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Showing posts with label World Mental Health Day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label World Mental Health Day. Show all posts

VMC | UPDATING | Read the VMC's 2020-21 Annual Report | Wednesday 27 October 2021

[Edited extract from public address]

Thanks to the impressive vaccine uptake rate, the Premier has issued the updated Victorian Roadmap. This sets out the way forward over the coming months. 

Message from the Chairperson

Thank you all for the impressive work you've done in getting us here. 

This week, we can finally show you our 2020-21 Annual Report, which was tabled yesterday in Parliament. 

The VMC was involved in so many conversations, online meetings and roundtables, and helped in providing thousands of food parcels to multicultural communities across Victoria. 

We also continued our advocacy efforts on many matters, including employment, family violence, mental health, racism and systemic barriers that prevent members of the multicultural communities to participate fully in society.


Take care and stay safe.
Viv Nguyen AM, Chairperson

COVID-19 forum for parents | Thursday 28 October 2021 | 5.30-6.30pm

The Victorian Multicultural Commission, in partnership with the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH), invites you to an online information session this Thursday. The forum will explore support services available for parents who cannot look after their children due to COVID-19-related isolation or hospitalisation.

You will learn about the COVID Family Finding service, the Family Recovery Program, food relief and more. 
 

Head to Health – mental health support

The ongoing impacts of the coronavirus pandemic have caused significant disruption for many Australians. It may have affected your work, family life or other plans. For some, life has returned to normal to a certain degree, but for others things remain uncertain.

Managing your mental health during this time of change and uncertainty can be an ongoing challenge.

If you are feeling impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in any way, the Australian Government's Head to Health page provides information, tips and resources to support you and your loved ones’ mental health.

It is also available to browse in the following languages:
 

Information webinar for Afghan community | Thursday 28 October 2021 | arrive online 5.50pm for 6-7.30pm

The Afghan Women's Organisation presents an online information session for the Afghan community in Victoria this Thursday.

The session will share advice on visa applications, pathways to settlement and settlement support, as well as support services available to the Afghan-Australian community. 

There will also be presentations from David WIlden, First Assistant Secretary for the Department of Home Affairs, and Paris Aristotle AO, Chair of the Refugee and Migrant Services Advisory Council.

Nominate for the Top 50 Public Sector Women | nominations close 22 November 2021 

Nominations for IPAA Victoria’s 2021 Top 50 Public Sector Women are now open.

Do you know an exceptional woman in the public sector who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the COVID-19 response or in adapting and steering an organisation in the context of COVID-19?

Women in established leadership roles have stepped up, taking on new responsibilities, secondments and COVID project work. Others have embraced the opportunity they have been given to step in as emerging leaders in extraordinarily difficult circumstances. They have all demonstrated agility, resilience and the ability to adapt and learn on the job. 

Help us to discover and recognise the public sector women from across Victoria in all levels of government who have made an exceptional contribution during COVID-19 – whether in front line work, supporting teams, rapidly adjusting business as usual programs or working behind the scenes.

Now is the time to acknowledge and celebrate these exceptional women across the public sector who exemplify leadership, commitment and strength. 
 

'Fab Jab' promotes the vaccine in LGBTIQ+ communities

The Victorian Government has partnered with Joy FM on Fab Jab, an effort to increase COVID-19 vaccinations in LGBTIQ+ communities.

Check out the website for details on how to get vaccinated, as well as frequently asked questions and further support services. 
 

National Anti-Racism Framework seeking submissions

The Australian Human Rights Commission is inviting submissions to inform the development of a National Anti-Racism Framework (the Framework).

The Framework will be a long-term, central reference point to guide actions on anti-racism and equality by government, NGOs, business, communities and other sectors.

The commission is very interested to hear from those with expertise and knowledge of anti-racism initiatives and in responding to racism at structural, institutional and interpersonal levels.
 

New payment to help women escape violent relationships

The Australian Government can provide women leaving a violent relationship with access to a one-off payment of up to $5,000 to help them establish a life free of violence.

Under the two-year Escaping Violence Payment trial, women will receive financial assistance of up to $1,5000 in cash with the remainder available for goods and services or direct payments of bonds, school fees or other support to help establish a safe home.

The Escaping Violence Payment will build on and complement existing programs offered by state and territories, as well as Australian Government support offered to women experiencing violence, including:
 

It's Children's Week! | Saturday 23 October–Sunday 31 October 2021

Before you chuckle and say, 'Every week is children's week' and go to your next email, you should know that the official Children's Week offers some fantastic free activities to keep the kids entertained.

Children's Week is a national celebration that recognises the talents, skills, achievements and rights of children. It is running this week with thousands of Victorian children taking part in festivities.

During Children's Week, local councils, not-for-profit organisations, schools and early childhood services organise open days, displays, special events, virtual spaces and online-based activities. These all celebrate childhood and showcase children's achievements.

All Children's Week events are free to families with children aged from birth to 12 years. It's a great opportunity for Victorian families to enjoy fun, engaging and educational experiences.
 

Coronavirus hotline 


MORE:

Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)
Address: Level 3, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9651 5901


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VMC | UPDATING | How to build a thriving community in a pandemic, Lockdown is ending this week! | Tuesday 19 October 2021

[Edited extract from public address]

The significant uptick in the vaccine rate has brought the end of lockdown restrictions forward to this Friday.

Message from the Chairperson

I hope this week’s Community Update comes to you in a time of optimism.There is significant work underway surrounding pop-up vaccine sites at local levels as well. As always, please continue to get tested if you have any symptoms.

Like many of you, I am pleased to see my children back at school, being able to visit my family and having a yarn with some friends in-person.\

Thank you for your collective efforts over the last several months. Please enjoy the opening up this weekend.

More news for multicultural communities can be found below.

Take care and stay safe.
Viv Nguyen AM, Chairperson

Community Hubs – building thriving communities through a pandemic

The National Community Hubs Program supports migrant and refugee families, particularly mothers with young children. They connect women with their children’s schools, with each other and with organisations that can provide health, education and support. 

The Community Hub at Dandenong West Primary School has been one of Victoria’s leaders in building a thriving virtual community through the pandemic.  

The VMC caught up with the school’s principal, Bev Hansen and Community Hub co-leaders Rahima Rizai and Abby Rezek, to learn how they turned their Hub into the focal point of the school’s new migrant community, despite six lockdowns. 
 

Fortnightly COVID-19 Update Forum

The Victorian Multicultural Commission, in partnership with the Department of Health and Services Victoria invites you to an online community information session discussing Victoria’s current COVID-19 status tomorrow night from 7:00 – 8:30pm. 

These updates have been held every fortnight throughout the pandemic.The intention of this week's information session is to keep you informed on the latest developments relating to easing of restrictions, the Moderna vaccine and vaccine certificates.
 

Youth Engagement Grants | open now, submissions close 13 December 2021 at 4pm

Small multicultural and Aboriginal clubs and community organisations are invited to apply for grants of up to $50,000 to support young people make positive life choices and reach their potential.

The Youth Engagement Grants are an initiative under the Victorian Government’s Crime Prevention Strategy. The grants provide funding to support projects that use cultural connection, sport, arts, music or other creative activities to engage young people aged 8-24 years old.

The program will involve an initial expression of interest (EOI) process, followed by support for selected organisations to plan activity and develop a quality grant proposal, which will be assessed for funding suitability.
 

Job alert: Victorian Skills Authority

The new Victorian Skills Authority is seeking talented applicants with expertise in community engagement, data, policy and programs to help strengthen links between industry needs and high quality skills for all Victorians.

Work with the new Victorian Skills Authority to really make a difference to skills-based training pathways that align with what businesses, communities and individuals need.
Applications close for several ongoing roles soon. 
 

Jobs Victoria wage subsidies deliver jobs

Scores of Victorians are finding permanent work each week with the help of a Victorian Government program that pays part of the worker’s wage – providing a major boost to small businesses gearing up as the economy re-opens.

More than 800 businesses across Victoria have successfully applied for a wage subsidy of up to $20,000 for some 1,300 new workers – including hairdressers, warehouse staff, bookkeepers, solar technicians and butchers.

The wage subsidies are part of a landmark $619 million investment in Jobs Victoria that is helping to connect people looking for work with employers seeking staff.
 

Respecting diversity in the coronial process

The Victorian Government has welcomed recommendations from the Coronial Council of Victoria to improve the experiences of multicultural and multifaith communities during the challenging coronial process.

Last week, the Council released its report on the appropriate handling of deaths in multicultural and multifaith communities by the Coroners Court. Its consultations identified ways to better respond to cultural and religious considerations throughout the coronial process, as well as how to improve communication with families.

This includes abiding by cultural and religious practices during investigations, ensuring timelines for release of the body better meet religious and cultural needs and favouring non-invasive post-mortem examinations where possible.
 

Job alert: Join the VPTA board

The Victorian Public Tenants Association is currently seeking Expressions of Interest from people who are interested in joining their Board.

They're particularly keen to hear from people who have lived, or currently live, in public housing in Victoria.

Membership of the VPTA Board is voluntary, and suited to people who have a strong interest in public housing and homelessness, as well as (ideally) some previous governance experience.
 

Coronavirus hotline 


MORE:

Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)
Address: Level 3, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9651 5901

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VMC | UPDATING | Opportunities in mental health and leadership, consultation sought on disability and language services | Tuesday 12 October 2021

[Edited extract from public address]

Things are looking positive this week. More than 85% of eligible Victorians have now received their first vaccination against COVID-19, and positive case numbers appear to be heading down.

Message from the Chairperson

Thank you to the collective efforts of each and every one of you.

The efforts of multicultural and multifaith groups have been instrumental in these results. Videos like this one by SistaHub, an initiative of Muslim women from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds, are so important and influential.

Thank you also to the many of you who tuned in to our fortnightly COVID-19 update last Thursday to listen to State Commander Jeroen Weimer discuss the Roadmap. Please stay tuned, stay connected and reach out to each other. We all have a lot to look forward to if we get vaccinated.

I'd like to remind you that grants are being awarded from the Priority Response to Multicultural Communities During Coronavirus program right now. The program, which helps multicultural communities slow the spread of COVID-19, will close once funds have been exhausted, so please submit your application as soon as possible. The activities that organisations are seeking sponsorship for can take place from now until 31 March 2022.

Please read on below for a selection of news and opportunities that may be of interest to you.

Take care and stay safe.
Viv Nguyen AM, Chairperson

Mental Health and Wellbeing Interim Regional Bodies taking expressions of interest

Exciting opportunities are available for members of the Victorian public to shape the future of mental health and wellbeing in Victoria.

The Chairs of Interim Regional Bodies are at the forefront of the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System's vision for regional governance in Victoria. They will have a pivotal role establishing regional planning systems, leading engagement with stakeholders and communities.

They will also plan for the transition to enduring governance under the structure of Regional Boards.
 

SSI Allianz Refugee Scholarships | applications for 2022 academic year now open

Settlement Services International (SSI) Allianz scholarships directly support people from refugee backgrounds in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria to achieve independence. The scholarships have been created to minimise the financial barriers experienced by refugees as they participate in the education system.

SSI, with the generous support of Allianz, continues to aim to achieve its vision of a society that values the diversity of its people. These scholarships help promote meaningful social and economic participation, and assist individuals and families to reach their potential.
 

2022 Active Citizenship Leadership Program

The Active Citizenship  Leadership Program provides an opportunity for up to 25 emerging leaders (18 years +) from Victoria’s culturally and linguistically diverse communities to develop their leadership skills, capabilities, and confidence to champion active participation in the democratic process within their communities.  

This highly interactive learning program will include working on collaborative community projects, listening to guest speakers sharing their active citizenship experiences, and access to an extensive network of peers and supporters. The program content is a mix of leadership-related learning, hands-on skills for community engagement, and active citizenship program content.  

Opportunities to apply to join the Victorian Electoral Commission as a casual Democracy Ambassador will be provided at the end of the program. 
 

Premier's spirit of democracy study tour

The Premier's Spirit of Democracy (PSoD) Study Tour explores the origins of democracy, building a deeper understanding of the influence that democracy has on contemporary Victorian and Australian society. It is an annual competition open to students enrolled in Years 9, 10 and 11.

PSoD offers up to 22 students and up to four teacher chaperones the opportunity to take part in a five-day study tour of Melbourne and Canberra during the Term 1 school holidays. 

Students will gain the skills and understanding needed to participate in our democratic structures and institutions so that they can use their voice to lead positive change in their communities and shape the future.
 

Online Consultation: Review of the Disability Act | Wednesday 13 October | 12-1.30pm

The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing is reviewing the Disability Act 2006 to reflect the Victorian Government’s changing role in the governance of disability, with the transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). 

The Review is considering how the Disability Act can be amended to promote inclusion and participation for more than 1.1 million Victorians living with a disability.

ECCV is looking to consult with community organisations on how to best amend the Disability Act 2006 to bring it in line with human rights principles and promote greater inclusion for people living with disability.
 

SBS Language Services Review | 5 October to 12 November 2021

The Language  Services  Review  is a process undertaken every five years in line with the  national  Census, as part of SBS’s ongoing commitment to continue evolving to meet the needs of Australia’s rapidly changing and increasingly diverse society.

The Language Services Review is a detailed process that occurs over a seventeen-month period, beginning with the Australian Census on Tuesday 10 August 2021.

SBS is hosting a public consultation from 5th October to 12th November inviting audiences, communities and stakeholders to provide feedback on the draft Language Selection Criteria.
 

Coronavirus hotline 


MORE:

Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)
Address: Level 3, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9651 5901

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VMC | UPDATING | National Mental Health Month, Moderna vaccine now available, Join our community forum | Tuesday 5 October 2021

[Edited extract from public address]

It's National Mental Health Month in October, and it's important to remember that you're not alone if lockdowns or the ongoing threat of coronavirus has been affecting you. We should also acknowledge that this week may be the toughest yet for some of us. 

Message from the Chairperson

I know the impact on mental health and wellbeing is severe, so please take care and reach out. We continue to advocate for further supports. If you are struggling to cope, please seek help. 

Learning today's case numbers may have been hard for many of us, as well. For the people who have contracted the virus, the next few weeks will be even harder. Our thoughts are with you. 

Getting vaccinated is now much easier. From this week, the Moderna COVID-19 vaccination is available at pharmacies across the country. This is another safe and effective vaccine that will be a key part of our state reaching the vaccination targets.

If you haven't booked your first dose of a vaccine yet, please click here to see if there is a pharmacy near you with Moderna supply. Many locations have appointments available soon, so book as soon as you can!

Thank you to everyone who joined our last COVID-19 fortnightly forum. It was wonderful to see some new faces. This Zoom call is always a great opportunity to check in and bring any of your community's concerns to the attention of the VMC and the Department of Health. I hope to see some more of you there at this Thursday's edition, you can register your attendance here.

We are so thankful to all of you who have contributed to making sure your communities get accurate information that can save lives. If you would like to prepare a vaccination video, learn how to here. There are also Victorian Government grants between $5,000 and $10,000 available for public health content creation (closing in two days), while another round of funding has opened for the priority response to multicultural communities during coronavirus program.

Elsewhere in this week's Update, you might be interested to learn about expansions to skilled migration under the Australian Agricultural visa and the new guidance on negotiating rent relief as a business. It's also World Sight Day next week, and a good time to book in an eye health check-up to stop vision loss in its tracks. 

Take care and stay safe.
Viv Nguyen AM, Chairperson

You can now get vaccinated at pharmacies

Getting your COVID-19 vaccination just got easier. The Australian Government is rolling out 440,000 doses of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine through pharmacies across the country this week, with additional orders for next week to be finalised soon.

Like the Pfizer vaccination, Moderna is currently recommended for people between 12 and 59 years old.
 

New guidance on rent relief in your language 

Victoria’s small business tenants and landlords can now access the Victorian Small Business Commission’s latest guidance on rent relief in Simplified Chinese, Arabic and Vietnamese.

Learn more about the Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme, how to negotiate rent relief and how to access free help where a fair agreement can’t be reached. 
 

Make your own COVID-19 vaccination video 

The Australian Government Department of Health is committed to making information on COVID-19 vaccines available to everyone in Australia. The Department of Health is asking community leaders for their support in sharing this critical information via video.

The COVID-19 Vaccination – How to make your own video guide is designed to help community leaders develop their own videos to share vaccine information with their communities.
 

Australian Agricultural visa giving opportunities to overseas workers

In August this year, the Australian Government announced the Australian Agriculture visa to address workforce shortages in the agriculture sector. The Australian Agriculture visa is being designed for primary industry sectors including horticulture, meat processing, dairy, wool, grains, fisheries (including aquaculture) and forestry.

The program will be operated by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, leveraging their experience managing the successful Pacific Labour Scheme.

The Seasonal Worker Program and Pacific Labour Scheme will remain the priority source of temporary migrant workers for Australia’s agriculture sector. The Australian Agriculture visa will address any labour gaps that cannot be filled by Australian and Pacific labour.
 

It's World Sight Day next week

With World Sight Day coming up on Thursday 14 October, it is the perfect time for Victorians to take the pledge to love their eyes.

According to Vision Initiative Program Manager Ché Stockley, even as restrictions are currently limiting accessibility of eye care in much of the state, there’s still a number of actions people can take to safeguard their vision.

“We are calling on Victorians to show their eyes some love by pledging to get an eye test just as soon as they’re able to." she said. "Even if people can’t get their regular eye test at the moment, it’s important they make it a priority when restrictions ease.

“But if you notice a change in your vision, such as sudden blurriness, optometrists are able to offer treatment for urgent care state-wide – so don’t delay seeking treatment.”

The Vision Initiative is an integrated eye health promotion program funded by the Victorian Government. It aims to prevent avoidable blindness and address the impact of vision loss in the Victorian community.
 

October is Mental Health Month

National Mental Health Month is an initiative of the Mental Health Foundation Australia (MHFA) to advocate for and raise awareness of Australian mental health. 

Throughout this month, many events have been organised in each state of Australia aiming to attract and unite Australians of all ages and backgrounds to promote better mental health for all. 

You can find some valuable mental health resources below.
 

Coronavirus hotline 


MORE:

Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)
Address: Level 3, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9651 5901


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VMC | UPDATING | Community on hardship grants for landlords, jobs for bicultural workers, regional consultations, multicultural mental health and more… | Wednesday 7 October 2020

[Edited extract from public address]

This Saturday is World Mental Health Day, which is especially timely given the profound impact the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had on the social and emotional wellbeing of many Victorians.

Message from the Chairperson

Now more than ever, we need to recognise the importance of mental health and acknowledge that it’s OK to not be OK. People from culturally and linguistically diverse communities face unique challenges when it comes to seeking and accessing mental health services and we must do more to address the gaps.

It has never been more important to ensure that everyone – regardless of their background – has access to accurate information about mental health and support when they need it.

Today we're sharing in-language factsheets about the Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund and information about a number of bicultural positions being offered through a consortium of community health providers.

We're also sharing the latest Health Translations newsletter and a list of digital and telephone supports for mental health during COVID-19, published by the Australian Government Department of Health.

We are also pleased to announce that nominations for this year’s Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence have been extended and will close Sunday 18 October 2020. Make sure you take a moment this week to nominate a diversity hero in your life.

Finally, a reminder that our online coronavirus (COVID-19) community roundtables are being held over the next few weeks. See the list of sessions and registration information below.

Stay well and look out for each other,
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson

Regional Roundtables COVID-19

The Victorian Multicultural Commission invites you to join an online community roundtable with representatives from the Department of Health and Human Services. The meetings will be an opportunity to discuss the challenges of responding to coronavirus (COVID-19), the importance of testing and the recently announced road map for reopening.

Sessions will be held after the Victorian Multicultural Commission Regional Advisory Council meetings. Registration is essential.

Translated materials: Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund

The Victorian Government is offering grants of up to $3,000 per tenancy to eligible small private, individual and joint-owner landlords, who may not have the financial capacity to provide a rent reduction to their tenants under the requirements of the Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme.

Information about the Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund is now available in Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Punjabi, Somali and Vietnamese. Please share this information widely and direct people to the Business Victoria website for more information about grants and assistance for businesses.
Download the stakeholder pack

New positions available: bicultural workers

The Department of Health and Human Services is recruiting through a consortium of community health providers, for a number of bicultural positions across Melbourne. These roles are critical to supporting culturally and linguistically diverse communities with more culturally-safe, accurate health information and access to coronavirus (COVID-19) testing.
Find out more and apply

Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence | Nominations extended to 18 October 2020

We’re giving you a little more time to tell us about the extraordinary contributions of Victorians who have championed diversity. Nominations for the Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence are open to individuals and organisations across 15 categories including youth leadership, justice, health, arts, emergency services and local government. Nominate a #DiversityHero today.
Find out more and nominate

Mental health support during COVID-19

The Australian Government Department of Health has published a list of digital and telephone supports for mental health during COVID-19. The English version is attached. Translations will be published online shortly.
Download the English version

Health Translations: October

Need translated information about coronavirus (COVID-19), including in audio or video format? The Health Translations October newsletter includes multilingual resources on COVID-19, emergency relief packages, assistance for migrant workers, financial assistance from energy retailers, thunderstorm asthma, elder abuse, healthy ageing, breast and prostate cancer, cancer treatments and common side effects, mental health, eye health, nutrition and much more.
Read the newsletter

Coronavirus hotline

  • Coronavirus hotline: If you are concerned, call the coronavirus hotline on 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.

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

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