News

State-wide Community Consultations on Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship

Created: Thursday, 06 September 2012 11:29

Each year, the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) holds a series of community consultations to provide an open forum for comment on the Victorian Government’s current programs, services and policies, as outlined in Victorian Government Initiatives and Reporting in Multicultural Affairs 2010-2011.

The consultations are an opportunity for the VMC to share information on key developments in multicultural affairs, and provide feedback to you on matters raised at last year’s consultations.

The community consultations are an integral part of the Whole-of-Victorian-Government reporting process, which is enshrined in the Multicultural Victoria Act 2011 (MVA). You are encouraged to examine Victorian Government Initiatives and Reporting in Multicultural Affairs 2010-2011 and to attend a community consultation close to you.

There will be twelve consultations across the state with the first commencing on 19 September and concluding on 25 October 2012.

Victoria's Multicultural Awards for Excellence

Created: Thursday, 06 September 2012 11:11

The Victorian Multicultural Commission has announced that nominations are now open for Victoria’s Multicultural Awards for Excellence 2012.

The Victorian Government is seeking your assistance in helping to reward outstanding achievements and services of individuals and organisations who have actively supported cultural diversity and made a real impact in promoting community harmony.

Download your copy of the Guidelines and Nomination Form to be used for this year’s awards which will provide you with an outline of the various categories, the eligibility criteria and the official nomination form.

Victoria's Multicultural Awards for Excellence 2012 - Guidelines and Nomination Form (PDF)

Victoria's Multicultural Awards for Excellence 2012 - Nomination Form (Word)

Applications close: 5.00pm Friday 21 September 2012

Enquiries: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (03) 9651 0647

"Communications – can we do better?" - 2012 Palliative Care Conference Podcast

Created: Wednesday, 05 September 2012 12:39

Audio is now available from the Palliative Care Victoria’s 8th biennial conference -Shaping the Future of Palliative Care – held in Melbourne on 23rd and 24th August 2012.

Health literacy, teach back methods, cultural responsiveness, talking about values, advance care planning, and electronic health records were identified as important enablers of communication in a panel discussion on improving communication on the taboo subject of dying and death.

Julie McCrossin, MC, facilitated the discussion with:

• Dr Mukesh Haikerwal, GP and the National Clinical Lead with the National e-Health Transition Authority (NEHTA).
• Dr Charlie Corke – Intensive Care Physician in Geelong.
• Pino Migiliorino – Chair of the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia and Director of Circa Research and Cultural Perspectives.

Ljubica Petrov from the Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing also spoke about communicating with clients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds during this session. Listen here

FREE Multicultural Media Training in Brisbane

Created: Wednesday, 05 September 2012 12:17

Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ) invites leaders of ethnic communities and multicultural organisations as well as CALD individuals to attend this free 2-day training. Learn how to engage with the media and become a positive spokesperson!

Multicultural Media Training
Griffith University Nathan campus
22 & 23 September

Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Learn how the media operates
• Write a media release to generate publicity
• Meet professional journalists
• Get advice on media interviews
• Practice being interviewed on video camera

Lunch will be provided. For enquiries and bookings, email Samantha Ryan at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone 07 3844 9166 ext 109 or 0404697096

Visit the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ) for more information.

Adelaide Hellenic Cultural Festival Odyssey

Created: Thursday, 30 August 2012 16:21

In 2012 Adelaide’s Hellenic Cultural Festival Odyssey enters its 7th year as the Greek Orthodox Community of SA inc. presents a series of exciting arts and cultural events over three weeks from Saturday 22 September to Saturday 13 October, 2012.

Throughout the duration of the festival, Olympic Hall, cnr Franklin & West Terrace, will be transformed into an indoor plaza ‘Plateia’ with kafe and exhibition space featuring eight exhibitions including the works of renowned Greek artist Takis Moriatis titled ‘Memories From Home’. Events include two weeks of School Holiday Fun!, lectures, a short film night, our Show Us Your Kefi Youth Talent Showcase, a Great Greek Debate with George Donikian as host, a Musical Journey through Greece FINALE, even a Big Fat Proxy Wedding! PLUS the inaugural Odyssey In The City two day Greek street festival in Franklin street on the October Long weekend – featuring food, wine, music and dance as well as International acts!

Join in on the ‘journey’ in 2012 – Look out for our brochures and posters or check out this years program online at www.odysseyfestival.com.au

'A Taste of Macedonia' at Thomastown Library

Created: Thursday, 30 August 2012 15:24

Handcrafted Macedonian art, folk dancing, tapestries, bagpipe music and traditional food will be on offer at the Macedonian Independence Day celebrations at the Thomastown Library on Thursday 6 September.

The exhibition by the Macedonian Planned Activity Group (PAG) from Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre (MRC) will coincide with the launch of the new Macedonian titles for the book hub at the library. “The group has been celebrating the event annually,” says Ms Jagoda Koteska, Spectrum MRC’s Positive Ageing Coordinator. “It is becoming bigger and more exciting every time.”Together with folk dancing, Macedonian bagpipes, tapestries, blankets, doll clothing and traditional Macedonian food, 200 new Macedonian titles acquired by the Thomastown Library for its book hub will be made available. This year the Macedonian Community Welfare Association will be part of the celebration.

Ms Georgina West, Community Liaison Librarian at the Thomastown Library, says “Since the group started using this space for their meetings, there has been an increase in Macedonians visiting the library. Last year we started combining the celebration of the independence with the presentation of our new Macedonian titles. The new books, magazines and DVDs will represent a welcome addition to the existing titles,” said Ms West.

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Communication Cards now available in four new languages

Created: Friday, 10 August 2012 10:03

Communication Cards have been developed in four new languages- Albanian, French, Hindi, and Japanese. The Communication Cards have been designed as a tool for enhancing communication with people in their preferred language. They depict a wide range of daily activities and situations and can be used to prompt discussion, assist with directions, clarify a client’s needs, etc.

The Communication Cards are now availble in 25 languages.