NAVIGATION

NAVIGATION

Showing posts with label International. Show all posts
Showing posts with label International. Show all posts

VIC | VMC | UPDATING | Community, News and Information | Wednesday 26 August 2026

[Edited extract from public address]

It was wonderful to see so many of you at the Premier’s Multicultural Gala Dinner over the weekend. 

This year’s theme, Stories of Us, was a fitting celebration of the people, cultures and experiences that together tell the story of multicultural Victoria. I particularly valued the many conversations I had throughout the evening and look forward to continuing those conversations as I get out and about across our communities.

Those conversations are particularly important as we look to the future of multicultural Victoria. The Multicultural Victoria Amendment Bill is currently progressing through Parliament and, subject to its passage, will establish Multicultural Victoria. This represents an important opportunity to strengthen how government listens to and works alongside multicultural and multifaith communities, and I look forward to keeping you updated as this work progresses.

Having our voices heard also means making sure our communities are counted. There is still time to complete the 2026 Census, and I encourage anyone who has not yet done so to take part. Every response helps build a clearer picture of who we are and the communities that make up Australia. You can complete the Census online, on paper or with assistance. 

Finally, there are two current funding opportunities I encourage community organisations to explore. The Local Anti Racism Initiatives Grants Program provides grants of up to $40,000 for community led responses to racism, with applications closing at midday on 27 August. The Multicultural Festivals and Events Program is also open, supporting multicultural communities to celebrate and share culture through festivals and events, with applications closing on 31 August.

I look forward to continuing to meet many more of you, hearing your stories and learning about the work happening across communities throughout Victoria.

Warm regards,
Louise Perry, Chairperson

 

 News and events 

VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Local Anti-Racism Initiatives (LARI) grant program | applications close midday Thursday 27 August 2026

Forming a part of Victoria’s Anti-Racism Strategy, the program offers community organisations grants of up to $40,000 to deliver anti-racism programs.

The funding will support First Peoples, multicultural and multifaith organisations to deliver tailored programs and activities that meet the needs of their local communities. While eliminating racism in Victoria is everyone’s responsibility, First Peoples, multicultural and multifaith communities have the expertise, lived experience and specialised knowledge to effectively deliver community-driven responses to racism.

VIC | GOV | GRANTING | 2026-27 Multicultural Festivals and Events (MFE) and Regional Multicultural Festivals and Events Fund (RMFEF) grant programs – Round 2 | applications close 31 August 2026

Organisations can apply for up to $50,000 to host festivals and events that celebrate Victoria’s cultural diversity. Funding is available in small, medium or large streams.  

This program aims to connect communities by making it easier for Victorians from multicultural and multifaith backgrounds to come together and celebrate their heritage and traditions.

VIC | GOV | GRANTING | 20% off vehicle registration | until 31 August 2026

The Victorian Government’s 20% off vehicle registration rebate has been extended.

If you live in Victoria and own a vehicle, you can get 20% back on your vehicle registration for the 2025-26 financial year. You could receive up to $186 per vehicle.

To apply for the rebate, you must have a Service Victoria account and apply online through Service Victoria. If you do not have a Service Victoria account, you can create one now through the Service Victoria app or website.

VIC | TRVI | OFFERING | Half price for everyone until 1 January 2027 and contactless travel

Public transport in Victoria is half price. Half price fares apply automatically to all public transport services statewide and to all passengers, including concession holders.

Transport Victoria (TRVI) has also rolled out contactless payment across trams and train stations where myki is accepted, 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.
 

AUST | MYA | CALLING | Nominees for 2026 Multicultural Youth Awards | nominations close 31 August 2026

Nominations are open for the 2026 Multicultural Youth Awards (MYA), a national celebration of the leadership, creativity and resilience of multicultural youth aged 16–25 across Australia. 

With 13 exciting award categories, MYA recognises young people driving change in education, community leadership, arts, entrepreneurship, advocacy, and more. 

AUST | SCFO | GRANTING | Community Grant Round 2026 | applications close Friday 28 August 2026

These Scanlon Foundation  (SCFO) community grans will provide up to $50,000 per year, for two years, for projects that foster connections and strengthen communities by engaging local businesses with potential employees living in their area.

MORE:

Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)
Address: Level 6, 121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

VMC acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country and pay our respect to them, their culture and their Elders past and present.

AUST | NJP | UPDATING | Community News | August 2026

[Edited extract from public address]
Content Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised the following includes the names of First Nations people who have passed away. This email also includes distressing content.

 News and Updates 

Kumanjayi White’s family learn police chose not to prosecute officers over his death

More than a year after Kumanjayi White died in police custody, his family has learned that police chose not to prosecute the officers involved. The family are now left with even more questions about what happened and why the decision was made.

Major changes to mental health crisis response

NSW has announced a major new approach for people experiencing mental health distress. While the government says the  $270 million investment will provide better support, we still have questions about what this will mean for people in crisis.

What happens after Yoorrook Justice Commission?

Victoria’s truth-telling commission, Yoorrook, heard from First Nations people about their experiences of injustice. But what happens now? A new project looks at what it will take to turn Yoorrook’s recommendations into action.

One legal case can change the future

A legal case can deliver justice while changing the future for everyone who comes after. Our UTS Clinic students are exploring powerful cases where legal action has changed government policy, held institutions accountable and helped prevent the same injustice from happening again.

Holding police power to account

Between 2017 and 2022, 43% of critical incidents involving NSW Police happened during a mental health crisis. People in crisis need support, not force. The Alternative First Responders campaign is calling for a NSW Human Rights Bill to prevent harm and hold governments accountable.

Your complaint needs careful guidance, not guesswork.

Hear Me Out is a project brought to you by the National Justice Project and is available to users making New South Wales, Victorian or federal-based complaints.

 Events 

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.

 In the Media 


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National Justice Project (NJP)
Address: PO Box 123, Broadway NSW 2007
Tel: +61 2 9514 4440

We acknowledge that we live and work on the lands of First Nations Peoples, and we pay our respects to their Elders past and present. Our Sydney office is located on the lands of the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation, whose sovereignty was never ceded. This land always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land.

WORLD | PWR | UPDATING | Community with News, Information and more | August 2026

[Edited extract from public address]

OBSERVING | In Memoriam

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Rev. Dr. John T. Pawlikowski, OSM and S. Kuldeep Singh. Both were former Trustees for the Parliament of the World’s Religions and they both made an incredible impact during their lives. We grieve these great losses and extend our condolences to their family and friends. Please click the links above to read more about them.

CELEBRATING | 2023 Anniversary

Three years ago this week, more than 8,000 people representing over 200 faith traditions responded to a call to conscience and gathered in Chicago for the 2023 Parliament of the World’s Religions. These people brought diverse experiences and perspectives and engaged with spiritual and political leaders from around the world. They also celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Parliament’s foundational document, “Towards A Global Ethic.” Re-live the 2023 Parliament on our YouTube channel.

MEETING | Monthly Prayers

Current and former members of the Board of Trustees gather each month to share prayers and reflections that are timely and necessary.

Recent themes include: mothers, the environment, hope, and interfaith awareness.
 

ANNOUNCING | Upcoming Event

  • Sacred Guidance for a Planet in Crisis: A Call to Justice, Compassion, and Hope | Thursday 3 September 2026 | 2pm Central US / 5am Friday 4 September 2026 Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST). Register
 

LAUNCHING | Trustees Corner

We are excited to announce the launch of Trustees Corner, a blog with posts written by current members of the Parliament of the World's Religions Board of Trustees. Look for new Trustees Corner posts in every newsletter.

In a fractured world, the work of interreligious engagement is not only about dialogue, representation, or public witness. It is also about formation: the shaping of attention, habits, relationships, and institutional norms that teach people what to expect from one another and what to believe about human dignity.

One way I have come to understand this work is through the language of beauty, an area I am writing about professionally this year. By beauty, I do not mean ornament, sentiment, or aesthetic preference. I mean something closer to a moral and spiritual condition: those patterns of life in whose presence human beings become more alive, more recognizable to one another, and more capable of inhabiting a shared world.
I still remember the extraordinary enthusiasm when the 2015 Parliament of the World’s Religions ratified the Declaration for the Dignity and Human Rights of Women. The world’s religions spoke with one voice, affirming that “being treated justly and with respect should not depend on whether one is male or female.” We recognized that “we are all interconnected and interdependent and when half the human race suffers, we all suffer.” And we called upon the world’s religions to honor and uphold the dignity and human rights of women and girls.


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Parliament of the World's Religions (PWR)
Address: 70 East Lake St., Suite 230 Chicago, IL 60601 USA
Tel: (312) 629-2990

The Parliament of the World's Religions (PWR) acknowledges it is situated on the traditional homelands of the Bodéwadmik (Potawatomi), Hoocąk (Winnebago/Ho’Chunk), Jiwere (Otoe), Nutachi (Missouria), and Baxoje (Iowas); Kiash Matchitiwuk (Menominee); Meshkwahkîha (Meskwaki); Asâkîwaki (Sauk); Myaamiaki (Miami), Waayaahtanwaki (Wea), and Peeyankihšiaki (Piankashaw); Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo); Inoka (Illini Confederacy); Anishinaabeg (Ojibwe), and Odawak (Odawa).

PWR recognizes the region we now call Chicago remains home to a diversity of Indigenous peoples today and this land upon which we walk, live, and play continues to be Indigenous land.

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

[Edited extract from public address]

Join us 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.
 
Early Bird Pricing extended till August 10th, BOOK NOW!
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)
  
Early Bird Tickets until Monday 10 August 2026
    • Waged: $120
    • Concession/Unwaged/Students: $80
    • Children under 18 attend free. 
Prices From Tuesday 11 August 2026
    • Waged: $140
    • Concession/Unwaged/Students: $95
    • Children under 18 attend free. 
  • Bookings: online via Trybooking

MORE:

Australian Earth Laws Alliance (AELA)

The Australian Earth Laws Alliance acknowledges that the sovereignty of the First Nations People of the continent now known as Australia was never ceded by treaty nor in any other way. AELA acknowledges and respects First Nations Peoples’ laws and ecologically sustainable custodianship of Australia over tens of thousands of years through land and sea management practices that continue today.

VIC | VMC | UPDATING | Community, News and Information | Wednesday 12 August 2026

[Edited extract from public address]

The Hon. Ben Carroll MP, Premier of Victoria announced the appointment of Hon. Paul Edbrooke MP as the new Minister for Multicultural Affairs, taking over from Ingrid Stitt MP last week. 

On behalf of the VMC, I would like to welcome Minister Edbrooke to this critically important portfolio. With experience as a firefighter and teacher, Minister Edbrooke previously held the portfolios for Consumer Affairs, Cost of Living, Renters and Men and Boys and before that was parliamentary secretary to the Treasurer and Minister for Mental Health. 

I thank Ingrid Stitt MP for her tireless work as Minister for Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria since October 2023 and for all she has achieved for multicultural communities. I wish her all the best as Minister under her revised portfolios.
Recently, I spoke at an information session delivered by the VMC in partnership with Mortgage Stress Victoria. One of the most significant concerns we hear from communities across Victoria is about cost-of-living pressures and affordable housing. For many migrants and refugees, owning a home represents security, stability and hope for the future. But for many, the dream of owning a home turns into heavy mortgage stress. Last week’s information session emphasised that help is available for those in need and that issues can be tackled before problems become crises. 
If you've been following passage of the Multicultural Victoria Amendment Bill 2026, you can read the second reading speech and stay updated on its passage through Parliament here. The Bill seeks to establish a new entity, Multicultural Victoria, to bring together what we hear in communities with the development of policies and programs across government. I hope to provide further updates on the Bill in a subsequent newsletter.

Lastly, we’re pleased to announce that a very limited number of tickets have become available for the upcoming Premier's Multicultural Gala Dinner. These last minute tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a maximum of two tickets per person. If you were hoping to attend, this is a final opportunity to secure your place. Book your tickets online via Humanitix.

Warm regards,
Louise Perry, Chairperson

 

 News and events 

VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Local Anti-Racism Initiatives (LARI) grant program | apply now, closes 27 August 2026

Forming a part of Victoria’s Anti-Racism Strategy, the program offers community organisations grants of up to $40,000 to deliver anti-racism programs.

The Victorian Government has launched the next round of the LARI grant program.

The funding will support First Peoples, multicultural and multifaith organisations to deliver tailored programs and activities that meet the needs of their local communities. While eliminating racism in Victoria is everyone’s responsibility, First Peoples, multicultural and multifaith communities have the expertise, lived experience and specialised knowledge to effectively deliver community-driven responses to racism.

VIC | GOV | GRANTING | 2026-27 Multicultural Festivals and Events grant programs | apply now, closes 31 August 2026

Applications are open for Round 2 of the 2026-27 Multicultural Festivals and Events (MFE) and Regional Multicultural Festivals and Events Fund (RMFEF) grant programs.

Organisations can apply for up to $50,000 to host festivals and events that celebrate Victoria’s cultural diversity. Funding is available in small, medium or large streams.  

This program aims to connect communities by making it easier for Victorians from multicultural and multifaith backgrounds to come together and celebrate their heritage and traditions.

VIC | GOV | OFFERING | 20% off your vehicle registration | closes 31 August 2026

The Victorian Government’s 20% off vehicle registration rebate has been extended until 31 August 2026. 

If you live in Victoria and own a vehicle, you can get 20% back on your vehicle registration for the 2025-26 financial year. You could receive up to $186 per vehicle.

To apply for the rebate, you must have a Service Victoria account and apply online through Service Victoria. If you do not have a Service Victoria account, you can create one now through the Service Victoria app or website: service.vic.gov.au/account

If needed, help is available applying for the rebate, including translated resources, an easy read English guide, and posters or fact sheets.
 

VIC | GOV | OFFERING | Half price and contactless travel

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.

Transport Victoria has also rolled out contactless payment across trams and train stations where myki is accepted, 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.

AUST | MYA | CALLING | Nominees for 2026 Multicultural Youth Awards | nominations close 31 August 2026

Nominations are open for the 2026 Multicultural Youth Awards (MYA), a national celebration of the leadership, creativity and resilience of multicultural youth aged 16–25 across Australia. 

With 13 exciting award categories, MYA recognises young people driving change in education, community leadership, arts, entrepreneurship, advocacy, and more. 
 

AUST | SCFO | GRANTING | 2026 Community Grant Round | applications close Friday 28 August 2026

These Scanlon Foundation (SCFO) community grans will provide up to $50,000 per year, for two years, for projects that foster connections and strengthen communities by engaging local businesses with potential employees living in their area.

MORE:

Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)
Address: Level 6, 121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

VMC acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country and pay our respect to them, their culture and their Elders past and present.

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

[Edited extract from public address]

Wikipedia only exists because donors make it exist. It’s a beautiful example of what’s possible when millions work towards a common goal, despite their differences.

My name is Bernadette Meehan and I’m CEO of the Wikimedia Foundation. Thank you. Donors' generosity keeps Wikipedia strong, benefiting people all around the world.

I am truly inspired by the fact that volunteers from around the world, from all backgrounds and nationalities, choose to help us build this global encyclopedia each day. Wikipedia is now available in 326 languages and receives 5.67 edits every second!

Beyond the statistics, every edit and article reflects a human story of dedication, passion, and generosity—just like yours. Donations will help us ensure that Wikipedia can continue to grow and unite people in their pursuit of knowledge. It will help us make sure our technology remains at the highest standard to meet the needs of every reader or volunteer – whether that’s by developing new online tools or supporting Wikipedia in different languages so more people can create and access knowledge in their mother tongue.

What does donations do?
  • Sustains and improves the technology that runs Wikipedia and the other Wikimedia knowledge projects.
  • Empowers the 265,000+ volunteers, organizations, and groups who share their knowledge with the world.
  • Advances our global mission of sharing knowledge with everyone, everywhere.
Thank you again for helping us build a world where people everywhere have access to free and fair information. We couldn’t do this without you.

With gratitude,
Bernadette Meehan, Chief Executive Officer

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Wikimedia Foundation

Wikipedia is hosted by the Wikimedia Foundation, a non-profit organization that also hosts a range of other projects.

AUST | THCO | UPDATING | Awareness, Funds and Support for independent media and more | August 2026

[Edited extract from public address]

Our mission at The Conversation is simple, so simple it can be easy to miss the scale of our ambition. 

We exist to unlock the knowledge of academic experts and make that knowledge freely available to anyone who wants to access it. That’s what we do every day when we contact academics and ask them to write articles on issues in the news. That’s what our editors do when they take a technically sophisticated journal article and rewrite it into plain English.

Those are the simple tasks of our daily work, but the ambition behind them is huge. It is nothing less than to save the world from the disastrous fracturing of trust that comes with misinformation and disinformation disseminated on an industrial scale. 

In the age of AI, this could not be more important. As The New York Times publisher A.G. Sulzberger pointed out in a recent speech, AI companies are consolidating their control of our data and our attention. “At the same time they are failing to embrace a core responsibility that comes with this power – to ensure that the public has access to trustworthy news and information.”

The key word here is trust. Without trusted sources, news becomes a choose-your-own-adventure. Without trust, all the wisdom and knowledge that we have accumulated over centuries of science and civilisation comes to naught, drowned out by yesterday’s misleading meme or tweet or bleat.

That’s why we value hearing how our articles are trusted by you and many in our community. Our authors tell us how their published articles have led to conversations with schools, informed local governments and NGO’s. We see their work amplified through media interviews and republished in industry publications.
These may seem like small contributions, but at a time when trust is increasingly fragile, every informed conversation, every evidence-based decision is a step towards a more cohesive society and a healthier democracy. And that’s a grand ambition worth pursuing.

P.S Over the next few months editors of The Conversation will be attending events all over the country. If you can join us at one of these events, please come and say hello!
  
Preferred source on Google
 

 Upcoming Events 

ADELAIDE | TALKING | Democracy Innovation Week | Tuesday 18 August 2026 | 5-6pm

Walking the Talk on Democracy - Panel 1 How should we talk about Democracy
Misha Ketchell, Editor, The Conversation with Josh Lerner and Nsyra Khanna

BYRON BAY | TALKING | Bryon Writers Festival

Political Animals | Saturday 15 August 2026 | 9-10am
Misha Ketchell, Editor, The Conversation with Bob Carr, Amy Remeikis, Debbie Whitmont

Cultural Touchstones | Saturday 15 August 2026 | 3-4pm
Suzy Freeman-Greene, Books & Ideas Editor, The Conversation with Rafaeil Frumkin, Kári Gíslason, Julie Janson

BRISBANE | TALKING | Brisbane Writers Festival | Thursday 8 October 2026 | 4.30-5.30pm

Dr Norman Swan: The Brain Cliff

Liz Minchin, Executive Editor & Business Editor, The Conversation in conversation with Dr Norman Swan
 

AUST | TRANSITIONING | From Reader to Supporter

"After I first read and enjoyed The Conversation I realised the value of such informed and trustworthy communication. And, it was for free! I felt that if I donated a small amount it would not only help in some small way but signal the value of The Conversation to me and perhaps encourage you in the endeavour. " – Monthly donor, Martyn H

SHARING | Stories of Impact

The Conversation's mission is to amplify the work of academics so it can inform better decisions that affect our everyday lives. So it's encouraging to hear that more than 60% of our expert authors are contacted after publication - for interviews, policy advice, collaboration or public engagement. 
Please take a look at our latest Impact Report to discover some of the ways these conversations lead to real-world impact. 
 

ANNOUNCING | Some exciting news from us

The Mumbrella Publish Awards celebrate the best work in consumer, B2B and custom publishing across print and digital and we're delighted to be shortlisted in four categories!

Misha Ketchell has been shortlisted for Editor-in-chief and CEO Lisa Watts for Publish Leader of the Year.  And we're nominated twice for the Award for Innovation (Editorial):  for our unique model that pairs professional journalists with academics to produce evidence-based articles that help inform decision-making, and the other for our interactive story ‘How boys get sucked into the manosphere’.

Support from our donors gives us the capacity to invest in ambitious storytelling like this. Thank you for helping make this work possible.

Thank you to Friends of The Conversation.
 
With warm wishes,
Misha Ketchell, Editor
 

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The Conversation Australia (THCO)
Address: Tenancy B, Level 5, 700 Swanston Street, Carlton Vic 3053

We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia and Māori as tangata whenua in Aotearoa New Zealand.

AUST | NJP | UPDATING | Community News | August 2026

[Edited extract from public address]

When policing causes harm, what needs to change?  

Videos of police violence, stories of misconduct and growing calls for accountability have once again forced a national conversation about policing and public trust.

But alongside questions about what happens when policing causes harm, communities across Australia are asking something much bigger: what does genuine public safety look like?

For many people, safety means more than enforcement. It involves access to housing, healthcare, community support, youth services and systems that respond to harm without causing further harm.

In this edition of the Justice Journal, we explore both sides of that conversation. We look at the reforms needed to strengthen police accountability, and we hear from people working to build community-led approaches to safety.
 

Prioritising care over force

We work alongside people, families and communities seeking answers and accountability after harmful interactions with police. We’ve seen the lasting impact these experiences can have when the systems meant to keep people safe instead cause harm.

That's why we've contributed to the NSW Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) review, calling for stronger oversight, greater transparency and more effective accountability.

Accountability matters, but it's only part of the picture. Building safer communities also means investing in approaches that prevent harm before it happens and make sure people get the support they need when they need it.
 

Communities leading the way: Beyond Survival Project

Every day, community organisations are already doing the work and supporting people across Australia who have been failed by the system.

At our Alternative First Responders’ recent Action Webinar: VIC Elections 2026, Lauren Caulfield from the Beyond Survival Project spoke about the project's work supporting people who have experienced family violence policing harms through legal assistance, family violence support and community advocacy.

Lauren also shared findings from the Harm in the Name of Safety, a report based on a survey of more than 270 family violence workers across Victoria. The report highlights widespread concerns about policing responses to family violence and reinforces the need for greater investment in community-led responses that keep people safe.

Watch the full webinar to hear Lauren and other advocates discuss the community-led solutions already making a difference across Victoria.
"We are calling for a redistribution of resources to frontline and family violence services, to build and strengthen community pathways, and for funding for an Alternative First Responders pilot in Victoria." – Lauren Caulfield, Beyond Survival Project
 

In conversation with... the Alternative First Responders team

As communities question whether police should be the default response to every crisis, the Alternative First Responders campaign is calling for community-led, health-focused alternatives that prioritise care over force.

What gives this movement its momentum?
People are wanting to grow the conversation. This isn’t just about personal opinions. This is common sense approaches and policy and people can see that. The deep desire people have to have those in their communities responded to with care and dignity gives me hope that this will become the status quo for what shapes policy investment.
Jacinta Wright, Policy & Projects Officer

Why are more people questioning policing as the default response?
The growing use of force by police is institutional, cultural and strengthened by a growing ‘tough on crime’ policy agenda. We are not experiencing a rise in crime across the country. We are experiencing a safety net crisis where people are being allowed to fall through widening cracks. While social, community and health supports remain underfunded, governments continue to invest in policing as the primary response. More people are questioning this approach because they're seeing its impacts firsthand.
Chloe Fragos, Project Lead

What gives you hope as you work towards alternatives to policing?
Seeing people come together to drive change, and the immense efforts that are in action and happening on the ground. There's so much love in this space, and there's a lot of grit too. I am constantly in awe of organisations and individuals who fiercely embody the principles of alternative first responders, who have done so for a very long time and who we continue to rally alongside in the call for dignity and care in the first response. The people united will never be defeated.
Zoe Edema, Campaign Content & Advocate
 

How to take action

  • Join hundreds of people who are calling for care, not force by signing the Alternative First Responders pledge. Sign
  • Download the Kitchen Table Conversation Toolkit and start meaningful conversations about community safety. Read
  • Tell your local MP why community-led, health-focused crisis responses matter using our ready-made templates. Write
 
Kind Regards,
The National Justice Project Team

MORE:

National Justice Project (NJP)
Address: PO Box 123, Broadway NSW 2007
Tel: +61 2 9514 4440

We acknowledge that we live and work on the lands of First Nations Peoples, and we pay our respects to their Elders past and present. Our Sydney office is located on the lands of the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation, whose sovereignty was never ceded. This land always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land.

VIC | VCCI | HELPING | Create safer, more respectful workplaces – Lead the Change Program

[Edited extract from public address]

Lead the Change is a Victorian Government‑funded program designed to help leaders and decision-makers in small to medium enterprises create respectful, inclusive environments across the hospitality, retail, manufacturing and construction industries.

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) program provides practical tools, training and expert support to prevent gender‑based violence, meet legal obligations and build inclusive, positive workplace cultures. Sessions are free and delivered across metro, suburban and regional Victoria from February 2026 to May 2027.

MORE:

Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) 

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry acknowledges that the land we live, work, learn and support business on is the land of the Traditional Custodians, collectively the Indigenous Communities of Victoria. We pay our respects to ancestors and elders, past, present and future and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

VIC | WOY | CONNECTING | What's on Youth

[Edited extract from public address]

Got an event, job, grant, program or wellbeing service for young people? 

What's On Youth (WOY) helps organisations, councils and schools get their opportunities in front of young Victorians across the state – for free.

What's On Youth is a Victorian-built platform, developed with support from the Victorian Government, to help young people discover opportunities,

MORE:

What's On Youth (WOY)

AUST | OSECI | HEARING | Your say: from Australian Muslims

[Edited extract from public address]

Launching the Australian Muslim Poll, collecting the diverse experiences, perspectives and wellbeing of Muslims across Australia.

A national initiative delivered by Australia's Office of the Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia (OSECI) in partnership with Deakin University.

The Australian Muslim Poll is Australia’s first nationally representative, annual study of its kind. It will build a robust evidence base to better understand Muslim communities and inform policy, community programs and public discourse with high-quality, data-driven insights.

The Australian Muslim Poll will run across 2026–2027, with the first findings expected in September 2027, to be shared through reports, events and briefings.

MORE:

Office of the Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia (OSECI)

The Office of the Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia (OSECI) acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their cultures and to their Elders past and present.

AUST | TAFESA | OFFERING | Online Diploma of Interpreting with TAFE South Australia

[Edited extract from public address]

Opening soon are applications for TAFE South Australia's Diploma of Interpreting 2027 and the Interpreting and Translating Skill Sets 2027

Delivered online and open to students across Australia, this 12 months Part Time course will provide you with the opportunity to learn the necessary skills to effectively interpret in a range of settings.

MORE:

TAFE South Australia (TAFESA)

We acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which TAFE SA stands.

VIC | VMC | UPDATING | Community, News and Information | Wednesday 29 July 2026

[Edited extract from public address]

Positive Change Ahead for our Communities

It is a privilege to write to you for the first time as Chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission.

I am honoured to have the opportunity to serve our multicultural and multifaith communities. I look forward to meeting many of you over the months ahead, listening to your experiences and learning from the people and organisations who contribute so much to our state every day.

This is an exciting time for multicultural Victoria.

This week, the Bill to amend the Multicultural Victoria Act was introduced into the Victorian Parliament. The Bill seeks to establish Multicultural Victoria, creating opportunities to strengthen the way government listens to, engages with and supports multicultural and multifaith communities. I look forward to helping build an organisation that reflects the aspirations and diversity of the communities we serve, prioritising a recalibrated and coordinated approach that promotes cohesion, equity and inclusion though legislation, policies, programs and partnerships. 
As part of this transition, applications are now open for a range of leadership opportunities, including membership of the new Multicultural Community Advisory Group. This is a unique opportunity for community leaders to contribute their experience, insights and perspectives, helping ensure community voices remain central to the future direction of Multicultural Victoria. I encourage anyone with the passion and commitment for shaping Victoria's multicultural future to consider applying. 
As we begin this journey, I look forward to getting out into communities across Victoria, meeting many of you in person and learning more about your work, your aspirations and the issues that matter most to you. Together, we can continue building a Victoria where every community feels heard, valued and connected.

Warm regards,
Louise Perry, Chairperson

 

 News and events 

AUST | ABS | COUNTING | Australia's next census | Tuesday 11 August

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census is a snapshot of the country and tells the story of how we are changing. 

Census data is used to shape services people use every day. It helps us understand what Australia needs now, and in the future. That’s why it’s important that everyone in Australia takes part.

VIC | WOY | SUPPORTING | What's on Youth

Got an event, job, grant, program or wellbeing service for young people? What's On Youth (WOY) helps organisations, councils and schools get their opportunities in front of young Victorians across the state – for free.

What's On Youth is a Victorian-built platform, developed with support from the Victorian Government, to help young people discover opportunities,
 

AUST | OSECI | HEARING | Your say: from Australian Muslims

Australia's Office of the Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia (OSECI) has launched the Australian Muslim Poll, a national initiative delivered in partnership with Deakin University that will capture the diverse experiences, perspectives and wellbeing of Muslims across Australia.

The Australian Muslim Poll is Australia’s first nationally representative, annual study of its kind. It will build a robust evidence base to better understand Muslim communities and inform policy, community programs and public discourse with high-quality, data-driven insights.

The Australian Muslim Poll will run across 2026–2027, with the first findings expected in September 2027, to be shared through reports, events and briefings.

VIC | TRVI | OFFERING | Half price and contactless travel

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.
 

VIC | VCCI | HELPING | Create safer, more respectful workplaces – Lead the Change Program

Lead the Change is a Victorian Government‑funded program designed to help leaders and decision-makers in small to medium enterprises create respectful, inclusive environments across the hospitality, retail, manufacturing and construction industries.

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) program provides practical tools, training and expert support to prevent gender‑based violence, meet legal obligations and build inclusive, positive workplace cultures. Sessions are free and delivered across metro, suburban and regional Victoria from February 2026 to May 2027.

AUST | SCFO | GRANTING | The Scanlon Foundation's Annual Community Grant Round 2026 | now open, closing Friday 28 August 2026

The Scanlon Foundation (SCFO) Employment Pathways category will provide up to $50,000 per project/per annum for 2 years. Targeted to long-term unemployed/underemployed adults from all migrant and multicultural backgrounds, the grants will continue to support proposals from regional and rural communities or organisations supporting migrant and multicultural communities in regional areas.
 

AUST | TAFESA | OFFERING | Online Diploma of Interpreting with TAFE South Australia

Applications for TAFE South Australia's Diploma of Interpreting 2027 and the Interpreting and Translating Skill Sets 2027 open soon. Delivered online and open to students across Australia, this 12 months Part Time course will provide you with the opportunity to learn the necessary skills to effectively interpret in a range of settings.

MORE:

Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)
Address: Level 6, 121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

VMC acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country and pay our respect to them, their culture and their Elders past and present.

AUST | NJP | UPDATING | Community News | July 2026

[Edited extract from public address]
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 July issue of the Justice Brief.

 News and Updates 

TAKING | Strategic Legal Action – speaking out leads to lasting change

One family's decision to speak out has led to change across the Australian Electoral Commission. Barkindji Koori man Murray Benton and his family lodged the complaint following traumatic experiences at a polling booth during the 2023 Voice Referendum. The AEC has now introduced major reforms to improve the experience of First Nations peoples engaging with the Australian electoral system.
 

EXPOSING | Powerful evidence ongoing racism in Australia through Public Inquiry

Powerful evidence of racism, hate and violence targeting First Nations people has been shared through a Parliamentary Inquiry. Together with Call It Out, in partnership with Jumbunna Research, and the Alternative First Responders Campaign, we've called for urgent change.

REPORTING | Appeal – Thank you to supporters this End of Financial Year

Because of generous supporters, we raised more than $205,000 to help protect children experiencing harm in Australia. Support helps us to stand alongside our clients, advocate for change and work towards a future where every child feels supported and cared for.

NAIDOC – Celebrating trailblazers this NAIDOC week

This NAIDOC Week, we celebrated the First Nations trailblazers who have shaped Australia's future and whose achievements continue to inspire communities. Through their courage and leadership, they have paved the way for future generations. Meet some of the trailblazers leading change like Chair of the Board Larissa Behrendt.

IMPACTING | Community – Having a mental health crisis is not a crime


The Alternative First Responders team stood alongside BEING - the peak body for mental health consumers in NSW, as well as families, advocates and community organisations to honour lives lost following police responses to mental health crises. Find out why we're calling for greater investment in community-led alternatives.
 

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.

HIGHLIGHTING | In the Media


SUPPORTING | Social Justice

The National Justice Project is funded by donors committed to the fight for social justice. 

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

Kind Regards,
The National Justice Project Team


MORE:

National Justice Project (NJP)
Address: PO Box 123, Broadway NSW 2007
Tel: +61 2 9514 4440

We acknowledge that we live and work on the lands of First Nations Peoples, and we pay our respects to their Elders past and present. Our Sydney office is located on the lands of the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation, whose sovereignty was never ceded. This land always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land.

WORLD | PWR | REFLECTING | Upon America’s Independence

[Edited extract from public address]

In 1976, I was just a four-year-old kid in Delhi, glued to our family’s small black-and-white television. 

I remember being completely mesmerized by the grainy, flickering images of the American Bicentennial fireworks. Growing up in India, a country deeply shaped by our own monumental struggle for independence, freedom wasn't just an abstract concept – it was the very air we breathed. To my young eyes, those distant flashes of light on a static screen felt like a universal celebration of human liberty that connected us all.

Today, on July 4, 2026, as America marks its 250th anniversary, that childhood memory feels more meaningful than ever. Serving as the Chair of the Parliament of the World’s Religions, I see how beautifully our global stories intertwine. The freedom we celebrate today isn't isolated; it is a shared human journey.

We see this truth so clearly in the profound connection between Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. Gandhi's philosophy of Ahimsa (non-violence) and Satyagraha – soul force born from Indian spirituality – traveled across oceans to fuel Dr. King’s fight for civil rights in America. They showed the world that true freedom is inherently spiritual, and that our diverse faiths should move us to love and justice, never division.

The American experiment started 250 years ago with a bold commitment to religious liberty. Just like India’s rich spiritual landscape, it proved that a tapestry of different faiths can flourish together. On this Semiquincentennial, let's celebrate by recommitting to deep, mutual respect.

Jai Jinendra. May peace, harmony, and understanding guide our interconnected world.

Best regards,
Nitin Ajmera, Chair

MORE:

Parliament of the World's Religions (PWR)
Address: 70 East Lake St., Suite 230 Chicago, IL 60601 USA
Tel: (312) 629-2990

The Parliament of the World's Religions (PWR) acknowledges it is situated on the traditional homelands of the Bodéwadmik (Potawatomi), Hoocąk (Winnebago/Ho’Chunk), Jiwere (Otoe), Nutachi (Missouria), and Baxoje (Iowas); Kiash Matchitiwuk (Menominee); Meshkwahkîha (Meskwaki); Asâkîwaki (Sauk); Myaamiaki (Miami), Waayaahtanwaki (Wea), and Peeyankihšiaki (Piankashaw); Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo); Inoka (Illini Confederacy); Anishinaabeg (Ojibwe), and Odawak (Odawa).

PWR recognizes the region we now call Chicago remains home to a diversity of Indigenous peoples today and this land upon which we walk, live, and play continues to be Indigenous land.

VIC | VMC | UPDATING | Community, News and Information | Wednesday 1 July 2026

[Edited extract from public address]

Welcome to the new financial year! There are several federal legislative changes taking effect from today, such as changes to the minimum wage to $26.44 per hour and the Government-funded paid parental leave increases to 26 weeks. 

Here in Victoria, the Victorian Small Business Commission launched the revised guidance on retail leasing and dispute resolution for small business today, making it easier for small business to start and to manage their businesses. The revised guideline includes 14 languages and is easily accessible for anyone using AI in language. Small businesses, as we all know, play a critical role in sponsoring community functions and events and their success underpin a society that is cohesive, connected and prosperous.

Despite the progress we continue to make, recent acts of hatred remind us that there is still work to do. My thoughts are with the Muslim community following the recent assault on a father outside a mosque in Hampton Park. Acts like these have no place in Victoria and remind us of our shared responsibility to foster respect, understanding and inclusion. I also welcome the timely launch last night of a national media awareness campaign, Report Islamophobia, by the Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia. Initiatives like this help us better understand the experiences of Muslim Australians and strengthen a Victoria where everyone feels safe, respected and valued.

Today, the VMC’s Regional Advisory Councils (RACs) also conclude, as the new entity, Multicultural Victoria, takes shape following the Lekakis Review.  I would like to publicly express my appreciation for the contributions of all RAC members in my time as Chair, and all RAC members who have contributed since RACs began almost 15 years ago. Their insights also helped shape the 2025 Regional Advisory Forum Report, leaving a lasting legacy for multicultural Victoria. I encourage you to read my farewell message to RAC members, along with our media release marking this important milestone.

Together, these reflections continue to remind me that much of the work that strengthens our communities happens quietly. Every day, community leaders, faith leaders and volunteers generously give their time, wisdom and care, often without recognition or expectation of fanfare. It is impossible to comprehend a society without the work of these unsung heroes. 

That is why I encourage everyone to consider nominating an individual or organisation for the 2026 Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence. These awards shine a light on the people whose leadership, service and commitment make a genuine difference in our communities. By recognising their achievements, we inspire others to continue to contribute and participate, and make Victoria a place where everyone belongs. 
Thank you, as always, for your continued commitment to strengthening our communities and enriching our multicultural state.

Warm regards,
Vivienne Nguyen AM, Chairperson

 

 News and events 

VIC | VMC | CALLING | Nominees for 2026 Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence | nominations closing soon!

Nominations are closing soon for the 2026 Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence (MAEs). Now in its 25th year, the MAEs are Australia’s longest‑standing multicultural awards. The MAEs recognise individuals and organisations making outstanding contributions to Victoria’s multicultural communities and intercultural and interfaith understanding.

The 2026 MAEs include 13 categories: Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll, Premier’s Award for Intercultural Connection, Arts and Culture, Business and Employment, Media, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Prevention of Family Violence, Public Sector Diversity and Inclusion, Police, Refugee Leadership, Refugee Youth Leadership, Sport and Recreation, and Youth Leadership.

You may nominate any individual or organisation you believe deserves recognition.  Prior to nominating, please read the nomination guide. Nominations can then be submitted through the nominations portal.
For questions about the nomination process, contact the Awards team: awards@vmc.vic.gov.au

VIC | VMC | TOURING | Multicultural Film Festival 2026

The VMC is proud to present Multicultural Film Festival on Tour — bringing powerful, diverse storytelling to regional and metropolitan communities across the state.

This is your chance to:
  • Experience a wide range of perspectives on the big screen
  • Discover incredible films from emerging and established creators from multicultural backgrounds
  • Attend screenings at multiple venues across the state
  • Connect with filmmakers and fellow film lovers
Presented by the Victorian Multicultural Commission in partnership with Swinburne University of Technology and SBS.

AUST | OSECI | REPORTING | Islamophobia Campaign

The Office of Australia's Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia (OSECI) has launched the Report Islamophobia campaign to encourage Australians to recognise, report and respond to incidents of Islamophobia.

Reporting incidents helps build a better understanding of anti-Muslim hate, supports those affected, and contributes to safer, more inclusive communities. The campaign also encourages bystanders to report incidents they witness and stand in solidarity with those affected.

For more information and reporting resources, please visit the Office of the Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia website.

AUST | AMFRT | WEBINAR | Multicultural Australia and the Economy | Monday 6 July 2026 | 12.30-2pm

The Australian Multicultural Foundation Research Trust (AMFRT) invites you to an online seminar exploring the role of multiculturalism in Australia's economic future.

Hear from leading economists, researchers and policy experts as they discuss migration, workforce participation, productivity, social inclusion and the impact of misinformation on public debate.
  • Where: Online. Registered attendees will receive the access link via email shortly before the event commences.
  • Cost: Free
  • Bookings: online via Humanitix

AUST | ABS | ADVISING | The Census counts everyone in Australia | Tuesday 11 August 2026

We need to hear from everyone because in the Census every answer matters to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). 
  • Learn more
  • For help in your language call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450.
 

VIC | GOV | OFFERING | Half-price public transport travel across Victoria

Public transport is now half price across Victoria, helping make travel more affordable for people getting to work, study, appointments, services and community events.

The discount applies to trains, trams and buses across the state, including regional services. It applies to both full fare and concession passengers, with the daily fare cap reduced during the discount period. Passengers do not need to apply. Simply touch on as usual and the half-price fare will be calculated automatically.
 

AUST | GOV | TRANSLATING | Practical ways to reduce household energy costs

The Australian Government has updated a suite of free translated energy guides to help households better manage their energy use, save money and access support when needed.

Available in 40 languages, the guides cover bright ideas for saving energy and money in your home, a renter’s guide to saving energy and water and guidelines on what to do if you are having trouble paying your electricity and water bills.
  • Languages include:
    • Arabic
    • Chinese (Simplified and Traditional)
    • Filipino
    • Greek
    • Hindi
    • Punjabi
    • Spanish
    • Ukrainian
    • Vietnamese
    • and many more.
  • Learn more

MORE:

Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)
Address: Level 6, 121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

VMC acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country and pay our respect to them, their culture and their Elders past and present.