
15. VIC | LWVV | GATHERING | Cherishing, Challenging Democracy - Rights & Responsibility | Wednesday 16 July 2025 | 8.30am for 9am-12noon
16. VIC | VTMH | WEBINAR | Is It Time for a Change? Rethinking the CALD Label in Public Health Research and Practice | Wednesday 16 July 2025 | 3-4pm
17. CoPP | PPLS | TALKING | Southside Death Cafe | Wednesday 23 July 2025 | 5.30-7.30pm
18. CoPP | PPLS | TALKING | With Author Kasey Edwards and Comedian Monica Dullard | Wednesday 23 July 2025 | 6-7pm
19. CoPP | PPLS | TALKING | Chatty Cafe at Port Melbourne | Every Thursday Starting Thursday 24 July 2025 | 11am-12noon
20. CoPP | SKBK | WORKSHOPPING | Bike Repairs | Saturday 26 July 2025 | 1pm
21. CoPP | OHM | GATHERING | Stories of the City - Open House Melbourne | Saturday 26-Sunday 27 July 2025
22. CoPP | PPLS | TALKING | With Authors Amy Lovat and Sally Hepworth | Thursday 31 July 2025 | 6.30-7.30pm
23. MELB | RFAT | TRAINING | National Accredited CPR And First Aid 1 Day Course | Sunday 24 August 2025 | arrive 9.30am for 10am-4pm
24. MELB | WCC | GATHERING | World Chambers Congress 2025 to Melbourne | 2-4 September 2025
25. VIC | FDPN | ANNOUNCING | 2025 Queer Displacements Conference Program & more | Wednesday 3-Friday 5 September 2025
26. MELB | SFRI | GATHERING | 2025 Australian Social Cohesion Summit | Thursday 16 October 2025 | 8.30am-5pm
27. 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 | PPLS | TALKING | ESL Conversation Circle | Weekly, 2 Sessions & 2 Locations

Join Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS) for a free, fun reading program to improve your English language skills. New sessions starting at Emerald Hill 23 July 2025

• Read aloud with others and practice pronunciation 
• Improve your English comprehension and vocabulary 
• Meet new friends in a safe, welcoming environment 

These free, informal sessions will run each week at our two libraries but only during school terms. 

This program is aimed Intermediate-level English speakers. 

Please Note: These sessions do not run during school holidays.

• Where: Tuesdays | 1.30-2.30pm | St Kilda Library, 150 Carlisle Street, St Kilda Victoria 3182
• Where: Starting 23 July 2025 Wednesdays | 1.30-2.30pm | Emerald Hill Library, 195 Bank Street, South Melbourne Victoria 3205
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: No bookings required, just drop in!

 

 4.9  MELB | PMOA | EXHIBITING | 65,000 Years: A Short History of Australian Art | Tuesday-Saturday 30 May-22 Nov 2025 | 11am-5pm

Celebrating the brilliance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art while confronting the dark heart of Australia’s colonial history and proclaims the importance of Indigenous knowledge and agency. 
The The Potter Museum of Art (PMOA) exhibition features more than 400 works, including rarely-seen artworks and cultural objects from the University of Melbourne’s collections, 194 important loans from 78 private and public lenders and six new commissions.

Complementing the exhibition are important educational resources for primary, secondary as well as tertiary students, designed to build a deeper understanding of Indigenous art, history and culture. These educational resources will continue to be available beyond the life of the exhibition. They are developed in partnership with the University of Melbourne’s signature Ngarrngga Project, which builds innovative curriculum resources in collaboration with Indigenous Knowledge Experts.

Curated by Associate Provost and Distinguished Professor Marcia Langton AO, Senior Curator Judith Ryan AM, and Associate Curator Shanysa McConville – in consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and custodians of art traditions – the exhibition explores the belated recognition of Indigenous art and its rise to prominence globally.

• For More Information

 

 4.10  CoPP | CSAS | SHOWING | Unfolding futures | Monday 7 July-Friday 31 October 2025 | Monday to Friday (closed public holidays) | 8.30am-5pm

A presentation of contemporary artwork by recipients of City of Port Phillip (CoPP)'s Rupert Bunny Foundation Visual Arts Fellowship (RBFVAF).
Each artwork in this exhibition attests to the artists extending their practice at pivotal points in their career.

By expanding their imagination through experimentation of mediums and exploration of concepts, the artworks unfold across time and space in this retrospective.

The RBFVAF is a biennial award that was initiated after the painting The Forerunners1894c by Rupert Bunny was irreparably damaged in the 1991 St Kilda Town Hall fire.

In the spirit of the contribution Bunny made to the visual arts, and in acknowledgement of the gift of The Forerunners painting to our City, insurance funds from the damages were used to establish the Rupert Bunny Foundation.

This exhibition celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the Rupert Bunny Foundation and marks 20 years of the Fellowship.   

• Where: Carlisle Street Art Space (CSAS), St Kilda Town Hall. 
• Cost: free
• More information: Carlisle Street Arts Space - City of Port Phillip

 

 4.11  CoPP | PPLS | SCREENING | Brooklyn | Monday 7 July 2025 | 12noon-2pm

Join Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS) for a special screening of Brooklyn, the critically acclaimed film based on Colm Tóibín’s bestselling novel.
Set in the 1950s, Brooklyn follows Eilis Lacey, a young Irish woman who emigrates to New York in search of a better life. As she finds love and new beginnings, she’s also pulled back by ties to home – forcing her to choose between two countries, and two very different lives.

Beautifully acted and deeply moving, Brooklyn is a timeless story of identity, love, and belonging. Don’t miss this heartwarming cinematic experience at your local library.

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

 

 4.12  CoPP | PPLS | SCREENING | NAIDOC Week: Our Warrior and Q&A with Uncle Charles Pakana | Tuesday 8 July 2025 | 6-7.30pm

Join Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS) and Director Anthony Kelly with journalist and editor Uncle Charles Pakana for a special NAIDOC film screening.
Aboriginal political activist Robbie Thorpe stands as part of a long line of Indigenous resistance to invasion and this powerful documentary shows the making of this modern leader and tracks the resurgence of a powerful Black, Indigenous, anti-colonial movement that is currently reshaping the country.

Robbie’s story is a story of resistance across generations, the power of family and the unrelenting struggle for justice in a country that remains in denial. Controversial and uncompromising, Australian Aboriginal political activist Robbie Thorpe stands as part of a long line of Indigenous resistance to invasion.

Robbie's message is critical to modern Australia. A Q&A with director Anthony Kelly and Uncle Charles Pakana will follow the screening (Film length 53 minutes).

“To accept one’s past – one’s history – is not the same thing as drowning in it.” - James Baldwin

• Where: Emerald Hill Library, 195 Bank Street, South Melbourne Victoria 3205
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: online via Trybooking

 

 4.13  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

 

 4.14  CoPP | PPLS | TALKING | Tough Guys Book Club | Tuesday 15 July 2025 | 6.30-7.30pm

Join us at Port Melbourne Library to hear all about a lifelong obsession with people, their stories and how bringing books into pubs has allowed men to discuss the BIG questions that hide in books!
Shay Leighton is a socialist activist, community organiser and the creator of Tough Guy Book Club who has been working with people for 25 years to build stronger communities by using collaborative strategy, difficult conversations and leadership development.

His work involves the use of personal narrative and community organising frameworks to rebuild the civic network and address issues of men’s mental health, literacy and loneliness.

• Where: Port Melbourne Library, 333 Bay Street, Port Melbourne Victoria 3207
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: online via Trybooking

 

 4.15  VIC | LWVV | GATHERING | Cherishing, Challenging Democracy – Rights & Responsibility | Wednesday 16 July 2025 | 8.30am for 9am-12noon

Join the League of Women Voters Victoria (LWVV) and the National Council of Women Victoria (NCWV) to celebrate 100 years since women gained the right to stand for parliament in Victoria and 80 years of LWVV’s work promoting responsible voting.

This timely event will explore how we can improve civics understanding and participation in Australia’s democracy.

Hear from key speakers including Hon Judith Maddigan, Vivienne Nguyen AM, Associate Professor Libby Tudball, Elida Brereton, Melbourne Girls College students, and Dr Deborah Towns OAM.

• Where: Queen’s Hall, Parliament House, Melbourne
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: register online by Saturday 12 July via Trybooking
• For more info: contact Deborah Towns on 0402 133 176. 

 

 4.16  VIC | VTMH | WEBINAR | Is It Time for a Change? Rethinking the CALD Label in Public Health Research and Practice | Wednesday 16 July 2025 | 3-4pm

A Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH) discussion of the limitations of the label “Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD)”, highlighting how it can obscure the diverse lived experiences, health needs, and structural inequities faced by communities. 
Dr. Ikram Abdi (Research Fellow at The University of Sydney)'s presentation will also explore the implications of using broad umbrella terms in health research and policy, and advocate for more nuanced, context-specific approaches to understanding and addressing health disparities.

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.  

• Where: Online via Zoom – details to be sent to registrants in advance
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: essential. Spaces are limited. To secure a place, please register online via VTMH

 

 4.17  CoPP | PPLS | TALKING | Southside Death Cafe | Wednesday 23 July 2025 | 5.30-7.30pm

Join Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS) for a thoughtful and open conversation about the one thing that connects us all – death.
Over a cuppa, we'll explore end-of-life topics in a supportive space, guided by funeral celebrant Klara McMurray. There's no agenda – just respectful discussion, curiosity, and connection.

If you or a loved one is facing a terminal illness, please contact the library to be added to the attendee list.

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

 

 4.18  CoPP | PPLS | TALKING | With Author Kasey Edwards and Comedian Monica Dullard | Wednesday 23 July 2025 | 6-7pm

Join this conversation of what happens when you want to stop feeling like you’re never enough?
Join Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS) and Kasey Edwards, internationally acclaimed author of Goodbye Good Girl, Hello Me, in conversation with local comedian Monica Dullard about this life-changing memoir for women (because we should get to like ourselves too)!

Kasey Edwards is also international bestselling author of Raising Girls Who Like Themselves and Bringing Up Boys Who Like Themselves.

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

 

 4.19  CoPP | PPLS | TALKING | Chatty Cafe at Port Melbourne | Every Thursday Starting Thursday 24 July 2025 | 11am-12noon

Chatty Cafe is a social connection program running weekly on Thursdays at our Port Melbourne Library.
Join Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS) for a cuppa, morning tea, and a chat. Play board games, do puzzles, and get to know other locals. 
 
Connect, relax, and experience the joy of being around others.  
 
All ages welcome, including people living with dementia and their carers. 

• Where: Port Melbourne Library, 333 Bay Street, Port Melbourne Victoria 3207
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: No bookings required, just drop in!

 

 4.20  CoPP | SKBK | WORKSHOPPING | Bike Repairs | Saturday 26 July 2025 | 1pm

Now on Saturdays! St Kilda Bike Kitchen (SKBK) has moved to Saturday afternoons.
This makes it even easier to bring your bike in for some much-needed love, maintenance and to help get you back on your bike.

These sessions promote healthier living and sustainable transport plus give you a chance to meet likeminded cyclists and hear about local rides.

• Where: St Kilda Library Community Room, 150 Carlisle Street St Kilda, VIC 3182
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: online via Eventbrite

 

 4.21  CoPP | OHM | GATHERING | Stories of the City - Open House Melbourne | Saturday 26-Sunday 27 July 2025

Open House Melbourne (OHM) in Port Phillip welcomes visitors and residents will have access to a range of buildings, talks, tours and exhibitions.
These include Armstrong's Studios, Australia’s equivalent to London’s Abbey Road Studio.

This "hit factory" was home to some of the most popular and iconic records that Australia has produced over the last 50 years, from John Farnham’s ‘Whispering Jack’, enduring footy anthem Up there Cazaly, Little River Band to Cruel Sea, Renee Geyer and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. 

This event features a panel on 26 July 2025 featuring acclaimed broadcaster and author Jane Gazzo, in conversation with producers including Roger Savage, Mick Harvey, John Olson and Ernie Rose.

Other Open House opportunities include exploring the labyrinth of tiny lanes between Albert Park’s elegant cottages in the footsteps of early working-class people.

Portholes to the Underworld allows you to discover the network of portholes acting as portals to thousands of kilometres of underground drains, pumps, pipes and cables which have serviced utilities such as gas, sewage, plumbing and telecommunications for more than a century.

• Plan your weekend in advance or find out more

 

 4.22  CoPP | PPLS | TALKING | With Authors Amy Lovat and Sally Hepworth | Thursday 31 July 2025 | 6.30-7.30pm

Join Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS) for a special author event as Amy Lovat discusses her new anti-rom-com Big Feelings with New York Times bestselling author Sally Hepworth. 
Expect a lively chat covering queer love, fertility, millennial angst and messy families – perfect for fans of Monica Heisy, Coco Mellors and anyone who’s ever felt a lot.

Amy is the author of Mistakes and Other Lovers, founder of Secret Book Stuff, and program manager for Newcastle Writers’ Festival. Sally is one of Australia’s most popular authors, known for her bestselling thrillers The Soulmate and Darling Girls.

Don’t miss this fun and thoughtful conversation between two of Australia’s most exciting writers!

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

 

 4.23  MELB | RFAT | TRAINING | National Accredited CPR And First Aid 1 Day Course | Sunday 24 August 2025 | arrive 9.30am for 10am-4pm

Gain the ability to know what to do in an emergency and how to save a life.
Of interest to parents, teachers, youth group workers, community group leaders, religious leaders and young people, grandparents and other people who would find this technology extremely useful in their daily lives.

Results First Aid Training (RFAT) is delivering the nationally Accredited Certificate HLTAID011-Provide First Aid including CPR

This is a Nationally recognised qualification containing valuable data on what to do to help someone in a medical emergency.

• Where: Scientology Community Centre, 231-251 Mt Alexander Road, Ascot Vale 3032
• Cost: $20 (valued at $160 per person we are delighted to offer this training and certification for approved individuals and organisations as part of the Scientology Volunteer Minister program).
• Considerations: All day attendance is required - minimum age is 16 years. Day starts off with registration at 9.30 am, then the class will run from 10am-4pm. Lunch will be included. 
• Bookings: places are limited, please register your interest with Jan Lester on email jan.lester@scientology.net

Results First Aid is a fully accredited first aid training organisation. Scientology Volunteer Ministers are a Disaster Response network who worked with many organisations during the Pandemic – particularly on Food Drives. Supported by Non-Resident Nepali Association

 4.24  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

 

 4.25  MELB | FDPN | GATHERING | 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

 

 4.26  MELB | SFRI | GATHERING | 2025 Australian Social Cohesion Summit | Thursday 16 October 2025 | 8.30am-5pm

Join the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute (SFRI) in Melbourne on Thursday, 16 October 2025, for the inaugural Australian Social Cohesion Summit.

With the theme "Building On Our Strengths: The Role of Youth, Women, and Neighbourhoods in Fostering Social Cohesion" this national event will bring together 200 leaders and changemakers from across Australia, including government, academia, industry, and community sectors.

• Where: Monash College City Campus, 750 Collins St, Docklands VIC 3008
• Cost: Varies
• Bookings: Capacity is limited – early registration is essential, online via Humanitix
• For more information

 

 4.27  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

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 5. COLLECTIVISING 

1. CoPP | S2b | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds for supporting people in rebuilding their lives
2. YARRA | YEF | UPDATING | Stories, events and more | June 2025
3. VIC | ECCV | UPDATING | eBulletin #54 | June 2025
4. AUST | FDPN | BEING | The voices of LGBTIQA+ displacement
5. AUST | NJP | UPDATING | Community News | June 2025
6. AUST | THCO | UPDATING | Awareness, Funds and Support for independent media and more | June 2025

 

 5.1  CoPP | S2b | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds for supporting people in rebuilding their lives

Help keep Space2b Social Design (S2b)'s crucial programs for refugees, new migrants and people seeking asylum running!

Your Gift Can Change A Life - And Its Tax Deductable

As the end of the financial year approaches, you can turn your tax refund into real impact.

Since 2013, Space2b Social Design has supported hundreds of people rebuilding their lives.
Today, we urgently need your help to stay open.

Your donation will directly support our crucial, life-changing programs:

                        1.     Space2work - builds job and communication skills
                        2.     Space2fly - helps launch new businesses
                        3.     Space2Create - Artspace Gallery showcases
                                diverse, emerging artists

• Donate Now

 

Meet Leila

After fleeing Iran in 2013, Leila arrived in Australia seeking safety and freedom.

A celebrated artist and cultural leader back home, Leila faced persecution for her art and her Zoroastrian faith – any expression was dangerous.

'No one puts their children in a boat unless the water is safer than the land'

At Space2b, Leila found a new beginning. Today, she’s a muralist, teacher, and vibrant part of our community — living proof of the power of creativity, safety, and support.

• Learn more about Leila's Journey

Your donation goes a long way. There are hundreds of people just like Leila brimming with potential, just needing a little support to thrive!

Your gift of $200 can:

1. Provide crucial support while a participant gains valuable Australian work experience
2. Fund a sewing workshop that empowers culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) artisans
3. Enable a mentor to guide a new entrepreneur on their journey
4. Help an emerging artist present their first exhibition

Every donation over $2 is tax deductible. And because Space2b is a small, grassroots charity, 100% of your contribution goes directly to the people who need it most.

Please give generously before 30 June 2025.
Together, we can keep the doors of opportunity open.

With gratitude,
Janine Lawrie, Founder

Together we make a difference

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 5.2  YARRA | YEF | UPDATING | Stories, events and more | June 2025

SHARING | Hume's energy award win

Yarra Energy Foundation (YEF) is proud to share that the Hume Home Energy Upgrades program, delivered in partnership with Hume City Council, has won the Leading Energy Management Government Program category at the 2025 Energy Efficiency Council awards.

This recognition highlights the impact local programs can have in making energy upgrades more accessible and effective, especially for households who need them most.

Program highlights so far:

• 644 residents registered for upgrades
• 208 home energy upgrades completed (and counting!)
• 123 installations supported by Council concession rebates

With each solar system, heating & cooling, hot water heat pump, insulation or draught proofing install, the program is helping Hume households cut emissions, lower bills, and stay comfortable year-round.

YEF’s Project Lead, Lloyd Heathfield, also joined a panel at the EEC Conference to share insights from the program and discuss the broader vision for community-led electrification.

Thanks to Hume City Council, All Electric Homes, Enviroflex Insulation, and the Energy Efficiency Council for their collaboration and recognition.

• Read the full article

 

REPORTING | Schools are powering up with batteries

Across Australia, schools are increasingly pairing solar with battery storage – to cut energy bills, reduce emissions, and build resilience. More than 130 schools have already adopted batteries, with many participating in government-funded initiatives and Virtual Power Plant (VPP) programs.

In New South Wales alone, 79 schools have installed 17 MW of solar and 4.6 MWh of storage, with projected savings of over $800,000 and 3,200 tonnes of CO₂ annually. Meanwhile, schools in Victoria, Queensland, and WA are exploring everything from back-up systems for emergencies to fully off-grid alternatives.

• Read more about these initiatives in our latest article. 

 

REPORTING | Work is underway on our new community batteries

We’re excited to be getting on with work for our three new community battery projects in Altona, Manor Lakes, and Torquay.

Each project has a dedicated webpage that will be regularly updated with project milestones, community consultation opportunities, and key details as we move through planning, installation, and operation.

• Altona Community Battery
• Manor Lakes Community Battery
• Torquay Community Battery

We look forward to working with local communities to shape these projects and will continue sharing updates along the way.

• Learn about YEF's battery projects

 

ANNOUNCING | Clean Energy Council's Leading practice: First Nations engagement course

The Clean Energy Council has launched a free, self-paced online course to support better engagement with First Nations communities in the renewable energy transition.

Developed in partnership with First Nations leaders and experts, the course explores the history, principles, and practices needed to foster respectful, collaborative relationships in clean energy project development.

We’re grateful to the Clean Energy Council for offering this resource and hope it is valuable to those working in the sector.

• First Nations engagement course

 

SHARING | Our Services

Find out more about Yarra Energy Foundation services including:

• 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.

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 5.3  VIC | ECCV | UPDATING | eBulletin #54 | June 2025

As a proudly independent, non-partisan organisation, Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) remains steadfast in our commitment to working with all sides of politics to promote our goals of multiculturalism, equity, and inclusion. 
This is our first eBulletin since the federal election, and I'd like to warmly congratulate the Albanese government on its re-election. 
 
We also want to express our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr Abdifatah Ahmed, who lost his life in the recent police shooting incident in Footscray. We understand this matter is now with the coroner, and acknowledge the deep pain this has caused in the community.
 
We commend Africause and African community leaders for stepping forward in unity and advocacy, working collaboratively to find long-term solutions that promote transparency, justice, and accountability. The tragic incident highlights the need to address mental illness in our diverse communities and the importance of providing culturally appropriate and timely mental health services and training in our communities.
 
We also pause to honour the life and legacy of Gaetano Greco, a former ECCV board member and long-standing champion of multiculturalism, who recently passed away. Gaetano was a tireless advocate and dedicated public servant whose impact will be remembered for generations to come.
 
Meanwhile, we have welcomed the recent release of the 2025–26 State Budget, which includes measures to support multicultural communities and ease cost-of-living pressures. Read ECCV's response to the Budget.
 
Our heartfelt congratulations go to our colleagues at ECCNSW on their 50th anniversary. It was an honour to attend the recent celebrations in Sydney, alongside Deputy Chair Jill Morgan AM and board members Eddie Micallef and Richard Ogetii.
 
Finally, we also join the African-Australian community in marking the 62nd anniversary of Africa Day, celebrating the strength, resilience and contributions of African communities worldwide.
 
Together, we're weaving a stronger, fairer and more inclusive Victoria for all. Stay safe, stay warm and stay connected.
 
Abiola Akinbiyi, Chairperson

 Our highlights 

RESPONDING | 2025-26 State Budget

ECCV welcomes measures outlined in the 2025-26 State Budget to address the changing needs of our multicultural communities. We were pleased to see a focus on cost-of-living relief, including making public transport free for kids under 18. We also commend the $3.2 million investment in organisations like regional ethnic communities' councils that do vital grassroots work supporting newly arrived people in regional Victoria. 

• Read our full Budget response.

 

ATTENDING | Africa Day Gala Dinner

ECCV was delighted to attend the Africa Day Gala Dinner last week alongside more than 500 guests, including the Premier Jacinta Allan and Opposition Leader Brad Battin. The event was a fantastic tribute to the achievements and contributions of African communities to our multicultural nation. This year's event featured powerful performances and speeches as well as an acknowledgement of Abiola Akinbiyi as the first African-Australian Chair of ECCV.

ADDRESSING | Domestic & Family Violence Awareness and Prevention Initiative Conference 2025

ECCV CEO Farah Farouque joined Chair Abiola Akinbiyi to address the community at the Domestic & Family Violence Awareness and Prevention Initiative Conference 2025 co-delivered by the Centre for Multicultural Youth. Hosted in Braybrook, the conference was co-convened by community leaders Mabor Chadhuol, founder and CEO of the Centre for Migrant and Refugee Health, and Monica Majak, CEO and President of Sudanese Mothers Coalition in Victoria.

PRESENTING | Online Ageing Well Forum

If you want to learn more about how to support seniors from migrant and refugee backgrounds to live well and age with confidence, we invite you to join ECCV's online Ageing Well Forum. This free webinar, held in partnership with LiveUp, is an opportunity to chat with an expert panel, explore ECCV’s work empowering older people, and make connections with multicultural older people. 

• Register to attend or to receive a video recording of the webinar.

 

REPORTING | Melbourne Hub of the National Planning Meeting for Sector Support and Development (SSD) workers

In May, ECCV partnered with Cultura to host the Melbourne Hub of the National Planning Meeting for Sector Support and Development (SSD) workers, who support community aged care providers to navigate reforms of the sector. The meeting was a valuable forum for SSD workers across the state to build connections and coordinate collaborations. Thank you to all who attended, including representatives from PolCare, Gippsland Multicultural Services and more.

 Resources & Opportunities 

Speak My Language (Disability)

ECCV and Speak My Language (Disability) are back on air! We have partnered with three community radio stations to broadcast in-language interviews with people with disability from migrant and refugee backgrounds. Available in Nepali, Sinhala, Cantonese and Hindi, the episodes feature real life stories and tips on living well to challenge stereotypes and foster meaningful conversations. 

• Tune in to 3CR, 3MDR and Casey Radio to listen to the interviews.  

 

RESPONDING | Inquiry into the supply of homes in regional Victoria

ECCV made a submission to the Inquiry into housing supply in regional Victoria. The submission highlighted the complex issues our diverse communities face in finding and keeping a stable, liveable and affordable home, and calls on the government to better fund tenancy support organisations, community legal centres and regional ethnic communities' councils so they can continue providing culturally safe and responsive specialist support. 

• Read the submission.

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 5.4  AUST | FDPN | BEING | The voices of LGBTIQA+ displacement

Friday 20 June 2025 was World Refugee Day
It’s a day that shouldn’t need to exist. But it does - because millions of people are still being forced to flee their homes due to war, colonialism, genocide, and persecution.

Only a small number make it to safety. For LGBTIQA+ people, the journey to freedom is even harder. Homophobia, transphobia, and racism follow us across borders.

And even in so-called “safe” places, we are still often left out – silenced, erased, or made invisible in the systems meant to protect us.

This Refugee Week’s theme is Finding Freedom: Diversity in Community.

It reminds us that while we are all different, and that LGBTIQA+ people have always been part of every culture, every community, everywhere.

Yet real freedom is still out of reach for many of us. Freedom is not just about laws.
It’s being able to walk into a service and not hide who you are. It’s knowing that there is no one way to be LGBTIQA+. It’s feeling safe in your own skin.

To be free is to heal. To stop surviving and start living. To feel, finally, that you are home.

This is what Forcibly Displaced People Network (FDPN) work for – so that every LGBTIQA+ displaced person can live freely, fully, and without fear.

Everyone has a role in making this happen. Learn, listen and stand in solidarity. 

GATHERING | Queer Displacements Conference 2025 | Wednesday 3-Friday 5 September 2025

Is there a better way to learn than attend the only conference on LGBTIQA+ displacement?

The Forcibly Displaced People Network (FDPN) conference program is now available. Get your tickets because they won't last long!

We are honoured that Dr Narayanaswamy will be also speaking at the Queer Displacements Conference! Do you really need more reasons to book your ticket?

• Where: Victoria University, City Tower Campus, Naarm
• Cost: Variety of prices
• Explore: the program
• Bookings: online via Humanitix

Booking your ticket is not just attendance – it’s a commitment to learn, be accountable, and take action.

ENDORSING | The Roadmap for Action

The Roadmap for Action calls for a collective, cross-sector, and comprehensive approach to achieving asylum and migration justice for LGBTIQA+ forcibly displaced people.

The Roadmap for Action lays out how governments, services, and communities can meaningfully include LGBTIQA+ forcibly displaced people.

Add your voice. Play your part.

• Explore the Roadmap for Action
• Commit to LGBTIQA+ asylum & migration justice

 

ADVOCATING | Globally by FDPN at the UN Human Rights Council

FDPN is in Geneva to engage with the UN Human Rights Council and the Consultations on Resettlement and Complementary Pathways.

We are co-hosting an event:    
Towards Protection and Dignity: LGBTIQ+ Refugees and Asylum Seekers Speak Out | 25 June, 8.30-9.30 CEST
Maison de la Paix, Geneva Graduate Institute (Auditorium A2), Switzerland

The event is organised by FDPN, Afghanistan LGBTIQ+ Organization (ALO), Equal Asia Foundation, Liminality Research Consortium and  hosted by the Gender Centre at the Geneva Graduate Institute and the Australian Permanent Mission in Switzerland.

Speakers include:

• Artemis Akbary (Afghanistan LGBTIQ+ Organization)
• Dr Renee Dixson (FDPN)
• Ryan Joseph Figueiredo (Equal Asia Foundation)
• Shirin Heidari (Liminality Research Consortium)
• Graeme Reid (UN Independent Expert on SOGI)

The event responds to the upcoming report by the UN Independent Expert on sexual orientation and gender identity, which focuses on LGBT forced displacement. Join this important conversation.

 SHARING | Our latest policy work 

UN Independent Expert on SOGI for their report on LGBT displacement.

We’ve made a submission calling for more coordinated responses to LGBTIQA+ displacement and for the recognition of the essential role that LGBTIQA+ refugee-led organisations play in developing solutions.

• Read our submission
• Read the UN report

 

Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Program

We’ve made a submission calling for meaningful inclusion of LGBTIQA+ displaced people in the Program.

• Read our submission

 

Oxfam’s global report Hold the Line for Gender Justice

Our work has been featured in Oxfam’s global report Hold the Line for Gender Justice, written by Dr Lata Narayanaswamy.

• Read briefing

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 5.5  AUST | NJP | UPDATING | Community News | June 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.

We are all still coming to terms with the two Aboriginal deaths in custody in the Northern Territory. Our hearts are broken and we thank you for the outpouring of support that has been shown to the loved ones left behind and the communities who are surrounding them. 
National Justice Project (NJP) will keep you updated about our role in seeking justice and how you can support the ongoing fight for justice.

Deaths in custody was also the focus of a powerful series published by Guardian Australia last week. This investigation shows how Australia is failing to make prisons safe, especially for First Nations people. They reported on the dozens of inmates who died by suicide in the past two decades using ligature points that authorities knew about but failed to remove. The National Justice Project has represented the families of some of these individuals and we are saddened that findings from coronial inquests and numerous inquiries calling for ligature points to be removed continue to be ignored.

In a Full Story podcast released as part of the series, experts said investment in prison healthcare is ‘woefully inadequate’ and this is an issue where we continue to fight for systemic change. You can help us support families as they advocate about prison facilities that are no longer fit for purpose and the centres that fail to provide culturally safe care.

With your support, we can continue to fight for improved health conditions in prisons and youth detention as we highlight the critical need for reform. 

• Please consider making a donation to our health justice campaign

 

STANDING | With Yuendumu

National Justice Project CEO George Newhouse represented the family of Kumanjayi White at the Sydney rally in a week of national action. He shared a statement from the 24-year-old Warlpiri man’s grieving relatives. 

• Read the family’s message

 

WEBINAR | The State of Justice in the United States | Thursday 19 June 2025 | 11.30am-1pm ACST

Human rights lawyer and co-founder of the National Justice Project Michael ‘Dan’ Mori will share his insights from the United States on June 19 as we discuss rapidly changing developments impacting due process and human rights across America.

• Bookings: register online via Humanitix

 

LAUNCHING | Alternative First Responders newsletter

Our first Alternative First Responders newsletter was issued last week! We share updates of advocacy occurring nationwide and reflect on the significant gaps left by an under-resourced support sector. Thank you to all who have signed the pledge. 

• Read the first edition

 

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:

• The Briefing: Indigenous deaths in custody via LiSTNR Newsoom Podcast, 12 June 2025
• ‘Heartbroken’: Family of Indigenous man killed in custody plea for answersvia National Indigenous Times, 9 June 2025
• A scuffle in the lolly aisle. The sickening death toll climbs. Another family face gut-wrenching grief via The Guardian, 4 June 2025
• What’s the best way for emergency services to respond to a mental health crisis? via ABC Radio Life Matters, 3 June 2025

Follow our media commentary

APPEALING | EOFY Tax Donation

Our end-of-financial-year campaign on discrimination in healthcare has resonated with so many of our supporters and we are delighted you have committed to help us fight for systemic change. 
Special thanks to the generosity of long-time supporter the Hooper Shaw Foundationfor matching donations up to $100,000!

The National Justice Project is funded by people like you committed to the fight for social justice. 
Donate Today

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.

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

• Learn more or donate

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 5.6  AUST | THCO | UPDATING | Awareness, Funds and Support for independent media and more | June 2025

Thank you to those who have already supported The Conversation (THCO)'s fundraising campaign. You are helping to keep trusted health information free for everyone. 
In the old days of Dr Google, if we wanted to know more about a new diagnosis or were concerned about symptoms, we'd type a question into the toolbar. Then we'd wade through the pages it suggested, trying to click on reputable sites and avoid those that were dubious. 

These days, if you type a health question into Google, you get a neat, AI-generated summary at the top. It's quick and easy. But where does the information actually come from? And how much of it can you trust?

This sort of lax quality control couldn't be further from our approach at The Conversation. We only ask genuine experts to answer complex health questions. Our team of experienced editors trawl through the evidence to find the best new research that you will want to know about.

And when we see things in the news that don't seem quite right, or need expert insights, such as the pros and cons of GPs diagnosing ADHD or how to support people’s mental health during police call-outs, we ask the researchers and academics who have dedicated their careers to finding answers. 

By the time this information gets to you, it's in language you understand, with examples you can relate to. We've linked to the sources of evidence and have fact-checked for accuracy. 

More and more, we hear of doctors, teachers and communities of health consumers sharing Conversation articles with patients, students, peers and family because they want to hear from real experts they can trust on topics that affect their lives. 

But this human-generated, evidence-based journalism takes time. As a not-for-profit news site, we rely on reader donations to keep us going. We are halfway through our annual fundraising campaign, and we need your help again. If you value what we do, please donate to The Conversation.

• Support evidence-based journalism

Thank you,
Fron Jackson-Webb, Deputy Editor and Senior Health Editor 
Misha Ketchell, Editor 

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 6. ANNOUNCING 

1. CoPP | GOV | LAUNCHING | Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2025-2027

   

 6.1  CoPP | GOV | LAUNCHING | Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2025-2027

City of Port Phillip (CoPP)'s vision is a City that prioritises First Peoples' voices, enables self-determination, and creates a culturally safe and inclusive future.
This RAP was developed in partnership with the Bunurong Land Council, Boonwurrung Land and Sea Council and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation and our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, strengthens our journey towards reconciliation.

City of Port Phillip is proud to launch its third Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2025-2027 – a meaningful step in our ongoing commitment and journey towards reconciliation. 

We’re taking action across 17 priority areas - from supporting Treaty awareness to exploring options for a dedicated cultural Gathering Place.

• Learn more about our third Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2025-2027 and the ongoing journey towards reconciliation.

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 7. SUPPORTING 

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

 

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

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

7.1.1 Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander

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

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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

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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

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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
• Scamwatch – Scams targeting people from non-English speaking backgrounds remain a serious concern. To help protect all Australians, free information and resources has been developed in 22 languages, empowering people to recognise and report scams using three simple steps: Stop. Check. Protect.
  
• 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

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7.1.5 Community, Connection & Belonging

• Australian citizenship test resource booklet Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond is developed by Department of Home Affairs. Available for download, it has all the information you need to help you pass the test. Australian Citizenship: Our Common​​ Bond - Testable - English (14MB PDF)​​​
  
• 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)
• Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) – ‘Know the Funda-rentals’ campaign to help renters across the state understand their rights and access support.
• 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 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
• The Jeder Institute - Toolkits for 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.
• 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
• Social Connection - Explore Practice Toolkits brimming with actionable strategies, tips, and guidelines to foster stronger community bonds.
• 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!

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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

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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
• Modern slavery is when a person forces someone to work, marry or do other things through coercion (like manipulation, control or violence), threats or lies. What is modern slavery, Types of modern slavery, Warning signs, Modern slavery in Australia & Research and data
• 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.

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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

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7.1.9 Health, Sickness & Wellbeing

• Anxiety Recovery Centre Victoria (ARCVic) – a state-wide, specialist mental health organisation, providing support, recovery and educational services to people and families living with anxiety disorders.
• 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
• LiverWELL advises liver cancer is now the fastest growing cause of cancer death in Victoria, with a 191% increase in deaths over the past four decades. Now is the time to act. Learn more, talk to your doctor about screening, and help spread awareness in your community. Read more information and find culturally appropriate support
• 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.
• Multicultural Anxiety Support Group – an inclusive and confidential space for people of varying ethnic and cultural backgrounds who experience persistent anxiety: 
  Regular meetings seek to foster connection and confidence by providing participants with the opportunity to discuss challenges, self-help ideas, and coping strategies.
• 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.
• 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
• 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

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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
• Smile Squad – school dental program is helping thousands of families save up to $400 per child per year by providing free, high-quality dental care at government schools across Victoria.
• Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) online community VMConnect is home to a dedicated Group for multicultural young people living in Victoria
• 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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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7.1.14 Women

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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 

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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

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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

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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 

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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

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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.

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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

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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."

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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."

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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."

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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MELB | NGVA | EXHIBITING | Wurrdha Marra – Many Mobs

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

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

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

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

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

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 7.3  VIC | GOV | UPDATING | Coronavirus Response

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

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

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

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

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

 

Free RATS Now Available to everyone through your local council

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

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

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

To learn in other ways about Victoria's responses:

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

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 7.4  AUST | MULTI | UPDATING | Coronavirus Response

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

Other Resources

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

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 8. ACKNOWLEDGING 

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

 

 8.1  Acknowledgment to Sources

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

 8.2  Bye bye to Essentialists

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

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

 8.3  Self-Isolators, Non-Essentials And The Homebound

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

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