News

Supporting culturally and linguistically diverse volunteering in the mainstream

The Migrant Information Centre (Eastern Melbourne) are seeking new culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) volunteers and organisations who are willing to be involved in a new project supporting CALD volunteering in the mainstream.

The Migrant Information Centre received funding from the Lord Mayors Charitable Foundation Trust to address some of the barriers to volunteering by providing support to CALD volunteers and mainstream organizations to recruit and retain CALD volunteers.  The project will provide two 8-week orientation programs for new CALD volunteering and a mentor program for mainstream volunteer involving organizations to provide support to the new volunteers. In addition the program will provide consultation to mainstream organizations about how they can modify their programs to accommodate CALD volunteers. This project will commence in April. 

For further information please contact Sharon Porteous on 9275 6905 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Cultural Diversity Week (Victoria) - 17 to 25 March 2012

Victoria's 10th Cultural Diversity Week will run from 17 to 25 March 2012. It is a unique annual event that has brought together Victorians from all walks of life for the past 10 years to support community harmony, celebrate our rich cultural diversity and to promote mutual understanding and respect.

Throughout the week a host of vibrant public events will showcase Victoria’s rich diversity through film, cuisine, sports, forums, cultural performances, arts and crafts, and many other cultural delights.

Read more about the events happening during the week, including the Viva Victoria Festival and the Gala Dinner on the Victorian Multicultual Commission website.

Cultural Diversity in Ageing 2012 Conference- Submission of Abstracts Deadline Extended

The deadline for abstract submissions for the Cultural Diversity in Ageing 2012 Conference: Stories to Inspire has been extended to Friday 24 February.

The conference will explore themes associated with the design and delivery of culturally inclusive services, and showcase best practice and innovative service models in aged care in Australia. Those with an interest in presenting now have an extra week to prepare and submit an abstract.

Abstracts may cover a range of topics including, but not limited to, social inclusion, elder rights, person-centred care, residential care, community care, workforce diversity, clinical care, palliative care, research, dementia care and carer support.

The conference will be held on 7-8 June 2012 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Registrations are now open and industry representatives, producers, practitioners, educators, researchers and consumer advocates are encouraged to attend.

To submit an abstract, register for the conference or for more information, go to www.culturaldiversity.com.au or call 03 8823 7979.

CPP Annual State-Wide Forum (TAS)

Migrant Resource Centre, Southern Tasmania is holding a Community Partners Program (CPP) Annual State-Wide Forum 'Significant issues for migrant and refugee care- working in partnership with culturally diverse communities'.

This free forum will be held on  Friday 11th May 2012 at Grange Meeting and Function Centre, Campbell Town and is for community members, diversional therapists, and aged care services throughout Tasmania.

Download flyer for more information.

A Taste of Harmony- March 19-25

With one in four workers coming from overseas, there has never been a more important time to acknowledge and celebrate Australia's diverse workforce. A Taste of Harmony is an annual event that provides Australian workplaces with the opportunity to celebrate the diversity in their workforce. This year A Taste of Harmony will take place in the week 19 – 25 March 2012.

Funded by the Scanlon Foundation, workplaces are asked to register and then organise a lunch or afternoon/morning tea and encourage workers to bring a dish that represents their cultural background or from a culture they might not have tried before. At the event workers are encouraged to share stories of their cultural background.

Visit A Taste of Harmony website to register and find out more.

CAREX 2012

CAREX is a health and aged care expo which represents a unique opportunity for information, education, networking, review & investing. With its mix of  product & service based exhibitors, free & fee-paying workshops/seminars and other activities, CAREX is an event not to be missed.

CAREX is designed for sectors including acute care, home & community care, residential aged care, disability services and retirement living.

These events will be held in Melbourne on April 18 & 19 (Caulfield Racecourse) and Sydney on August 8 & 9 (Rosehill Racecourse).

If you are interested in exhibiting at either of these expos, please visit the CAREX website for further details.

Multicultural Resources Vic Website

Australian Multicultural Community Services (AMCS) has developed a website containing a range of multicultural resources as a part of Multicultural Community Services Exchange Project.

The website address is: www.multiculturalresourcesvic.org.au

You can find information about how to develop services and supports for your activities, for example “What Not For Profit Organisations can get for free or a small annual membership fee”. The website also includes information on training, practical support, mentoring, venues, office space, buses and equipment. The website contains links to other websites and materials that will give you access to more detailed information and resources.

The AMCS request that If you have resources and information that you believe can be used by other groups and organisations and you would like to share these with them through the website, please contact them on 9689 9170 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .