GEIFN | MIXING | Media | October 2026

 [Edited extract from public address]

Best wishes for less Suffering, more Happiness with Good Health and Time to Enjoy it. Welcome to Myanmar Year 1388 ME (Myanmar Era).

In case no one has said it lately, thankyou for being you.

Sharing a timely aspiration:
"Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.”
Marie Curie, Polish-born and naturalized-French physicist and chemist (1867-1934 CE)

If having no reason to celebrate, here are some prepared earlier:

• 2 October: International Day of Non-Violence (International)
• 17 October: International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (International)
• 24 October: World Development Information Day (International)

Individuals are trapped in a limitless and endless cycle of Suffering until the Individual frees themselves from their Suffering. There are many ways to liberate oneself from Suffering, here is another one.

This edition, we explore the Ancient Indian Buddhist concept of Bodhicittuppāda/Bodhicitta/Buddha Mind(Pali/Sanskrit/English). Also known in English as enlightenment-mind, awakening mind, Buddha Mind or Buddha Nature.

From Bodhi = awakening, enlightenment + Citta, from root cit = that which is conscious (i.e., mind in/with/of consciousness). Generally, an aspiration, view or state of mind until realising full Awakened Mind, embodying non-selfish generosity, empathy, and compassion for the benefit of all sentient beings.

To live is to feel. This ability to feel means “pleasure, pain or pass”. Misunderstanding this is a root cause of Suffering. Right and wrong coexist with their fusion child neutrality – just different expressions of limitless Suffering. None exists inherently without the others in a state of conditioned existence.

If you want positive things, do positive things. If you want negative things, do negative. If you want mixed, unpredictable and uncertain results, do no thing and this is called neutrality. Neutrality does not mean that things will not change, it is just that the individual abdicates self-determination by delegating decision making to others, circumstances or environment.

These conditional qualities have intensities of giving, taking or holding Suffering. And directions like leading to, away from or returning along the path of freeing oneself from Suffering.

The problem is not right or wrong or who did what to whom but their Root Causes of Suffering sometimes called Ignorance.

Or not. 

The opposite is Bodhicitta – intention, repeated application and reliable deliverance of less Suffering until fully awakening lasting Peaceful Coexistence. This is where Love, Belonging and Joy lives.

Unpuzzling Ignorance to Awaken Bodhicitta

We do not need to know Pali or Sanskrit or be Buddhist to use this way. The concepts will exist in some way or another in whatever language and whereever you are right now.

It is simple, if one wants less-Suffering, think, say and do things that cause less-Suffering. It is not important what causing less-Suffering is called. What is important is that less-Suffering is chosen, caused and the consequence. Starting with the individual, growing in surpluses, sharing with a greater number of beneficiaries until including all. Or not.

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

• MIKA - Lollipop

Back to Topics List

 

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2. Street Jives

Approx 2 min presentation

• Sesame Street’s Murray and Mark Ruffalo: Empathy

Back to Topics List

 

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3. Wisdom Reconciles

• Play School Story Time: Finding Our Heart read by Tony Armstrong (7 mins)
• Dropouts With Zach Justice: Josh Johnson Is the FIRST Black Person Zach Justice Has Ever Met (55 mins)
• BBC World Service: Troublemakers – Drugged, Framed and Detained (50 mins)
• [Caution: some mild swearing] Taylor Tomlinson with Jay Jurden: Crowd Confessions Hartford Compilation (12 mins)
• ABC Australia: From the secret ballot to compulsory voting: how Australia reinvented voting (8 mins)

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4. Media Writes

Approx 5 min reads

ntro
Nick Galvin explores identity, belonging and connection in "Poignant portrait honouring ‘second mother’ collects prestigious photographic prize” via WA Today

Jane Cornwell explores gender, workplace and union recounting when "My mother was a flight attendant in the 1950s. This is what it was like in the golden age of aviation” via WA Today

Matt Wade explores gender, households and teamwork in "What 24 years of data reveals about the secrets of a long, happy relationship” via The Brisbane Times


Intra
John Bailey explores people, place and purpose in "You probably never wonder who’s packing your parcels. Perhaps you will now” via The Age

Kimberly Gillan explores agency, consent and accountability in "How to talk to teenage boys about sex, according to experts” via The Age

Benjamin Law talks dicey topics Sex, Politics and Money with Nell in "‘I think the universe wants us to be friends’: Why it took Nell and Kylie Kwong two years to get together” via The Age


Inter
Ross Gittins explores sovereignty, globally and interconnectedness  in "Stop complaining. Australia’s in good economic shape (mostly)” via The Sydney Morning Herald

Kylie Northover explores gender, fantasy and unaccountability reviewing a new book recounting when "Jon Ronson’s son was lured to a creepy castle. What happened next inspired his book about men in crisis” via The Age

Melissa Fyfe explores gender, connection and belonging in "Anger’s not something that women have been allowed to have’: Why Myf Warhurst is done playing nice” via The Brisbane Times


Multi
Myffy Rigby explores identity, place and people when "‘It took its toll’: The price Sherry-Lee Watson paid for her shot at acting success” via The Age

Courtney Kruk explores identity, illness and ignorance recounting how "In the grips of Sir Joh’s moral panic, Felicity made a life-changing call” via The Brisbane Times

Konrad Marshall explores waves, passing and overcoming in "The heartbreaking question Mick Fanning asked his mum after losing three brothers” via The Sydney Morning Herald


All
Paridhi Jain explores independence, interdependence and the family way in "Wealth isn’t just in your bank account. It’s in your relationships” via The Brisbane Times

Brooke Boney explores attraction, interaction and sustainability in "At what point do our differences turn into relationship deal-breakers?” via The Sydney Morning Herald

Lauren Ironmonger explores story, listening and reflection when "After a terminal diagnosis, this simple act brought Matthew joy” via The Age


Togather
Nell Geraets explores play, connection and belonging when "Arcade games are making a comeback – but not in the way you’d think” via The Age

Karl Quinn explores persona, passion and progressive when "Kylie Minogue promised a great AFL grand final show, and she delivered” via The Brisbane Times

Indigo Lemay-Conway explores collaboration, collective and market "A lonely hearts club’: The Sunday market where people shop by torchlight” via WA Today


Nobly
Margot Saville explores gender, relationships and role modelling in "‘Do we want a world that reflects a kind of tech-bro zone? I don’t think so’: Suzie Miller on raising sons” via The Age

Sue Williams explores identity, connection and belonging when reviewing a biography of Emily Kame Kngwarreye in "She didn’t start painting until her 60s. Now she’s considered our most important artist” via The Sydney Morning Herald

Margaret Paul explores identity, connection and belonging as "Community Connectors program credited with reducing antisocial behaviour in Frankston” via ABC News

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5. TED Talks

5-20 min presentations

• Jahna Cedar: Balancing Cultures: Walking in Two Worlds (17 mins)
• Daniel Allen: How funky workwear breaks down mental health barriers to save lives (16 mins)
• Swatee Jog: Who Wrote Your Mind? The Architecture of Belief (10 mins)
• Ajit Narayanan: A word game to communicate in any language (16 mins)
• Brendan Pang: The easiest thing to be in this world is YOU (15 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 of calling everyone together?

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 tickling eviscerate, distal, proximal, proclivity, luminal, luminescence & kismet.

tickling
[tick’ling]
From Middle English = be delighted or thrilled: perhaps a frequentative of tick, or an alteration of Scots and dialect kittle = to tickle (compare with kittle1).

verb

1. lightly touching or prodding (a person or a part of the body) in a way that causes mild discomfort or itching and often laughter. Ie, tickling the cat under the ears.
   • of a part of the body, have a sensation of mild irritation or discomfort. Ie, my throat had stopped tickling.
   • touch with light finger movements. Ie, tickling the safe open took nearly ninety minutes.
   • catch (a trout) by lightly rubbing it so that it moves backwards into the hand. Ie, the skill of a poacher tickling a trout.
2. appealing to someone's taste, curiosity, etc. Ie, here are a couple of anecdotes that might tickle your fancy.
   • causing (someone) amusement or pleasure. Ie, they were tickled by the idea.

noun

• an act of tickling someone. Ie, my parent gave my chin a little tickling.
• a sensation like that of being lightly touched or prodded, Ie, I had a tickling sensation between my shoulder blades.

eviscerate
[eh’viss’er’ray’ting]
From late 16th century: from Latin eviscerat- = disembowelled, from the verb eviscerare, from e- (variant of ex-) = out + viscera = internal organs.

verb

• disembowel (a person or animal). Ie, the goat had been skinned and neatly eviscerated.
  • deprive (something) of its essential content. Ie, myriad little concessions that would eviscerate the project.
  • (Surgery) remove the contents of (the eyeball).

distal
[dis’tall]
From early 19th century: from distant, on the pattern of words such as dorsal.

adjective

• (Anatomy) situated away from the centre of the body or from the point of attachment. The opposite of proximal. Ie, the distal end of the tibia.
• (Geology) relating to or denoting the outer part of an area affected by geological activity. Ie, the distal zone is characterized by pyroclastic flow deposits.

proximal
[prock’sim’ mall]
From early 19th century (as a term in anatomy and zoology): from Latin proximus = nearest + -al. In geology, usage dates from the 1930s.

adjective

• (Anatomy) situated nearer to the centre of the body or the point of attachment. The opposite of distal. Ie, the proximal end of the forearm.
  • (Geology) relating to or denoting an area close to a centre of a geological process such as sedimentation or volcanism.

proclivity
[pro’cliv’ih’tee]
From late 16th century: from Latin proclivitas, from proclivis = inclined, from pro- = forward, down + clivus = slope.

noun

• a tendency to choose or do something regularly; an inclination or predisposition towards a particular thing. Ie, a proclivity for hard work.

luminal
[loo’mih’nall\
From late 19th century: from Latin lumen = opening.

noun

• (Anatomy) the central cavity of a tubular or other hollow structure in an organism or cell. Ie, an example of a luminal process is when the stomach empties food into the lumen of the small intestine.

luminescence
[loo’mih’nes’sence]
From late 19th century: from Latin lumen, lumin- = light + -escence = denoting a state.

noun

• the emission of light by a substance that has not been heated, as in fluorescence and phosphorescence. Ie, honey fungus produces a ghostly greenish luminescence.

kismet
[kiz’met]
From early 19th century: from Turkish, from Arabic qisma = division, portion, lot, from qasama = to divide.

noun

• destiny; fate. Ie, what chance did I stand against kismet?

[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 City of Port Phillip are the Boonwurrung, Bunurong and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation. Respect is offered to past, present and future elders of all spiritual traditions.
• Services and program delivery is culturally safe to people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, aesexual and questioning (LGBTIQA+).
• 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 | Thursday 1 October 2026

[Edited extract from public address]

Fast Facts: Community News

Topics List

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

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 1. HIGHLIGHTING 

1. WORLD | PWR | CALLING | Upon A Season of Creation: Standing Together for Our Common Home
2. CoPP | S2b | EXHIBITING | Saints And Sinners – A Portrait Of St Kilda | until 3 October 2026
3. MELBOURNE | HOHU | GATHERING | Disruptive Ideas in Disability Housing – Challenging the Status Quo, a National Event | Tuesday 6 October 2026 | 10am-6pm AEDT
4. VIC | VMC | TOURING | MFF tour heads to Peninsula Cinema in Rosebud | Saturday 17 October 2026
5. AUST | TIACS | OFFERING | Free Over-the-Phone Mental Health Support for the Blue-Collar Community | Text or call Mon-Fri | 8am-10pm AEST
6. AUST | GEIFN | CALLING | LGTBIQA+ Story Tellers for AUSSIE Stories: Downunder the Rainbow

 1.1  WORLD | PWR | CALLING | Upon A Season of Creation: Standing Together for Our Common Home

As the Season of Creation begins, Parliament of the World's Religions (PWR) stands in solidarity with communities affected by the recent earthquakes in Venezuela and Colombia, the devastating floods in Nepal, and the many other disasters occurring around the world – disasters that often remain unseen, unreported, or largely unknown beyond the communities experiencing them.
Climate Action Working Group remember those who have lost their lives, those searching for loved ones, families who have lost their homes and livelihoods, and communities struggling to recover. We also recognize the countless acts of courage, compassion, and solidarity that emerge in the midst of suffering.

The Season of Creation is an annual ecumenical observance held from Creation Day, celebrated on September 1st to October 4th, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, when Christians around the world come together in prayer to give thanks to God for His act of creation, to repent for the sins that have committed against His creation, and to love and protect what is His. It is the time for a spiritual ecological conversion when we renew our relationship with creation, recognizing that through Him, and with Him, and in Him, we are profoundly united with all that is His, recognizing that everything is interconnected as one sacred communion.

While rooted in the Christian tradition, the invitation of the Season of Creation reaches beyond Christianity. The care of our common home, concern for future generations, and responsibility toward the vulnerable are values shared by the world’s religious, spiritual and ethical traditions, as well as by people who identify with no religious tradition.

This year’s theme, “Living Water,” offers a simple and powerful reminder: water is life. Rivers, lakes, oceans, rain and glaciers sustain people, communities and ecosystems. Their protection is a responsibility we share.

Recent disasters remind us that behind every headline are real people, families, and communities whose suffering may never make the news. Their stories matter. Their lives matter. For the Parliament of the World’s Religions, solidarity knows no borders, religions, cultures, or nationalities. In moments of crisis, our shared humanity calls us to see suffering, accompany those affected, and work together for a more just, peaceful and sustainable world.

In the spirit of the Global Ethic, we affirm that humanity cannot flourish while the Earth and its most vulnerable communities suffer.

We invite people of every faith and worldview to use this Season of Creation as an opportunity to pause, listen, stand in solidarity and act.

Let us care for the Earth.
Let us stand with those who suffer.
Let us protect the most vulnerable.
Let us turn compassion into action.

The climate and ecological crisis cannot be addressed by one religion, one nation or one community alone. It calls us to build bridges across our differences and draw upon wisdom, moral courage and shared values of humanity.

At the Parliament of the World’s Religions, we believe our diversity can become a source of wisdom, cooperation and hope.

In a world where so much suffering can remain unseen, let us choose to see, to care, and to act.

Together, let us protect the home we all share.
Climate Action Task Force

 1.2  CoPP | S2b | EXHIBITING | Saints And Sinners – A Portrait Of St Kilda | until 3 October 2026

Long celebrated as a suburb of contrasts, St Kilda has been home to artists, migrants, activists, beachgoers and dreamers. 
Space2b Social Design (S2b) invited eleven artists to share their own interpretations of St Kilda.

Come & experience their homage to this loved suburb.

• Where: Space2b Social Design, 144 Chapel St, St Kilda VIC 3182
• Cost: Free Entry

 

 1.3  MELBOURNE | HOHU | GATHERING | Disruptive Ideas in Disability Housing – Challenging the Status Quo, a National Event | Tuesday 6 October 2026 | 10am-6pm AEDT

Whilst the NDIS has led to many life changing outcomes for people with disability, there's more to do to ensure that people with disability shape the systems and the housing decisions that affect them.
Housing Hub (HOHU)'s national event will provide a platform for provocative and challenging conversations that test established ways of working, push boundaries and explore new possibilities for people with disability their families, and those who support them.

Explore a full day of lived-experience perspectives, provocations, panels, debate and practical discussions.

• Explore event program
• Where: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), 1 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf VIC 3006, Australia | Accessibility info

How much does it cost to attend?

Community attendees * | $29

For people with disability attending in a personal capacity, family members & companions of people with disability

People with disability receive a $20 Bunnings voucher when registering in-person on the day of the event

Professional attendees *

For people with disability attending in a professional capacity, disability housing & support service providers, allied health & other sector professionals and government representatives | $499

SDA Alliance members | $449

Housing Hub Premium Plan holder * | $449

Housing Hub Growth Plan holder * | $474

If you're a SDA Alliance Member or a Housing Hub Premium or Growth Plan holder, contact us at events@housinghub.org.au to receive your access code to unlock these discounts.

Livestream Pass

To support participation and accessibility, we're offering a livestream pass for people that are unable to attend in-person.

Community attendees | $15

Professional attendees | $199

Prices exclude GST and Humanitix transaction fees.

* People with disability attending in a personal or professional capacity can bring one companion to the event free of charge. You'll need to provide details at check-out.

About the Housing Hub

The Housing Hub is Australia’s leading accessible housing platform. Since the early days of the NDIS, we have been part of the market’s development and have grown to become the largest connector between housing seekers, providers and support services across Australia.

We are in the business of solving housing challenges. Our role is to make it easier for people with disability to find housing that suits their needs and connect with the right supports.

• Bookings: online via Humanitx

 

 1.4  VIC | VMC | TOURING | MFF tour heads to Peninsula Cinema in Rosebud | Saturday 17 October 2026

Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)'s  Multicultural Film (MFF) celebrates migrant and refugee stories through a series of short films that share experiences of multiculturalism in Australia.
The next screening for the Multicultural Film Festival roadshow will be in Rosebud, Mornington Peninsula.  

This event is delivered in partnership with Swinburne University of Technology, SBS and the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council.

• More information

 

 1.5  AUST | TIACS | OFFERING | Free Over-the-Phone Mental Health Support for the Blue-Collar Community | Text or call Mon-Fri | 8am-10pm AEST

Making an invisible issue impossible to ignore, TradeMutt is known around Australia for their loud, vibrant work shirts which were designed to start conversations about mental health, 
A social impact workwear company, TradeMutt takes a more light-hearted and approachable angle to the conversation. Existing to drive the much needed social and cultural shift in attitude towards mental health among tradies, truckies, farmers, rural and blue-collar workers.

In the past 5 years they’ve grown into a well-recognised and established social impact workwear brand. After launching their conversation starting workwear, they saw how the funky workwear was helping to start important conversations about mental health.

What they soon came to learn is that starting the conversation sometimes means that you need to continue that conversation with a professional.  A professional that you can trust and relate to; is not going to charge you through the nose; wait months until you can connect with them or have to hoop jump for a referral and if you manage to get through all that to be told there’s actually no one available in your location.

This is A Conversation Starter (TIACS) was born through the realisation that there were way too many barriers to free mental health support for the blue-collar community.  Operating since 2020, TIACS provides a professional text and call service with qualified counsellors for free. 

• Where: professional text and call service with qualified counsellors
• Cost: Free
• How: Support Line 0488 846 988 Monday to Friday between 8am-10pm AEST

 

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

AussieStory – collecting 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 1st-Person Video Stories of LGTBIQA+ Folk from around Australia. 

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.

• Read more details about AUSSIEStory 
• NOW STREAMING | individual stories (approx. 20mins each): Vasu | Vive Julienne | Ro

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 2. GRANTING 

1. AUST | AFF | GRANTING | Adelaide Film Festival: LGBTQIA+ Short Film Initiative | Applications close 7 October 2026
2. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Multicultural venues grants | applications close 3pm 12 October 2026
3. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Interpreter scholarships
4. AUST | GOV | GRANTING | Mid-scale solar rebate expansion through SRES
5. AUST | PFA | GRANTING | Regional and Rural Communities | applications close Monday 16 November 2026
6. VIC | TRVI | OFFERING | Half price and contactless travel | until 31 December 2026

 

 2.1  AUST | AFF | GRANTING | Adelaide Film Festival: LGBTQIA+ Short Film Initiative | Applications close 7 October 2026

Adelaide Film Festival (AFF) and Pride Foundation Australia (PFA) will provide a $60,000 grant for one short film production for LGBTQIA+ Australian storytellers at all career levels.

• Find out more and apply

 

 2.2  VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Multicultural venues grants | applications close 3pm 12 October 2026

Applications are open for the Multicultural Venues Program, offering grants of up to $5,000 to help multicultural community organisations cover the cost of hiring venues for meetings, gatherings and activities. 

• Find out more and apply

 

 2.3  VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Interpreter scholarships

Scholarships of up to $8000 are available for eligible Victorians to study interpreting and translating across a range of priority languages in 2027. 

• Applications for Profession Ready courses close 1 November 2026
• Diploma and Advanced Diploma applications close 5 February 2027.

• Find out more and apply

 

 2.4  AUST | GOV | GRANTING | Mid-scale solar rebate expansion through SRES

The Federal Government is expanding the commercial solar rebate through the Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme.

Key points

• The STC eligibility threshold will increase from 100 kW to 1 MW
• The increase will come into effect from 1 October 2026
• The change will reduce upfront costs by around 20%

This aims to create new solar opportunities for commercial and industrial buildings, farms, schools, hospitals and community facilities, and other commercial buildings who haven't yet benefited from the scheme. 

• Learn more about the SRES

 

 2.5  AUST | PFA | GRANTING | Regional and Rural Communities | applications close Monday 16 November 2026

Pride Foundation Australia (PFA) Small grants of up to $1,000 are available for projects from individuals, organisations and communities who'd otherwise miss out. Projects must assist, involve or benefit LGBTQIA+ people, and promote positive social outcomes and mental health. 

• Learn more

 

 2.6  VIC | TRVI | OFFERING | Half price and contactless travel | until 31 December 2026

Public transport in Victoria is half price for everyone until 1 January 2027.
Half price fares apply automatically to all public transport services statewide and to all passengers, including concession holders.

In addition, Transport Victoria (TRVI) has recently rolled out contactless payment options across the tram network and at train stations where myki is accepted.

Contactless payment is currently available for full fare customers only. Concession card holders should keep using their concession myki to ensure they are charged the correct fare.

If you are a concession card holder and accidentally tap on with a phone or bank card, wait 30 seconds and tap off with the same device so you are not charged. Any customers who make a mistake and are incorrectly charged should contact the Transport Victoria Contact Centre on 1800 800 007 to discuss reimbursement options.

• Learn More

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 3. EMPLOYMENT, TRAINING & CONTRIBUTING 

1. AUST | RGA | GATHERING | Your community this GiveOUT Day | Thursday 15 October 2026
2. CoPP | PPLS | READING | Recommendations

 

 3.1  AUST | RGA | GATHERING | Your community this GiveOUT Day | Thursday 15 October 2026

It’s almost time to make your move for GiveOUT Day, Australia’s national giving day for over 100 LGBTQIA+ causes on Thursday 15 October 2026.
This year, Rainbow Giving Australia (RGA) is inviting supporters to pick a cause and host a public or private Gathering that inspires giving at home, work, online or in the community.

• Read more about GiveOUT Day
• Get More Fundraiser Hosting Info

Your Gathering can be any activity, event or moment that brings people together to fundraise. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Morning tea
• potluck
• lunch + learn
• trivia night
• workout
• dance party

By hosting a Gathering, multiply the love for a cause you care about.

You’ll also get your own fundraising page, our free toolkit with everything you need and the chance to win a $200 bonus donation for your chosen cause just by signing up. 

Prospective Hosts can explore the causes and register a Gathering from mid-September, so start thinking today and get ready to make your move.

I can’t wait to see what you come up with.
 
With love, 
Jake Smith (he/him), Marketing and Engagement Manager

P.S. Time’s running out for LGBTQIA+ causes to apply for GiveOUT Day. Get in quick before early donations open in mid-September.

 3.2  CoPP | PPLS | READING | Recommendations

Need some direction for your reading? These reads come pre-approved by Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS) Staff. 
There's no higher recommendation out there so dive into this eclectic mix of guaranteed hits.

Browse their top picks and discover new authors, hidden gems and unforgettable reads to add to your reading list.

Don't forget, you can also leave review on our catalogue to make sure other readers can discover your favourite books.

• Explore our staff picks

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 4. ENGAGING 

1. CoPP | PPLS | AGING | With the Community Connector Service
2. CoPP | PPLS | LENDING | iPads with Free Internet for Older People
3. CoPP | VPC | OFFERING | Witnessed Document Signing | weekly, every Saturday (excluding public holiday weekends) | 12noon-4pm
4. CoPP | PPLS | WOMINJEKA | With James from Killara: 2 locations | Weekly, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
5. CoPP | PPLS | COACHING | Finding a Job | Weekly, Tuesdays | 5-8pm
6. CoPP | PPLS | GATHERING | Practise English | Weekly, Tuesdays and Thursdays | 1.30-2.30pm
7. CoPP | PPLS | GATHERING | For Twilight Tuesdays at Port Melbourne
8. CoPP | PPLS | GATHERING | Stretch and Mobility Classes | Fortnightly on Tuesdays | arrive 10.55am for 11am-12noon
9. CoPP | PPLS | WORKSHOPPING | Writers' Club | Fortnightly, Second and Fourth Friday | 1.30-3pm
10. CoPP | PPLS | GATHERING | First Nations Women’s Group | Fortnightly on Tuesdays | 10am-1pm
11. CoPP | PPLS | TUTORING | Free at the Emerald Hill Library | Weekly, Thursday evenings during school terms | 6-7.30pm
12. AUST | PMW | WEBINAR | Stepping Into Leadership Roles Intentionally | Thursday 1 October 2026 | 12noon-1pm AEST
13. CoPP | PPLS | WORKSHOPPING | Family History Club | Monthly, First Thursday, next session 1 October 2026 | 1-2pm
14. CoPP | PPLS | CELEBRATING | Seniors Festival | Friday 2-Friday 16 October 2026
15. MELBOURNE | AELA | GATHERING | Many Faiths, One Planet – Together, Caring for our Common Home | Saturday 3 October 2026 | 8.30am-5pm
16. AUST | MYA | GATHERING | 2026 Multicultural Youth Awards Ceremony | Sunday 4 October 2026 | arrive 5pm for 6pm-10.30pm AEDT
17. VIC | VTMH | WEBINAR | Balancing personal spirituality with mental health care. Is there a tension? | Tuesday 6 October 2026 | 10.30am-12noon
18. CoPP | SOJU | TALKING | Private Renters in City of Port Phillip | Tuesday 6 October 2026 | 6-7pm
19. CoPP | PPLS | GATHERING | Book Chat | Monthly, First Tuesday, next session: Tuesday 6 October 2026 | 3-4pm
20. SYDNEY | ACON | Honour Awards | Thursday 8 October 2026 | Arrive 5.30pm for 6.30pm
21. NEWCASTLE | NEPR | Newcastle Pride | 9-25 October 2026
22. CoPP | PPLS | DANCING | Flowers of the Desert Belly Dance for Seniors | Monday 12 October 2026 | 2-3pm
23. CoPP | PPLS | TALKING | Montague: The Lost Suburb | Tuesday 13 October 2026 | 2-3pm
24. CoPP | PPLS | GATHERING | Queer Social Club: We're Here, We're Queer | Monthly, second Tuesday, Next session: 13 October 2026 | 6-7.30pm
25. CoPP | GSANZ | GATHERING | Money Talks and Tea Time | Thursday 15 October 2026 | 10am-11.30am
26. CoPP | PPLS | GATHERING | Young Adult Neurodivergent Craft Club | Monthly, Third Saturday, next session: Saturday 17 October 2026 | 1-3pm
27. CoPP | PPLS | SCREENING | Film Club | monthly, fourth Tuesday, next session Tuesday 20 October 2026 | 6-8pm
28. CoPP | PPLS | TALKING | With Author Casey Nott | Tuesday 20 October | 6.30-7.30pm
29. VIC | VTMH | WEBINAR | Whose Care? Our Care! | Wednesday 21 October 2026 | 10.30-11.30am
30. CoPP | PPLS | TALKING | Southside Death Cafe | Monthly, Fourth Wednesday, next session Wednesday 21 October 2026 | Alternates between afternoons and evenings
31. AUST | PMW | WEBINAR | In Conversation With (ICW) Solange Lipcin | Friday 23 October 2026 | 12noon-1pm AEDT
32. CoPP | PPLS | WORKSHOPPING | Bike Maintenance at new time | Monthly, fourth Saturday, next session Saturday 24 October 2026  | 12.30-3.30pm
33. CoPP | S2b | WORKSHOPPING | Diwali Mandala Necklaces | Saturday 24 October 2026 | 1-3.30pm
34. CoPP | BOCL | TALKING | Healthy Skin | Tuesday 27 October 2026 | 11am-12noon
35. CoPP | PPLS | TALKING | Non Fiction Book club | Tuesday 27 October 2026 | 6.30pm
36. CoPP | BOCL | TALKING | Healthy Skin | Thursday 29 October 2026 | 11am-12noon
37. MELBOURNE | PMW | GATHERING | 7th Anniversary 2026 | Thursday 5 November 2026 | 5.30-8.30pm AEDT
38. AUST | EQPR | GATHERING | The Rainbow Leaders Summit Early Bird access is open | Thursday 19 November 2026 | 9am-4.30pm
39. AUST | EQPR | GATHERING | Adaptive Leadership Program | 3 intensive days, Wednesday 2-Friday 4 December 2026
40. SYDNEY | NJP | GATHERING | An evening with the Hon. Michael Kirby | Monday 7 December 2026 | Arrive 5.15pm for 5.30-7.30pm

 

 4.1  CoPP | PPLS | AGING | 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 | PPLS | LENDING | iPads with Free Internet for Older People

Did you know that if you're over 60, you can borrow an iPad from Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS)?
We have 10 iPads available for lending at St Kilda Library. Patrons 60 years and over will be able to borrow an iPad with free internet for one month.

All you need is a Port Phillip Library membership and a Victorian Senior's Card (or other proof of age).

• Where: St Kilda Library, 150 Carlisle Street, St Kilda Victoria 3182
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: Find out more about how to register for this program

 

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

The Victorian Pride Centre (VPC) has 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.

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

 

 4.4  CoPP | PPLS | WOMINJEKA | With James from Killara: 2 locations | Weekly, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays

James Williams, Community Engagement Officer for the Inner Metro region, is available in our libraries each week to support First Nations community members. 
James can assist with resume writing, job searching, mentoring and coaching, as well as referrals to services including NDIS, Foodbank, Workforce Australia and accommodation support. He can also help with accessing birth certificates, proof of age cards and connecting people with community.

Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS) are proud to partner with the Killara Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with employment, housing, cultural connection and access to key services.

Where to find James:

• Port Melbourne Library | Monday and Wednesday, 10am-12noon
• St Kilda Library | Wednesday and Friday | 1-3pm

James is here to help build pathways, provide support and strengthen connections within our community.

• Learn more about Killara

 

 4.5  CoPP | PPLS | COACHING | Finding a Job | Weekly, Tuesdays | 5-8pm

Need help finding a job? Book a free 45-minute one-on-one appointment with our volunteer job coach.
Whether you’re new to the workforce, changing careers, or just feeling stuck, Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS) is here to help:

• Build confidence and motivation
• Improve your digital skills
• Write a résumé and prepare for interviews
• Get career advice based on your strengths
• Learn where to look for jobs and how to apply

Please note the new time and day for this program. 

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

 

 4.6  CoPP | PPLS | GATHERING | Practise English | Weekly, Tuesdays and Thursdays | 1.30-2.30pm

Are you interested in improving your English-language skills and connecting with new people and Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS)? 
Each session includes a variety of fun, informal activities such as group discussions, reading aloud, language games, and topic-based conversation. 

Please note: These sessions now require booking, please use the link below to secure your spot

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

 

 4.7  CoPP | PPLS | GATHERING | For Twilight Tuesdays at Port Melbourne

Port Melbourne Library is open late on Tuesday evenings, and Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS) are inviting our local community to drop in, discover something new and enjoy our regular programs.
Alongside our established Port Melbourne Book Clubs, which meet on the earlier Tuesdays of each month, we are excited to introduce two new evening programs as part of Twilight Tuesdays:

• Book Chat on the third Tuesday of each month | 6-7pm
• Film Club on the fourth Tuesday | 6-8pm

These sessions are already favourites at our other branches, and we are pleased to offer them locally. Visit our website for more information and offer your suggestions for other activities you might like us to include.

• Where: Port Melbourne Library, 333 Bay St, Port Melbourne VIC 3207
• Cost: Free 
• Bookings: online via PPLS

 

 4.8  CoPP | PPLS | GATHERING | Stretch and Mobility Classes | Fortnightly on Tuesdays | arrive 10.55am for 11am-12noon

Join Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS) for a fortnightly stretch and mobility class including a range of exercises designed to increase your range-of-motion and help you move more freely. 
There is a therapeutic focus on stretching deeply and releasing tension in the body. The class can be done seated on a chair.

Lea Singer is a certified Yoga instructor and specialises in promoting positive aging. She speaks Russian and English.

These sessions are wheel-chair accessible. Please contact us if you have any additional accessibility requirements.

• Where: St Kilda Library Community Room, 150 Carlisle Street, St Kilda Victoria 3182
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: available week by week, online via Trybooking.

 

 4.9  CoPP | PPLS | WORKSHOPPING | Writers' Club | Fortnightly, Second and Fourth Friday | 1.30-3pm

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) Writers' Club is the perfect place to connect, create, and grow!

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

   

 4.10  CoPP | PPLS | GATHERING | First Nations Women’s Group | Fortnightly on Tuesdays | 10am-1pm

Join Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS) at St Kilda Library for our fortnightly women’s yarning circle, facilitated by Ngwala Willumbong Aboriginal Corporation. 
This is a space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to share stories, create, connect, and celebrate culture together.

• Where: St Kilda Library Community Room, 150 Carlisle Street, St Kilda Victoria 3182
• Find out more

 

 4.11  CoPP | PPLS | TUTORING | Free at the Emerald Hill Library | Weekly, Thursday evenings during school terms | 6-7.30pm

Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS) and Emerald Hill Library run free tutoring sessions for primary school children from grade 3 to grade 6. 
The sessions run from 6 pm to 7.30 pm on Thursday evenings during school terms. Volunteer tutors provide one-on-one assistance with different aspects of schoolwork, including Math's, English, Science and school projects around topics such as history, geography, social issues etc.  

We currently have a number of vacant places for students who would like to attend these tutoring sessions on Thursday evenings. 

If you would like your child to enjoy the benefits of extra one-on-one tutoring, please contact Peter Conlon on 9209 6611 or email.

 4.12  AUST | PMW | WEBINAR | Stepping Into Leadership Roles Intentionally | Thursday 1 October 2026 | 12noon-1pm AEST

Have you ever waited for the chance to be recognised for a promotion or a leadership role, but feel invisible?
Not because you weren't capable.

Because you weren't sure of the unspoken rules and choices towards becoming a leader.

For many migrant women, leadership is something shaped by culture, migration experience, gender expectations, visibility opportunities and so much more.

That's why I'm excited about this Professional Migrant Women (PWM) masterclass with Gloria Yuen.

This isn't a session about tips and tricks into becoming a leader. It's about understanding your professional identity and visibility, and challenging the quiet rules you might be following that could be preventing you from taking the next step.

You'll leave with practical tools, a clearer focus, and most importantly, one action you can take towards an opportunity you've been putting off.

• Where: This online workshop is held via Zoom. Access link will be delivered via email upon registration 
• Cost: Free for PMW Level Up members; General Admission ticket $35.00 + $1.38 fee
• Bookings: online via Humanitix

 

 4.13  CoPP | PPLS | WORKSHOPPING | Family History Club | Monthly, First Thursday, next session 1 October 2026 | 1-2pm

Join Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS)'s monthly Family History Club and connect with others passionate about family and local history. 
In each session, we’ll introduce the fantastic research resources available at our Heritage Centre and take time to share our own stories.

• Where: Emerald Hill Library & Heritage Centre, 195 Bank St, South Melbourne VIC 3205
• Cost: Free
• Find out more

 

 4.14  CoPP | PPLS | CELEBRATING | Seniors Festival | Friday 2-Friday 16 October 2026

The City of Port Phillip Seniors Festival is an annual celebration held in October. 
The festival recognises the valuable contribution people aged 55+ have made and continue to make to our community. Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS) libraries are proud to be involved every year.

• Download the Seniors Festival Program

 

 4.15  MELBOURNE | AELA | GATHERING | Many Faiths, One Planet – Together, Caring for our Common Home | Saturday 3 October 2026 | 8.30am-5pm

Join Australian Earth Laws Alliance (AELA) for a 1-Day Conference celebrating how the living world brings us together in faith, and in care.
The Earth is crying out to us. We read reports of species becoming extinct and ecosystems under attack. It is easy to lose hope when confronted by the Biodiversity crisis before us. And none of us can face the challenges alone.

In October, people from diverse faith groups, cultures and ecological sciences will meet in Melbourne to hear the cry of the Earth. We will listen, learn, reflect and grow in ecological consciousness together. 

We come together because Australia's unique biodiversity matters. Together we will discover ways people of faith and the sciences collaborate to protect species and ecosystems before they disappear.

 Conference Speakers 

Sherry Balcombe-Maloney | Finding Our Place On Country

Many people have not had the opportunity to hear what First Nations people mean when they talk about Country. As a First Nations descendant, Sherry will open us up to a greater sense of what connecting to Country means — what it REALLY means in time, place, spirituality and relationship, especially for those of us who are disconnected from the natural world. 

Sherry is an Olkola / Mularidji woman from Far North Queensland. Born in Narrm, she has an extensive experience in Social Justice with a faith-based approach, and has enjoyed numerous roles within the community including Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency, visiting First Nations youth in detention, Aboriginal Catholic Ministry for 20 years. She is a currently State Representative for NATSICC, board member of Jesuit Social Services, Aboriginal Visitor to Aboriginal community at Thomas Embling Hospital, cross cultural Educator, Story Teller with Djirra (Abororiginal women’s support service), and Aboriginal Heritage Walk tour guide at the Royal Botanical Gardens. Sherry also contributed to the book, "An Urgent Call: Laudato Si' and Indigenous Wisdom in Oceania", recently published by the Vatican.

Prof Sarah Bekessy | Locating Ourselves In The Ecosystem

Humans have the tendency to see Nature as a resource, and not something we are a part of. Australia is one of the most mega-biodiverse places on Earth and yet we have the highest rate of biodiversity loss in the developed world. Sarah will give a brief overview of what is causing this loss of our unique biodiversity and present some ways we can all care for it in the urban environment — together! 

Sarah leads the ICON Science research group which uses interdisciplinary approaches to solve complex biodiversity conservation problems. She is particularly interested in understanding the role of human behaviour in conservation, in designing cities to encourage ‘every day nature’ experiences and in defining and measuring ‘nature positive’ development. Sarah is a Lead Councillor with The Biodiversity Council, which she helped to establish "to be a trusted, expert voice communicating accurate information on all aspects of biodiversity to the Australian people, to ensure biodiversity and Country prosper." She is Honorary Professor at RMIT University, and 2020 Winner of the City of Melbourne Design Challenge.

Dr Michelle Maloney | Growing New Ways Of Being

'Tinkering with the edges' is not enough, because the current systems have led us to this crisis point. We have become disconnected from the natural world. Michelle will speak on what Thomas Berry called the task of this century: "to carry out the transition from a period of human devastation of the Earth to a period when humans would be present to the planet in a mutually beneficial manner.” How can we understand our ecosystems and bioregions, and grow in our ecological consciousness for the care of our common home?

Michelle manages the strategic direction and governance of the Australian Earth Laws Alliance (AELA), designs and manages AELA programs and events, and coordinates the work of staff, volunteers and collaborative networks. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (political science and history) and Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from the Australian National University, and an PhD in environmental regulation, from the Griffith Law Futures Centre. Michelle is also the Co-Founder and Director of Future Dreaming Australia; Adjunct Fellow, Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), and a member of the Advisory Council, Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature. She lives near Brisbane, Australia with her family and Ziggy the Wonderdog.

Andrew Skeoch | Deep Listening To Nature

In the attention economy, those with the loudest voice wins. How has the Earth been speaking to us? Can we learn to better listen to even the small voices? Andrew Skeoch will open our hearts and minds to deep listening in the natural world using some of the sounds he has recorded here and around the world, and share with us what he has learned about human behaviour from many years of listening and observing the more than human life.  

Andrew is an educator, author, naturalist, environmental thinker, and one of Australia's best-known nature sound recordists. Over the last thirty years, he has documented the sounds of wild environments around the planet, and through his label, Listening Earth, published over one hundred recordings featuring habitats from most continents, attracting Spotify streaming figures in the many tens of thousands a week. His recordings are featured in the audio installation at Sydney Wildlife World, feature films, including Peter Gabriel's soundtrack to Phillip Noyce's 'Rabbit Proof Fence', and Disney's 2016 remake of 'The Jungle Book'. Andrew is a TEDx speaker and President of the Australian Wildlife Sound Recording Group.
 
Please register for the conference as soon as possible.

Space is limited.
  
Families welcome. Please contact us if you have any special needs.

We aim to create a safe and inclusive space for people from all cultural backgrounds, and beliefs.

Post-Conference Dinner Tickets will be available here closer to the conference, please keep an eye out for details
 
Hosted by The Australian Earth Laws Alliance (AELA) and the Faith Ecology Network (FEN)
  

• Where: The Multicultural Hub, Level l, 506 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
• Cost: Prices From Tuesday 11 August 2026
• • Waged: $140
  • Concession/Unwaged/Students: $95
  • Children under 18 attend free. 
• Bookings: online via Trybooking

 

 4.16  AUST | MYA | GATHERING | 2026 Multicultural Youth Awards Ceremony | Sunday 4 October 2026 | arrive 5pm for 6pm-10.30pm AEDT

Join Multicultural Youth Awards (MYA) as we honour the stories, achievements and impact of multicultural young people across Australia.
Nominations for the 2026 Multicultural Youth Awards have officially closed, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who took the time to put forward a young person whose story, leadership and contribution deserves to be celebrated.  Each nomination represents someone’s belief in a young person - their hard work, their journey, their impact and their future.
 
Our team is now preparing nominations for review by the 2026 Multicultural Youth Awards judging panel.
The judging panel will carefully assess shortlisted nominations across the award categories, recognising young people aged 16 to 25 who are creating impact across leadership, community service, sport, education, arts and culture, advocacy, entrepreneurship, volunteering and more.
Finalists will be notified next week, with results and further details.

Last year, the Awards brought together over 280+ young people, families, community leaders, stakeholders and supporters for a powerful evening of recognition and storytelling at Parliament House Victoria.

• Relive the 2025 Multicultural Youth Awards (2 mins)

 

Want To Get Involved? 

• Sponsor
• Volunteer 

This year, MYA enters a new chapter at the MCG, bringing the celebration to an even bigger stage.

• Where: Members Dining Room, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Richmond VIC, Australia
• Cost: Community Admission $100.00, General Admission $160.00
• Bookings: Tickets are now on sale, before they sell out secure yours online via Humanitix

 

 4.17  VIC | VTMH | WEBINAR | Balancing personal spirituality with mental health care. Is there a tension? | Tuesday 6 October 2026 | 10.30am-12noon

Identifying and exploring challenges when spirituality or religion comes up during encounters with consumers.
While person-centred care models include these domains, workers often feel ill-equipped to support people in these aspects of their lives. This Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH) reflective peer group allows mental health practitioners to deepen their understanding about spiritual diversity, which can include beliefs, values, traditions and practices.

Eligibility criteria
Sessions in this series are for practitioners working in publicly funded mental health programs across Victoria. This includes staff based in clinical mental health services, community-managed services, as well as people working within mental health programs in community health and human social services. Unfortunately, these discussions are not open to students on clinical placement.

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

 

 4.18  CoPP | SOJU | TALKING | Private Renters in City of Port Phillip | Tuesday 6 October 2026 | 6-7pm

An information session about the assistance that can be provided to private renters who live in the City of Port Phillip.
Southside Justice (SOJU)'s presentation will provide information about common legal issues that can arise at the start, during and end of a tenancy as a private renter.

They will also explain about how you can contact their service for legal advice.

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

 

 4.19  CoPP | PPLS | GATHERING | Book Chat | Monthly, First Tuesday, next session: Tuesday 6 October 2026 | 3-4pm

Enjoy a relaxed chat about books with Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS) staff and other book lovers. 
There are no set titles. Bring your current book or a favourite to discuss or just come along to hear about what others are enjoying.

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

 

 4.20  SYDNEY | ACON | Honour Awards | Thursday 8 October 2026 | Arrive 5.30pm for 6.30pm

Rainbow Giving Australia (RGA) is proud to support ACON’s Honour Awards as a community partner. Join the finalists, community leaders and celebrity guests in celebrating the dynamic spirit of NSW's rainbow communities at an inspirational awards ceremony and fabulously fun cocktail party.

• Learn more
• Where: Paddington Town Hall, Sydney/Gadigal
• Cost: General Admission $45, Mob Tix $35
• Bookings: online via ACON Honour Awards

 

 4.21  NEWCASTLE | NEPR | Newcastle Pride | 9-25 October 2026

Across 17 days, Newcastle Pride (NEPR) is back with a variety of family-friendly activities, parties and shows, from music bingo to poetry reading. The festival’s flagship Pride Parade will take place on 24 October as one of the many free events on offer.

• Learn more

 

 4.22  CoPP | PPLS | DANCING | Flowers of the Desert Belly Dance for Seniors | Monday 12 October 2026 | 2-3pm

Enjoy with Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS) a vibrant 60-minute interactive workshop and floor show celebrating movement, music, and culture. 
Featuring folk, belly, and cane dancing, this lively session includes cultural insights, movement demonstrations, and opportunities to participate, followed by a colourful performance.

Experience the wellbeing benefits of rhythm in an inclusive, welcoming space. All abilities and genders are embraced, offering seniors a fun, engaging, and enriching cultural experience.

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

 4.23  CoPP | PPLS | TALKING | Montague: The Lost Suburb | Tuesday 13 October 2026 | 2-3pm

Join Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS) and former Local History Librarian Kay Rowan to explore how the distinctive and close-knit suburb of Montague developed, and what daily life was like for the people who called it home.
Now a key focus of residential development within the Fishermans Bend renewal area, Montague is expected to experience significant growth over the next decade. This talk offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the people, places and ongoing change that have shaped the suburb over time. The presentation will be accompanied by a selection of historic photographs.

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

 

 4.24  CoPP | PPLS | GATHERING | Queer Social Club: We're Here, We're Queer | Monthly, second Tuesday, next session 13 October 2026 | 6-7.30pm

Looking for a safe, vibrant space to be yourself and connect with fellow LGBTIQA+ adults?
Join Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS)  for Queer Social Club, a monthly gathering created by and for the Queer community. Come as you are, bring a friend (or make a new one!) and enjoy an evening of fun, laughter, and connection in a welcoming space full of colour, joy, and pride.

We also wanted to say a special and heartfelt thank you to all our current and past guests. It has been amazing to meet you and share stories since starting this new club. We look forward to seeing you again in January!

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

 

 4.25  CoPP | GSANZ | GATHERING | Money Talks and Tea Time | Thursday 15 October 2026 | 10am-11.30am

Whether you’re feeling confident about your finances or looking to build your knowledge, this session is open to all older adults wanting to develop a healthier relationship with money.
Join staff from Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand (GSANZ) to discuss everyday strategies for managing money and how to spot and avoid common scams. No financial expertise is needed. Just come along, join the conversation, and pick up some useful information and ideas.  

• Where: St Kilda Library, 150 Carlisle Street, St Kilda Victoria 3182
• Cost: Free
• Bookings contact Good Shepherd 5970 7079 or via email at fih@goodshep.org.au 

 

 4.26  CoPP | PPLS | GATHERING | Young Adult Neurodivergent Craft Club | Monthly, Third Saturday, next session Saturday 17 October 2026 | 1-3pm

A monthly inclusive crafting session designed specifically for neurodivergent individuals aged 18 to 25. February's theme is Photo keychain making.
Whether you prefer to bring your own project and supplies or take part in our monthly themed activity, there’s space for you.

Supplies and inspiration are provided for the monthly theme. Book in early so that we can ensure there are supplies for you if you'd like to participate in the monthly theme!

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

 

 4.27  CoPP | PPLS | SCREENING | Film Club | monthly, fourth Tuesday, next session Tuesday 20 October 2026 | 6-8pm

Join Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS) at Port Melbourne Library for a new evening film club. 
Each month, we invite you to the library to enjoy outstanding films from around the world. Our Film Club is the perfect way to discover powerful stories, unique voices and cinematic treasures – all while connecting with fellow film lovers.

Whether you're a lifelong film buff or just looking for something new, our Film Club is a welcoming space to experience and talk about cinema with others who share your passion.

• Where: Port Melbourne Library, 333 Bay St, Port Melbourne VIC 3207
• Find out more

 

 4.28  CoPP | PPLS | TALKING | With Author Casey Nott | Tuesday 20 October 2026 | 6.30-7.30pm

Join Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS) for an evening with local author Casey Nott as she discusses her latest novel, Five Stages of Grace.
A compelling work of contemporary women's fiction, Five Stages of Grace explores grief, love and second chances.

Enjoy an engaging author talk followed by a Q&A session, where you'll have the opportunity to ask Casey about her writing, characters and creative process. Light refreshments provided.

This program is proudly presented by the Friends of Emerald Hill Library.

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

 

 4.29  VIC | VTMH | WEBINAR | Whose Care? Our Care! | Wednesday 21 October 2026 | 10.30-11.30am

Structural inequalities intersect with social, health, economic and community inequities and impact on people’s mental health and social and emotional wellbeing. Inequalities relate to but are not limited by access, wealth, available resources and power, and are reinforced through structural mechanisms related to policies, laws, everyday practices and systems of care.

The Whose Care? Our Care! project is a Medical Research Future Fund Million Minds Mental Health Grant (MRF2032333; 2024-2029) that works with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTIQA+SB and multicultural, culturally diverse communities and, rural and remote communities across more than 35 Medicare Mental Health Centres (adults and kids), Safe Spaces and Safe Havens, Community Led Safe Spaces, Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals and a First Nations led and governed model.

The aim is to co-develop multi-level collective strategies to address structural inequalities using a participatory ecosystems framework. In doing so the project is mapping culturally responsive care, lived experience integration and accessibility and communication across the different settings to explore experiences of care and what matters in care delivery to address structural inequalities. 

Presenters

• Professor Victoria Palmer, Co-director ALIVE National Centre for Mental Health Research Translation; Whose Care? Our Care! Principal Investigator
• Dr Matthew Lewis, Senior Research Fellow ALIVE National Centre for Mental Health Research Translation; Whose Care? Our Care! Project Manager

The project is a co-partnership with service providers Neami National, Stride, Roses in the Ocean and Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe Children’s Ground Central Australia.

Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH) webinars 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 Microsoft Teams Townhall — details to be sent to registrants in advance
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: essential, spaces are limited. To secure a place, please register online via VTMH

 

 4.30  CoPP | PPLS | TALKING | Southside Death Cafe | Monthly, Fourth Wednesday, next session Wednesday 21 October 2026 | Alternates between afternoons and evenings

Join Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS) in gathering of people interested in exploring the one thing that affects us all. It can't be avoided, so why not embrace it, empower yourself about your options and come to peace that it's part of what makes us alive!

This is a safe space to bring up any topic relating to death, whether it be your own, someone close or death as a concept overall.

• Find out more
• Where: St Kilda Library Community Room, 150 Carlisle Street, St Kilda Victoria 3182
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: online via Trybooking

 

 4.31  AUST | PMW | WEBINAR | In Conversation With (ICW) Solange Lipcin | Friday 23 October 2026 | 12noon-1pm AEDT

Professional Migrant Women (PWM) is thrilled to introduce Solange as our October guest! Solange is an Argentinian-born, Australia-based social entrepreneur dedicated to supporting migrant communities across Australia. Her work centres on helping individuals thrive professionally while integrating with confidence into Australian culture.

She's the founder of The Daring Collective, a storytelling platform devoted to elevating migrant voices and empowering change-makers to share stories that inspire connection, belonging, and transformation.

Solange is also the co-founder and former Director of LatinOz Queensland, supporting migrant entrepreneurs and strengthening cultural engagement across the state.

At the heart of everything Solange does is a deep commitment to community, mutual support, and belonging.

Join us on 23 October and discover the story behind her work. I have a feeling you'll leave inspired, and probably wishing you'd met her sooner.

• Where: This online event is held via Zoom. The access link will be send to you a day before the event.
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: online via Humanitix

 

 4.32  CoPP | PPLS | WORKSHOPPING | Bike Maintenance at new time | Monthly, fourth Saturday, next session Saturday 24 October 2026 | 12.30-3.30pm

Join with with Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS) and the experts from St Kilda Bike Kitchen on the fourth Saturday of each month for a free hands-on bike repair workshop.
Bring your bike and learn practical skills including fixing a flat tyre, adjusting brakes and gears, maintaining your chain, and more. Families are welcome.

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

 

 4.33  CoPP | S2b | WORKSHOPPING | Diwali Mandala Necklaces | Saturday 24 October 2026 | 1–3.30pm

Come and spend a mindful afternoon with Space2b Social Design (S2b), getting creative and making something uniquely yours.Unleash your creativity at our Mandala Magic workshop, where you’ll paint your very own beautiful necklace using calming dot-art techniques, led by artist Mansi Jolly.

• Where: Space2b Social Design, 144 Chapel St, St Kilda VIC 3182
• Cost: $60
• Bookings: online via ClassBento

 

 4.34  CoPP | BOCL | TALKING | Healthy Skin | Tuesday 27 October 2026 | 11am-12noon

Did you know that the average person’s skin weighs 4kg, has a surface area of 1.75m and accounts for seven per cent of their body weight? 
Skin changes as we age and is less able to protect and heal itself. What we eat and drink is of great importance to help nourish and improve skin health.

Bolton Clarke (BOCL)’s FREE Healthy Skin community information session will help you understand skin health and common skin injuries. This session will also teach you techniques to help improve and maintain your skin health.

Two sessions available proudly supported by Independence Australia. Other session St Kilda Library | Thursday 29 October | 11am-12noon

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

 

 4.35  CoPP | PPLS | TALKING | Non Fiction Book club | Tuesday 27 October 2026 | 6.30pm

Love true stories, big ideas and learning something new? Join Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS) and the Friends of Emerald Hill Library for friendly discussions about thought-provoking non-fiction books in a welcoming and relaxed setting.

This month's title is A training School for Elephants by Sophie Elmhirst, a remarkable true story about an ambitious plan to use elephants to expand colonial power in Africa, and the lasting consequences of that extraordinary venture.

• Where: Emerald Hill Library, 195 Bank Street, South Melbourne Vic 3183
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: Not required. New members are always welcome. Drop by, meet the group, explore the latest books, and stay for the conversation!

 

 4.36  CoPP | BOCL | TALKING | Healthy Skin | Thursday 29 October 2026 | 11am-12noon

Did you know that the average person’s skin weighs 4kg, has a surface area of 1.75m and accounts for seven per cent of their body weight? 
Skin changes as we age and is less able to protect and heal itself. What we eat and drink is of great importance to help nourish and improve skin health.

Bolton Clarke (BOCL)’s FREE Healthy Skin community information session will help you understand skin health and common skin injuries. This session will also teach you techniques to help improve and maintain your skin health.

Two sessions available. Other session Port Melbourne Library | Tuesday 27 October 2026 | 11am-12noon

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

 

 4.37  MELBOURNE | PMW | GATHERING | 7th Anniversary 2026 | Thursday 5 November 2026 | 5.30-8.30pm AEDT

Professional Migrant Women (PWM) is doing it again. And if I'm honest, this is one of our events I'm most proud of. Because this is the kind of room I wish I had been invited into when I first arrived in Australia.

A room where you don't just hear from successful leaders. Oh no! This is a room where you actually sit with them. You ask questions. You learn from their mistakes, their decisions, and their journeys.

Our theme for this year is The Power We Bring: Migrant Women and Australia's Economy. This anniversary we wanted to focus on the economic contribution migrant women have already made to Australia and the opportunity we create when their talent is fully recognised, valued and enabled to thrive.

Our incredible and inspiring panellists for the night include:

• Vivienne Nguyen – former Victorian Multicultural Commissioner.
• Fabiola Campbell – founder of Professional Migrant Women (PMC).
• Ashley Kopczynski – Director of Sustainable Investment and Stewardship at IFM Investor and is the Co-Chair of RIAA Human Rights Working Group.

If you are a PMW Level-Up member, register through the platform to claim your exclusive ticket price!

Not a member yet? Learn more

• Where: Sidney Myer Asia Centre: Building 158, Parkville VIC Australia
• Cost: From $20
• Bookings: online via Eventbrite

We hope to see you there!

 4.38  AUST | EQPR | GATHERING | The Rainbow Leaders Summit Early Bird access is open | Thursday 19 November 2026 | 9am-4.30pm

Too many of us do this work in isolation, and we wanted one day where that stops.
The Equality Project (EQPR) Rainbow Leaders Summit is one hundred rainbow leaders, changemakers and allies in one room.

• Early bird is open now for two weeks. $195.
• After that, the ticket goes to $295 on 14 August 2026.

This isn't a conference. No panels, no keynotes, no sitting through presentations. It's a full day out of your inbox, in a room with 100 people who get the work you usually do alone.

You'll have a real say in the direction, have the conversations that don't happen anywhere else, including the ones where you don't all agree, and leave with alliances, not a lanyard.

What the last room said: 

• 8.65/10 average rating to "How likely are you to recommend this?"
• 9 in 10 rated the content and facilitation highly
• 70% scored the day a perfect 9 or 10

That's what the last room said with no cost to attend. This year the ticket funds the day and keeps it independent — same room, same standard.

Only 100 seats!

• Get Your Early Bird Ticket

See you there.
The Equality Project Team

 4.39  AUST | EQPR | GATHERING | Adaptive Leadership Program | 3 intensive days, Wednesday 2-Friday 4 December 2026

The Equality Project (EQPR)'s Adaptive Leadership Program is built around a gap, between what a plan says on paper and what a team can actually bring itself to do.
You've sat in that meeting. Everyone nods along to the plan. Three weeks later nothing's actually moved, and nobody can quite say why.

Somewhere in the room, someone already sensed what came next would cost something: a hard conversation, a change nobody asked for, a step outside how things have always run. So the room found a quiet way around it. Another working group. Another meeting about the meeting.

We've done it ourselves. It's a very reasonable thing for a room to do.

Over three days in Melbourne, with 23 other people working on the same thing, you'll learn to spot that gap before it stalls your team again, and how to hold a room through the discomfort of closing it.

Delivered by The Equality Project (EQPR), in collaboration with the Centre for Civil Dialogue (CCD), and led by facilitator Taryn Sexton.

"I was sceptical at first, thinking it would be another set of empty leadership slides. I was wrong. The biggest shift for me was learning to slow down, step back onto the 'balcony', and diagnose what was actually happening. It completely changed how I approach team dynamics and what gets us stuck in a complex environment." – 2025 program participant

Seats open 7 September 2026. Register you interest now and we'll email you on 1 September 2026, a week before everyone else, so you get first access to the workplace-funded early bird: $500 off.

Expressing your interest doesn't commit you to anything. It tells us you want to hear first, and it helps us plan the program properly.

• When: Melbourne CBD
• Cost: $3,950 inc GST, workplace-funded
• Bookings: places limited, only 24 places
  • Register Your Interest
  • A short version if you need to make the case to someone else

We'd love to have you in the room.
The Equality Project Team

 4.40  SYDNEY | NJP | GATHERING | An evening with the Hon. Michael Kirby | Monday 7 December 2026 | Arrive 5.15pm for 5.30-7.30pm

Join National Justice Project (NJP) in an exclusive evening with one of the most respected legal minds in Australia’s history, the Hon. Michael Kirby AC CMG.
The evening will be hosted by Distinguished Professor Larissa Behrendt AO, an award-winning author, lawyer and leading Indigenous legal scholar, and Chair of the National Justice Project.

Guests will have the exciting opportunity to put their own questions to the former Justice of the High Court of Australia. Justice Kirby has spent more than five decades at the forefront of Australian law and law reform, serving on the High Court of Australia and as President of the NSW Court of Appeal.  

In conversation with Professor Behrendt, Justice Kirby will reflect on this extraordinary career, his lifelong commitment to human rights, and the cases that have shaped his work.  

Held in the award-winning Dr Chau Chak Wing Building at UTS, designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, the event will include drinks and canapés.

Limited early-bird tickets are now available here - save more than 10% when you book early.

When you book, you'll be able to submit a question for Justice Kirby. A shortlist will be selected ahead of the night to guide the conversation, so get in early and make yours count. 

Please join us for this very special evening.

Thank you to our Principal Partner, Gadens; Supporting Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright; and Associate Partners, Gilbert + Tobin and Wotton Kearney.

• Where: Dr Chau Chak Wing Building, UTS Sydney, Ultimo NSW, Australia
• Considerations: post-event drinks and canapés
• Price: Early-bird $65; Early-bird early career/concession $30; Early-bird VIP $135
• Bookings: online via Humanitix

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 5. COLLECTIVISING 

1. CoPP | S2b | CUSTOMISING | Gifts With More Meaning
2. YARRA | YEF | UPDATING | Renewable Energy, Stories, events and more | September 2026
3. VIC | ECCV | UPDATING | Community News | eBulletin #64 | September 2026
4. AUST | CUIN | UPDATING | Making Connections and more | September 2026
5. AUST | NJP | UPDATING | Community News | September 2026
6. AUST | PMW | UPDATING | Community, News and Information | September 2026
7. AUST | POMA | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds to build safe and caring communities free from violence
8. AUST | RACS | UPDATING | Community News, and more | September 2026
9. AUST | RGA | UPDATING | Community, News & more | September 2026
10. AUST | TJP | LAUNCHING | Trans Justice Project Impact Report 2025-2026

 

 5.1  CoPP | S2b | CUSTOMISING | Gifts With More Meaning

Whether you’re thanking clients, celebrating your team or getting organised for Christmas, Space2b has gifts with a difference. 
Space2b Social Design (S2b) Gift baskets are handcrafted by Space2b’s community of artisans and designers. 
Baskets start from only $65. 
For business enquiries, email.

• Shop Now

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 5.2  YARRA | YEF | UPDATING | Renewable Energy, Stories, events and more | September 2026

Alongside celebrating CEO Dean Kline's 10 years at the organisation, the Yarra Energy Foundation (YEF) team has been working hard to deliver community events and continue work on our many projects. 

In this edition:

• Collingwood Leisure Centre EV Charger sees a steady increase in use
• New EV-ready guide for owners corporations
• The Melbourne Community Electrification Roadshow in review
• Engaging communities on electrification through Sport & Spark
• Electric Saul from Rewiring Australia

 

CELEBRATING | CEO Dean Kline's 10 years at YEF

Congratulations to Dean Kline on 10 years as CEO of the Yarra Energy Foundation! Over the past decade, Dean’s leadership, expertise and commitment to community outcomes have helped shape YEF’s work in renewable energy and energy efficiency. Drawing on experience across Australia and the UK, Dean has championed practical solutions that create meaningful benefits for communities. We’re proud to celebrate this significant milestone and recognise Dean’s decade of leadership and contribution to YEF.

• Learn more about Chief Executive Officer
• Learn more about our staff

 

COLLINGWOOD | YEF | REPORTING | Competitive and time-of-use pricing drives strong EV charging demand

Launched in May 2026, YEF’s EV charger at the Collingwood Leisure Centre is seeing strong uptake from local EV drivers. In July alone, the charger delivered 10.3 MWh of energy across 350 charging sessions — its busiest month yet. Since opening to the public, it has supported more than 1,000 charging sessions and delivered almost 25 MWh of energy.

Our time-of-use pricing is working as intended, with EV drivers taking full advantage of the cheaper charging during the solar window. The charger utilisation is highest during this period, helping make the most of abundant renewable energy in the afternoon.

This data demonstrates the growing demand for public fast EV charging, especially in inner-urban areas of Melbourne where access to home charging can be limited. It’s also great to see the community embracing the charger and making strong use of this new local infrastructure.

• Read more about our Clifton Hill Battery & EV Charger

 

VIC | GOV | PUBLISHING | New EV-ready guide for owners corporations

The Victorian Government has released a new EV-ready guide for owners corporations. It is designed to help apartment communities navigate the process of introducing EV charging in their buildings. 

What's covered:

• Developing an EV strategy
• Assessing a building's electrical capacity
• Costs
• Approvals
• Safety 
• Supplier selection
• Engaging with owners

It's a useful resource for owners corporations looking to understand their options and take the first steps towards making their building EV-ready.

• Download the EV-ready Guide

 

MELBOURNE | YEF | REVIEWING | Melbourne Community Electrification Roadshow

Between September 2025 and May 2026, YEF and 15 local partners delivered 31 Community Electrification Roadshow events across 12 local government areas, attracting 3,759 attendances.

Events covered topics including getting-off-gas, solar and batteries to EVs, induction cooking and apartment electrification. The Roadshow helped households better understand their options and the practical steps involved. Almost 90% of surveyed attendees left more interested in electrification, highlighting a strong appetite for trusted advice, clear pathways and practical and financial support to help households take the next step.

The Roadshow also strengthened relationships between councils and community groups, creating shared resources and experience that can support future programs. A huge thank you to all our Local Event Partners and everyone who attended and helped make the Roadshow such a success.

• Read more

 

VIC | YEF | REPORTING | Sport & Spark events | August

YEF is working in partnership with community sports clubs across Hobsons Bay, Hume, Maribyrnong, Whittlesea and Wyndham to engage households on home electrification through community sports events and activities.

Our ‘Sport & Spark’ initiative continued this month with AFL clubs Yarraville Seddon Eagles Football Club and Point Cook Football Club, starring AFLW players supporting electrification education.

The final event for August was with Northern BMX a come and try day that got new participants and their families involved.

Continuing into September with our first basketball event with Wyndham Basketball.

YEF has been awarded funding from the Victorian Government to deliver this initiative has a part of the Cheaper Home Electric Energy Program.

• Learn more about the Sport & Spark project

 

AUST | REAU | LAUNCHING | Electric Saul by Rewiring Australia

Rewiring Australia (REAU) has launched Electric Saul, a free online tool designed to make planning your home electrification journey easier. By entering a few details about your home, location, car and goals, Electric Saul provides guidance on upgrades such as solar, batteries, electric hot water, heating and cooling, and EVs. It can also help you understand estimated costs and bill savings, prioritise your next upgrade and develop a practical plan that suits your household.

• Ask Electric Saul your electrification questions

 

VIC | YEF | SHARING | Our Services

Find out more about the services that Yarra Energy Foundation offers 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 | Community News | eBulletin #64 | September 2026

Multicultural voices – and voters – matter.

With less than three months until the November poll, Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV)'s 2026 State Election Platform sets out 14 practical recommendations for the next Victorian Government. In recent weeks, Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) leadership has met with political parties at Parliament House to make our case directly.

Invitations will also soon be issued for ECCV’s State Election Forum on 12 October 2026. Benita Kolovos, State Political Reporter at Guardian Australia, will moderate the forum, bringing political representatives and multicultural communities together to discuss the issues that matter ahead of the election.  

 News & Updates 

LAUNCHING | State Election Platform 2026

For more than 50 years, ECCV has worked across the political divide, advocating for strong multicultural communities and inclusive policies that work for all Victorians.
 
The platform was shaped by a year of consultations with communities across Victoria and priorities identified by our members. It sets out 14 practical recommendations for the next Victorian Government across four areas:

• Sustaining communities
• Investing in belonging
• Supporting every generation
• Strengthening wellbeing and safety

• Read the full platform 

"ECCV is not aligned with any political party. We work constructively with governments of all persuasions because our focus is, and always will be, the interests of multicultural communities." – Silvia Renda, ECCV Chairperson

In the coming weeks, ECCV will continue to discuss our priorities with the Government, Opposition and other parties, to advocate for action on racism and discrimination, access to services, support for multicultural community organisations and cost-of-living pressures.

STATING | The Case For Action

“The answer to the challenges facing a diverse Victoria is not to retreat from the fact of multiculturalism.” – Farah Farouque, ECCV CEO

In a new article for Croakey Health Media, Farah explores how migration underpins Victoria’s health workforce and why anti-migrant rhetoric affects us all.

The article builds on key priorities in ECCV’s State Election Platform 2026, including tackling racism and discrimination and ensuring Victoria’s health system works for our diverse communities.

• Read the article

 

HIGHLIGHTING | In the media

• Victoria’s multicultural voters and the 2026 election via South Asia Times, 24 August 2026
• ECCV puts multicultural voters at centre of Victorian election debate via The Indian Sun, 25 August 2026
• ECCV unveils multicultural priorities for 2026 Victorian state election via Philippine Times, 3 September 2026

 

WELCOMING | A new government body for multicultural Victorians 

The Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria Bill 2026 passed Parliament on 8 September 2026.

ECCV welcomes the establishment of Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria, following recent reforms passed through State Parliament. The new statutory body will begin operating on 1 October and take over the functions of the Victorian Multicultural Commission.
 
While Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria will provide leadership within government, ECCV continues its key role as the independent voice for multicultural communities, drawing on more than 50 years of advocacy and grassroots engagement across Victoria. 
 
The reforms follow Victoria's Multicultural Review, led by George Lekakis AO, which found that:

“Building social cohesion and restoring trust will require ongoing effort, cultural competence within institutions, and a clear dedication to collaborating with Victoria’s multicultural and multifaith communities.” 

 

ATTENDING | Aged Care Reforms: Support at Home Roundtable

Supporting older people from multicultural communities is a core part of ECCV’s advocacy. ECCV recently brought together multicultural aged care providers, community representatives and the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing for our latest Multicultural Support at Home Roundtable.
 
For the first time, the roundtable was held at a multicultural service provider, Australian Multicultural Community Services (AMCS), giving government and other providers an opportunity to see multicultural aged care services in action. Seniors from Mauritian, Ukrainian and Macedonian communities also shared their experiences of accessing aged care services.
 
A central theme was the role of multicultural providers as trusted navigators, helping older people understand and access services in language and in culturally appropriate ways.
 
Many thanks to AMCS and CEO Maryanne Tadic, who also chairs ECCV’s Multicultural Healthy Ageing Advisory Policy Committee, for their warm hospitality and for hosting the roundtable.

 Opportunities & Resources 

CELEBRATING | Victorian Seniors Festival and Celebration Day 

The Victorian Seniors Festival returns this October with thousands of free and low-cost events celebrating positive ageing across Victoria.
 
Victorian Seniors Card holders can enjoy nine days of free public transport across Victoria from 3–11 October 2026.
 
ECCV will also be hosting a stall at Celebration Day at Federation Square on Saturday 3 October. Drop by and say hello!

• Find an event near you
• Join ECCV at Celebration Day

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 5.4  AUST | CUIN | UPDATING | Making Connections and more | September 2026

Meaningful connections begin with our willingness to understand perspectives and experiences beyond our own. These connections shape how we engage with the world around us.
From intercultural learning to cultural experiences that bring communities together, technological innovations that support the full, rich extent of human cultural diversity and critical thinking around artificial intelligence (AI) governance and creativity, discover how Cultural Infusion is helping connect communities through experiences and learning while contributing to conversations about identity, inclusion and representation. Finally, our CEO and Founder Peter Mousaferiadis reflects on the recent devastating floods in Nepal.

Here, we hope you find inspiration to create more meaningful connections in your classroom, workplace and beyond.

In This Issue

1. Education & Experiences – For teachers & schools
2. Intern With Us – Internships & careers
3. The Atlas Platform – Cultural data & tools
4. Key Events – Where to find us
5. Voices of Cultural Infusion – Research & perspectives
6. Calendar Spotlight – Dashain, 11–21 October

 

 5.4.1. Education & Experiences 

Recipes for Harmony

They say the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, and food is one of the most wonderful ways to bring people together and celebrate culture. Invite students to share dishes that reflect their cultural backgrounds through a multicultural food day, creating opportunities to discover the traditions and stories behind the food.

Cultural Infusion’s Recipes for Harmony is an interactive, multimedia resource filled with stories, sounds and flavours from around the world – there are recipies to cultural dishes, audio clips of personal stories and greetings, short videos, fun cultural facts, background information and more. And it's now free on our website!

• Explore Recipes for Harmony

 

Building Intercultural Capability in Victorian Schools

The Intercultural Citizenship Ambassador Program (ICAP)* continues to build momentum across Victoria, on track to reach 600 student participants by year’s end.

“We believe the program provided a meaningful and enriching learning experience that will continue to benefit students well beyond the classroom.” – Epping Secondary College, 2026

Thanks to Victorian Government funding, it’s currently FREE for secondary students at Victorian government schools. With 2026 fully booked, we’re now welcoming expressions of interest for 2027 and 2028.

* Victorian Government Funded. Available in Victoria only.

• Learn more
• Enquire for 2027/28

 

Discover the Cultural Story of Your School Community with Atlas

Atlas for Schools provides a secure and ethical way for schools to explore their cultural profile through anonymised data collection. By completing a simple survey, schools receive a tailored report highlighting insights into areas such as languages, heritage, countries of birth, belief systems and more, along with resources to support meaningful classroom conversations.

Trusted by organisations and communities across more than 40 countries, Atlas helps schools move beyond assumptions and better understand the students they serve. We are offering Atlas free of charge to a limited number of schools.

• FAQs
• Enquire

 

Discover New Cultural Experiences

Two new additions to our Education & Experiences offering in Victoria — a First Nations led experience for workplaces, and a new interactive cultural program for the classroom.

For Workplaces: Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Launch Experience
Led by an experienced First Nations presenter, this tailored experience brings teams together through cultural activities, storytelling and facilitated discussion, connecting employees with the purpose of their RAP.

• Discover the experience

For Schools: Afro-Colombian Rhythms & Culture
This program introduces students to the music and cultural heritage of Colombia’s Afro-Caribbean coast, with hands-on percussion, traditional instruments and rhythms including cumbia and puya.

• Check this out

• Browse all Intercultural experiences for schools, workplaces and communities

 

Learning Hub

Cultural Infusion's Learning Hub gives educators access to intercultural resources, lesson plans, interactive learning experiences and professional development.

• Free 7-day trial

 

Looking ahead to 2027

Our team is already working with schools and early learning services on their 2027 cultural calendars, with bookings and enquiries underway for significant cultural dates throughout the year.

 5.4.2. Intern With Us 

WEBINAR | Career Readiness, Personal Branding & Life Beyond the Internship – Professional & Career Development Session | Tuesday 29 September | 11am-12noon AEST

Practical guidance for university students, recent graduates and interns on building a strong personal brand, improving resumes and LinkedIn profiles, and preparing for career opportunities. Led by Rezza Moieni, Chief Technology Officer at Cultural Infusion.

• Where: Online event is via Teams. Access email will be delivered the day before the event.
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: online via Humanitix

 

For Interns & Fellows: LinkedIn Professional Development Initiative

A new initiative to help interns and fellows showcase their internship experiences online. Participants share a short reflection, which our team transforms into a professionally designed LinkedIn feature highlighting their learning, skills and achievements.
 
 
Membership: Become a Member of Cultural Infusion
Interns are invited to join a global network of organisations, cultural leaders, experts and changemakers, with access to research initiatives, learning resources, industry insights and tools. Interns who register receive a two-year membership upgrade.

• Apply now
• Or email intern

 

 5.4.3. The Atlas Platform 

Every Map Is a Choice

There is no neutral map. This is why we built Atlas with 27 maps instead of just one.

A projection decides what looks big, what looks central and what looks peripheral. The old default made Africa look about the size of Greenland when in fact it is 14 times larger — a distortion that has quietly shaped how generations picture the world.

Giving users a choice of projections is part of a broader principle behind Atlas: cultural data should be presented in ways that make its assumptions visible rather than hiding them behind a single default. It is the same thinking that drives our white paper research into how organisations measure culture.

Atlas offers 27 different map projections

• Our white paper research
• Book a demo

 

 5.4.4. Key Events 

MELBOURNE | Australian Professionals of Multicultural Communities (APMC) Gala Awards

Australia has an extraordinary amount of talent, far too much of it left on the table. Our CEO spoke at the APMC Gala Awards, exploring the necessity to rigorously define and measure cultural diversity so we can develop meaningful strategies around this underutilised and key asset.

 5.4.5. Voices of Cultural Infusion 

SPOTLIGHTING | Employee Amira Fares, Programs Specialist & Social Media Lead

Amira is a key part of our Education & Experiences team; she helps deliver cultural programs to schools, early learning centres, libraries and communities across Australia. Alongside this, she supports clients and coordinates programs and presenters, including the 2026 Sumardi Tour.

Beginning as an intern as a part of her master’s degree, Amira returned to Cultural Infusion after completing her studies. Originally from Malaysia, Amira’s multicultural background has piqued her interest in cultural understanding and seeing the world from different perspectives. This and her keen interest in planning and running programs also made her a natural fit for Cultural Infusion.

What Amira enjoys most about her job is meeting presenters from different cultural backgrounds and learning from their knowledge and experiences. She particularly enjoyed working on a new project, Meet our Presenters, which gave her the opportunity to hear directly from presenters about their cultures and passions.
 
Amira also thoroughly enjoys reading, games, television and music from around the world. For her, it is important to remain engaged with stories from other cultures to learn, challenge our assumptions and appreciate broader perspectives beyond our own.
 

ASKING | What If Our Future Had a Compass?

Can culture provide the bearings societies need when technological capability is advancing faster than institutional judgement? The Age of Culture (TAOC) Project’s major report features timely ideas from Cultural Infusion CEO Peter Mousaferiadis among many other international experts in culture.

• Access the full report
• About TAOC

 

AI Governance and Creativity

Want the juice on AI, including the spate of recent lab leaks, AI creativity and its impact on art, and the most ethical way to deploy AI? Tap in to Cultural Infusion’s Innovation and Impact VP Ben Christensen’s discussion with Gilad Berenstein from AI and Faith and Dr Marcus Schwarting.

• Listen (45 mins)
• More information about Cultural Infusion

 

Atlas Story: How Do We Measure Cultural Diversity?

In 2016, Cultural Infusion CTO Rezza Moieni asked our CEO the question that led to the creation of Atlas: ‘How do we measure cultural diversity?’

• Read more

 

From The Blog

How does the contemporary teacher meet the increasingly diverse needs of students in today’s classroom? Interning with us from Cardiff University, Libby Pachul wrote about this in her post ‘Am I Misreading My Students’ Behaviour?’

• Read more

 

A Note From Our CEO: Thinking of Nepal

Like many, my thoughts are with Nepal and the Nepalese people in the aftermath of the most recent devastating floods, with everyone with connections and loved ones in Nepal who have been caught up in the disaster, and with all those working to support one another.

I know Kathmandu as a place of celebration and connection from arriving there two years ago, unintentionally in the midst of Holi. Nepal’s spiritual traditions, including those of the holy men, the Sadhus, whose presence is a distinctive part of the country’s cultural landscape, have been passed down through countless generations along with local knowledge. I was lucky to meet such people on my trip.

With such devastation, local traditions are under increasing pressure. These traditions are part of humanity’s cultural heritage, infinitely precious, and also hold the keys to resilience and recovery.

Peter Mousaferiadis, CEO & Founder

 5.4.6. Calendar Spotlight 

Key dates across the world worth knowing about, and marking on your own calendar.

Dashain | 11 To 21 October 2026

Nepal is home to many diverse groups, each with its own traditions, including more than 120 distinct language groups. Among the country’s many festivals, Dashain is one of the most widely celebrated.

For many Nepalese people, Dashain is a time of reunion. Families come together, share food, exchange blessings and celebrate traditions passed down through generations.

This year, as Dashain approaches, our thoughts are with those affected by the recent floods and with families who are grieving.

Cultural Infusion invites you to experience some of Nepal’s traditions, music and cultural heritage through two of our programs:

• Rhythm of Nepal
• Rhythms and Movements of Newar Culture
• Browse all programs

Thanks for reading! Keep connecting, be well, and see you next month!

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 5.5  AUST | NJP | UPDATING | Community News | September 2026

Content Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised the following may include the names of First Nations people who have passed away. This email also includes distressing content.

Welcome to the September issue of the Justice Brief.

 News and Updates 

ASKING | Justice Kirby your question | Monday 7 December 2026 | 5.30-7.30pm AEDT

Ever wanted to ask one of Australia’s most influential legal minds a question? Here’s your chance. Join National Justice Project (NJP) for an exclusive evening with the Hon. Michael Kirby AC CMG, former Justice of the High Court of Australia and a leading voice in Australian law. You’ll have the rare opportunity to put your own question to Justice Kirby, with the event hosted by our incredible Chair, Distinguished Professor Larissa Behrendt AO.

• Get your tickets

 

HIGHLIGHTING | People are at risk of harm in their own home

We are highly concerned about recent police raids in NSW and WA and the choice to use force. Police cannot continue to be the first response to public and health concerns. If mistakes are going to happen people must not be faced with the end of a gun.

• Read AFR’s statement

 

ANNOUNCING | Call It Out gets huge funding boost

Minister McCarthy visited the office to announce a huge funding boost to support the Call It Out First Nations Racism Register, led by Jumbunna Research and supported by NJP, to expand our important work confronting racism in this country.

• Watch the video

 

CONGRATULATING | “I want to make the law more accessible, human and just”

We’re so proud of NJP’s newly admitted solicitor, Maryam, who first joined us as a volunteer in 2024, before working hard as a paralegal. Maryam hopes this is the start of a meaningful journey supporting people failed by the system. We know the legal profession will benefit greatly from having her join.

• Read more

 

ADVOCATING | Protecting people from harmful practices in custody

People giving birth in custody should never be shackled. Children should never be strip searched. We have told Parliament why both of these inhumane practices should be banned immediately and why stronger protections are urgently needed for people in custody.

• What we’re asking

 

 Events 

SAVING | The Date 16 October 2026 for Day of Action @ ANU Law School

 

JOGGING | For Justice - Take on a challenge

Over the next few months, there are some amazing running events across the country where you can take on a personal challenge while supporting the National Justice Project. Every kilometre helps power our work to advance justice and protect human rights.

• VIC | Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival | Sunday 11 October 2026
• NSW | Bondi to Manly Ultra | Saturday 24 October 2026
• TAS | Strait Link Burnie Ten | 25 October  2026
• TAS | Elders Point to Pinnacle & Brooks Point to Pub | 15 November 20226

 

 In the Media 

• Statistics show who Queensland police have searched for weapons, or wanded, without warrant via ABC, 26 August 2026
• Exclusive: Memo reveals why NT Police were not charged over this death in custody via SBS, 28 August 2026
• Government Closes Gap Between Racism And Spreadsheet With $2 Million Dashboard via I-News, 2 September 2026
• Register documenting racism against First Peoples secures $2 million in funding via NIT, 3 September 2026
• 'Racism is a scourge': anti-racism register gets multi-million dollar funding boost via NITV, 3 September 2026
• Albanese government funds national register to track Indigenous hate and racism via AUSTRALIAN, 3 September 2026

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 5.6  AUST | PMW | UPDATING | Community, News and Information | September 2026

August was a heavy month for Professional Migrant Women (PWM) community.

On 10 August 2026, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the Chocó region of Colombia, killing more than 300 people and injuring thousands, with severe damage in Cali, Pereira and Quibdó. On 26 August 2026, a glacier collapse in the Langtang range sent a flash flood down Nepal's Trishuli River, destroying entire settlements. More than a thousand people have died and thousands are still missing.

To our Colombian and Nepali members, and to anyone with family in those regions – some of you are still waiting for news, and we are thinking of you. If there is anything you need from us, please reach out.

We were moved to see members of this community organise relief efforts themselves, and PMW was glad to support them. If you are organising something, tell us. We can't promise to fund the initiatives, but we can always help you reach this community.

I want to share something else from last month, because it came from the same place: this community showing up.

Alongside my role at PMW, I work in sustainable investment. On 20 August I was one of four speakers at a session of RIAA's Human Rights Working Group ˆ a group that brings together Australia's super funds and institutional investors — on the theme From Human Rights to Systemic Risk: Understanding Inequality and Decent Work.

I spoke about PMW – about what seven years of serving this community has taught us about what happens to skilled migrant women in the Australian labour market. My argument was this: when employers can't recognise overseas qualifications and experience, skills that are already here go unused. That isn't only a fairness problem. It shows up as systemic risk – a company that is not deploying its people well, and often a signal of weaker management more broadly. Investors should be asking about it.

I also told them my own story – that I was unemployed, and then underemployed, after arriving in Australia, and what that did to my confidence. Several people messaged me afterwards to thank me for putting the subject on the table.

Here is the part I keep coming back to. To prepare, I asked the PMW Level Up community for ideas and for pushback, and what came back shaped what I said. I didn't walk into that room with only my own opinion. I walked in with yours.

Thank you for that.

One last thing, and it isn't a coincidence. One of my fellow speakers that morning, Ashley Kopczynski of IFM Investors, will be joining us on the panel at PMW's 7th Anniversary: The Power We Bring on 5 November 2026. These conversations are moving closer to us. Early Bird tickets are open now.

Warm regards,
Diana Santibanez

SPOTLIGHTING | Welcome to our two wonderful interns from UTS

• Sonia Au

My name is Sonia and I am PMW's Community Engagement & Programs Intern for the next few months. I will be helping with managing PMW Level Up, organising the monthly city meet-ups and communications support. If you have any questions or concerns about the platform, please do not hesitate to let me know and I will do my best to assist you.

As a previous international student, I understand how daunting and confusing integrating into a completely new cultural landscape can be, and truly believe that community and support systems make the transition much clearer and manageable. I hope I can be at least a little bit of that help in your professional journeys during my time with PMW!

• Ainsley Smith

My name is Ainsley and I am currently PMW’s Community Engagement & Administrator Intern. For the next few months, I will be helping the PMW team with behind the scenes administrative work, as well as some exciting content-based projects.
Having spent the beginning of this year abroad, I experienced first hand the importance of connection and community when arriving in a new cultural and linguistic environment, and I hope to bring this understanding creatively to my work over the next couple of months.

 What we've been up to 

LAUNCHING | New website!

Our new website is officially LIVE, and we're a bit excited about it!

New look. New feel. Same PMW heart.

It’s been created to better reflect who PMW is today, the community we’ve grown into, and all the ways professional migrant women can connect, learn, grow and get involved.

We welcome you to have a browse through and let us know the first thing that caught your eye!

• Check out our new website

 

LEVELING | Up with Free PMW City Spaces

We are so happy to announce that we now have PMW Level Up City Spaces in all major cities including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart and Perth!

Think of these spaces as your local PMW hub. A place to connect with other migrant women in your city, hear about local opportunities and events, ask questions, share wins, and build relationships beyond a monthly meetup.

And here's our challenge to you: don't just join, say hello!

Introduce yourself. Share what you do. Ask a question. Tell us what you're working towards. Chances are there's another woman in your city looking for exactly the same kind of connection.

Our PMW Ambassadors are already there, ready to welcome you, start conversations, and help connect you with other women in your local community.

Join your city's Community Space and help us bring it to life:

• Adelaide
• Brisbane
• Melbourne
• Hobart
• Perth
• Sydney

We also welcome PMW members in our Free City Spaces to have a look at our full membership PMW Level Up Program to help boost your career in Australia. Level Up is a safe and supportive community with strong connections, providing practical tools and guidance for the Australian job market designed specially for migrant women.

• For more information, explore our Level Up membership page

 

 Upcoming training and events 

Javiera's Professional Coaching for your 2027

What if your next chapter wasn't something you figured out alone, at midnight, in a notes app?

We're launching a new porgram with executive coach Javiera Parra Álvarez - an initimate, 5-session experience for professional women ready to build their 2027 Professional Plan, alongside a small circle of women who'll actually hold each other accountable to it.

This isn't a generic goal-setting workshop. It's for women with a strong track record and a real appetite for what's next - driven, reflective, and serious about the work, without losing the joy in it. Women who's rather build this with others than work through it alone.

If you're reading this and thinking, "I want to make my 2027 intentional and grow in my professional career" then you can register your interest now by completing the EOI form, and we'll email you as soon as applications open.

• For more information

 

 What's new? 

Australia Announces Major Migration Reforms

On 17 September 2026, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced a significant overhaul of Australia's visa system, aiming to reduce net overseas migration to 245,000 this financial year and to 225,000 by 2027–28. The reforms introduce tighter rules for temporary migrants who bring family members, change visas, or extend their stay.

As part of the announcement, Burke addressed proposals – including from One Nation – to restrict skilled migrants from bringing spouses and children to Australia. He noted that around half of doctors and construction workers, and two-thirds of nurses currently in the workforce, arrived in the country together with their families, pointing to family migration as a longstanding and integrated part of the skilled workforce.

The changes come alongside ABS data showing net overseas migration was 292,100 for the year to March 2026, and have drawn mixed reactions across sectors — with some industry groups warning of workforce impacts, while the government maintains the reforms are intended to better align migration with labour market needs.

At PMW, we recognise that migration policy changes like these directly affect our members — from those navigating family visas to those building careers in Australia. As always, we encourage our community to seek up-to-date advice from a registered migration agent regarding how these changes may affect their individual circumstances, and to make their voices heard through consultation processes where relevant.

• Read more

Get Involved
Have thoughts on how this affects you or your family? Share them in our online platform, PMW Level Up.

Know someone impacted by these visa changes? Connect them with our supportive network.

 Community voices 

This section is dedicated to amplifying the work, stories, events, achievements, and opportunities coming directly from our community.

At PMW, we believe we all grow stronger when we share the spotlight. Whether you're celebrating a milestone, launching a project, hosting an event, publishing a resource, or simply have something valuable to share, we'd love to help spread the word.

Have something you'd like featured in a future edition of Thriving Us? Submit your content by the last week of each month using the link below.

• Submit your content

 

LAUGHING | Don't Screw the Kru

Kru Haralle’s hilarious debut comedy hour exploring life across countries and cultures. Through sharp observations and fast-paced storytelling, Kru turns identity crises, culture clashes and life’s screw-ups into plenty of laughs.

• Learn More

 

EXPLORING | The Return Project

Written and directed by Ala’a Al Qaisi, blends poetry, performance and visual storytelling to explore war, memory and our shared humanity. Dedicated to lives lost in Gaza, this moving theatrical experience offers a moment of reflection, healing and hope.

• Learn More

 

BEING | Breathe & Connect | A Community Wellbeing Experience | Saturday 26 September 2026

A guided breath work experience designed to create space for pause, wellbeing and community connection. Presented by Healing Noor Collective and Be, The Art of Being, the session will be held in Carlton

• Learn More

 

 Connecting with PMW 

• Level Up Your Career. Join a community of migrant women growing, connecting, and advancing together.
• Subscribing. If you have been forwarded this email from a friend, you can subscribe to our newsletter
• Contributing. Do you have recommendations, resources, or information that you think would benefit our community? Share your insights and help us create a richer, more engaging newsletter for everyone!

 

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 5.7  AUST | POMA | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds to build safe and caring communities free from violence

Every person deserves to feel safe and cared for. But the pressure to man-up is costing men their mental health, and putting the safety of women and children at risk.1 in 3 Australian men have admitted to using intimate partner violence

It’s time we move forward together.

Polished Man (POMA) backs trusted role models to shape safer communities where boys and men can show up for themselves and others with care.

From gyms to workplaces, communities everywhere are showing up to end violence against women and children. Ready to activate yours?

• Watch video (2 mins)
• Learn more about Polished Man Campaign – Ambassador-led storytelling, backed by a community joining the movement for change
• Learn more about Polished Spaces – Cultural change in male-dominated spaces led by industry leaders.
• Learn more about Polished Innovators – Grassroots innovation led by local leaders who know best how to drive change in their communities

Strong enough to care. Sign up or donate to end violence. Donations of $2 or more to Polished Man (YGAP Ltd) are tax deductible in Australia.

Together, we can build safe and caring communities free from violence.

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 5.8  AUST | RACS | UPDATING | Community News, and more | September 2026

Here's what the Refugee Advice and Casework Service (RACS) team is planning, and what we’ve been up to in the past month: 

 In The News 

Recent reports revealed Tony Burke's plan to restrict the work and appeal rights of people seeking asylum. RACS, together with 160 other community organisations, called on the Albanese government to scrap these proposed punitive measures in a joint letter.

• Read joint letter

Previously, there were conflicting reports around whether Australia’s humanitarian intake would be slashed to 13,750 and we’re relieved that the PM has committed to at least holding places steady at 20,000.

We’ve been busy behind the scenes advocating and we’ve called on our supporters to tell their local MPs how devastating these changes would be for people seeking asylum and migrants. There is still time to do so. 

• You can find your MP’s contact details.

We continue to wait on any announcements about protection reform and will keep RACS Wrap subscribers in the loop.

Meanwhile, it’s been 25 years since the Tampa incident transformed Australian politics. If you haven’t already seen it, watch all three episodes of Tampa: The Turning Point. 

• You can also read some law and policy commentary here and here.

"Five years after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan... We're also calling on the Australian government to continue providing protection for refugees from Afghanistan who are at risk of persecution, particularly women and girls, human rights defenders and persecuted minorities." – Zaki Haidari, Hazara refugee from Afghanistan, Amnesty International Refugee Campaigner and RACS Ambassador

 

 What We've Been Up To 

City2Surf

A big round of applause to our RACS Runners at the City2Surf. Thank you for wearing your "It's legal to seek asylum" t-shirts proudly and for fundraising to provide critical legal support for refugees. We are so grateful for your efforts.

Miya Miya Film Club

Big thank you also to Miya Miya Film Club, who chose to fundraise for RACS at their screening of Iranian film Hit the Road!
 

Events and Fundraising Support Officer (part-time contract)

We're looking for a highly organised person who is good with admin, logistics and people! You’ll be supporting our comms team with a range of events and community fundraising (peer-to-peer) initiatives.

The role would suit someone with a couple of years of experience in events and/or fundraising. 

• Apply here by 9am on Thursday 10 September 2026.

 

Who gets to belong? Culture, rights and a fairer Australia A conversation with Benjamin Law, Shabnam Safa OAM, Shaun Christie-David and Sarah Malik | Monday 21 September 2026 | Arrive 5.30pm for a 6.30pm start

Join Refugee Advice and Casework Service (RACS) and these wonderful speakers and humans as they explore what belonging means in Australia today, how our understanding of identity and community is shaped, and what we really mean when we talk about Australian values. 

• Where: Belvoir St Theatre 
• Considerations: Bar open from 5.30pm for a 6.30pm start.  
• DISCOUNT: Use the code RACSWRAP to get $10 off (applied to the total at the bottom) GET $10 OFF TICKETS
• Bookings: online via Eventbrite

 

National Forum – multiculturalism and migration

The 14 September episode of the ABC's National Forum program will discuss multiculturalism and migration. You might spot RACS Ambassador Hani and a couple of other RACS people in the live audience.

Trek for Refugees

This year’s event with Emu Trekkers is now fully booked, but please get in touch to be the first to hear about next year’s Trek, or if you’d like to discuss a private group hike for your workplace or friends.

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 5.9  AUST | RGA | UPDATING | Community, News & more | September 2026

RISING | A new dawn for rainbow giving in Australia

What an epic month! Rainbow Giving Australia (RGA) launched our pilot year of Rainbow Giving Circle with the first Aurora Nights in Sydney, connected the extraordinary Kevin Jennings with leaders across the region, went to Brisbane for the Philanthropy Australia Conference, brought our Amplify Pride grant partners together in person for the first time and, behind the scenes, continued momentum on our 2027 Grants, GiveOUT Day and our CEO transition.

I am still buzzing from it all. I am exhausted, absolutely thrilled, fiercely proud and more hopeful than ever about what we are building together.

Jones Jones (they/them), Acting Co-CEO

HOSTING | Kevin Jennings at Aurora Nights

“What Rainbow Giving is doing in Australia is one of the most exciting philanthropic initiatives I have ever seen” – Kevin Jennings

Earlier this month, we hosted Aurora Nights to mark the launch of the pilot year of Rainbow Giving Circle, our new community-led collective giving program. Special guest speaker Kevin Jennings, CEO of Lambda Legal (US), was so moved that he became a Founding Member of the Circle himself. If you or someone you know would like to join him and be a part of our fresh way to give to LGBTQIA+ communities, please get in touch. We’d love to welcome you.

• Learn more about the Circle

 

REFLECTING | What Kevin Jennings reminded me about hope​​​​​​: a personal reflection from Jones

“I knew Kevin’s professional story before he arrived in Sydney: a lifelong advocate, movement leader, educator and fundraiser whose work has helped shape LGBTQIA+ progress in the United States. What I could not fully anticipate was the warmth, generosity and joy he would bring to every room – and how much I would personally take from our time together.”

• Read Jones’ blog

 

CALLING | more supporters to help meet demand for 2027 Grants

This year, we received 142 expressions of interest across our 2027 Ignite Pride and Queer Futures Fund grants, reflecting both the extraordinary breadth of community-led work and the scale of unmet need. On Monday (28 September), applicants will hear whether they have progressed to the next stage.

Supporters, we need you in this with us. Our 2027 grant pool needs a top-up. More funding means more LGBTQIA+ communities supported, more bold ideas backed and more change made possible. If you are collaborative and trust-based with $5,000 to $20,000 to contribute, please contact us at info@rainbowgiving.org.au.
 

REPORTING | Sweaty Bettys at a workout

How we made Pride Month count: a look back at Sweat with Pride 2026 by Jake
This past June, 1,829 Sweaty Bettys moved for 21 minutes each day, rallied their supporters and raised over $240,000 to strengthen rainbow communities. In a new blog post, campaign lead Jake takes a look back at how we turned 30 days of Sweat into 365 days of Pride, with inspiring results.

• Read the recap

 

APPROACHING | GiveOUT Day 2026: Make an early move today

There‘s no need to wait until GiveOUT Day on 15 October. Early donations are now open for over 100 LGBTQIA+ causes, with dollar matching so eligible gifts go twice as far.

You can also register a Gathering for your favourite cause and bring people together to fundraise, or post a love note to a cause’s profile to inspire others. No matter your move, start by finding a cause that speaks to your heart.

• Find a cause

 

WELCOMING | Tasha!

Say hello to Tasha Casey (she/her), who recently joined the Rainbow Giving team as our new Marketing Coordinator. Originally from Ireland, Tasha moved to Sydney seeking adventure and community, and we’re delighted that she’s chosen to find it with us.

• Meet Tasha 

 

HIGHLIGHTING | Community

BRISBANE | BRPR | Good news: Brisbane Pride announce $94,500 in grants supporting LGBTQIA+ initiatives 

With support for regional Pride festivals and grassroots projects across Queensland, the grants will help a variety of community organisations turn their ideas into action throughout the year.

 

RELYING | On Generosity

We rely on the generosity to help us back community-led causes that change lives. Every gift strengthens the ecosystem of rainbow love, care and creativity that enriches us all.

• Donate

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 5.10  AUST | TJP | LAUNCHING | Trans Justice Project Impact Report 2025-2026

Trans Justice Project (TJP) has just released our 2025-2026 Impact Report. It tells the story of our movement from July 2025 to June 2026. 

I am honestly shocked by how much we have achieved together. 

It brings me such pride to reflect on the fierce, courageous, and determined campaigns we’ve waged together to reinstate gender-affirming care for trans youth in Queensland, protect and expand trans health care, and protect the Sex Discrimination Act from the anti-trans lobby’s attempts to weaken it.

Our movement has mobilised thousands of people to sign petitions, contact MPs, join open letters, organising local meetings, turn up to rallies, attend webinars, and, at one point, deliver a cardboard crocodile to the QLD Health Minister’s office (you’ll have to read August’s update to find out more...).

Together, we have sent a clear message to our opponents: we are organised and ready to fight for the future that we deserve. While we have experienced some heartbreaking setbacks, and are facing an increasingly hostile political environment, I know that our movement is only going to grow more powerful and more vital in the year ahead.

Whether you’ve organised an event, protested, donated, volunteered, spoken to your representatives, or simply shared our work on social media - you have been a vital part of this movement and the future that we are building together.

Read about what we’ve done, and our plans for the future, in our Impact Report.

Anti-trans lobbyists, politicians and billionaires have multimillion dollar campaigns of fear and disinformation. But we have something stronger: each other.

And together we’re gonna win a future with freedom, justice and equality for all trans and gender diverse people. 

• Read the report

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

P.S.
34 amazing people have already signed up to help us reach our goal of 50 new monthly donors before the end of September. Will you make an investment in the future we believe in by becoming a monthly donor today?

• Become a monthly donor

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 6. ANNOUNCING 

1. MELBOURNE | BLPI | STREAMING | The Tastes of Africa
2. VIC | GOV | PREPARING | For thunderstorm asthma season
3. VIC | VMC | STREAMING | Highlights from the Premier's Multicultural Gala Dinner

 

 6.1  MELBOURNE | BLPI | STREAMING | The Tastes of Africa

Tastes of Africa, a new three-part YouTube series hosted by journalist and filmmaker Santilla Chingaipe and Blacksand Pictures (BLPI), explores the food, culture and stories of Melbourne's African-Australian community. The show is created and produced by Kauthar Abdulalim of Blacksand Pictures, written and directed by Rendah Haj and edited by Kalu Oji. Kauthar, Rendah and Santilla's perspectives have been central to shaping the creative approach and tone of the series.

While the series explores food, it captures the migration, memory, belonging and the survival stories behind these dishes. African food in Australia is evolving alongside new generations and communities, and this engaging documentary series showcases this. It is free to watch on YouTube.

• Watch here (16 mins)

 

 6.2  VIC | GOV | PREPARING | For thunderstorm asthma season

Victoria’s grass pollen season begins on 1 October, bringing an increased risk of thunderstorm asthma. People with asthma or hay fever, particularly those who experience wheezing or coughing may be at increased risk. 

• Find in-language information on thunderstorm asthma

 

 6.3  VIC | VMC | STREAMING | Highlights from the Premier's Multicultural Gala Dinner

This year's theme at the Premier's Multicultural Gala Dinner, Stories of Us, celebrated the people, cultures and experiences that enrich Victoria's multicultural community.

The Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) event captured the spirit and the stories that continue to shape multicultural and multifaith communities in Victoria. Watch the video, share it with your networks and we hope to see you there next year. 

Thank you to our community partners, sponsors and attendees for your support and we look forward to working together in the future! 

• Watch Here (2 mins)

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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. Committee Training
6. Community, Connection & Belonging
7. Difability & Disability
8. Employment
9. Family & Neighbourhood Violence
10. Health, Sickness & Wellbeing
11. Kids, Youth, Parenting & Education
12. LGBTIQA+
13. Men
14. Migrant
15. Racism & Hate Speech
16. 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
• Refugee Advice and Casework Service (RACS) – a nonprofit providing trauma-informed legal help to refugees and people seeking asylum of all nationalities, religions and gender identities
• Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS) – Witness to War hotline is a confidential service available across Australia to support individuals and communities affected by overseas conflicts.
  • Service Hours: Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) | 9am–8pm (AEST/AEDT)
  • Telephone: Free Call 1800 845 198

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 7.1.4  Climate, Environment & Emergency

• Better Health – Surviving Extreme Heat In-language video
• 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
• Fired Up (36 mins) short documentary which tells the story of Australian Islamic Centre (AIC) volunteers who travelled to areas impacted by the devastating 2019-2020 bushires to provide essential supplies to communities in critical need.
• 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.
• Port Phillip Eco Centre (PPEC) –  events, educational programs and community projects.
• Practical ways to reduce household energy costs – Australian Government energy guides to help households better manage their energy use, save money and access support when needed. Available in 40 languages
• 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
• Mortgage Stress Victoria (MSV) – Australia’s only free service dedicated to helping Victorian homeowners manage their finances. The service, supported by the Victorian Government, offers expert legal, financial and social work support both in-person and remotely.
• Royal Life Saving – a handy checklist to help identify any areas of drownings concern, allowing everyone to be fully prepared when around water.
• 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
• Staying Safe During Extreme Heat by The Victorian Health Department
• Staying safe in fire season. Know your fire risk to keep you and your loved ones safe. You need to leave well before fire impacts your home and community.
• 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
• Water safety – vital for all Victorians.
• 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  Committee Training

A series of free educational volunteer training videos designed to educate and empower nonprofit organisations. 

These engaging Cardinia Shire Council resources are available thanks to the Non Profit Training and provide essential skills and knowledge, helping volunteers and committees maximise their impact and enhance their contributions to the community. 

Grant Writing

• Developing a project plan
• The budget
• Evaluations
• Acquittals
• SMART goals

Conflict of Interest

• Understanding conflict of interest
• Managing conflicts of interest
• Conflict of interest scenario - Committee contractor 
• Conflict of interest scenario - Local contractor

Financial Records and Reports

• Budgeting and using the budget effectively
• Financial record keeping
• Understanding GST
• Financial reporting

Running Successful Meetings

• Important information about your AGM
• Holding the AGM
• Meetings of the Committee
• Making decisions at meetings
• Positive Committee meetings

Contractor Management

• Before you select a contractor
• Selecting a contractor
• Contractor accountability

Managing Difficult Conversations

• Difficult conversations
• Why do difficult conversations arise
• Tips for dealing with difficult conversations
• Where to get support

Governance

• Recruiting committee members
• Committee legislative responsibilities
• Planning and implementing
• Governance and risk 
• Governance framework

Risk Management

• What is risk 
• Risk management process 
• Documenting risk
• Crisis management

For more information

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 7.1.6  Community, Connection & Belonging

• Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) – learn more about unit pricing, a simple tool to help you find the best value at the supermarket by comparing cost per 100g, 100ml, or item across different brands and sizes. For more information
• Australian GLBTIQ Multicultural Council (AGMC) – Living and Loving in Diversity: An anthology of Australian multicultural queer adventures. Read More and buy
• Australian National Anthem in more than 60 different languages by  Special Broadcasting Service (SBS). Videos, Audio and text and Multilingual text versions of the citizenship pledge.
• Australian Social Cohesion Summit Report – published results from Australian Social Cohesion Summit (ASCS) that brought together community leaders, researchers, advocates and practitioners to explore what strengthens belonging, trust and participation in Australia.
• Australian Taxation Office (ATO) – resources available to help you prepare and lodge your Australian tax return. Read more about tax time resources and if necessary choose a language other than English. ATO publications ordering serviceExternal Link – enter the publication name or NAT number (DE-20789) to download these resources. Audio guides - listen to our audio guides to learn about tax and super in your preferred language.  
• Better Boards Australasia (BBA) – free online minute-taking course
• Better practice guide for inclusive engagement published by Victorian Government (GOV)
• 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 and LGBTQA identity can coexist resources kit developed by 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.
• Multifaith Calendar 2026 – Faith Communities Council of Victoria (FCCV) has issued a calendar with major holy days and festivals for Baha'i, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism and Sikhism.
• Multifaith Calendar 2027 – Faith Communities Council of Victoria (FCCV) has issued a calendar with major holy days and festivals for Baha'i, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism and Sikhism.
• Multicultural Film Festival | 10 November 2025-9 November 2026 by Victorian Multicultural Commission(VMC) streaming on SBS On Demand   
• 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 Anti-Scam Centre (NASC) is an activity of Australian Competition and Consumer Commission(ACCC) – Australia's national competition, consumer, fair trading and product safety regulator. Read more and hear or download The Little Book of Scams a useful resource available in 18 languages. Other translated resources include posters, audio recordings, and short videos.
• 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
• Road Safety is for Everyone – keeping our roads safe is a shared responsibility across Victoria’s diverse communities. Risky driving behaviours put lives at risk and are likely to be detected anywhere, anytime and to anyone.
• 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! 
• SBS 2025 Multicultural Film Festival online via SBS On Demand
• Scanlon Foundation Research Institute's (SFRI) 2022 Mapping Social Cohesion
• Social Connection - Explore Practice Toolkits brimming with actionable strategies, tips, and guidelines to foster stronger community bonds.
• Spiritual Health Association (SHA) in partnership with Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH)  has been running The Spirituality & Diversity Discussion Project since 2019. Read More 
• Statewide Treaty Bill 2025 has been introduced into the Victorian Parliament. It is the first time in Australia's history a Treaty has been negotiated with First Peoples.
• Statement on Interfaith Responsibility in a Time of Rising Authoritarianism – Parliament of the World’s Religions calling all communities to choose courageous presence over silence, dignity over fear, and solidarity over division.
• Stream Digital Collection – Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS)'s digital collection brings the library to you – anytime, anywhere. You can even stream movies for free with your library card, with new releases added all the time.
• Towards a Global Ethic: An Initial Declaration – Parliament of the World’s Religions calling all communities to choose courageous presence over silence, dignity over fear, and solidarity over division.
• 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
• Transport Accident Commission (TAC) – Highlighting the risk associated with fatigue to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on our roads.
• 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!
• You Decide Who Decides – a Australian Guardianship and Administration Council (AGAC) guide about important things to think about before making an enduring power for financial decisions. A video about the guide is now available to watch in: Arabic, Cantonese, Filipino, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Mandarin, Nepali, Punjabi, Spanish and Vietnamese as well as English.
  

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 7.1.7  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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 7.1.8  Employment

• Apprentice Employee Assistance Program – Apprentices and employees in Victoria can access free counselling and support. Get help with work, finances or relationships.
  
• 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
• Lead the Change – a Victorian Government‑funded program by Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) designed to help leaders and decision-makers in small to medium enterprises create respectful, inclusive environments across the hospitality, retail, manufacturing and construction industries.
  
• 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 Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) – supporting employers in fostering safer, more inclusive environments with Guideline: LGBTIQA+ Inclusive Workplaces.
  
• 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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 7.1.9  Family & Neighbourhood Violence

• Domestic and family violence and your visa Department of Home Affairs web page. Learn more
• Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia (FECCA) – free online training to help you safely support those affected by family, domestic and sexual violence (FDSV), while strengthening leadership and fostering positive change in the community. 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
• Until every Victorian is safe – Victorian Government has committed in 2025 to 106 actions to help prevent and respond to family and sexual violence over the next three years

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 7.1.10  Health, Sickness & Wellbeing

• 1800MEDICARE – free national phone service, website and app providing expert health information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Ambulance Victoria (AV) deliver FREE presentations and courses on a range of topics to community groups. All presentations are presented by a qualified paramedic. We are Better Together (30 minutes), Call Push Shock (30 minutes), GoodSAM (20 minutes), Chain of Survival (45 min), Act F.A.S.T Saves Lives (45 minutes), Parents & Caregivers of Young Children (45 minutes), Heat Health (30 minutes)
• 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.
• Eating for your health – at every stage of life. Our bodies need different kinds of food as we grow older – and understanding these changes can help us stay healthy for longer.
• 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
• Measles – a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air and can cause severe illness, especially in babies, young children, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems. For more information, visit Better Health Channel – Measles, call 1300 651 160
• Medicare Mental Health offers free, confidential support for everyone in Australia. This includes people who speak a language other than English.  Access resources about Medicare Mental Health services in a range of languages. Learn more about Medicare Mental Health or call 1800 595 212. Find out more about support for people from multicultural backgrounds  
• 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.
• Stop kidding yourself. If you drink, don’t drive – a Transport Accident Commission (TAC) campaign, which aims to shift safe driving behaviour away from the 0.05 BAC reference point and towards complete separation of drinking and driving. Translated resources available for culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
• 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) – 'Community Engagement with Purpose' resource.
• Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH) – Introduction to Community Engagement in Mental Health. Available on our new, redesigned Learning Hub
• 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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 7.1.11  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.
• Teachers are the foundation of Victoria’s future, and as classrooms across the state become more diverse, there is a growing need for passionate teachers who reflect the communities they serve.
• Under 16 social media ban – A new nation-wide law by The Australian Government (GOV) requires social media users to be 16 or older.
• Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) online community VMConnect is home to a dedicated Group for multicultural young people living in Victoria
• What's On Youth (WOY) helps organisations, councils and schools get their opportunities (event, job, grant, program or wellbeing service) in front of young Victorians across the state – for free. List your opportunity.
  
• 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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 7.1.12  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.
• Equality Project – training and conferences
• Faith and LGBTQA identity can coexist resources kit developed Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC).
• Fitted for Work (FfW) – job-readiness services provider for Women and Gender-Diverse Jobseekers with practical skills, knowledge, and connection, so that they can move forward with confidence in their careers.
• 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
• Transitional justice and historical repair for LGBTQIA+ communities in Victoria – a landmark research initiative by RMIT in partnership with community, legal and government stakeholders. Exploring practical pathways for truth-telling, historical redress and institutional reform for LGBTQIA+ Victorians, and contribute to a growing national conversation.
• 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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 7.1.13  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.
• When No One’s Watching (WNOW) – not-for-profit organisation working to improve men’s health through connection, mateship and community. Learn More in City of Port Phillip

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 7.1.14  Migrant

• 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)​​​
• The 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. Eligibility Requirements and Free Translating Service or by calling 1300 847 387
• 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

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 7.1.15  Racism & Hate Speech

• Australian Government – Addressing Hate in Our Communities. Everyone deserves to live free from hate and discrimination. Learn more and access reporting links
• Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) – campaigning 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.
• Combatting Islamophobia – a resource guide and active bystander toolkit resources to help Victorians identify, respond to, and report Islamophobia.
• 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
• Educate 10,000 – an invitation by Jewish Community Council of Victoria to learn, to listen, and to better understand the lived experiences of Jewish Australians. Make a pledge today.
• 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.
• Messaging Guide to Counter Far-Right Narratives – Australian Progress (AUPR) has released a practical framework to pick your own fight, build belonging around shared values, and show what’s at stake in opposition policies. Produced with Anat Shenker-Osorio of ASO Communications (ASOC)
• National Justice Project (NJP) – Hear Me Out, free online tool, AI-powered complaint platform in Australia, direct-to-consumer, generative AI-powered, legal self-help tools.
• 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
• Set The Standard – a campaign to prevent and reduce racism in community sport through practical, everyday actions.
  
• 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.
• Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 2010 in April 2026 extended protections for more people who experience hate speech and hateful behaviour because of parts of their identity. Watch the short explainer video (4 mins) | make a complaint or report vilification | seek professional support through the services directory at Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC).

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 7.1.16  Women

• Fitted for Work (FfW) – job-readiness services provider for Women and Gender-Diverse Jobseekers with practical skills, knowledge, and connection, so that they can move forward with confidence in their careers.
• Free Pads & Tampons in Public Places Victorian Government program. 
• 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.
• 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.
• 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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