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VIC | ECCV | UPDATING | Community News | eBulletin #62 | May 2026

[Edited extract from public address]

Welcome to this post-budget edition multicultural update from the Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV).

 ECCV's Budget Analysis 

Victorian State Budget 2026-27

ECCV has welcomed several practical measures in the Victorian Budget, including funding for anti-racism initiatives, refugee support and multicultural seniors’ groups.
"As Victoria heads toward a state election, multicultural communities must be central
to the commitments of all political parties. This Budget includes welcome measures, but they must be matched by sustained investment in the organisations and services that support culturally diverse communities every day." – Silvia Renda, ECCV Chairperson
However, more sustained investment from all parties will be needed ahead of the November State Election, particularly for multicultural organisations, language services and grassroots community support.

Federal Budget 2026

Key announcements in the Federal Budget include welcome new investment in the Support at Home program, with personal care services such as showering and continence management to be fully covered, alongside funding to speed up migrant skills recognition.
 
While this is a more ambitious budget than many we have seen in recent years, a much bolder outlook is needed to sustain multiculturalism – a key pillar of modern Australia's success.

 ECCV in the Media 

Our CEO Farah Farouque spoke on ABC Radio’s PM program in response to the Leader of the Opposition's plans to exclude long-term residents and permanent visa holders from essential supports.
"People from migrant backgrounds pay taxes, contribute labour and help power Australia's
economy. Excluding them from essential supports risks creating a deeply worrying two-tier system." – Farah Farouque, ECCV CEO
 
ECCV’s response to the Victorian Budget was also featured across several multicultural media outlets

 Opportunities & Resources 

WEBINAR | For Victorian Renters – free, practical energy advice for multicultural households | Tuesday 16 June 2026 | 1-2pm AEST

Join ECCV, Australian Energy Assessments and the State Electricity Commission of Victoria (SEC) for a free webinar for multicultural renters.
 
We’ll cover practical, low-cost ways to reduce bills, improve comfort at home and understand your rights as Victoria transitions away from gas.
 
We’ve also developed energy brochures in 11 community languages, to help multicultural communities navigate these changes at home.
  • Where: Online via Zoom, link provided on order confirmation email
  • Cost: Free
  • Bookings: essential, online via Humanitix

PUBLISHING | Elder Abuse Prevention Brochures

In partnership with Senior Rights Victoria, ECCV has developed culturally responsive brochures to help seniors better understand elder abuse, know their rights and access support. 

SUPPORTING | Witnesses to War

A free, confidential national telephone support service Witness to War for people in Australia experiencing distress related to events overseas, including concern for loved ones, grief, anxiety or difficulty accessing support.
 
Bicultural support workers speak a range of languages including Arabic, Hebrew, Dari, Ukrainian and Farsi, with interpreters available for other languages.

MORE:

Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV)
Address: Suite 101, 398 Sydney Road, Coburg Vic 3058
Tel: (03) 9354 9555

ECCV acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Victoria, and pays respect to their Elders past and present.