Thank you to all of us for ensuring the health and safety of the state during the recent circuit breaker lock down, which has brought us back to eased restrictions. Well done.
Message from the Chairperson
As we welcome the start of the vaccine roll out I am incredibly proud of the role that VMC played in informing the communications and engagement strategy that will support vital information for multicultural communities. Over the past month, we have engaged with communities directly to hear the concerns, barriers and needs of communities to ensure a successful vaccine rollout. We have co-hosted vaccine briefings with our colleagues at the Department of Health and Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, with more coming up over the next month. This is in addition to the work the VMC does in supporting and encouraging communities to get tested, particularly in times of outbreaks.We want to continue to hear your feedback on the vaccine rollout, feel free to get in touch with us at contact@vmc.vic.gov.au.
The advocacy work with government departments and agencies continues, including on the issues of family violence, employment, workforce diversity and community leadership, particularly during this pandemic. This has been reflected in the VMC’s involvement in the CALD Task Force and roundtable discussions. These roundtable discussions have been particularly important in ensuring your voice, your needs and your willingness to assist in delivering solutions are provided directly to government.
Plans for our upcoming Cultural Diversity week are coming together and we will share further information with you in the coming weeks. There will be some inspiring speakers for our “Curious Conversations” sessions and we can’t wait for you to join the conversation. Keep up-to-date and get involved by checking the Cultural Diversity Week webpage.
This week I am pleased to share details around a number of important announcements and opportunities, including:
- COVID-19 restrictions changes
- the Circuit Breaker Business Support package
- translated local elections information,
- upcoming grants for the creative sector and its workers from the State Government,
- the opportunity to provide your thoughts on how VMC communicates with you on VMC social media channels, and
- the opportunity to have your say in the Homes Victoria 10- Year Strategy.
Take care and stay safe,
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson
COVID-19 Restrictions Change
Because of the efforts of Victorians, eased restrictions are now in place.- There are no restrictions on reasons to leave home.
- You must carry a face mask with you when you leave home.
- Face masks continue to be mandatory indoors, except in your own home. Face masks are also mandatory outdoors when you can’t keep 1.5 metres from other people.
- You can have up to 5 visitors to your home per day.
- Outdoor gatherings are limited to 20 people.
- No limits on travel within Victoria.
- Visit Department of Health's website for up to date information.
VITS LanguageLoop Board appointments | applications close Thursday 25 February 2021
Apply for the VITS LanguageLoop Board - an opportunity to contribute to one of Victoria’s key language service providers.Apply now
Circuit Breaker Action Business Support Package | applications open and closing on Tuesday 16 March 2021
Victoria’s business community has been greatly impacted by the global pandemic.To help businesses recover, the Victorian Government has announced a $143 million package to support eligible businesses impacted by the circuit breaker action to limit the spread of COVID-19.
This is a package of cash grants and direct payments to small businesses who were most impacted by the circuit breaker action, including businesses in hospitality, tourism, events, and selected retail.
It includes four initiatives to support small businesses, including sole traders:
- Business Costs Assistance Program offering grants of $2000 for eligible businesses and sole traders in the most impacted sectors of hospitality, food wholesaling, tourism, events, and selected retail.
- Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund will give previous eligible recipients of this grant a $3000 one-off, per premises payment.
- The Victorian Accommodation Support Program will assist accommodation providers that had bookings cancelled between Friday 12 February and Wednesday 17 February applications will open soon. Registrations of interest are now open.
Victorian Multicultural Commission Social Media Survey
This quick anonymous survey is designed so that we can gain a greater understanding of what you'd like to see from us on social media. The questions are about how you use social media, what platforms you use and what content you like.Fill in the survey
Translated local council elections information
Offering 11 videos in a variety of languages, the Victorian Electoral Commission's team of Democracy Ambassadors provide critical voting information -in language.For community members who may have failed to vote in recent council elections Democracy Ambassador's explain how to respond to an Apparent Failure To Vote Notice.
Translations are available in: Amharic, Arabic, Cantonese, Dari, Hazaragi, Italian, Korean, Mandarin, Nepali, Punjabi and Vietnamese.
Access translations
Homes Victoria Consultations | open now until 9 April 2021
Homes Victoria is inviting community members to have their say on social and affordable housing as part of a 10-year strategy that will ensure more Victorians have access to safe and suitable accommodation for years to come.This strategy will provide the roadmap and reforms required to ensure all Victorians who need housing support have a safety net as well as access to secure and affordable housing so they can get ahead and thrive.
Help shape Victoria’s social housing system and transform the future of affordable housing by:
- responding to the online survey, or
- making a written submission in your preferred language
Supporting Our Creative Sector And Workers
Victoria’s nation-leading creative industries will receive more support as creative workers and businesses continue to re-activate the sector with new projects and collaborations.Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson today announced more than $5.6 million in grants to boost creative careers, businesses, facilities, and experiences across the state.
Applications are now open for the following programs which are available for creative workers, collectives and small businesses working in all creative fields.
Various closing dates see link below.
More Information and Apply
Coronavirus hotline
- Coronavirus hotline: 1800 675 398 (24 Hours).
- Interpreting service: If you need an interpreter, call TIS National on 131 450.
- Testing locations: Find a testing location near you.
- Triple Zero: Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.
- Coronavirus in-language information
MORE:
Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)Address: Level 3, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9651 5901
Email: contact@vmc.vic.gov.au
Website: www.multiculturalcommission.vic.gov.au