CUIN | UPDATING | Inclusive and innovative events attended, discuss new articles and provide an update for Diversity Atlas | 1 September 2022

[Edited extract from public address]

The nations behind the numbers: learning the language of data

August was a monumental month for Diversity Atlas! We reflect on the 2022 Equal Employment Opportunity Network's Fourth Enabling Inclusion and Diversity Summit, discuss an article by our DEI Director covering eight simple DEI exercises, congratulate our business partner, Tali Nates, on receiving an esteemed award, reflect on our participation in the Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing virtual event as part of their Diversity Webinar Series and unpack new features to our website and platform, including upcoming events on our diversity calendar and the translation of our surveying platform into two new languages.

2022 Enabling Inclusion and Diversity Summit

Cultural Infusion is a proud gold sponsor of the Equal Employment Opportunity Network (EEON). This month, the committee hosted the 2022 Enabling Inclusion and Diversity Summit, creating a space for organisations from all across Australia to come together in the effort of strengthening all aspects of diversity, equity and inclusion.

This year's summit showcased a variety of keynotes from top industry leaders of the DEI sector. Each speech covered important topics such as platforming Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, discussions of equity, anti-racism, menopause, gender-based violence and intersectional approaches to inequality.

The President of EEON, Roman Ruzbacky's heartfelt opening speech is transcribed in the link below.

• Transcript

The Diversity Atlas team hosted a booth at the event, to share knowledge, encourage reflection and advocate for diversity in the workplace.

Our CEO and Founder, Peter Mousaferiadis, spoke at the event, discussing how the most effective way to build diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces is by first analysing and understanding the environment. Peter shares personal stories of his heritage and family to highlight the importance of inclusion and understanding of all cultural backgrounds.

Interpreting Diversity Data

In his newest article, Cultural Infusion's DEI Director, Roman Ruzbacky, offers eight exercises designed to interpret diversity data while ensuring we do not forget the human behind the figures.

It can be difficult to analyse diversity data. At times we need to look at other influencing factors or work with missing data. How do we convert data or series of data sets into a succinct action? The integrity of the data and its interpretation is critical if we need to get a true picture or come up with appropriate solutions.

Each of the eight case studies provide tips to thoroughly analyse dimensions of diversity in the workplace to improve representation and support for all communities. Roman considers how diverse communities intersect and are represented at each level of the organisation.

He discusses how DEI should be measured over time via longitudinal benchmarks, with an emphasis on awareness in work environments. Roman encourages moving away from a one-size-fits-all strategy through greater personalisation of diversity data, stating that when writing DEI action plans, we must consider a variety of aspects like representation, pay equity and leadership.

• Read 'Eight Simple Diversity Data Exercises'

2022 Goethe Medal Award to Catalyst for Peace Project

On behalf of Diversity Atlas, we'd like to congratulate Tali Nates on achieving the 2022 Goethe Medal, and are excited for our collaboration with her on our Catalyst for Peace Project.

The Goethe Medal is an official decoration of the Federal Republic of Germany and is regarded as the most important award for the country's foreign cultural policy. It honours public figures from around the world who create meaningful change and development for cultural issues and institutions.

Tali is the founder and director of the Johannesburg Holocaust & Genocide Centre, where Diversity Atlas has piloted our Catalyst for Peace Project.

The Catalyst for Peace Project seeks to make sure all audiences and communities are recognised, represented and respected by the cultural centres they visit.

The project has been launched at the centre where audiences can take part in Diversity Atlas by completing a short survey to map the diversity of all attendees. The results reveal the variety of culture in our communities and help us learn more about what makes us who we are.

• Find out more about the Catalyst for Peace Project

Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing

Our CEO and Founder, Peter Mousaferiadis, and Chief Technology Officer, Rezza Moieni, spoke at a virtual event for the Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing as part of the organisation's Diversity Webinar Series. 

Peter and Rezza introduced the Diversity Atlas platform, showcasing the ability to collect and analyse diversity data within aged care organisations. The Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing hosted many DEI leaders, who provided insights into the various ways cultural and diversity data can be used to assist in implementing more inclusive services.

"The webinar was a great opportunity to present our latest achievements with Diversity Atlas, and to meet with so many talented people in the very important area of ageing and cultural diversity. Specifically, we introduced our Mutuality framework and how this minimises the gap between different stakeholders in the aged care sector." Rezza Moieni, CTO

New Features and Updates

Each newsletter, we put the spotlight on just one of the many thousands of entries in our Diversity Calendar. This month, we’re taking a closer look at Nayrouz, which falls on Sunday 11 September this year.

Nayrouz aka Neyrouz marks the start of the Coptic New Year and has been celebrated by the Coptic Orthodox community on around this date for more than 1700 years.

The Coptic Orthodox Church, based in Egypt and servicing Africa and the Middle East, was established around 42 CE, making it one of the oldest Christian churches in the world. With about 25 million members, it is the largest Christian minority in the Middle East. Coptic music is purely religious, and it is an especially beautiful experience to hear a Coptic children’s choir singing for Nayrouz. There are between 1 and 2 million Copts in the diaspora, most of whom are Coptic Orthodox Christians.

• Discover more upcoming cultural celebrations by visiting our Diversity Calendar.

"How Do You Write Jedi Knight in Vietnamese?" – Translation Complexities in Focus.

In this product update, Diversity Atlas’ Cultural Attaché Quincy Hall introduces the two new languages our survey platform is now translated into.

This month sees some great new features for our survey platform participants, most notably, the availability of two new languages – Greek and Vietnamese, which means we now have 12 languages on offer.

The selection of these two languages in particular came about for a number of reasons. At the very top of the list was taking a fresh look at Australian Census results. Our survey can be taken in languages such as French, Spanish and German, which is great, but we’re an Australian company and we need to take into account not just the global community we both serve and represent, but also our local communities.

Looking at the ‘Top 10’ we see Vietnamese at 4th and Greek at 7th. Meanwhile, both French and German are not in Australia’s Top 10 most spoken languages. We hope one day to have the whole Top 10 available, but there’s a fair bit of work to be done to lay the groundwork.

We do in fact already have ‘Chinese – Simplified’ as an option, but one day we’d like to have definitive Cantonese and Mandarin options. Likewise, Hindi and Arabic are the next two on our wish-list, but as Arabic happens to be a right-to-left written language, we first need to create the architecture for this. Once that happens, Hebrew and Persian will be on their way as well.

And one day … one day in the future … how amazing will it be if we can offer Diversity Atlas in one of the many hundreds of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander languages from Australia? For now, it remains an ambition / goal.

It’s not as easy as just translating questions such as ‘What is your country of birth’ and answers like ‘Yes’ or ‘Bachelor Degree’ or ‘Catholic’ into other languages – we have over 45,000 fields to translate, including our almost 9,000-people-group dataset. What is ‘Wurrundjeri’ in Greek? What is ‘Gender Non-Conforming’ in Simplified Chinese? How do you say Syro-Antiochian Maronite Catholic Church in Vietnamese? Well, our translators can answer all of those questions (thankfully) but they have 45,000 fields to keep their eye on.

Note to our customers: NEVER trust Google Translate. If you need something properly translated, go to a translator, or give us a call and we can recommend some people. Google Translate is like Wikipedia in that it is awesome, and handy, and incredibly well run, and a beautiful free gift to the world; but would you really stake your reputation on a product that (for instance) once translated ‘Disability’ into one language as “Has no ability”?

Finally, did the fact that our CEO Peter Mousaferiadis is Greek have any influence on our decision to add Greek? What about our dataset manager My Linh Le being Vietnamese – did that have any bearing on our choice of Vietnamese being added?

Of course not! Total coincidence!
Well … somewhat a coincidence. Heh.

PS: Jedi Knight in Vietnamese is Hiệp sĩ Jedi

• Read Quincy's full article

MORE:

Cultural Infusion (CUIN)

Address: Suite 2, 273-277 Wellington Street, Collingwood, VIC 3066

Email: info@culturalinfusion.org.au

Website: https://culturalinfusion.org.au

PWR | HEARING | Your say: Programs, Parliament and Participation | 2023 Parliament of the World's Religions

[Edited extract from public address]

The Call for Programs for the 2023 Parliament of the World's Religions is closing on Monday, October 3rd. We want to hear from you!

Planning on proposing a program? Still considering a topic? Have a comment on the call for programs? Complete this short 2-minute survey and enter to win a FREE registration to the 2023 Parliament Convening for yourself or a friend.

• Submit Your Feedback!
• Find out more about 2023 Parliament of the World's Religions
• Propose a Program
• Share the Call

MORE:

Parliament of the World's Religions (PWR)

Address: 70 East Lake St., Ste 230 Chicago, IL 60601 USA

Tel: (312) 629-2990

Email: info@parliamentofreligions.org

Website: https://parliamentofreligions.org

FCCV | CALLING | Registrations to 2022 Victorian Interfaith Networks Festival | Sunday 13 November 2022 | 12noon-4.30pm AEDT

[Edited extract from public address]

An annual multifaith festival exploring issues facing young multicultural Victorians

The Victorian Interfaith Networks Festival is a grass-roots conference which aims to help build the capacity and sustainability of existing multifaith/interfaith networks, bring people up-to-date with current multifaith/interfaith matters and provide networking opportunities.

In 2022, the Festival will focus on young people, with young speakers, facilitators and performers.

Schedule:

• 11.30am: Registration Opens
• 12noon-1.25pm: Lunch, networking, faith and community stands
• 1.30-2.30pm: Honoured guests and keynote speech on 'How young people are negotiating religion, sexuality and diversity'
• 2.30-3pm: Interactive session on community projects run by young people
• 3-4.15pm: Workshop on 'Faith, Multifaith and Multiculturalism'
• 4.15pm-4.30pm: Closing ceremony

For PDF Flyer:

Click here

Travel to Venue:

For more information on how to get to Hawthorn Arts Centre by train, tram or car, click here

• Where: Hawthorn Arts Centre, 360 Burwood Road, Hawthorn VIC 3122
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: limited seating so bookings essential, online through Eventbrite

MORE:

Faith Communities Council of Victoria (FCCV)

Contact: Mr Sandy Kouroupidis, Multifaith Officer

Tel: 0412 670 369

Email: officer@faithvictoria.org.au

Website: http://faithvictoria.org.au

A collaboration in partnership with Boroondara Interfaith Network and City of Boroondara, proudly supported by the Victorian State Government – Multicultural Affairs, Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH).

GEIFN | AWAKENING | Wisdom in Uncertain Times | Wednesday 21 September 2022 | COMMEMORATING | UN International Day of Peace | 21 September

Topics

1. GEIFN | Aspiring
2. UN | COMMEMORATING | International Day of Peace | 21 September
3. UNHCR | UPDATING | Forcibly Displaced, Refugees & Stateless | Figures at a Glance | 16 June 2022
4. Supporting Global Engagement in Friendlier Neighbourhoods
5. Sharing Downloadable PDF Statements
6. Acknowledgments
7. Dedicating Merit and Best Wishes for Less Suffering with Sangye Menla (Medicine Buddha) Mantra

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1. GEIFN | Aspiring

GEIFN was formed in early 2011 with representation from many faith groups. Currently in caretaker mode with Carey Rohrlach attending.

• Promoting harmony and respect for faiths, values, cultures and traditions in our shared community.
• Providing opportunities for dialogue, understanding, harmonious interaction, co-operative community service and events that highlight positive contributions in the community.
• Demonstrating respect for others belief’s, cultures and traditions. This desire arises from our common humanity and our being people of faith.
• Recognising neighbours, that we have responsibilities to ourselves, community and the world.
• Encouraging citizens, all to put aside intolerance, prejudice and divisiveness to attain peaceful and fruitful co-existence.
• Acknowledging traditional inhabitants of Port Phillip, Glen Eira and surrounds are the Boon Wurrung, Bunurong and Wurundjeri peoples of the Kulin Nation.
• Respecting past, present and future elders of all spiritual traditions. May we find together a generous way to accommodate those in need of refuge. Let us be cool, strive individually and together to overcome inequality, violence, disengagement, tragedy and injustice wherever it may be. Let us honour, savour and enjoy results of mindful effort so more thrive peacefully in our place called home.

This annual supplement is a curation from information in public domain. Thankyou to all the many exemplars who have shared their aspiration, experience and results to be the peace making they wish to see in the world. Received with gratitude.

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2. UN | COMMEMORATING | International Day of Peace | 21 September

The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly. Two decades later, in 2001, the General Assembly unanimously voted to designate the Day as a period of non-violence and cease-fire.

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.
But achieving true peace entails much more than laying down arms.  It requires the building of societies where all members feel that they can flourish. It involves creating a world in which people are treated equally, regardless of their race.

As Secretary-General António Guterres has said:
“Racism continues to poison institutions, social structures, and everyday life in every society. It continues to be a driver of persistent inequality. And it continues to deny people their fundamental human rights. It destabilizes societies, undermines democracies, erodes the legitimacy of governments, and… the linkages between racism and gender inequality are unmistakable.”

As conflicts continue to erupt across the globe, causing people to flee, we have seen race-based discrimination at borders. As COVID-19 keeps attacking our communities, we have seen how certain racial groups have been hit much harder than others. As economies suffer, we have seen hate speech and violence directed at racial minorities.

We all have a role to play in fostering peace. And tackling racism is a crucial way to contribute.

We can work to dismantle the structures that entrench racism in our midst. We can support movements for equality and human rights everywhere. We can speak out against hate speech – both offline and online. We can promote anti-racism through education and reparatory justice.

The 2022 theme for the International Day of Peace is “End racism. Build peace.” We invite you to join the efforts of the United Nations as we work towards a world free of racism and racial discrimination. A world where compassion and empathy overcome suspicion and hatred. A world that we can truly be proud of. More



COVID-19 Response
This is a global health crisis unlike any other — one that is spreading human suffering, destabilizing the global economy and upending the lives of billions of people around the globe. Vulnerable populations in countries with weaker health systems, facing existing humanitarian crises are at great risk. The United Nations is committed to ensuring all people have access to all the tools to defeat COVID-19. Global solidarity is not only a moral imperative, it is in everyone’s interests. More

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3. UNHCR | UPDATING | Forcibly Displaced, Refugees & Stateless | Figures at a Glance | 16 June 2022

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for refugees, other forcibly displaced communities and stateless people. 

At least 89.3 million people around the world have been forced to flee their homes. Among them are nearly 27.1 million refugees, around half of whom are under the age of 18.

There are also millions of stateless people, who have been denied a nationality and lack access to basic rights such as accomodation security, education, health care, employment and freedom of movement.

At a time when 1 in every 88 people on earth has been forced to flee, our work at UNHCR is more important than ever before.



UNHCR personnel
UNHCR's backbone is its workforce. As of 31 December 2021, 18,879 people were employed, of whom around nearly 91% are based in the field.

We work in 137 countries and territories, with personnel based in a mixture of regional and branch offices and sub and field offices. Our teams work hard to help the displaced, specializing in a wide range of disciplines, including legal protection, administration, community services, public affairs and health.

How is UNHCR funded
We are funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions, with 85% from governments and the European Union. 3%comes from other inter-governmental organizations and pooled funding mechanisms, while a further 11% is from the private sector, including foundations, corporations and the public. Additionally, we receive a limited subsidy (one per cent) from the UN budget for administrative costs, and accept in-kind contributions, including items such as tents, medicines and trucks.

UNHCR was launched on a shoestring annual budget of US$300,000 in 1950. But as our work and size have grown, so too have the costs. Our annual budget rose to more than US$1 billion in the early 1990s and reached a new annual high of US$9.15 billion in 2021. 

For up to date information about UNHCR’s financial needs visit our Global Focus website.

• Forcibly Displaced, Refugees & Stateless | Figures at a Glance
• Make a donation
• Are you a refugee, asylum-seeker or stateless person looking for help? Visit UNHCR HELP site for information on asylum, legal assistance, education and other services in the country of your interest. Click here

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Xavier Rudd & the United Nations - Come People

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4. Supporting Global Engagement in Friendlier Neighbourhoods

GEIFN exists to promote harmony and respect for faiths, values, cultures and traditions by global engagement in friendlier neighbourhoods.

In This Section

• Badges
• Photocards
• Coffee Mugs
• Contemplations
• Inspirations
• Sharing Downloadable PDF Statements
• Update Your Contact Details
• Dedicating Merit and Best Wishes for Less Suffering

Consider obtaining and distributing from the growing range of collateral below. (Any receipts go towards production costs and ongoing service provision.)

Badges

For equity: YES, I am

Description:
Size: 56mm diametre, safety-pin clasp
Pack Contains: 20
Cost: $40 per pack
Includes Postage to Australian Addresses

OR download free digital version here for adding to your documents:

• opaque background jpeg
• opaque background gif
• transparent background psd

Photocards

Reconciliation? “We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we all must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color.”
Maya Angelou, American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist (1924-2014 CE)

Description:
High quality high gloss 1 sided on photographic paper
Individual Size: 15x10cm
Pack Contains: 10 cards
Cost: $6 per pack
Includes Postage to Australian Addresses

OR download free digital version here:

• low resolution jpeg
• high resolution jpeg
• high resolution pdf

Coffee Mugs

View 1: Lost Piece in the midst of Desire, Envy, Anger, Pride and Confusion? 
View 2: Found Peace: If it was easy, everybody would be doing it.

Description: 

• White ceramic 325ml mug with wrap-around image
• Pack Contains: 1 Mug
• Cost: $25 ea until stocks last
• Includes Postage to Australian Addresses

Contemplations

Take Away Contemplation (Front):
We give thanks for the precious nature
of life.

We give thanks for the precious nature 
of the lives of those we care for
and who care for us.

We give thanks for the precious nature 
of the many interconnected conditions
that come together today
to allow us to enjoy this place, 
this company, 
this purpose, 
this potential, 
this time.

We give thanks for the precious nature 
of all Teachers, Teachings and Opportunities to Share.

We give thanks for the precious nature 
of my/your/our life. 

May all beings enjoy such benefits
or if not, have less Suffering until planting the seeds for growth. 

For the benefit of all, thankyou.

Daily, before meals or anytime

Contemplating Departure (Back):
Please forgive me 
For anything I did or said 
Or failed to do or say, 
That hurt you or upset you, 
Whether I did them intentionally or unintentionally

I forgive you
For anything you did or said
Or failed to do or say
That hurt me or upset me,
Whether you did them intentionally or unintentionally

May all live in Peace, Wellbeing and Happiness

Daily, after meals or at the closing

Description: 
High quality laserprinted 2 sided leaflet
Individual Size: 21x10cm
Pack Contains: 12 leafs
Cost: $6 until stocks last
Includes Postage to Australian Addresses

OR download free digital version here:

• high resolution pdf

Inspirations

Be Aspiring, Change View (Front):
Found Peace. If it was easy then everybody would be enjoying it.

Beat Time, Check Source (Back):
Re:lig:ion = again/back : join/unite : energy

Description:
High quality laserprinted 2 sided leaflet
Individual Size: 21x10cm
Pack Contains: 12 leafs
Cost: $6 per pack
Includes Postage to Australian Addresses
OR download free digital version here:

• high resolution pdf

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5. Sharing Downloadable PDF Statements

• GEIFN | ENDORSING | Uluru Statement
• GEIFN | SUPPORTING | LGBTIQA+ Inclusion

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6. Acknowledgments

Reconciliation

Acknowledging traditional inhabitants of Cities of Port Phillip and Glen Eira are the Boon Wurrung, Bunurong and Wurundjeri peoples of the Kulin Nation. Respect is offered to past, present and future elders of all spiritual traditions. May we find together a generous way to accommodate those in need of refuge. Let us be cool, strive individually and together to overcome inequality, violence, disengagement, tragedy and injustice wherever it may be. Let us honour, savor and enjoy results of mindful effort so more thrive peacefully with less effort in our place called home.

Invitation to Support Content Creators

The music/stories/videos have been sourced from public domain. If you like any of the content, please consider buying directly from online marketplaces to support creators and truth telling in the public interest.

Caretaker Disclosure

Words and concepts are conditional things that point to a 'reflection of experience'. They are limited and do not adequately describe the 'full lived experience'. Like the moon's reflection on a lake's surface, it is not the moon, nor the experience of gazing up at the darkened sky transformed by the presence of a full moon. It is in the eyes/ears/nose/mouth/touch/cognisance of the beholder.

This curation is an interpretation of the universal basis of re:lig:ion (Latin = again:uniting:energy). This email invites a sharing of countless thoughts, words and actions wishing, causing and receiving less Suffering and more Happiness. For benefit initially of the individual increasing in beneficiaries until it includes all across the 3 times and 10 directions. Or not. As each case may be.

It is not personal, it just the way things are.

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6. Dedicating Merit and Best Wishes for Less Suffering

Lama Dorje (Vajra Drayang) gives a modern interpretation of Sangye Menla (Medicine Buddha) mantra

 May all beings have happiness, 

 May all beings be free from suffering, 

 May all beings feel an ocean of happiness and joy 

 And may we live with the good heart 

 Feeling close to all. 

GEIFN | MIXING | Media | September 2022

Best wishes for less Suffering, more Happiness with Good Health and Time to Enjoy it. Welcome to Thai solar calendar 2565.

Sharing a timely aspiration:
“A woman without a man is like a fish without a bicycle.”
Florynce Kennedy, American lawyer, radical feminist, civil rights advocate, lecturer and activist (1916-2000 CE)

If having no reason to celebrate this month, here are 3 prepared earlier:

• 5 September: International Day of Charity (International)
• 8 September: R U Ok Day (Australia)
• 21 September: International Day of Peace (International)

And those with time are welcome to explore concepts of Refuge and different ways to look at it. 

Usual conditions apply: words and concepts are conditional things that point to a 'reflection of experience'. They are limited and do not adequately describe the 'full experience'. Like the moon's reflection on a lake's surface, it is not the moon.
 
Impermanent Definition
The definition of refuge changes depending on:

• our starting point in this life, 
• current clarity,
• our current needs,
• anticipated future needs, and 
• ripening karma (consequences from previous thoughts, words and actions). 

Beginners: 
Refuge is a 'place' where we feel valued, loved and safe. For the benefit of ourselves. It might be a memory, saying, person or group. If don't already have a refuge, find one – a refuge is useful as a 'you' plan in uncertain times.
 
Intermediates: 
Refuge is a 'place' we have made: ourselves and those in our company feel valued, loved and safe. It might be a presence, resources, service or group. If haven't already made a refuge, make one – a refuge is very useful as a 'me' plan in certain and uncertain times.
 
Advanced:
Refuge is a 'place' wherever we are: ourselves and those in and out of our company feel valued, loved and safe. It might be leadership, skill, generosity or inclusiveness. If not already a refuge, act like one – a refuge is useful as a 'we' plan in all times until full realization when acting is no longer necessary, the state is lasting. (The time is always certain. There is only one moment, this moment, full of unrealised potential and any thing can happen.)

Remember: information may contain misunderstandings, deliberate omissions and complete fabrications. Accept nothing blindly. Test for usefulness: if useful keep; adapt for personal circumstances if necessary; or if unuseful discard. Be your own guiding light.

The following monthly curation from publicly available information is offered below for consideration.

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Topics

1. Guest Sings
2. Stream Jives
3. Wisdom Reconciles
4. Media Writes
5. TED Talks
6. Music Challenges
7. Acknowledgments

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1. Guest Sings

Approx 5 min presentation

• Edie Brickell & New Bohemians – What I Am

 

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2. Street Jives

Approx 2 min presentation

• Sesame Street and Will.i.am – What I Am

 

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3. Wisdom Reconciles

• The School of Life: Who Am I? (8 mins)
• Pixar: For the Birds (4 mins)
• Einzelgänger: Who Am I? | The Philosophy of Alan Watts (11 mins)
• Pink Dot 2017: Starting a Conversation (6 mins)
• Sadhguru on Ramana Maharishi’s: Who Am I (9 mins)

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4. Media Writes

Approx 5 min reads

Intro
Genevieve Quigley explores place, belonging and visible representation when recounting why "I was told ‘they don’t hire people that look like you’: Michelle Lim Davidson” via The Sydney Morning Herald

Robyn Doreian explores gender, identity and vocation with "QI’s Sandy Toksvig: ‘I’ve known I like women since I was four’” via The Brisbane Times

John Shand explores place, people and reconciliation when recounting how "Archie Roach’s music helped heal not just his own wounds, but those of countless others” via The Age


Intra
Kate Halfpenny explores parenting, pandering and humour to explain why "‘We were not into pandering’: Sometimes it’s best to tell it to kids straight” via The Brisbane Times

Evelyn Lewin explores empathy, humility and sustainable relationships in "Could the ‘nice guys finish last’ myth be hampering your relationship?” via The Brisbane Times 

Dennis Passa explores gender, identity and presentation plus other reasons why "‘I’d like to help someone by telling my story’: Green finds liberation in transition” via WA Today


Inter
Rachael Dexter explores access, opportunity and infrastructure adaption in "All charged up: Councils push for kerbside car charging” via The Age

Karl Quinn explores gender, acceptance, presentation over discussing her new film at lunch when "‘Maybe you don’t want to thrash about like an eel’: Talking sex with Emma Thompson” via The Age

Arani Ahmed explores gender, presentation and belonging recounting when "‘I believed that if I was Bengali, then I couldn’t be queer’” via The Age


Multi
Garry Maddox explores genuine creativity, skilful film making and leadership overcomes "Setbacks, star wars, sackings: How director George Miller plays Hollywood hardball” via The Age

Jess Ho explores migration, childhood and meeting parental aspirations, recounting from her name book "As a child of immigrants, my choice was clear: be a doctor or be a disappointment” via WA Today

Benjamin Law talks dicey topics Money, Religion and Bodies with Fatima Payman and "Why our first hijab-wearing Muslim senator wants a cuppa with Pauline Hanson” via The Brisbane Times


All
Dilvin Yasa explores mortality, avoidance and open secrets recounting how "My aunt wasn’t told about her terminal illness. Her final gift said it all” via The Age

Benjamin Law explores dicey topics politics, money and death while "‘We’re all in the queue’: How writing helped Indira Naidoo understand death” via The Brisbane Times

Richard Jiman explores existence, evolution and explanation in "Why Richard Dawkins doesn’t fear the ‘great nothing’ that awaits at the end" via WA Today


Togather
Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon explores finances, planning and unforeseen events describing reasons for and "What happens when you ask for free financial counselling?" via The Sydney Morning Herald

Jim Bright explores the role of talent, training and timing with "Who do you aspire to be? Having a hero can be good for your career” via WA Today

Surendra Verma explores identity, language and belonging when recounting "A smack that taught an atheist to respect religion” via The Brisbane Times


Nobly
Waleed Aly explores generosity, spirit and towards sharing a brighter future, reasons why "Statement from the Heart is a gift to the nation, not a grab for power” via The Age

Pirooz Jafari explores people, place and persistance in this extract of his new book recounting how "Dreaming big while bombs fell all around me? It seemed absurd” via The Sydney Morning Herald

Associated Press explores gender, poverty and equity as "No more ‘period poverty’: Scottish law makes sanitary products free” via The Sydney Morning Herald

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5. TED Talks

5-20 min presentations

• Amy Adkins: Who am I? A philosophical inquiry (5 mins)
• Amber Stuver: Einstein's twin paradox explained (7 mins)
• Bevy Smith: How to Discover Your Authentic Self – at Any Age (15 mins)
• Nicholas Amendolare: What is the tragedy of the commons? (5 mins)
• Jane Hirshfield: The art of the metaphor (6 mins)

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6. Music Challenges

Approx 30 min presentation + reflection times

If desired, a short selection of publicly available material on a chosen theme for personal reflection. 

For best results, sit comfortably with a straight back, have headphones in a shared space, after each clicked link, allow a little reflection with your personally-held view before clicking on the next link.

Get ready to Reflect!
Choose your playing level:
Be introduced at 1.
Be soothed at 2-4.
Be shocked at 5.
Be inspired at 6.
Fuller illumination 1-6.
You be the judge. Or not.

Cryptic Clue:
What are some ingredients making up my 'me'?

1. Inspire
2. Perspire
3. Collaborate
4. Engage: Test for personal circumstances, if useful keep, if unuseful discard, if exceeds needs, share mindfully
5. Endure: Adapt for present times without sacrificing intent
6. Endear: (Inspiring Others To Tend the Flame) live/ demonstrate/ inspire/ teach experience with others

This challenge is serving Food, Touch, Taste and Time.

food
[fewd]
From late Old English fōda, of Germanic origin; related to fodder.

1. any nutritious substance that people or animals eat or drink or that plants absorb in order to maintain life and growth. Ie, we need food and water. Ie, they had eaten their food and slept. Ie, baby foods. Ie, food shortages
2. (figurative) an inspiring experience. Ie, music is food for the soul.
3. (figurative) something that warrants serious consideration. Ie, food for thought

touch
[tutch]
From Middle English; the verb from Old French tochier, probably from a Romance word of imitative origin; the noun originally from Old French touche, later (in certain senses) directly from the verb.

1. an act of touching someone or something. Ie, the hairdresser's touch on the client's shoulder was hesitant. Ie, you can manipulate images on the screen at the touch of a key. Ie, expressions of love through words and touch. 
   • the faculty of perception through physical contact, especially with the fingers. Ie, reading by touch. 
   • a musician's manner of playing keys or strings. 
   • the manner in which a musical instrument's keys or strings respond to being played. Ie, Viennese instruments with their too delicate touch. 
   • a light stroke with a pen, pencil, etc.
2. a small amount; a trace. Ie, add a touch of vinegar. Ie, they retired to bed with a touch of flu. 
   • a small distinctive detail or feature. Ie, the film's most inventive touch. 
3. a distinctive manner or method of dealing with something. Ie, later they showed a surer political touch. 
   • an ability to deal with something successfully. Ie, getting caught looks so incompetent, as though we're losing our touch. 
4. (Rugby & Soccer) the area beyond the sidelines, out of play. Ie, the player's clearance went directly into touch. Ie, the idea was kicked firmly into touch by the authorities. 
5. (informal, dated) an act of asking for and getting a loan or gift from someone. Ie, I only tolerated this relative because the bore was good for a touch now and then.
6. (Bell-ringing) a series of changes shorter than a peal. 
7. (archaic) a thing that tests the worth or character of something. Ie, you must put your fate to the touch.
8. come into or be in contact with. Ie, the student leaned back so that only two legs of the chair touched the floor. Ie, the dog had one paw outstretched, not quite touching the ground.
   • bring one's hand or another part of one's body into contact with. Ie, the actor touched a strand of their hair. Ie, the conductor touched the passenger on the shoulder to indicate the stop was nearing. 
   • come or bring into mutual contact. Ie, for a moment their fingers touched. Ie, we touched wheels and nearly came off the road. 
   • strike (a ball) lightly in a specified direction. Ie, the player touched back a cross-field ball. 
   • (Geometry) be tangent to (a curve or surface) at a certain point. 
9. handle in order to interfere with, alter, or otherwise affect. Ie, I didn't play their records or touch any of their stuff. 
   • cause harm to (someone). Ie, I've got friends who'll pull strings – nobody will dare touch me. 
   • [usually with negative] consume or use (food, drink, money, etc.). Ie, the pint by their right hand was hardly touched. Ie, in three years I haven't touched a cent of the money. 
   • [with negative] used to indicate that something is avoided or rejected. Ie, they were good only for the jobs that nobody else would touch. 
10. affect or concern. Ie, a tenth of state companies have been touched by privatisation. 
    • (of a quality or expression) be or become visible or apparent in. Ie, the voice was touched by hysteria. A wry smile touched their lips. 
11. produce feelings of affection, gratitude, or sympathy in. Ie, the captain was touched by the team's loyalty. 
12. (informal) reach a specified level or amount. Ie, sales touched twenty grand last year. 
    • [usually with negative] be comparable to in quality or excellence. Ie, there's no one who can touch this student at lightweight judo.

taste
[tayste]
From Middle English (also in the sense touch): from Old French tast (noun), taster (verb) = touch, try, taste, perhaps based on a blend of Latin tangere = to touch + gustare = to taste.

1. the sensation of flavour perceived in the mouth and throat on contact with a substance. Ie, the wine had a fruity taste. 
   • the faculty of perceiving taste. Ie, birds do not have a highly developed sense of taste. 
   • a small portion of food or drink taken as a sample. Ie, try a taste of cheese. 
   • a brief experience of something, conveying its basic character. Ie, it was their first taste of serious action. 
2. a person's liking for particular flavours. Ie, this pudding is too sweet for my taste. 
   • a person's tendency to like or be interested in something. Ie, they found the aggressive competitiveness of the profession was not to their taste. Ie, since retiring, I have lost my taste for fancy restaurants
3. the ability to discern what is of good quality or of a high aesthetic standard. Ie, they have delightful taste in literature. 
   • conformity or failure to conform with generally held views concerning what is offensive or acceptable. Ie, that's a joke in very bad taste. 
4. perceive or experience the flavour of. Ie, they had never tasted ice cream before. 
   • have a specified flavour. Ie, the coffee tasted of acorns. Ie, the spinach tastes delicious. 
   • sample the flavour of (food or drink) by taking it into the mouth. Ie, the waiter poured some wine for them to taste. 
   • eat or drink a small portion of. Ie, they tasted course after course, but was unable to eat very much. 
5. have experience of. Ie, the team has now tasted victory at home.

time
[tyme]
From Old English tima, of Germanic origin; related to tide, which it superseded in temporal senses. The earliest of the current verb senses (dating from late Middle English) is = do (something) at/with/by/in/for a particular moment.

1. the indefinite continued progress of existence and events in the past, present, and future regarded as a whole. Ie, travel through space and time. Ie, one of the greatest wits of all time. 
2. the continued progress of existence as affecting people and things. Ie, things were getting better as time passed. 
3. time or an amount of time as reckoned by a conventional standard. Ie, it's eight o'clock Eastern Australian Time. 
4. (Time or Father Time) the personification of time, typically as an old man with a scythe and hourglass. 
5. a point of time as measured in hours and minutes past midnight or noon. Ie, the time is 9.30. 
6. a specific moment or definite portion of time allotted, used, or suitable for a purpose. Ie, the scheduled departure time. Ie, shall we fix a time for the meeting? 
7. a generalised favourable or appropriate time to do something. Ie, it was time to go. Ie it's time for bed.
8. (a time) an indefinite period. Ie, travelling always distorts one's feelings for a time. 
9. (also times) a portion of time in history or characterized by particular events or circumstances. Ie, Victorian times. Ie, at the time of Galileo, Ie, the park is beautiful at this time of year. 
10. (also times) the conditions of life during a particular period. Ie, times have changed. 
11. (the Times) used in names of newspapers. Ie, the Oxford Times. 
12. (one's time) one's lifetime. Ie, I've known a lot of characters in my time. 
13. (one's time) the successful, fortunate, or influential part of a person's life or career. Ie, in my time that was unheard of. 
14. (one's time) the appropriate or expected time for something, in particular childbirth or death. Ie, the children seemed old before their time.
15. an apprenticeship. Ie, engineering officers traditionally served their time as fitters in the yards. 
16. (archaic) a period of menstruation or pregnancy. 
17. the normal rate of pay for time spent working. Ie, if called out at the weekend they are paid time and a half. 
18. the length of time taken to run a race or complete an event or journey. Ie, the runner's time for the kilometre was 5 mins behind the leader's. 
19. (British) the moment at which the opening hours of a pub end. Ie, the landlord called time. 
20. short for full time. Ie, the player scored the third five minutes from time. 
21. (Baseball & American Football) a moment at which play stops temporarily within a game. Ie, the umpire called time. 
22. time as allotted, available, or used. Ie, we need more time. Ie, it would be a waste of time. 
23. (informal) a prison sentence. Ie, the person was doing time for fraud. 
24. an instance of something happening or being done; an occasion. Ie, this is the first time I have got into debt. Ie, the nurse came in four times a day. 
25. an event, occasion, or period experienced in a particular way. Ie, the neighbour was having a rough time of it. 
26. (mathematics) pluralised expression symbolising multiplication. Ie, eleven times four is forty-four. 
27. the rhythmic pattern of a piece of music, as expressed by a time signature. 
    • Ie, tunes in waltz time.
    • Ie, tempo at which a piece of music is played or marked to be played.

[Practice]

Optional
-- Chant Mantrastyle

Who am I? Are we just the fruits of our parents' loins?
Is the answer hidden in plain sight in the old wise saying "you are what you eat"? And is this only limited to food? Or is it the weight of the output minus input minus waste?

What about potentiality of a touching lived experience or being touched by the story of a skilful narrator?

What about the transformative nature in having a taste of a different way or stage of life? How does the weight of others' expectations shape our experience? Or the absence of who we loved and lost or never found in the first place? 

An individual's length of Time is unknown, easily lost and therefore precious. Timing is everything. Keep track, waste it or use mindfully according to individual preference.

Why? Why not?

Start today. 
As the case may be.
Or not.

---

7. Acknowledgments

Reconciliation

Acknowledging traditional inhabitants of Cities of Port Phillip and Glen Eira are the Boon Wurrung, Bunurong and Wurundjeri peoples of the Kulin Nation. Respect is offered to past, present and future elders of all spiritual traditions. May we find together a generous way to accommodate those in need of refuge. Let us be cool, strive individually and together to overcome inequality, violence, disengagement, tragedy and injustice wherever it may be. Let us honour, savor and enjoy results of mindful effort so more thrive peacefully with less effort in our place called home.

Invitation to Support Content Creators

The music/stories/videos have been sourced from public domain. If you like any of the content, please consider buying directly from online marketplaces to support creators and truth telling in the public interest.

Caretaker Disclosure

Words and concepts are conditional things that point to a 'reflection of experience'. They are limited and do not adequately describe the 'full lived experience'. Like the moon's reflection on a lake's surface, it is not the moon, nor the experience of gazing up at the darkened sky transformed by the presence of a full moon. It is in the eyes/ears/nose/mouth/touch/cognisance of the beholder.

This curation is an interpretation of the universal basis of re:lig:ion (Latin = again:uniting:energy). This email invites a sharing of countless thoughts, words and actions wishing, causing and receiving less Suffering and more Happiness. For benefit initially of the individual increasing in beneficiaries until it includes all across the 3 times and 10 directions. As each case may be. Or not.

It is not personal, it just the way things are.

GEIFN | CONSOLIDATED | Information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) | Thursday 1 September 2022

Fast Facts: COVID-19 Victoria & Australia

1. VIC | GOV | UPDATING | Pandemic Response
   
    GRANTING 
2. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | 2022 Universal Design Funding | funding round closes 2 September 2022
3. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | 2022 Changing Places funding | funding round closes 2 September 2022
4. AUST | PFA | GRANTING | LGBTQIA+ Refugees and people seeking asylum Fund | submissions close Friday 2 September 2022
5. COPP | GOV | GRANTING | 2022/23 Cultural Development Fund (CDF) | closing 5 September 2022
6. AUST | SCFO | GRANTING | Scanlon Foundation Annual Community Grants 2022 | applications close Friday 16 September 2022
   
    HIRING 
7. VIC | POLICE | HIRING | Representatives through Aboriginal Diversity Recruitment Program
8. MELB | COHEALTH | HIRING | Part-time positions for people living in public housing | applications close Thursday 1 September 2022
9. VIC | ECCV | HIRING | Communications Officer | applications close Monday 5 September 2022
10. VIC | ECCV | HIRING | Practice Lead, Mental Health | applications close Monday 12 September 2022
    
     ENGAGING 
11. AUST | ABC NEWS | SEEKING | Diverse Voices for 'Experts' Database
12. COPP | YAC | TRAINING | First Aid Workshop | Saturday 3 September 2022 | 10am-2pm
13. VIC | ECCV | CONDUCTING | Multicultural mental health consultations | 5 September 2022 | 10am-12noon
14. AUST | ETHNOLINK | WEBINAR | Effective Multicultural Communications Campaigns | Tuesday 6 September 2022 | 2-3pm AEST / 12noon-1pm AWST
15. AUST | RUOK | INVITING | Hosts of events for R U OK? Day | Thursday 8 September 2022
16. MELB | CISC | TALKING | Dumplings against Depression | Thursday 8 September 2022 | 6-8.30pm
17. VIC | PPCfR | ENGAGING | Reconciliation Writing Competition 2022 | entries open, closing Friday 9 September 2022
18. MELB | VAG | EXHIBITING | Banumbirr – Morning Star Installation by custodian Paul Buwang Buwang Gurruwiwi | on now, closing Saturday 17 September 2022
19. MELB | COMMON | COMMEMORATING | UN International Day of Peace | Multifaith & Multicultural Celebration | Sunday 18 September 2022 | 11.30am-3pm
20. COPP | PHAAA | CELEBRATING | 10 year anniversary and Peace Festival: Healing the Youth | Sunday 18 September 2022 | 3pm-5.30pm
21. MELB | IPACA | PRESENTING | Indian Performing Arts Convention & Festival Australia | Monday 19-Sunday 25 September 2022
22. VTMH | WEBINAR | Working in partnership with consumers towards a recovery and rights based mental health system | Wednesday 21 September 2022 | 3-4pm
23. MELB | MWiB | SHOWCASING | Migrant Women in Business | Thursday 22 September 2022 | 5-9pm AEST
24. MELB | ECCV | COMMEMORATING | 10th Walter Lippmann Oration | Thursday 13 October 2022 | from 6.30pm
25. AUST | GiveOUT | CALLING | Organisations for GiveOUT Day | Thursday 20 October 2022 | applications now open
26. COPP | TRANSV | TRAINING | LGBTQIA+ & Transgender Diverse Awareness | Tuesday 1 November 2022 | 9.30am-12.30pm
27. AUST | EQPR | ENGAGING | Australia's 5th National LGBTIQ+ Conference: Better Together 2023 | 17-18 February 2023
    
     COLLECTING 
28. CHUFFED | RAISING | Awareness and Funds for metal detectors in Ukraine
29. WORLD | IFD | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds for LGTBIQA+ Channel
    
     ANNOUNCING 
30. VIC | GOV | OFFERING | Free kindergarten for Victorian children | enrolments for 2023 Kinder are currently open
31. VIC | FCCV | RELEASING | Multifaith Calendar 2023
32. VIC | GOV | ANNOUNCING | Winners of Annual Victorian Disability Awards
33. VIC | VMC | ADVISING | VMConnect. Have you joined?
34. MELB | METRO | ANNOUNCING | Five artists selected for new Metro Tunnel stations in Melbourne
35. VIC | GOV | LAUNCHING | Victoria's new youth strategy – Our Promise, Your future
36. MELB | GOV | LAUNCHING | New initiative for South Asian filmmakers - My Melbourne
37. VIC | VMC | ANNOUNCING | 2022 Multicultural Film Festival Winners
38. MELB | ECLC | SUPPORTING | Anti-racism leadership in Melbourne's East
39. VIC | IBBACC | REPORTING | Police misconduct – You have the right to not remain silent
40. VIC | SOUNDF | HEARING | Your say: Multicultural Victorians with hearing loss
41. AUST | ECCV | SUBMITTED | To the Humanitarian Program
42. AUST | TIS | REMINDING | Translating and interpreting services available
43. WORLD | PWR | UPDATING | 2023 Parliament & More
    
     SUPPORTING 
44. AUST | Coronavirus hotline
45. AUST | Helpers and Reliable Sources Along the Way
    
     ACKNOWLEDGING 
46. Acknowledgment to Sources
47. Bye bye to Essentialists
48. Self-Isolators, Non-Essentials And The Homebound

1. VIC | GOV | UPDATING | Pandemic Response

COVID-19 variants cause disruptions for our state, but there is a lot that we can do as individuals and as a collective to stop this spread.

Stay up to date on the latest health advice and please consider both the COVID-19 and flu vaccinations if eligible. If you need access to food or financial relief, there is information available for how to get this support.

Ongoing from 11.59pm Friday 24 June 2022:

• Masks must still be worn on public transport, taxis, ride shares, and planes – but in line with the recent AHPPC statement, will no longer be required at airports. Masks are also still required in sensitive settings such as hospitals and care facilities.
• Positive cases must still isolate for seven days from the day they took their test but may now leave home to drive a household member directly to or from education or work without leaving their vehicle. They can also leave home to get medical care, a COVID-19 test, or in an emergency, including the risk of harm.
• Workers who interact with a vulnerable person will still require three COVID-19 vaccine doses. This includes residential aged care and disability care, healthcare, and custodial and emergency services, including police.
• Government imposed third dose mandates in education, food distribution, meat and seafood processing and quarantine accommodation sectors will be lifted. In line with other jurisdictions around Australia, vaccination policies will be the responsibility of individual workplaces.
• As almost 95 per cent of Victorians 12 and older have had two COVID-19 doses, rules requiring general workers to work from home, unless they are double-vaccinated are lifted. Employers will still be able to set their own workplace conditions.
• Visitor caps to care facilities, including residential aged care and disability are removed, with residents able to see any number of people as long as they test negative on a rapid antigen test that day. If a test is unavailable, a person can only be present for limited reasons such as end-of-life visits. Centres may introduce their own visitor rules to respond to local risk.

Home Based Care Easing Pressure On Our Hospitals
Tens of thousands of Victorians are taking up the home-based care programs across the state – easing pressure on the health system – with nearly 56,000 people receiving care from the comfort of their home since Better at Home started last year.


Free RATS Program For People With Disability Extended
People with disability in Victoria can continue to access 20 free rapid antigen tests per visit from state-run testing sites and from Disability Liaison Officers, with the program extended until the end of September.

People unable to attend a state-run testing site can contact a Disability Liaison Officer who can help.  

• Find my local testing site

To learn in other ways about Victoria's responses:

• Call the Victorian Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398. International, interstate and mobile callers can phone (+613) 9096 9000.
• Department of Health's website in English or Other Languages
• What to do if you are a close contact
• Financial support for coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Isolation and quarantine – extra help and support
• Mental health resources 
• Mental health support services
• Information for people with disability - coronavirus (COVID-19) 
• Emergency relief packages 
• COVID business information 
• COVIDSafe religion and ceremony guidance

Additionally

• You can leave home if there is an emergency.
• You can leave home if there is family violence or violence by another person in the home, and you are at risk. If you are stopped by police, tell them you are feeling unsafe at home and they will help you. Safe accommodation and support for family violence is available. Call safe steps on 1800 015 188 or email safesteps@safesteps.org.au for help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Other ways to stay safe

• Always wash your hands before you leave, and when you return home.
• Keep at least 1.5 metres between yourself and others.
• Never, ever go out if you are unwell unless it is to get tested.
• After you get tested, return straight home.
• Remember that the most important thing you can do is get tested, even if you have the mildest of symptoms.
• Get vaccinated.

Updated COVID-19 communication resources for community stakeholders
The Victorian Government has developed resources in multiple languages with information about how you can stay COVIDSafe and get support if you need it.

This includes stakeholder packs with in-language, up to date material on:

• Rapid Antigen Tests
• What to do if you test positive
• What to do if you are a household contact

Find more translated resources at the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing website.

• More information

Spread the word: help protect our communities
With winter around the corner, it's more important than ever that the most vulnerable in our communities are up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccinations. Consider sharing these Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) videos in 'Protecting Our Communities' series which features inspiring stories of how community leaders overcame misinformation and hesitancy to support seniors during the pandemic. 

• Find out more and watch.

VIC | GOV | CHANGING | COVID-19 food relief | from 1 July
Effective from 1 July 2022, there will be changes to how food relief is being delivered.

The changes will connect people to food relief providers and local health services that can become a part of an individual or family’s ongoing support network.

Once you have registered your positive COVID-19 result, you will be asked to complete a short survey on your care and support needs. Based on the survey response, you may receive a text message from the Department of Health that will allocate you to the COVID Positive Pathway program.

This program will connect you with the support you need to manage COVID-19 isolation, including access to food relief if eligible. 

• Learn more

 GRANTING 

2. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | 2022 Universal Design Funding | funding round closes 2 September 2022

The 2022 Universal Design Funding Round aims to improve access via small renovations to existing community facilities. The goal is to enable more people, including people with disability and dementia, to participate in community and social activities.

Local and state government entities, and community not-for-profit organisations who manage community facilities and public spaces are encouraged to apply.

Eligible organisations can apply for grants valued between $10,000 to $100,000 for minor fit outs or upgrades to existing community facilities and public spaces.

• Learn more and apply

 

3. VIC | GOV | GRANTING | 2022 Changing Places funding | funding round closes 2 September 2022

Grants of up to $180,000 are available to build thirty new Changing Places across Victoria.

Changing Places provide suitable facilities for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets, and allow those with high support needs to fully participate in the community. This may include people with an acquired brain injury, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, and motor neurone disease, as well as many other people with a disability.

The grants are open to Victorian local government, not-for-profit and community organisations. 

• Learn more

 

4. AUST | PFA | GRANTING | LGBTQIA+ Refugees and people seeking asylum Fund | submissions close Friday 2 September 2022

The Pride Foundation Australia (PFA) Board of Directors and the Sidney Myer Fund are pleased to announce their next joint funding round, to the value of $20,000.

This grant round will focus on supporting LGBTQIA+ Refugees and people seeking asylum.

Projects that are collaborations between refugee and asylum seeker agencies or groups and LGBTQIA+ agencies or groups are encouraged.  Where an LGBTIQ+ refugee-led group is partnering with another organisation we encourage equal partnerships and co-design. One of the organisations/groups must have DGR status

• Applicants must submit an expression of interest  using the appropriate form by email to PFA by 5pm on the due date.

 

5. COPP | GOV | GRANTING | 2022/23 Cultural Development Fund (CDF) | closing 5 September 2022

Who can apply? Individual artists with an auspice organisation, and arts, cultural or community organisations living or working  in the City Port Phillip for arts based projects. 

Applicants can find the community grant categories and applications online through the Smarty Grants website.

6. AUST | SCFO | GRANTING | Scanlon Foundation Annual Community Grants 2022 | applications close Friday 16 September 2022

Applications are now open for the Scanlon Foundation (SCFO) Annual Community Grants 2022. The grants will support projects that contribute to social cohesion by:

1. Building pathways to employment; or
2. Increasing applied English literacy.

Grants will provide funding up to a maximum of $30,000 for a 12 month project (implementation from January to December 2023). 

• Learn more

 HIRING 

7. VIC | POLICE | HIRING | Representatives through Aboriginal Diversity Recruitment Program

Victoria Police is committed to increasing the representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in their organisation and enriching their ties to community.

Round 3 of the Victoria Police Diversity Recruitment Program has now opened, seeking Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants living in Shepparton who are interested in a career with Victoria Police. 

The Program will help you to get ready for a policing role, prepare you for the recruitment process and support you as you hopefully start your career with Victoria Police. This includes mentoring, exam preparation, fitness and ongoing coaching during Academy training. 

• Learn more

 

8. MELB | COHEALTH | HIRING | Part-time positions for people living in public housing | applications close Thursday 1 September 2022

Cohealth is recruiting for 12 'Community Connector' positions for the newly funded Homes Victoria Community Connector program. 

The positions are specifically for residents living in public housing. Residents with language skills in Vietnamese, Cantonese, Mandarin, Arabic, Oromo and Somali are encouraged to apply. 

Community Connectors will work as a team to develop and deliver health promotion activities for communities in public housing. They will also give direct support to residents who need assistance accessing cohealth services.

People with strong community engagement, event planning and computer skills would be best suited for these roles. The teams will be located in Collingwood, Carlton and Flemington. 

• Apply now

 

9. VIC | ECCV | HIRING | Communications Officer | applications close Monday 5 September 2022

Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) is looking for a creative and driven Communications professional with a passion for multiculturalism and social justice to join our team. The role calls for excellent writing and editing skills, the ability to think critically and problem solve, and a flair for content creation and design. Suitably qualified applicants from migrant and refugee backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

• Read more

 

10. VIC | ECCV | HIRING | Practice Lead, Mental Health | applications close Monday 12 September 2022

Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) is seeking a proactive and experienced Practice Lead, Mental Health & Wellbeing to inform and drive the development and delivery of mental health reform activities in Victoria. The Practice Lead will be responsible for leading ECCV’s work with the Diverse Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Grants Program. 

• Read full position description

 ENGAGING 

11. AUST | ABC NEWS | SEEKING | Diverse Voices for 'Experts' Database

The ABC News 50:50 project is focused on improving gender diversity across their news coverage. In 2019, a callout was made asking women with expertise in any subject to self-nominate as expert sources/talent for ABC stories. 

More than 4,000 women from all kinds of industries and backgrounds responded to the call and many of those women are now used frequently as experts across all kinds of programming!

The ABC is now seeking additional experts for their database, and especially encourage women with multicultural backgrounds to register. 

An 'expert' is considered to be anyone with subject matter expertise, a professional qualification, and/or lived experience in any area. No previous media experience is required, and the ABC is seeking representation from both capital cities and regional areas.

• Register

12. COPP | YAC | TRAINING | First Aid Workshop | Saturday 3 September 2022 | 10am-2pm

The City of Port Phillip’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) invites young people aged 15-18 to participate in a series of free workshops being held at the St. Kilda Library as part of the Victorian State Government Youth Festival initiative.

A free first aid workshop with Vic First Aid during which you will learn essential emergency life support skills including:

• Management of the Unconscious Casualty
• Basic Life Support - DRSABCD
• CPR - Adult & Infant
• Use of an Automated External Defibrillator - AED
• Airway Obstruction
• Asthma
• Anaphylaxis
• Bleeds management

Upon completion of the course you will receive a Statement of Attainment for the nationally accredited course HLTAID010 Provide Basic Emergency Life Support.

• Who: Young people aged 15-18
• Where: St. Kilda Library
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: Limited spots, register online via Trybooking

 

13. VIC | ECCV | CONDUCTING | Multicultural mental health consultations | 5 September 2022 | 10am-12noon

Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) is working with KPMG and the Victorian Multicultural Commission to undertake consultations with researchers, service providers, policymakers, and consumers to collect multicultural mental health data. Information gathered at the consultations will inform the Department of Health’s reforms to make the collection of mental health data more culturally safe and accessible. 

• Register for the consultations

 

14. AUST | ETHNOLINK | WEBINAR | Effective Multicultural Communications Campaigns | Tuesday 6 September 2022 | 2-3pm AEST / 12noon-1pm AWST

Creating a multicultural communications strategy across different channels can be challenging, especially one that resonates across cultures, languages and communication platforms. 

In this one-hour free webinar, Ethnolink CEO and Founder Costa Vasili and Senior Translation Strategist Cloé Bru will explore three well-executed multicultural communications campaigns. 

The course will include information regarding creating multilingual videos, websites, social media tiles, radio ads and brochures across multiple channels.

• Where: online, link provided upon successful registration
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: online through Ethnolink

 

15. AUST | RUOK | INVITING | Hosts of events for R U OK? Day | Thursday 8 September 2022

R U OK? Day is a national day of action when we are invited to ask, ‘are you OK?’ and start a meaningful conversation with people we know who are struggling. 

R U OK? has released resources, tips and ideas to help you drive genuine change in your workplace, school and community.

Hosting an event, sharing resources, or bringing people together online are great ways to celebrate R U OK? Day and share the R U OK? message.

All acts of support for this day, big or small, are welcome!

• Get involved

 

16. MELB | CISC | TALKING | Dumplings against Depression | Thursday 8 September 2022 | 6-8.30pm

In honour of R U OK? Day, The Couch International Student Centre is hosting a free mental health workshop.

The evening will include a discussion of mental health and depression with a panel of experts, and a free dumpling dinner.

There will be also be an opportunity to meet other attendees, chat with the experts, and to participate in a Bollywood dance lesson to finish off the event!

Registrations are essential. 

• Free registration

 

17. VIC | PPCfR | ENGAGING | Reconciliation Writing Competition 2022 | entries now open, closing Friday 9 September 2022

Port Phillip Citizens for Reconciliation (PPCfR) is calling all Victorian adults and students in Years 9-12 are invited to submit entries - fact, fiction or poetry.
1500 words for adults, 600 for students or 50 lines of poetry for all, referencing this year’s NAIDOC theme, Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! 

Prize money of $1000, $600 and $300 will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd placegetters in each category. 

Entries close Friday 9 September, so there is lots of time to start writing. 

• If you would like more information about this Competition, please email Deb Stewart.

 

18. MELB | VAG | EXHIBITING | Banumbirr – Morning Star Installation by custodian Paul Buwang Buwang Gurruwiwi | on now, closing Saturday 17 September 2022

An installation of Banumbirr by Morning Star custodian Paul Buwang Buwang Gurruwiwi in association with Elcho Island Arts and Vivien Anderson Gallery (VAG).

Banumbirr, also known as Barnumbirr or Morning Star, is a creator-spirit in the Yolngu culture of Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory of Australia, who is identified as the planet Venus. In Yolngu Dreaming mythology, she is believed to have guided the first humans, the Djanggawul sisters, to Australia.

Where: Vivien Anderson Gallery, Ground Floor, 284–290 St Kilda Road St Kilda, Victoria 3182 Australia
Viewing: Tuesday To Friday 11am-5pm. Saturday 12pm-4pm. Also By Appointment

19. MELB | COMMON | COMMEMORATING | UN International Day of Peace | Multifaith & Multicultural Celebration | Sunday 18 September 2022 | 11.30am-3pm

Come and enjoy a delicious lunch & refreshments followed by a series of music presentations and workshops from various traditions
Program has 11.30am Lunch Followed by guest speakers and artists with a feature performance by Kate Ceberano

Centre of Melbourne Multifaith and Others Network (COMMON) and supported by WIN (Women's Interfaith Network) Foundation, Youth for Human Rights Victoria, and Somali Community Inc.

Where: Scientology Community Centre, 231-251 Mt Alexander Rd, Ascot Vale
Cost: Free
Bookings: Please RSVP via email

20. COPP | PHAAA | CELEBRATING | 10 year anniversary and Peace Festival: Healing the Youth | Sunday 18 September 2022 | 3pm-5.30pm

Come along and celebrate 10 year anniversary of Planetary Healing Artists Association of Australia(PHAAA) and Peace Festival: Healing the Youth.
This is a ticketed event for us to thank those who have contributed to the association over the years. We have much appreciated your support.

There will be food provided, entertainment and awards presented to some key contributors. 

• Where: Mary Kehoe Community Centre, 224 Danks Street, Albert Park, VIC 3206
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: essential as space limited, RSVP by Wednesday 31 August 2022, online through Eventbrite 

 

21. MELB | IPACA | PRESENTING | Indian Performing Arts Convention & Festival Australia | Monday 19-Sunday 25 September 2022

The Academy of Indian Music Australia (AIM) in partnership with Monash University and Apasaras Arts Singapore is proud to present the Indian Performing Arts Convention 2022 (IPAC AUSTRALIA 2022). 

IPAC AUSTRALIA 2022 will include master classes, demonstration recitals, cross cultural concerts and feature performances by internationally acclaimed artists.

The convention opens on 19 September 2022 with masterclasses, and the performances open from 22 September 2022. 

• Buy tickets

 

22. VTMH | WEBINAR | Working in partnership with consumers towards a recovery and rights based mental health system | Wednesday 21 September 2022 | 3-4pm

The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System recommended that non legal advocacy services should be available to all consumers who want it and hence the need for an opt out system.
Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH) seminars are open to individuals, from all disciplines and working in all sectors, who are based in Australia and interested in diversity and mental health.  

Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) is a free state-wide non legal advocacy service for people at risk of or subject to compulsory treatment in Victoria. 

Speakers:

• Helen Makregiorgos, Civil Justice Program, Victoria Legal Aid
• Simona, Lived Experience Expert, Victoria Legal Aid

IMHA has been working with culturally and linguistically diverse communities for the past 7 years and identified that these communities are often not able to access culturally safe mental health services.

The Royal Commission recommendation will provide opportunity for people from these communities to access non legal advocacy services that can support them to understand and enact their rights, including their rights to mental health services that are culturally safe and responsive.

• Where: Online via Zoom — details to be sent to registrants in advance
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: essential. Spaces are limited. To secure a place, please register early via Trybooking

 

23. MELB | MWiB | SHOWCASING | Migrant Women in Business | Thursday 22 September 2022 | 5-9pm AEST

Migrant Women in Business Showcase (MWiB) is an event curated and hosted by Migrant Women in partnership with LCI Melbourne.

MWiB Showcase allows nano and micro-businesses to connect and showcase their products on professional models while sharing their cultural stories.

If you are a migrant woman or a designer of all things beautiful,  don't miss this opportunity to showcase your collections to potential partners, buyers, and retailers and to network with other migrant businesswomen. 

• Book ticket

 

24. MELB | ECCV | COMMEMORATING | 10th Walter Lippmann Oration | Thursday 13 October 2022 | from 6.30pm

Join Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) for the 10th Walter Lippmann Memorial Oration taking place at the Wheeler Centre. This year's eminent speaker is The Hon Tony Pagone AM QC, a former Federal Court judge who has made a significant contribution to Australian public life during his distinguished legal career. 
Tickets are limited, so registration is essential. 

• Find out and more and book

 

25. AUST | GiveOUT | CALLING | Organisations for GiveOUT Day | Thursday 20 October 2022 | applications now open

Growing the pot of gold under the rainbow as registrations for GiveOUT Day 2022 are now open! 
GiveOUT Day will see 80 LGBTIQ+ organisations and projects from around the country come together to participate in the only national day of giving to LGBTIQ+ communities in Australia.

And the best part? Donations to LGBTIQ+ organisations on GiveOUT Day are doubled by GiveOUT and partners.

What is GiveOUT Day? 
We know that funding to LGBTIQ+ organisations is harder to obtain than ever. Recently released national research Where are the Rainbow Resources? highlights that demand for services from LGBTIQ+ organisations has grown by 30% in the last 12 months, whilst organisations have been forced to cut their services by one third due to lack of resources. 

GiveOUT Day is a chance to celebrate the incredible work of LGBTIQ+ organisations, and a means to raise critical funds when they are needed most.

• Read more about GiveOUT Day
• LGBTIQ+ organisations can Sign up here to join GiveOUT Day and double your donations.
• If you are not an LGBTIQ+ organisation, stay tuned for how you can be involved over coming months. Alternatively, reach out to us at info@giveout.org.au.

 

26. COPP | TRANSV | TRAINING | LGBTQIA+ & Transgender Diverse Awareness | Tuesday 1 November 2022 | 9.30am-12.30pm

This hybrid training is part of the Port Phillip Community Training Calendar. It is delivered in person but also accessible online. 

The first half of this training provides an overview of LGBTIQA+ communities, issues and concerns and the second half delves into more detail about trans and gender diverse communities. We provide recommendations and tips for working with LGBTIQA+ and TGD clients, customers and staff.

This training is delivered by Transgender Victoria and the trainers will be Nicole Shaw (they/them) and Zoe Walder (she/her).

• Where: Council Chambers, St Kilda Town Hall, 99A Carlisle Street, St Kilda & online
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: essential, online through Trybooking

27. AUST | EQPR | ENGAGING | Australia's 5th National LGBTIQ+ Conference: Better Together 2023 | 17-18 February 2023

Since 2018, The Equality Project (EQPR)'s Better Together has created space for LGBTIQA+ communities, organisations, and advocates to gather for a unique 2-day experience.
Attendees have described as "an extremely valuable and irreplaceable platform for LGBTIQA+ people and a "wonderful space for debate and critical thinking".

Our 5th National LGBTIQ+ Conference, Better Together 2023, will be back in Adelaide at the Adelaide Convention Centre on 17-18 February 2023.

We warmly invite you to join us for our biggest conference yet ahead of Sydney WorldPride!

Dedicated to The Equality Project's mission of bringing our diverse communities and allies together to share our ideas and experiences; Better Together is about creating opportunities for meaningful connections so we can learn from each other, forge alliances, and advance the LGBTIQ+ movement to create positive lasting change.

• Watch Better Together 2023 (3 mins)

We're now inviting impactful individuals and organisations to be part of the conference by submitting their innovative and impactful ideas.

We invite advocates, leaders, educators, artists, social workers, researchers, and others in the community to attend and run workshops, host panel discussions, or take part in our new initiative Better Think.

Better Think
Introducing a new format: Better Think is a showcase of speakers presenting impactful and well-formed ideas that will help us “think better”.

Inspired by the short and powerful format of the TED Talk, the aim of Better Think is to share great ideas in under 20 minutes!

Do you have a new and surprising idea that we have not heard about? Or a basic idea but with a compelling new argument behind it that challenges beliefs and perspectives?

If this sounds like you, we’d love you to be part of Better Think.

Propose A Session
Submit a proposal to run a session with the aim of exploring the current issues facing the LGBTIQ+ movement in Australia.

• Submit Your Idea

Register Early And Save!

• Register

Do You Need A Scholarship?
Up to 47% of conference delegates attend on a full or partial scholarship. If you need help with your 2-day conference ticket, we encourage you to apply.

• Learn More

We're passionate about this work and we'd like you to join us.

• Get your ticket at the Super Early Bird rate before it ends on 31 July!

 COLLECTING 

28. AUST | CHUFFED | RAISING | Awareness and Funds for metal detectors in Ukraine

More than 12 million Ukrainian refugees have been displaced inside and outside of Ukraine. They want to go home.
But it is estimated that MILLIONS of landmines have been left across vast areas of Ukraine and that de-mining operations could take decades. 

Team Chuffed is supporting Canberra resident Nathan Burraston who launched a crowdfunding campaign to help Aussies fund quality metal detectors and get them into the hands of troops on the ground in Ukraine.

"I learnt about the problem concerning landmines in Ukraine and decided to come up with a solution to help in some way. We have coordinated a supplier, a discount, and a transport means to provide some humanitarian relief - now I need your support."

Nathan has already managed to raise over $25,000 of the $39,000 needed. Can you chip in and help get the next crate of metal detectors on the way to Ukraine?

• Donate Now

 

29. WORLD | IFD | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds for LGTBIQA+ Channel

Every dollar donated to I’m From Driftwood before the end of August will be matched by the generous folks at Tito’s Handmade Vodka.
Your support will help I’m From Driftwood continue creating professionally-produced, first-person LGBTQIA+ video stories to send a powerful message to queer and trans people everywhere: You are not alone. Through YouTube comments and direct feedback, we are reminded on a daily basis about the importance of these stories. Here’s a recent message we received from our site:

"I want to first say Thank You for the positive videos. Being gay in a Christian conservative, rural state and also black in a majority white community is hard enough. Knowing that part of my story mirrors so many of the stories on I'm From Driftwood encourages me to keep living my best life in truth. When understanding friends are few, I find hope in the videos and stories of others. Thank You!" Kevin J.

We’re currently just over ⅓ of our way to our goal of US$15,000 and only have 9 days left.

• Donate before end of August and double your Impact

And if you haven’t yet had a chance to check out our new site, go explore the new I’m From Driftwood site now.

 ANNOUNCING 

30. VIC | GOV | OFFERING | Free kindergarten for Victorian children | enrolments for 2023 Kinder are currently open

The Victorian government has announced that from 2023, Free Kinder will be available for all Victorian three and four year old children at participating services. 

Free Kinder funding will be available in both standalone kindergarten and long day care settings for children enrolled in a funded kindergarten program.

A 15-hour per week program will be available to four-year-old children and a 5-to-15-hour program will be available to three-year-old children per week.

• Learn more and enrol

31. VIC | FCCV | RELEASING | Multifaith Calendar 2023

The Faith Communities Council of Victoria (FCCV) have published their annual multifaith calendar outlining major holy days and festivals for Baha'i, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism and Sikhism.

Whilst this list is not exhaustive it is comprehensive to represent each of the religions in good faith.

• View 2023 Multifaith Calendar (pdf)

 

32. VIC | GOV | ANNOUNCING | Winners of Annual Victorian Disability Awards

The 2022 Winners of the Victorian Disability Awards were announced last Wednesday in an online ceremony hosted by comedian Alistair Baldwin.

The awards showcase the positive impact made by people who work to improve accessibility, advocate for the rights of people with disability and build more inclusive workplaces and communities.

The winners and inductees for the 2022 Victorian Disability Awards include:

• Excellence in employment outcomes – Where is My Coffee?, VMCH
• Excellence in promoting disability pride – I CAN Network Mentoring Team
• Lifetime achievement honour roll - Effie Meehan, Action on Disability within Ethnic Communities

• Full list of 2022 winners

 

33. VIC | VMC | ADVISING | VMConnect. Have you joined?

VMConnect is the Victorian Multicultural Commission's exciting online community!

It's a great way for Victoria’s multicultural communities to connect with each other, with service providers and with government. 

There are already over 700 members of this free online community – and they all want to hear from you!

Join today to share programs, promote events, find grants and services, discuss topics or ask questions. 

It’s all about multicultural Victoria, and it’s all about you! 

• Join VMConnect

  

34. MELB | METRO | ANNOUNCING | Five artists selected for new Metro Tunnel stations in Melbourne

Five prominent artists have been selected to create large-scale permanent artworks for each of the Metro Tunnel’s new underground stations.

They join Yorta Yorta/Wamba Wamba/Mutti Mutti/Boonwurrung artist Maree Clarke, who was announced in 2020 as the artist commissioned for a work spanning all 5 stations.

The station artworks are currently in the development stage, in a process involving the artists, architects and engineers.

• Learn more

 

35. VIC | GOV | LAUNCHING | Victoria's new youth strategy - Our Promise, Your future

With thousands of young Victorians, the Victorian Government has created a new youth strategy to make our state the best place for young people called Our promise, Your Future: Victoria's youth strategy 2022-2027.

The strategy will give young people better access to opportunities and support them to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The youth strategy recognises that all issues that matter to Victoria, matter to young people. Over the next five years, this work will build on and strengthen existing investment in young people and set out new ways of engaging and supporting them. 

• Read the strategy

 

36. MELB | GOV | LAUNCHING | New initiative for South Asian filmmakers - My Melbourne

My Melbourne is a new Victorian government initiative, to be delivered in partnership with the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. It will support local South Asian screen talent to progress their careers, by creating short films based on diverse migrant experiences.

The initiative is looking to support film creators to showcase diverse stories addressing race, gender, sexuality and disability while also investing in the careers of South Asian screen talent in Melbourne. 

Local talent will be mentored by high-profile Indian film directors Kabir Khan, Rima Das, Imtiaz Ali and Onir as they develop and produce their short films. The four short films will be released as a feature length anthology and will screen at the 2023 Indian Film Festival.

• Learn more

 

37. VIC | VMC | ANNOUNCING | Winners of 2022 Multicultural Film Festival 

On Wednesday 24 August 2022, stories of multicultural Victoria were brought to ACMI cinemas in a celebration of diverse filmmakers at the 2022 Multicultural Film Festival (MFF). 

Hosted by the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) in partnership with Swinburne University of Technology, it was a glamorous evening complete with a red carpet and premiere screening of 11 shortlisted films! 

The MFF showcases multicultural talent and offers different perspectives of lived experiences of multiculturalism through the lens of short film.

Award winners were announced under the categories of Fiction, Non-fiction, Emerging Filmmaker, Open Category and, for the first time in the main competition, Young Filmmaker (4-11 years).  

The VMC is keen to hear from organisations interested in holding a screening of the films for their staff or broader communities – please get in touch via email

• Full list of winning filmmakers

 

38. MELB | ECLC | SUPPORTING | Anti-racism leadership in Melbourne's East

The Eastern Community Legal Centre (ECLC) is supporting culturally and linguistically diverse community leaders to become Anti-racism Ambassadors in partnership with IndianCare, the Centre for Holistic Health and the Communities’ Council on Ethnic Issues.

The Amplifying Community Voices in the East project has supported community leaders to participate in workshops which focus on challenging racism and sharing their voices and experiences of racial discrimination.

These sessions provided community leaders with knowledge on Australia’s Human Rights Framework, advocacy techniques and using their knowledge and lived experiences to speak out against racism

• Learn more

 

39. VIC | IBBACC | REPORTING | Police misconduct – You have the right to not remain silent

All Victorians deserve to be treated fairly by police, no matter where you live or what your circumstances are.

The Independent Broad-Based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBBACC) is Victoria's independent body responsible for preventing and exposing police misconduct. 

IBAC's campaign, You have the right to not remain silent, empowers Victorians to speak out against police misconduct to ensure all police are held accountable.

You can report anything police do to deny your rights to IBAC. All information IBAC receives from the public is helpful. 

• Learn more

 

40. VIC | SOUNDF | HEARING | Your say: Multicultural Victorians with hearing loss

Soundfair (SoundF) and the University of Queensland are undertaking research to identify current barriers to access and uptake of hearing health services for people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in Australia.

Participants in this research project will attend an hour-long interview (hosted via videoconferencing).

This research will provide valuable insights that will improve access to hearing health services. In recognition of your contribution, you will receive $50 at the end of your interview.

• Register for interview

 

41. AUST | ECCV | SUBMITTED | To the Humanitarian Program

Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) has made a submission this month to the Australian Government's Humanitarian Program 2022-23, which reflects long-standing concerns about the direction of the country's immigration policy. The submission makes a number of key recommendations, including increasing our refugee intake to 30,000, and urgently abolishing temporary visas for people who arrive by boat. 

• Read more

42. AUST | TIS | REMINDING | Translating and interpreting services available

The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) is an interpreting service provided by the Department of Home Affairs for people who do not speak English and for agencies and businesses that need to communicate with their non-English speaking clients.

TIS National has more than 70 years' experience in language services and access to more than 2700 interpreters in more than 150 languages. 

The TIS National immediate phone interpreting service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year for the cost of a local call for any person or organisation in Australia who needs an interpreter.

• Learn more

43. WORLD | PWR | UPDATING | 2023 Parliament & More

INVITING | Answers to the Call for Programs, It's Your Chicago Parliament to Create!
On Monday 3 October 2022 the Call for Programs for the 2023 Parliament of the World's Religions is coming to a close.

In a recent blog, Parliament Staff explored the legacy of the City of Chicago in the global interfaith movement, the critical importance of defending freedom and human rights, and the call to communities and individuals to make the 2023 Convening their own.

"Make no mistake: this conference does not present the notion of religious freedom as a shelter for the nationalist or anti-woman lobby among faith communities, it rather walks the line of religious freedom as a human right...But it’s also convening in a moment to celebrate that at 130 years, the Parliament is still growing, holding space in new hearts, and continuing to impact generations that only knew of a Parliament of the World’s Religions in historical memory.

It’s now their Chicago Parliament to create."

Don't miss the opportunity make your mark in the 2023 Parliament Convening, make history as part of the cohort of presenters at the Parliament of the World's Religions!

• Propose a Program

SAVING THE DATE | Monthly It’s Time to Talk | Thursday 29 September 2022
The Buddhist-Catholic Dialogue on Climate Change welcomes you back to It’s Time to Talk, a dialogue grounded in deep listening.

• Register

RESPONDING | PWR Women’s Task Force Releases Statement on Dobbs Decision Overturning Roe v. Wade
On 1 August 2022, the Parliament of the World's Religions (PWR) Women's Task Force released an official statement responding to the US Supreme Court's Dobbs decision overturn Roe v. Wade.

“We affirm that the dignity and human rights of women and girls begin with their bodily autonomy and their right to reproductive control and healthcare…We must mobilize to protect women and healthcare institutions in our communities. We must stand with religious communities affected by these restrictions. We must defend freedom and human rights for women and for all, in America and across the globe.”

• Read Full Statement

RESPONDING | International Interfaith Organizations and Their Prayer: Zaporizhzhia 
Three of the world's largest international, interfaith organizations – Charter for Compassion, Parliament of the World's Religions, and United Religions Initiative – fully endorse the 11 August 2022 statement of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres. In the statement, Guterres calls for all military action in the vicinity of Zaporizhzhia to cease immediately, and he urged the withdrawal of all military personnel. Further, he – and we – support the critical work of the IAEA to safeguard the operations in Zaporizhzhia.

• Learn More

CONTINUING | Global Ethic Census Aims to Gain Insights & Explore Commitment 
The Parliament of the World's Religions' signature document, Towards a Global Ethic: An Initial Declaration will be celebrating its 30th anniversary next year. The world has changed in many ways since “the Global Ethic” was first endorsed at the 1993 Parliament of the World's Religions, and in the run-up to the anniversary celebrations we are asking anew: Who is “the Global Ethic” for? How does “the Global Ethic” foster interfaith collaboration and action? What must our timeless moral traditions now speak into 21st century realities?

All members of the public with a general interest in ethics are invited to partner with us in this important re-evaluation by taking the first-ever Global Ethic Census, now live on our website.

• Learn More

COLLECTING | Parliament Reaches #ACommunityThrives Fundraising Challenge Goal
Between July 18 and August 12, the Parliament of the World's Religions participated in A Community Thrives. Generous supporters of the Parliament helped reach and surpass that goal with a total of $6,683 donated.

• Learn More

REPORTING | Parliament Joins Emerging Leaders Summit Hosted by Interfaith America
Earlier this month members of the Parliament Staff joined hundreds of emerging leaders at the 2022 Interfaith Leadership Summit hosted by Interfaith America in the City of Chicago.

• Learn More

Let’s Make the Chicago Parliament’s Third Act the Best Yet 
By 2023, organizers hope a 9th Parliament of the World’s Religions will be remembered in keeping with the legacy of earlier convenings. Reaching “most significant yet” is a thrill to imagine.

Key Performance Indicators may say the Parliament featured the biggest mainstream audience to date, secured enough funding, and garnered positive global media coverage. But it’s also convening in a moment to celebrate that at 130 years, the Parliament is still growing, holding space in new hearts, and continuing to impact generations that only knew of a Parliament of the World’s Religions in historical memory.

It’s now their Chicago Parliament to create.

• Read the Full Feature

WATCH NOW | Nuclear Prayer Day 2022
6 August marked the 77th anniversary of the first atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, Japan. Voices for a World Free of Nuclear Weapons (URI) in partnership with the Parliament of the World’s Religions, UNIFY, Religions for Peace International, Charter for Compassion, SINE Network, UNITY Earth, the Global Security Institute, Pathways to Peace, International Academy for Multicultural Cooperation, May Peace Prevail on Earth, and SGI Office for UN Affairs hosted the first annual Nuclear Prayer Day.

• Watch Here (4.5 hours)

CATCH-UP | News and updates you might have missed from the Parliament in between newsletters

• Parliament to Join 6th Annual Interfaith Awareness Week
• Oak Creek 10th Anniversary Remembrance
• Buddhist-Catholic Dialogue | July 2022

Stay up to date with the work of the Parliament at ParliamentOfReligions.org/latest-news


MAKE | The success of the 2023 Parliament Convening – possible with the support from individuals like you!
Book Your Ticket
Take advantage of the Early Bird Rate for the 2023 Parliament of the World's Religions and save 40% off the regular rate.

• Register

Propose a Program
The Parliament is calling organizers around the world for it's Call for Programs, now accepting proposals for presentations, workshops, performances, religious observances, art exhibits, and films.

• Submit a Proposal

Book Your Exhibit Space
Connect with thousands of global attendees at the heart of the 2023 Parliament Convening, book a booth and become an exhibitor at the world's premier interfaith convening.

• Secure a Booth

 SUPPORTING 

44. AUST | Coronavirus hotline

• Coronavirus hotline: If you are concerned, call the coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 (24 Hours).
• Coronavirus in-language information
• If you are an NDIS participant you can also call the national hotline on 1800 020 080.
• Information and referrals for people with disability and their supporters about Coronavirus: Contact the Disability Information Helpline on 1800 634 787. 
• If you are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can also call the National Relay Service on 133 677.
• Interpreting service: If you need an interpreter, call TIS National on 131 450.
• Testing locations: Find a testing location near you.
• Call-to-Test-at-Home service, providing in-home coronavirus testing to Victorians who would otherwise be unable to get tested, call the DHHS Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.
• Triple Zero: Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.

45. AUST | Helpers and Reliable Sources Along the Way

• Access Easy English – Over 70 resources developed on coronavirus.
• Ageism and reducing its impact – reframing the discussion to help everyone better understand how to communicate about age, ageing and issues affecting older people. Download the Framing age message guide and Download the quick reminder Cheat Sheet
• ‘Ageing well in Victoria: An action plan for strengthening wellbeing for senior Victorians 2022-2026' supporting older Victorians from all backgrounds to connect socially and live healthy, active, and purposeful lives.
• Amaze – step-by-step social scripts outlining the COVID-19 vaccine process to help people with autism.
• Aspergers Victoria (ASVI) – support groups and events for people who have Aspergers, autism, or other similar neurodiverse profiles.
• AUSLAN – Updates by Expression Australia - Regular Auslan only videos on updates of breaking news in Victoria, Australia and abroad.
• Australian Government Department of Health – Coronavirus advice for people with disability
• Australian Government Department of Health – Translated resources into 60 different languages, informing communities about COVID-19 vaccines and how they will be rolled out across Australia.
• Australian Government Department of Social Services – Daily update on NDIS participants and workforce and easy English information on COVID-19. 
• Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) have continued their national campaign: Racism. It Stops With Me. Learn more  
• Australian Islamic Centre (AIC) has co-produced award winning Fired Up (36 mins) short documentary which tells the story of AIC volunteers who travelled to areas impacted by the devastating 2019-2020 bushires to provide essential supplies to communities in critical need. 
• Better Health – Surviving Extreme Heat In-language video
• Better Health – COVID-19 and flu vaccinations health information available in more than fifteen languages. Learn more  
  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. 
• Cancer Council Victoria (CCV) – online resources in simple English to support linguistically diverse Victorians learn about bowel cancer screening. Watch video (10 mins)
• Carer Gateway – an Australian Government website for carers that provides practical information and advice, and connects carers to services and support. 
• Centre for Culture, Ethnicity & Health (CEH) has translated Long COVID fact sheet into nine in-language written resources and five in-language audio recordings. The Long COVID project focuses on priority CALD communities particularly impacted by COVID-19 in 2020. Read the factsheet 
• City of Port Phillip (CoPP) Neighbours and Seniors Register creates links between Port Phillip residents over 55, enabling getting to know each other and better supporting each other. Register by using the seniors registration form (PDF 78 KB)
• The Conversation (THCO) – continuing to grow, making an important contribution to public knowledge
• Council for Intellectual Disability (CID) – Easy English information for people with intellectual disability and videos about COVID-19.
• Country Fire Authority and Fire Rescue Victoria recommend your smoke alarms are tested regularly, that batteries are replaced once a year, and smoke alarm units are replaced every 10 years. Learn more  
• Crime Stoppers Victoria (CSV) with Ethnolink – video on how to report a crime, now available in our 11 priority languages: Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Dinka, Farsi, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Punjabi, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Watch videos
• Cultural Infusion (CUIN)'s online Cultural Calendar is designed to assist schools with organising cultural incursions throughout the year. 
• DHHS – Victorian Government Department of Health and Human Services advice and information on coronavirus available in 56 languages
• Disability, Engaging Australians with Ask Me First and How to – 16 mins episode of a discussion on support and advocacy for people with disability and inclusion from CALD communities.
• Disability Gateway Service – the Australian Government provides free information and services to help people living with disability, their families, friends and carers in key areas including finance, employment, health and equipment. Translated fact sheets and videos or Learn more
• Domestic and family violence and your visa Department of Home Affairs web page. Learn more
• Down Syndrome Australia – Easy Read guide about using money on the internet.
• Equality Project (EQPR) Better Together Training Academy – for LGBTIQ+ and Allies to hone advocacy, transform leadership Initiate, activate, lead to make a positive impact in your community.
• Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) – Multicultural COVID-19 Outreach Program
• Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) – COVID-19 video series Protecting Our Communities
• Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) Speak My Language podcasts feature people sharing stories and practical advice about living well with disability in a range of community languages.
• Ethnolink Language Services – Multi-lingual resource library with information available on coronavirus in 71 languages.
• Expression Australia – Keep up to date with regular Auslan videos on COVID-19, breaking news in Victoria, Australia and abroad.
• Financial support if restrictions have affected your work – Australian Government's COVID-19 Disaster Payment and Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment. Also see COVID-19 resources for CALD communities. Eligibility rules apply.
• Fire season preparation in Regional Victoria – visit Country Fire Authority's website, sign up to MyCFA to get local information on how to plan and prepare for fires and other emergencies in your area or learn more
• From the Heart (FTH) views a Voice to Parliament as a body enshrined in the Constitution would enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to provide advice to the Parliament on policies and projects that impact their lives.
• 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
• The Healing Foundation (THF) – a national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation providing a platform to amplify voices and lived experience of Stolen Generations survivors and their families.
• Health Translations – A comprehensive place to find current COVID 19 multilingual information in 78 languages including Auslan and Easy English.
• Hepatitis B In-language videos – allowing people in CALD communities to access clear and simple information about liver health, available in Arabic, Burmese, Khmer, Mandarin Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese.
• IncludeAbility: employment for people with disability –  an initiative of the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), designed to support employers who want to create meaningful employment opportunities for people with disability, and people with disability seeking employment, developing a career or considering self-employment. Learn more
• LGBTIQ+ Health Australia – free training activities for LGBTIQ+ people with disability
• Little Dreamers (LIDR) is Australia’s leading Young Carer organisation, supporting young people who provide unpaid care for a family member affected by disability, chronic or mental illness, addiction or frail age. Watch 3 min video
• MiACCESS Multilingual Information Access to resources & information – A purpose-built website for CALD people with disability, carers and communities.
• Migrant Resource Centre North West Region (MRCNWR) – Diversity and Disability YouTube Channel 
• Moving Pictures launched 12 new short films aimed at raising awareness about dementia, and the importance of early diagnosis to enable better treatment and quality of life. Watch the films
• Multicultural Health Connect (MHC) – hotline that can be used to find health services such as doctors, hospitals, and community health centres. The hotline is available 11.30am-8pm, 7 days a week - including public holidays. Call the hotline on 1800 186 815.
• Mungo Explorer – online learning platform by Cultural Infusion (CUIN). An inquiry based resource aligned with the Australian curriculum and covers Year 4 First Contact and Year 7 Ancient History. Allowing teachers to share Indigenous perspectives, historical and scientific thinking to teach students about the remarkable story of Mungo Man and Mungo Lady.
• 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.
• My Body. My Health – a five-part series of educational presentations to help organisations deliver health information to women from migrant and refugee backgrounds.
• National Disability Gateway –  a one-stop shop from the Department of Social Services assisting all people with disability, their families and carers to locate and access services across Australia
• National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) – Information about changes to how the NDIS work during the COVID -19 pandemic in 12 languages.
• National Ethnic Disability Alliance (NEDA)  – free training activities for LGBTIQ+ people with disability
• National Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcasters' Council (NEMBC) is the peak organisation representing ethnic community broadcasters across Australia. Listen to news  
• National Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcasters' Council (NEMBC) – translated audio explainers of COVID-19 and flu vaccinations on SoundCloud. Translated audio available includes Arabic, Cantonese, Dari, Dinka, Hindi, Mandarinand Vietnamese. Listen today
• NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission – Information contains links to updates, training, alerts, and resources for NDIS participants and providers.
• NWMPHN Maintaining good mental health through the pandemic through in-language videos. Help spread the message of looking after our mental health in Hindi, Cantonese, Mandarin, Dinka and Vietnamese.
• Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) – promoting The Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line (OPCSL) within ethno-specific communities.
• Palliative Care Advice Service (PCAS) – supporting people diagnosed with life-limiting illnesses and those who support them.
• Reconciliation Victoria – promoting reconciliation across Victoria, promoting deeper understanding, respect and justice for and with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
• Prejudice Motivated Crime in Victoria and Reporting –  Victoria Police website, an animated video (2 min) and poster. Resources are available in English, Arabic, Chinese (Traditional and Simplified), Hindi, Korean, Persian, Punjabi, Somali, Urdu and Vietnamese. Explore the resources
• Red Earth (REEA)'s School Immersions are all-inclusive, comprehensive programs designed to open the hearts and minds of students to the beauty and realities of life in remote Indigenous Australia. Find out more
• Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre – Victoria’s statewide first response service for women, young people and children experiencing family violence.
• Safer and Stronger Communities Pilot, South East Community Links (SECL) – In-language videos for family violence prevention and multilingual resources for Dari, Hazaragi, Hindi, Punjabi and Tamil speaking community members. View on SECL website
• Self Advocacy Resource Unit (SARU) supports Victorian self-advocacy groups run by and for people with intellectual disability, people with acquired brain injury and people with complex communication support needs. Watch 'Live Our Lives' (4 mins music video).
• SBS – news and information about coronavirus (COVID - 19) available in 63 languages.
• Scope - Key word sign video, posters and easy english resources on communicating COVID-19.
• SisterWorks is a not-for-profit social enterprise, empowering migrant and refugee women by connecting them with entrepreneurship and employment opportunities. Empowerment Hubs are workplaces and training centres providing opportunities for women to share their experiences with other women and develop pathways to education, employment, entrepreneurship and leadership.  
• Spiritual Health Association (SHA) in partnership with Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH)  has been running The Spirituality & Diversity Discussion Project since 2019. Read More 
• StarHealth fact sheets on COVID-19 are now available – using only valid information sources for its fact sheets, distilling the key points from only trusted sources. 
• Summer Foundation (SUFO)'s Reasonable & Necessary podcast series helps simplify the NDIS for participants, their families and anyone supporting NDIS participants.
• VALID – 16 Page plain language guide to NDIS Specialist Disability Accommodation
• Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) partnering with Cinespace developed a fictional short film that tests contestants on their knowledge of racism. Watch the video (6 mins) and how to report racism in Victoria through VEOHRC. Visit Reducing Racism information hub to understand your rights, know the options available to report your experiences, and obtain help.
• Vietnamese resources supporting people with disability and their families, friends and carers – a suite of Vietnamese resources available in English and Vietnamese informing how to articulate rights and entitlements, negotiate service agreements and conditions with support providers.
• Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) surveyed 1500 Victorians and targeted follow up interviews were used to create the commission’s two new research pandemic snapshots – Supporting workers with disability and Juggling parenting, caring and work. Explore the research snapshots, FaceBook
• Water Well Project works with people with migrant, refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds to provide health education to improve health and wellbeing. Releasing a series of simple but informative videos on health and wellbeing topics including COVID-19 vaccination, mental health for kids, and preventative healthcare. Learn about The Water Well Project
• Women’s Information and Referral Exchange (WIRE) – Free support, referral and information for all Victorian women, nonbinary and gender-diverse people.
• Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA) – women and non-binary people with disability, sharing a diverse range of experiences
• Youth and Family Support Network (YFSN) delivering activities and initiatives that empower local African-Australian communities to tackle racism and support social cohesion. Watch video (2 mins)  

 

 ACKNOWLEDGING  

46. Acknowledgment to Sources

This is a consolidated account of information current at time of issuance, sourced, collated and provided by Victorian Multicultural Commission, Victorian Jewish Community COVID-19 Taskforce, Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria, various Government Authorities, community organisations, public domain and individuals, received with gratitude.

47. Bye bye to Essentialists

Us non-essentialists will endeavour to manage our expection of miracles and do our best to follow rules while staying out of the way. 

Contact your closest friendly non-essentialist if you need anything that can be done remotely. Bye bye to Essentialists for now, please leave to attend to the essential work. That is all from GEIFN Caretaker at this time.

48. Self-Isolators, Non-Essentials And The Homebound

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 about. And again. Or not.