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Eastern Multicultural News
Edition 177, May 2020

MIC News
MIC COVID-19 Service Update. Migrant Information Centre (Eastern Melbourne) (MIC) extends our best wishes to our partners and supporters as we all adapt to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic. We hope you are staying safe and well.
 
As an essential service, MIC offices in both Box Hill and Ringwood currently remain open, providing vital information, support and assistance to people from diverse backgrounds during this difficult time.

Referrals
MIC is currently accepting referrals for our SETS, Access and Support, Community Visitors Scheme, Family Violence Counselling and Asylum Seeker Critical Support Programs. 

If you wish to make a referral or would like further information about our programs and services, please phone our office on 9285 4888 or email mic@miceastmelb.com.au.

Adapting to the Online Delivery of our Programs
Information sessions and many group programs for our clients are now being delivered online. Various introductory sessions and training about using the online platforms have taken place to help community members navigate and use these new delivery methods. If you would like more information about our programs please visit our website and check out the Events Calendar at http://miceastmelb.com.au/whats-on/events/.

Access and Support Program. The Access & Support Program provides short term, individual support for frail older people, younger people with a disability and their carers, who need help to stay living at home. The services are free and confidential. The Access and Support worker can work in partnership with family members, friends, community members, doctors, and/or other health professionals. The Access and Support worker can help the person and/or the carer to:

  • Find out what services may be available and how to access them;
  • Understand how services work;
  • Understand the steps involved to apply for a service;
  • Contact My Aged Care for aged care services (if person is 65 years old or above);
  • Contact an assessment service for Home and Community Care – Program for Younger People Services (if the person is younger than 65 years old).

The outbreak of COVID-19 has impacted all of us in varying ways. The frail older people or younger people with a disability are facing more challenges than ever during these difficult times. Following the Department of Health’s guidelines, the Access and Support program has continued to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic. Access and Support workers have been contacting clients to check on their wellbeing and to ensure that they continue to receive the support they need. Contacting clients were conducted over the phone or through other digital platforms such as WeChat, WhatsApp and Viber. Home visit appointments were arranged on a case by case basis, where phone or digital means were not practical or possible for our clients.

If you, or someone you are caring for needs help and are having trouble accessing services, the Access and Support program may be able to help you. Please contact us on Phone: (03) 9275 6901 or email: wzhang@miceastmelb.com.au.

Referrals by service providers and/or assessment services can be made via My Aged Care Service Provider Portal under the Specialised Support Services/Client Advocacy/Migrant Information Centre Access & Support. Access and Support is funded in Victoria by the Australian Government Department of Health (CHSP) and the Victorian Government Department of Health and Human Services (HACC PYP).

Mizo Women's Sewing Program. The sewing class has been running for the Mizo Community since 2019 and it continued this year at Central Ringwood Community Centre in Ringwood until the COVID-19 lockdown began. MIC has recently re-started the program again online through Zoom with approximately 6 participants. During the program the trainers teach participants how to make clothes including measurements, designing, cutting and sewing. The program will continue to run via Zoom every Saturday from 12.30pm - 3.30pm and 5.30pm - 8.30pm during school term. The lessons have been taking longer over Zoom as opposed to face-to-face however participants have given positive feedback about the program to date and have been happy to have the opportunity to continue sewing and socialising with others. For further information, please contact Wesley at MIC on 9285 4888. This program is funded by the Victorian Government, Department of Premier and Cabinet under the Refugee and Asylum Seeker Community Capacity Building and Strategic Partnerships Program.

            
Centrelink Information Session with the Iranian Community. MIC ran a Centrelink information session for the Iranian community on Wednesday the 29th of April via Zoom, where 19 people participated. While it was a new experience for everyone, the session was positively received and had the ability to increase engagement from other members of the community who had not participated in previous face-to-face sessions MIC had conducted. This program was funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs through the Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) programme.
Multicultural Playgroups - Transition to Online Groups. The MIC has seen the need to adapt to the current situation and surveyed playgroup members to see if there was an interest in continuing the playgroups online while in lockdown. The overall response was positive and weekly sessions have begun via Zoom.  The sessions include story-time, songs and rhymes, demonstration of craft activities to do at home and discussions.  Virtual playgroups have given participants a chance to socialise and share ideas while in social isolation. For more information, please contact Juliet or Sally at MIC on 9285 4888 or email: jnoonan@miceastmelb.com.au or sbrooks@miceastmelb.com.au. This program is part funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs through the Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) programme and by the Victorian Government, Department of Premier and Cabinet under the Refugee and Asylum Seeker Community Capacity Building and Strategic Partnerships Program.
Information Session - Temporary Housing Laws. MIC is organising an information session for the Zomi community regarding Temporary Housing Laws. This will take place online on Wednesday 13th May 2020 at 3pm to 4pm. The guest speaker will be from Consumer Affairs. For more infomation about this program, please contact Sawm at MIC on 9285 4888. This program is funded by the Victorian Government, Department of Premier and Cabinet under the Refugee and Asylum Seeker Community Capacity Building and Strategic Partnerships Program.
Keeping Children Active. In 2019 to early 2020, the MIC in partnership with Melbourne City Football Club (MCFC) were facilitating a weekly soccer program for children aged 6-12 years old in Ringwood. Due to COVID-19, the program has been suspended however MCFC have donated soccer balls to participants to encourage them to keep active during lockdown. Children have picked up their soccer balls and are enjoying using them at home. Registration is still open as the program will continue once restrictions are lifted. For more information and to register, please contact Wesley at MIC on 9285 4888. This program is funded by the Victorian Government, Department of Premier and Cabinet under the Refugee and Asylum Seeker Community Capacity Building and Strategic Partnerships Program.
Homework Support Program (HSP) - Transition to Online Programs. The MIC has offered support to all primary and secondary schools (where a HSP was previously running) during this challenging time. Staff are currently working towards the transition of the HSPs to an online space. The plan is to provide a weekly Zoom meeting where students are able to connect with HSP facilitators and volunteer tutors. This will provide students with familiar faces, a chance to socialise with their peers and an opportunity to gain help with their school work. Additional Zoom meetings will be set up with secondary students and volunteer tutors if the need arises. For more information about these programs, please contact Mervat Dahdoule at the MIC on 9285 4888 or email: mdahdoule@miceastmelb.com.au. These programs  are funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs through the Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) programme and by the Victorian Government, Department of Premier and Cabinet under the Refugee and Asylum Seeker Community Capacity Building and Strategic Partnerships Program.
Introductory sessions. The MIC held two online information sessions for Asylum Seekers, Temporary Protection Visa (TPV) and Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (SHEV) holders on Wednesday the 22nd of April 2020 in Farsi and English in 2 different time slots. In these sessions, attendees were provided with updates on COVID-19 in terms of the remote education system, available services announced by the Government and MIC services during the pandemic. The sessions were attended by 8 participants and further sessions are currently being developed. These sessions are funded by the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Multicultural Affairs and Social Cohesion Division, Strategic Partnerships Program.
Centrelink Information Session for TPV/SHEV holders. The MIC delivered a Centrelink Information session via Zoom for TPV/SHEV holders on Thursday the 30th of April 2020. It was an interactive session where the attendees were given time to ask questions. Four participants attended and it was well received. This session is funded by the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Multicultural Affairs and Social Cohesion Division, Strategic Partnerships Program. 

Yarra Ranges Partnership Project. In 2018, MIC received funding from the Shire of Yarra Ranges under the Partnership Project category that aims to engage refugee families in their children’s early learning, support them to better understand the early childhood education system in Australia and assist parents and children to transition from kindergarten into primary school. In April 2020, the project coordinator contacted Pembroke Primary School and Bimbadeen Heights Primary to offer our support for new students from Chin Hakha families. The schools advised that they would work with us when restrictions are lifted. A new bilingual worker was employed to work with Mooroolbark Early Childhood Education Centre (MECEC). Services at MECEC recommenced on the 20th April 2020 and the worker has been attending weekly to support the Hakha Chin families enrolled. In May 2020, the project coordinator will survey families at MECEC to gain feedback on what information about the Australian education system families would like to know about and what school expectations families are familiar with, to address needs for upcoming information sessions. This program is funded by the Shire of Yarra Ranges.

Information Session for the Arabic Community - Cyber Safety. The MIC has scheduled an information session for members from the Arabic Community on Thursday the 21st of May 2020 from 4.30pm to 5.30pm. The session will be held online and will provide participants with information around Cyber Safety. An Arabic interpreter will be available. For more information or to register please call Saturnino Onyala at MIC 9285 4888. This program was funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs through the Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) programme.

Support for Women. Social isolation, anxiety about your health and loss of employment places a lot of stress on families and family relationships. The MIC can provide support to help women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds through these difficult times. Our counsellor is available to talk to people face to face about their worries and to help them develop strategies and goals that will meet their needs. To make an appointment or referral or for further information, please call the MIC on 9285 4888. This program is funded by the Department of Health and Human Services, Specialist Family Violence Program.
Centrelink JobSeeker Payment Information Session. On Wednesday 6th May 2020, MIC facilitated an online information session for members of the Zomi community to gain information regarding the new JobSeeker Payment. Rick Comfort, Multicultural Service Officer from Centrelink presented via Zoom with 29 participants in attendance. Further sessions will be developed and held via Zoom to continue to support the community. This program is funded by the Victorian Government, Department of Premier and Cabinet under the Refugee and Asylum Seeker Community Capacity Building and Strategic Partnerships Program.
Australian Education System. An information session for the Iranian community on the Australian Education System will be conducted on Friday 22nd May, online via Zoom. An MIC Youth Worker and a Career & Pathways Counsellor will help the community to understand the Australian education system and how to support their children through different educational pathways. Those interested in the session are asked to express their interest by messaging the contact on the flyer and an invitation for the session will be shared accordingly. Funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs through the Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) programme.     
      
MIC Employment Casework
MIC has Employment Caseworkers available to help people from refugee and migrant backgrounds who have been in Australia or held a permanent humanitarian or family stream migrant visa for less than five years. The MIC Employment Team can assist with the following tasks:
  • Resume and cover letter writing
  • Job searches
  • Online job applications
  • Job interview practice and communication skills
  • Learning about the workforce in Australia
  • Linking to skills and jobs centres
 
Funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs through the Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) programme. Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash.
Saver Plus Program with the Zomi Community. Saver Plus assists individuals and families on lower incomes to build assets and improve financial capability, and has supported thousands of lower income earners to develop a lasting savings habit. Saver Plus is now running a program with MIC and currently has places available for the Zomi Community. The program will run on the following dates via Zoom 18th May, 25th May, 1st June & 8th June from 2pm to 4pm. For more information, please contact Sawm at MIC on 9285 4888. This programme is part-funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs through the Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) programme and Berry Street.  
Volunteers Needed!
MIC is currently looking for volunteers to support our work.

Community Visitors Scheme (CVS)

The MIC's Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) supports older people who are experiencing or at risk of experiencing social isolation and loneliness by linking them with a CVS volunteer visitor who they meet regularly, and develop an ongoing positive relationship.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for regular contact with members of our older community has become increasingly important as more older people, who are particularly vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus, are self-isolating for safety reasons. This places more older people at even greater risk of loneliness and social isolation. However, with the need for social distancing, physical visits have now transitioned to ‘virtual visits’ with CVS volunteer visitors now other communication methods and platforms to keep in touch with residents such as phone calls, Skype, WhatsApp etc.

If you can spare a few hours a week and would like to help an older person, please call Mervat (MIC’s CVS Coordinator) on 9285 4888 or email mdahdoule@miceastmelb.com.au.
 

MIC Youth
MIC Youth Casework. The MIC Youth Team are continuing to connect, engage and support newly arrived young people in the Eastern Region, utilizing more creative approaches in the current climate of COVID-19. Despite MIC school outreach and face-to-face programs ceasing for the time being, youth caseworkers are connecting with young people through various means, including utilizing the MIC Youth Facebook page (MIC Youth Team), phone calls and other online platforms. If you would like further information, including wishing to refer young people into the program, please contact Tara on 0424 595 966 or Randika on 0448 314 052.
MIC & LSV Youth Swimming Program. The MIC in partnership with Life Saving Victoria (LSV) ran a Youth Swimming Program in Term 1, 2020, supporting 16 newly arrived young people to engage in weekly swimming lessons at Aquanation Ringwood. A few participants had never swam in a pool before, showing bravery and skill as they developed basic swimming techniques through their weekly lessons. Although the program was cut short due to COVID-19, the participants were able to complete a total of six swimming lessons of the eight planned. This program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs through the Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) programme and Life Saving Victoria (LSV).

           
MIC Youth Commissioners. A group of new MIC Youth Commissioners completed a leadership training program in Term 1 2020, the final session of the program being delivered online due to COVID-19. The group were unable to complete their final project of planning and running an MIC Youth School Holiday Program (public transport marathon). In light of this, the group have been supported by the MIC Youth Team to contribute their training and skills in other creative means, including assisting the Youth Team to develop new virtual programs and activities with MIC youth clients. This program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs through the Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) programme.

 
 
Professional Development

Plain Language Workshop Online. Sylaba Translations are offering an unique plain language workshop that has been designed for health and community organisations working with low literacy audiences and culturally and linguistically diverse communities. The next session takes place on Thursday the 14th of May 2020 at 2.00pm to 3.30pm. For more information visit https://sylaba.com.au/plain-language-workshops/.
 

Community Programs
Eastern Volunteers Still Operating. Eastern Volunteers continues to offer Community Transport in line with the current Government restrictions and offers shopping delivered to your door for those who are currently unable to interact in community. They will deliver medication and also conduct weekly welfare checks on their client base. Eastern Volunteers has also created a Volunteer Bank to prepare for the need for volunteers for local government emergency management strategies and community groups who may need volunteers. For more information, please call on 9870 7822 or customerservice@easternvolunteers.org.au.
 
Virtual Appointments for Clothing Fittings. Ready Set are here to support your clients who have an interview booked or are about to start a job. Ready Set have a warehouse full of clothing and our trained volunteers can create curated outfits based on information provided and individual needs. In addition, advice and support by experienced recruitment and HR professionals on Resume support, interview preparation, job coaching, employment coaching and LinkedIn setup is offered through coaching by phone or video. For more information, please call 0409 167 338 or email info@readyset.org.au
 
Zero Waste Cooking & Sustainability - Online Course. Jesuit Community College will hold an online course that combines practical cooking demonstrations on how to cook without waste with investigations into the stages and resources involved in getting food from the paddock to our plates. The course will run on May 15th, 22nd, 29th, June 5th, 12th, 26th from 10am to 1.30pm via Zoom. Eligibility Permanent Resident and/or Australian Citizen/New Zealand Citizen and not enrolled in mainstream secondary school. For more information please contact Josephine at Jesuit Community College on 9415 8700 or email: courses@jss.org.au.
 
Resources

MyAusCovid-19 App. The Migration Council Australia (MCA) has developed a multilingual resource for Australia’s culturally and linguistically diverse communities about COVID-19, its impact and available support. The App is available in 24 community languages and available to download now. With the MyAusCovid-19 app you can:

  • Browse articles to find out more about COVID-19, tips for prevention, caring for individuals and community, information on government response, and access to health care, financial assistance and support;
  • Search for topics or points of interest;
  • View short animations with helpful summaries of specific topics;
  • Find useful tips and contacts to help you adjust during COVID-19.

Translated Information - COVID-19 Financial Support and JobKeeper Payment. The new Department of Home Affaris (DoHA) web page has information about COVID-19 Financial Support, including the JobKeeper payment in other languages. This can be found at https://covid19inlanguage.homeaffairs.gov.au/. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has begun publishing translated information about the JobKeeper payment on its website. Please refer to: https://www.ato.gov.au/General/JobKeeper-Payment/JobKeeper-Payment---information-in-other-languages/.
 

Translated Information - Flu Immunization. As a key stakeholder across Victoria's multicultural communities, CultureVerse are providing the latest translated materials from the Victorian Government encouraging people to get their flu shot in the following languages: Arabic, Chinese, Dari, Dinka, English, Farsi, Greek, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Khmer, Korean, Macedonian, Punjabi, Spanish, Tagalog, Tamil, Thai, Turkish and Vietnamese. For more information, please email languages@cultureverse.com.au.
 

Stay Safe Online. The Australian Government has developed a web page to provide tips on how to stay safe online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Resources are available in 23 different community languages. For more information, please visit https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/tailored-advice/help-in-languages-other-than-english.
 

For more information on MIC programs and services or to contribute to the newsletter, please contact Robyn Tan at the MIC or visit our website www.miceastmelb.com.au 







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Migrant Information Centre (Eastern Melbourne) · Suite 2, Town Hall Hub, 27 Bank St · Box Hill, Vic 3128 · Australia

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