[Edited and compiled from public addresses]
Topics
- VIC | State of Emergency Update
- VIC | Coronavirus (COVID-19) roadmap to reopening
- VIC | Community Activation and Social Isolation Initiative (CASI) Translated Fact Sheets
- VIC | Coronavirus (COVID-19) Extreme Hardship Support Program
- VIC | Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment
- VIC | Financial assistance for utilities for Victorians
- VIC | New business support to aid lockdown recovery
- VIC | GRANTS | Hospitality Business Grant Program
- VIC | GRANTS | Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund | Open, closing 16 October 2020
- VIC | Pause on Evictions Extended and Extra Renter Protections introduced (residential and commercial) | until 31 December 2020
- VIC | VMC | Nominate a diversity hero today | Nominations close Sunday 11 October 2020
- VIC | MAV | Shelter Commissions Program
- AUS | SBS | Emerging Writers' Competition
- VIC | VMC | ‘Racism: Understanding your rights and taking action’ information sessions | until Tuesday 22 September 2020
- VIC | ECCV | Gambling Harm Forum | Wednesday 16 September 2020 | 10am-1pm
- VIC | GYMHA | Stress Management Revolutions Summit 2020 | Saturday 19-Sunday 20 September 2020 | from 8am
- VIC | ABC | Victorian Voices: COVID-19 livestream
- VIC | CCOEI | Virtual Music Concerts
- VIC | COMMEMORATING | UN International Peace Day Forum | Monday 21 September 2020 | 4-5.30pm
- VIC | COMMEMORATING | UN Peace Day: Shaping Peace Together | 21 September 2020 | 5-6pm
- VIC | Safe Steps | Escaping harm - even during curfew hours is OK
- VIC | VMC | Community Ambassador videos
- VIC | OPAN | Older Persons Advocacy Network | supporting over 51 different languages
- VIC | ECCV | Policy Issues Briefs: Impacts of COVID-19 on mental health, employment, social cohesion and ethnic seniors' clubs
- NZ | Talking to Kids about Coronavirus
- AUST | Coronavirus hotline
- AUST | Helpers and Reliable Sources Along the Way
- Acknowledgment to Sources
- Self-Isolators, Non-Essentials And The Homebound
1. VIC | State of Emergency Update
Currently, Melbourne is in Stage 4 restrictions. From midnight 13 September 2020, Melbourne will take a First Step towards COVID Normal while Regional Victoria, currently in Stage 3 restrictions, will jump to the Second Step of reopening.
By moving from stages to steps, Victorians are given a long-term plan for a path out of restrictions and into COVID Normal.
Importantly, the aim is that the whole of the state is at COVID Normal by the end of the year – making sure family barbeques, summer holidays and a trip to the beach can all still happen.
These steps will be guided by dates – and the data. That means if we’re on-track to take a step forward, we can do so confidently.
COVIDSafe principles remain:
- Wear a mask or face covering
- Don't go to work if you feel sick or unwell
- Physical distancing (1.5 metres)
- Cough and sneeze into tissue or elbow
- Good hand hygiene
- Outdoor activities
To read the Premier's full announcement 6/9, click here.
2. VIC | Coronavirus (COVID-19) roadmap to reopening
In affect from midnight 13 September 2020
Metropolitan Melbourne restrictions roadmap
- First step only applies to metropolitan Melbourne.
- Curfew in place 9pm to 5am
- Stay within 5km of your home except for permitted reasons such as work or education if these can not be done at home
- Exercise or recreation: 2 people or a household can meet outdoors for two hours maximum
- Visitors to the home: "Single person bubble" 1 nominated visitor if living alone/single parent (all children under 18)
- Childcare and schools continue remote and flexible learning with on-site supervision for children of permitted workers
- Playgrounds and outdoor fitness equipment reopen
- Libraries open for contactless click and collect
- Shopping for essentials, 1 person per household, once a day
- Restaurants and cafes open for takeaway and delivery only
Regional Victoria restrictions roadmap
- Only leave home for 4 reasons: school or work (if these can not be done from home), care or caregiving, to purchase essentials, exercise
- Public gatherings: up to 5 people from a maximum of 2 households can meet outdoors for social interaction (infants under 12 months of age are not included in the cap)
- Visitors to the home: "Single person bubble" 1 nominated visitor if living alone/single parent (all children under 18)
- Childcare is open to all children
- Schools return to onsite learning from Term 4 with safety measures
- Outdoor exercise and recreation allowed
- Restaurants and cafes open for takeaway and delivery only
- Retail: open, with density and other restrictions, hairdressing open
3. VIC | Community Activation and Social Isolation Initiative (CASI) Translated Fact Sheets
The Victorian Government’s new Community Activation and Social Isolation (CASI) initiative is intended to help people who might be feeling lonely or have lost their regular networks during coronavirus (COVID-19) to build social connections and networks of support in their local communities. Factsheets on the service are available in Chinese Simple / Mandarin, Italian, Greek, Vietnamese, Arabic, Punjabi, Hindi, Sinhalese, Spanish, Turkish, Fasi, Somali, Chin Hakha, Karen, Dinka, Oromo, Tigrinya, Malay, Nepalese and Urdu.
Download the fact sheets
4. VIC | Coronavirus (COVID-19) Extreme Hardship Support Program
Red Cross, Brotherhood of St Laurence and the Department of Health and Human Services have implemented the Extreme Hardship Support Program to provide emergency financial assistance to people who are unable to access income support.
To be eligible for this program a person must:
- live in Victoria, and
- be unable to access Commonwealth income support (such as JobKeeper or JobSeeker) or the Victorian International Student Emergency Relief Fund, and
- have zero or very limited income, savings or community support
- be a temporary or provisional visa holder, or an undocumented migrant.
To apply for emergency financial assistance go to www.redcross.org.au/vicrelief. Applicants will need their passport and bank statements showing transactions for the last three months. From Wednesday it will also possible to call a dedicated phone line on 1800 855 240. Speak to someone at Red Cross if you do not have the right visa or bank documents.
The website has information in simplified Chinese, Farsi, Malay, Nepalese, Spanish, Tamil, Urdu and Vietnamese.
FAQs and a fact sheet for community organisations are now available on the DHHS coronavirus website.
This emergency financial assistance complements other Victorian Government hardship supports available to all people living in Victoria, including the $1500 worker support payment, the $450 test isolation payment, the and the rent relief grant.
5. VIC | Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment
For those who have exhausted their sick leave in Victoria. To apply, simply call 180 22 66.
6. VIC | Financial assistance for utilities for Victorians
The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning have prepared translated materials that highlight available financial assistance for utilities for Victorians during this difficult time. Please share this information widely with your networks to support Victorians facing financial challenges in paying for their basic necessities.
- Find in-language ‘Help is available for our energy bills’ posters here
- Find in-language ‘Help is available for our energy bills’ social tiles here
- Find in-language ‘Help is available for our energy bills’ audio messages here
- Find in-language ‘Help is available for our energy bills’ factsheets here
7. VIC | New business support to aid lockdown recovery
Announced Sunday 13 September 2020, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced a new $3 billion package
- $1.1 billion in cash grants for small and medium sized businesses to companies "most affected" by coronavirus restrictions;
- The establishment of a $251 million Licensed Venue Fund with grants of between $10,000 and $30,000;
- Payroll tax will be deferred for businesses with payrolls up to $10 million for the full 2020-21 financial year;
- A further $137 million in tax relief on top of an existing $1.5 billion program of tax relief;
- $20 million for small businesses to help them access digital programs such as Shopify, training and workshops to adapt their businesses to online operations;
- $15.7 million for an export recovery package to address logistics and supply chain issues caused by the pandemic, and establish new export channels;
- $27 million worth of savings for businesses from the waiving of liquor license fees;
- $41 million savings for businesses from a 50 per cent cut in stamp duty for commercial and industrial properties in regional Victoria; and
- Grants of up to $20,000 to businesses in alpine resorts.
The grant application portal is expected to be open later this week accessible on the website www.business.vic.gov.au
Read 14/9 full article The Age
8. VIC | GRANTS | Hospitality Business Grant Program
This Business Victoria program supports food service businesses that have been affected by the return to Stage 3 and Stage 4 ‘Stay at Home’ restrictions to help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Victoria. Eligible businesses will be provided with one-off, $25,000 grants to pay for business costs to support the continued operation of their business. An additional $5,000 is available for each additional premises, capped at a total of $20,000.
Find out more and apply
9. VIC | GRANTS | Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund | Open, closing 16 October 2020
The Victorian Government is offering grants for small private landlords who may not have the capacity to provide rent reductions to their tenants under the Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme. Up to $3,000 per tenancy to eligible small private, individual and joint-owner landlords facing financial hardship after reducing rent for their tenants under CTRS requirements, from 21 August 2020 for eight weeks or until funds are exhausted, whichever comes first.Find out more and apply
10. VIC | Pause on Evictions Extended and Extra Renter Protections introduced (residential and commercial) | until 31 December 2020
The Victorian Government will extend a ban on evictions and rental increases until the end of the year, increase assistance and ensure tenant turnover is taken into account in rental negotiations – giving tenants certainty and security they won’t lose their home or workplace during the pandemic.
Under the extension, evictions will continue to be banned for both residential and commercial tenancies until 31 December 2020, except in specific circumstances. Rental increases continue to be banned for the same period.
Read the full 20/8 Victorian Government statement
11. VIC | VMC | Nominate a diversity hero today | Nominations close Sunday 11 October 2020
Do you know someone who deserves to be recognised for their outstanding efforts to strengthen multiculturalism in Victoria? Nominate them for an award! The Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence recognise the outstanding achievements of people and organisations who strengthen multiculturalism across 15 categories.
Find out more and nominate
12. VIC | MAV | Shelter Commissions Program
Multicultural Arts Victoria is inviting expressions of interest for Shelter 2, a commissions program developed to respond to the unique challenges presented by coronavirus (COVID-19) for culturally diverse artists and communities. The second edition is open to culturally and linguistically diverse artists who live in or who were staying in any of 9 public housing estates in Flemington, Kensington and North Melbourne during the July lockdown.
Find out more and apply
13. AUS | SBS | Emerging Writers' Competition
Do you have a story to tell about growing up in diverse Australia? The SBS Emerging Writers’ Competition is a chance for budding writers to share their unique story on the theme ‘growing up in diverse Australia’. Writers have the opportunity to share their unique story and be in the running to win up to $5,000. Entries close 15 September.
Learn more
14. VIC | VMC | ‘Racism: Understanding your rights and taking action’ information sessions | until Tuesday 22 September 2020
Participate in a series of information sessions to educate and empower multicultural and multifaith communities about racism, understanding your rights and taking action.
Sign up for a session or pass this email on to members of your community who may be interested.
With targeted sessions for specific communities as well as a general session, please select a session that is best suited to your cultural background.
Multicultural youth | Tuesday 15 September | 5.30-7pm
Khayshie Tilak Ramesh, Multicultural Youth Commissioner]
Register now
Muslim women | Wednesday 16 September | 6-7.30pm
Muslim Legal Network, Islamic Council of Victoria
Register now
Communities of Myanmar | Saturday 19 September | 1.30-3.30pm
Bwe Thuy, VMC Commissioner
Register now
General session (all welcome) | Tuesday 22 September | 6-7.30pm
Vivienne Nguyen, VMC Chairperson
Register now
What to expect
These interactive sessions will provide you with information to better understand and exercise your rights if you or someone you know experiences racism, religious discrimination, or racial or religious vilification. You will also learn how to recognise racism, how to report it and where to seek advice and support.
Topics covered
- What does discrimination, vilification and victimisation mean?
- Where to get help and advice
- How to report racism
- Why reporting racism is important
- How to take action against racism
Participants will be encouraged to contribute in a safe and confidential environment.
Who should attend
Please select the session that is most appropriate for you. Each session is tailored for specific communities and designed to create a safe space for participants.
Please note the general session on 22 September 2020 is open to all multicultural and multifaith communities in Victoria and will be run as a webinar rather than an interactive session.
Registrations
All participants must register to attend the sessions.
Please share this invitation with other members of your community who may also be interested in attending.
See the full list of information sessions on VMC website.
15. VIC | ECCV | Gambling Harm Forum | Wednesday 16 September 2020 | 10am-1pm
A forum for migrant and refugee community members and people seeking to engage with them.
Hear from experts, practitioners and community voices from the gambling harm reduction sector who will speak about the new challenges and effects of gambling in multicultural communities during the coronavirus pandemic and lock down.
Key note speaker is Dr Charles Livingstone, Associate Professor in the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University
Find out more and register now
16. VIC | GYMHA | Stress Management Revolutions Summit 2020 | Saturday 19-Sunday 20 September 2020 | from 8am
Global Youth Mental Health Awareness not-for-profit in collaboration with various local and international reputable organizations presents A 2-day Stress Management Revolutions Virtual summit 2020.
This is a FREE virtual summit to give you the techniques you need to control the stress you experience in all areas of your life! The summit will help the participants to focus on how to manage stress and adversity, build an unshakable core of inner strength, and thrive in a challenging world.
Where: online through Zoom. Check-in details issued upon registration.
Cost: Free
Bookings: register online through Eventbrite.com.au
17. VIC | ABC | Victorian Voices: COVID-19 livestream
“We're all in this together" yet every community is unique, with different needs and ways of connecting. ABC Melbourne is partnering with the Victorian Council of Social Service to deliver a series of online events to discuss critical COVID-19 public health and legal information. There will be a focus on working with communities and language groups that might not ordinarily engage with the mainstream media.
Find out more and register
18. VIC | CCOEI | Virtual Music Concerts
Communities Council on Ethnic Issues (CCOEI) are running a series of free, online Multicultural Community Concerts to help keep communities connected and engaged. The series starts this Sunday 6 September and will include a special performance by Ade Ishs. Tune in via their Facebook page to enjoy a variety of musical and dance acts from different cultural and community groups.
Find out more
19. VIC | COMMEMORATING | UN International Peace Day Forum | Monday 21 September 2020 | 4-5.30pm
20. VIC | COMMEMORATING | UN International Peace Day: Shaping Peace Together | Monday 21 September 2020 | 5-6pm
21. VIC | Safe Steps | Escaping harm - even during curfew hours is OK
Community leaders dealing with matters of family and domestic violence need to be aware that those escaping harm can do so even during the curfew hours of 8pm-5am.
Anyone can leave their home at anytime to escape family or domestic violence.
Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre is Victoria’s statewide first response service for women, young people and children experiencing family violence.
- Please call 24/7 phone line: 1800 015 188
- If you cannot safely call the 24/7 phone line, email safesteps@safesteps.org.au or check website: https://www.safesteps.org.au
If someone is in immediate danger call 000.
22. VIC | VMC | Community Ambassador videos
The Victorian Government is sharing community ambassador videos, delivered by community leaders in their own language. In the videos, they share what the current coronavirus restrictions are, why they are so important, and instructions on wearing a face covering. By sharing these messages, you are helping your network stay safe and informed about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Download the stakeholder pack
23. VIC | OPAN | Older Persons Advocacy Network | supporting over 51 different languages
Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) supports ethno-specific organisations in Victoria, in their promotion of The Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line (OPCSL) within their communities.
Some older people are more vulnerable to COVID-19 but less connected to the internet and in need of ways to access information for their circumstances. The Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line provides information and support.
Please find more information about OPCSL, translated into 51 different languages on OPAN’s webpage and share with seniors in your communities.
Visit the website for more information
24. VIC | ECCV | Policy Issues Briefs: Impacts of COVID-19 on mental health, employment, social cohesion and ethnic seniors' clubs
The latest ECCV Issue Brief is informed by inputs from CALD seniors’ clubs and ethnic seniors’ federations and highlights the protective role they play in supporting communication and providing emotional and physical health support to their members. ECCV found that while ethnic seniors’ associations are effective community connectors that are sustained by the dedication and commitment of their members, the pandemic has heightened the threats to the organisational survival of many.
- Racism & social cohesion
- Victoria's Migrant Workers
- Survey with members
- Connecting CALD Seniors
- Mental health & wellbeing
25. NZ | Talking to Kids about Coronavirus
Science educator Michelle Dickinson, one of New Zealand’s most recognised scientists, has made a 4min video for parents on how to talk to their kids about Coronavirus.
26. AUST | Coronavirus hotline
- Coronavirus hotline: If you are concerned, call the coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 (24 Hours).
- If you are an NDIS participant you can also call the national hotline on 1800 020 080.
- Information and referrals for people with disability and their supporters about Coronavirus: Contact the Disability Information Helpline on 1800 634 787.
- If you are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can also call the National Relay Service on 133 677.
- Interpreting service: If you need an interpreter, call TIS National on 131 450.
- Testing locations: Find a testing location near you.
- Call-to-Test-at-Home service, providing in-home coronavirus testing to Victorians who would otherwise be unable to get tested, call the DHHS Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.
- Triple Zero: Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.
27. AUST | Helpers and Reliable Sources Along the Way
- Access Easy English - Over 70 resources developed on coronavirus.
- AUSLAN Updates by Expression Australia - Regular Auslan only videos on updates of breaking news in Victoria, Australia and abroad.
- Australian Government Department of Health - Coronavirus advice for people with disability
- Beyond Blue - translated information on managing your mental health during COVID-19 in 63 languages.
- Blind Citizens Australia - Information on coronavirus for people who are blind or vision impaired.
- DHHS advice and information on coronavirus available in 56 languages
- GP Expert Advice Matters - a website for patients translated into Arabic, simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Hindi and Vietnamese, and has practical information on how to access a local GP, telehealth and interpreter services
- Health Translations - A comprehensive place to find current COVID 19 multilingual information in 78 languages including Auslan and Easy English.
- National Disability Insurance Scheme - Information about changes to how the NDIS work during the COVID -19 pandemic in 12 languages.
- NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
- MyAus Covid-19 app - Multilingual resource application produced by Migration Council Australia (MCA) for Australia's culturally and linguistically diverse communities about COVID - 19, it's impact and available support.
- SBS news and information about coronavirus (COVID - 19) available in 63 languages.
28. Acknowledgment to Sources
This is a consolidated account of information current at time of issuance, sourced, collated and provided by Victorian Jewish Community COVID-19 Taskforce, Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria, Buddhist Council of Victoria, various Government Authorities, community organisations and public domain, received with gratitude.
Best wishes for skilful collaborations, less Suffering, causes for less Suffering, Good Health and Time to Enjoy it.
Bye bye to Essentialists for now, please leave to attend to the essential work. That is all from GEIFN's caretaker at this time.
29. Self-Isolators, Non-Essentials And The Homebound
Let us cheer on the global scientists, medical fraternity, authorities and essentialists racing across the clock separately and together in new found ways, to find a cure, manage the situation, and if not, create mass-producable innoculation.
Meanwhile, if with a surplus of time, this and the following is offered. Discuss with sincerity. Deny untruth. Dismiss unuseful. Accept useful. Adapt to change. Adopt least effort most benefit. Adept with sharing. Enjoy throughout. As each case may be. Round. And again. Or not.
