Eastern Multicultural News
Edition 183, June 2021
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 Bike Education for Children. MIC will run a Bike Education program in the July 2021 school holidays. The aim of this program is for children to learn about bike safety, road rules and riding in a group on bike paths and in cycle lanes. The program will be open for up to 10 children from a refugee background, aged between 8 to 12 years and will take place over three consecutive days in Croydon. For more information, please contact Mehul at MIC on 9285 4888. Funded by VicRoads Community Road Safety Grants Program. |
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Saver Plus Program for the Karen Community. MIC is currently running a Saver Plus program for members of the Karen community. The Saver Plus program includes financial literacy training for participants over 5 sessions. The program started on the 18th of May 2021 and is currently attended by 16 participants. For more information, please contact Esera at MIC on 9285 4888. This program is part-funded by the Australia Government Department of Home Affairs through the Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) programme and Berry Street.
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Excursion to the Dandenong Ranges with the Karen Community. On Saturday May the 22nd 2021, MIC took 8 families from the Karen community on an excursion to the Dandenong Ranges. The program was designed for members of the community that hadn't visited this area before. Participants enjoyed exploring the beautiful environment and fun was had by all. This program was funded by the Victorian Government Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, Strategic Partnership Program and the Australia Government Department of Home Affairs through the Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) programme.
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Falam Chin Community Badminton.  MIC runs a weekly community badminton program for members of the Falam Chin community. Participants meet every Sunday from at Kilsyth Sports Centre. The aim of the program is to promote the wellbeing of the community as part of COVID-19 recovery through physical activity and mental health and wellbeing. It also aims to introduce local sports facilities to community members for future use. For more information, please contact Wesley at MIC on 9285 4888. This program is funded by Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, Multicultural Affairs, Strategic Partnerships Program.
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COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout - Information Session for the Chinese Community. MIC provided members of the Chinese Community a chance to learn about the COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout. The session took place on the 6th of May 2021 via Zoom and was attended by at least 35 participants. The topics included:
- Priority groups to get vaccination/Phases
- Safety of the vaccine
- Checking eligibility for each phase and making an appointment
- How to find information on individual health conditions and the vaccine
Funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs through the Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) programme.
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 Falam Chin Women's English Program. MIC offered a weekly English program via Zoom for women from the Falam Chin community. The program was led by a Falam Chin community member who helped participants to learn some basic English such as: answering a telephone call, attending appointments, meeting new friends and shopping phrases. The program was attended by an average of 6 women each week and was well received. This program is funded by Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, Multicultural Affairs, Strategic Partnerships Program. |
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Eye Health - Information Session. MIC organised an information session for members of the Chinese community to learn about eye health. The session was held on the 22nd of April 2021 via Zoom with guest speaker Mr. Jue Wang (Optometrist) and included information on the following:
- Getting to know common eye conditions and what's involved in getting an eye test
- Tips for looking after your eyes
- Resources and eye health links for keeping your eyes healthy
Positive feedback was received from 23 participants that attended the session. Funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs through the Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) programme.
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COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout - Information Sessions for CALD communities. MIC is currently providing a series of information sessions about the COVID-19 Vaccine for a range of different language groups living in the Eastern Region of Melbourne. A presenter from Eastern Access Community Health (EACH) will cover the COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout and this will provide an opportunity for participants to ask questions, especially in the areas where they may have doubts about the COVID-19 Vaccine. For more information, please contact MIC on 9285 4888 or email mic@miceastmelb.com.au. Funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs through the Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) program.
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Housing Program
MIC offers a housing support program to individuals and families to assist them in securing private rental properties. The program supports those who reside in eastern suburbs of Melbourne, have been in Australia for less than 5 years and have arrived on either a humanitarian or family migrant visa. Assistance through the program includes:
- Searching and identifying appropriate properties for inspection
- Lodging rental applications with real estate agents/landlords
- Support to obtain bond assistance, rent in advance and removalist costs for eligible clients
- Supporting clients to apply rent assistance through Centrelink
- Connect utilities - gas, electricity, phone and water
- General household budgeting and maintenance support
- Completing condition reports
For further information please contact Daniel Lian at MIC on 9285 4888. Funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs through the Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) programme.
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 Zomi Badminton Program. MIC runs a badminton program for members of the Zomi community every Friday from 5.00pm - 7.00pm at the Kilsyth Sports Centre. The program provides participants with a chance to become more physically active in a fun and comfortable setting. For more information, please contact Sawm at MIC on 9285 4888. This program is funded by Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, Multicultural Affairs, Strategic Partnerships Program. |
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MIC Employment Programs
MIC has Employment Caseworkers available to assist people from refugee and migrant backgrounds to find work. The MIC Employment Team can assist with the following tasks:
- Resume & Cover Letter writing
- Job searches
- Online job applications
- Job interview practice & communication skills
- Learning about the workforce in Australia
- Linking to skills & jobs centres
- Finding training and education opportunities
Funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs through the Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) programme. Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash. |
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Mizo Sewing Group. The MIC offers a weekly sewing group for members of the Mizo community  . The Mizo sewing group continued to run during lockdown in 2020 on Zoom. In April 2021, face-to-face classes resumed at Central Ringwood Community Centre every Monday evening. For more information, please contact Wesley at MIC on (03) 9285 4888. This program is funded by Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, Multicultural Affairs, Strategic Partnerships Program.
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Employment Workshop with Swinburne EAL Students. MIC provided an employment workshop for Swinburne TAFE English as an Additional Language students on the 11th of June 2021 via Zoom. The program provided tips and strategies around time management and goal setting to the EAL class. The workshop was attended by 15 participants and was well received. This program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs through the Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) programme.
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Volunteers Needed!
MIC is currently looking for volunteers to support our work across a range of programs including:
Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) Program
MIC is looking for volunteers to support older people who are from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) background experiencing or at risk of experiencing social isolation and loneliness.
CVS volunteer support provides friendship and social interaction with older people. The purpose of the program is to assist eligible clients to:
- Reduce social isolation and loneliness;
- Enhance wellbeing and happiness;
- Improve quality of life.
Weekly visit activities may include chatting, going for a walk, reading a book out loud, listening to music together, playing a board game, etc.
If you would like to assist and have a few spare hours per week, please contact Mervat Dahdoule on 9285 4888 or email mdahdoule@miceastmelb.com.au. Prospective volunteers with second language skills are encouraged to apply, particularly Cantonese, Spanish, Italian, and Greek language skills.
Access & Support Volunteer Coordination Program.
MIC is looking for volunteers to support people with a disability and/or their carers.
The Access & Support Volunteer Coordination Program provides volunteer support to people with a disability and their carers. The purpose of the program is to assist eligible clients to:
- Participate in everyday activities;
- Maintain or rebuild confidence;
- Improve social connectedness and emotional wellbeing;
- Stay active and healthy.
Activities that volunteers may assist with include supporting a client to participate in craft, hobbies, gardening, cooking, reading and/or homework, accompanying a client to social activities, coaching with living skills such as public transport use, etc.
If you can spare a few hours a week and would like to learn and help a person with a disability and/or their carer, please call Deedar Khudaidad on 03 9285 4888 or email: dkhudaidad@miceastmelb.com.au.
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).
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Mental Health Literacy Training. In this program, MIC in partnership with NEAMI provided mental health literacy training to empower participants to identify and address mental health issues for themselves and their community. The training consisted of two sessions which took place on the 11th and 18th of June 2021. The sessions were attended by members aged between 18 and 35 years and from the Hakha Chin community. For more information, please contact Sophie at MIC on 9285 4888. This program is funded by Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, Multicultural Affairs, Strategic Partnerships Program.
 
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Language & Education Programs
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Clota Cottage Neighbourhood House - Current Courses. Clota Cottage are currently offering the following courses at Box Hill. All courses are a minimum of 20 hours and generally offered each term and include:
- Introduction to Computers
- Introduction to English
- Introduction to Office Administration skills
- Digital Devices
- Workplace Survivor
Learn Local pre-accredited courses are subsidised through the Department of Education and Training. Participation Branch and eligibility rules apply. On enrolment, participants will be asked to show their green Medicare card as proof of eligibility. Fees are $45 per course, $30 per course with Concession and full fee $205 per course (eligibility rules apply).
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FREE Skills for Work and Study - Aged Care. MiCare is delivering the Skills for Work and Study in Aged Care program. This is a free 14-week pilot program developed by the Department of Education to assist those with developing English to familiarise with the language, duties and requirements of Aged Care before pursuing work and study pathways. For clients or learners who would like to develop their English from conversational to a workplace level and who would like to pursue employment or study in the Aged Care sector – this FREE course would be ideal to build employability skills and job readiness. Enrolments are being accepted until mid-July 2021. For more information, please contact Warren Brewer on (03) 7001 2514 or Warren.Brewer@micare.com.au.
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Online Database of English Classes. The Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA) is delighted to host Seeking English, a live database of English classes (free or low cost) all over Melbourne, specifically for people seeking asylum. This database is a joint project of the Network of Asylum Seeker Agencies Victoria (NASAVic). If you are a person seeking asylum (or a caseworker, or a friend, or someone in the community who is just trying to help out) please use this database to locate an English class at the right time and place for you. You can view information by where you live, or choose to view all the information for Melbourne. For more information, please visit: https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/seekingenglish/.
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Carer Gateway Program - Supporting Carers Across Australia. The Carer Gateway Program is a free, national service supporting carers. A carer can be defined as someone providing unpaid care to a family member or friend who has a disability, mental illness, chronic health issue or an age-related condition. These are the types of services carers may be able access through the program: 
- Respite (planned and emergency)
- Counselling
- Coaching and skills courses
- Funding for equipment to support the caring role
- Community engagement
- Information provision
Carer Gateway offers a national website at www.carergateway.gov.au or you can phone 1800 422 737 Monday to Friday between 8am and 5pm.
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Family Recovery Program. The Family Recovery Program is designed to support culturally and linguistically diverse families/individuals across Victoria who have been significantly impacted by COVID-19. The program is delivered by cohealth for the Department of Families/individuals, Fairness and Housing (DFFH), and will provide coordinated, culturally sensitive case management support to families/individuals over an initial 3-month period. Our focus areas of support are: Employment, Education and Mental Health, with a limited pool of flexible funding available to support recovery goals in these areas. Eligible families/individuals are culturally and linguistically diverse and living in Victoria, who have experienced significant disruption by COVID-19. For information call (03) 9448 6845, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Factsheets for families are available in multiple languages.
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Men’s Case Management Program.  Relationships Australia Victoria works towards reducing family violence through our targeted support for men who use violence. We are currently taking referrals to our Men’s Case Management program in Cranbourne North, Boronia, Kew and Sunshine. Our Men’s Case Management program offers free, individual support to men who use violence, and who are also experiencing complex needs such as drug and alcohol misuse, mental and physical health issues, and homelessness. This free program is fully funded by Family Safety Victoria and provided at no cost to clients. To find out more about the program or to make an appointment with a case manager, please contact us (Boronia branch) via phone (03) 9261 8700 or Email mcmkew@rav.org.au.
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Multicultural Gambling Harm Prevention. Are you negatively affected by your own or someone else’s gambling?
Do you:
- have difficulty managing your finances
- spend too much time or money on gambling
- have difficulty maintaining relationships because of your spending
- borrow money to gamble
- feel guilty or stressed about gambling?
We offer free support in-language for people who gamble, their families, and friends. Our services include 1:1 counselling, referral support, online, mobile and in-person group therapy, and more. To learn about support call our hotline on 1800 329 192 or email us at: gamblingharmprevention@ssi.org.au.
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Mental Health Programs July 2021. Maroondah City Council is proud to provide these training sessions to help improve the mental wellbeing of the Maroondah community. Please book your spot today as spaces are strictly limited. For more information, please call Fiona Burridge, Be Kind Maroondah Facilitator on (03) 9294 5737.
Understanding and overcoming anxiety workshop
Come along and increase your understanding of anxiety and learn proven and practical steps and strategies to overcoming anxiety. This workshop is run by Bev Aisbett, an experienced Counsellor and facilitator of ’The Art of Anxiety’ workshop which has helped thousands of people effectively manage their anxiety.
Date: Monday 19 July
Time: 10am - 4pm
Venue: Maroondah Federation Estate
Cost: $15
Book here
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) workshops for Maroondah carers
Mental health First Aid is presented by Nicole Turner who has over 25 years’ experience in mental health and is a qualified Mental Health First Aid trainer with Mental Health First Aid Australia. This training is for Maroondah carers of people with a disability or mental health issue/s.
Dates: Friday 23 July & Friday 30 July (participants must attend both days)
Time: 9:30am - 4pm
Venue: Maroondah Federation Estate
Cost: FREE
Book here
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Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) Consultations. The Department of Home Affairs is undertaking a public consultation seeking feedback on proposed reforms to the AMEP. These reforms will build on recent legislative changes to that, as of 19 April 2021, allow more migrants access to free English language tuition through the AMEP for longer and until they achieve a higher level of English proficiency. Stakeholder feedback will be crucial to ensure that the implementation of these reforms achieves the best possible outcomes for students, and we encourage interested parties to provide a written submission. To access the discussion paper and lodge a submission, please visit the submissions and discussion papers page of Department’s website. Submissions close on the 9th July 2021. Translated information about the AMEP and child care arrangements for AMEP students is available here.
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Community Pulse - Providing Feedback. The LOTE Agency is actively seeking your feedback on emerging issues facing multicultural communities in Australia through its Community Pulse website. Please use this survey form to register and submit your feedback. Feedback can include messaging or translation suggestions, misinformation or concerns or community sentiment. The more feedback we receive, the more targeted support can be provided. Your feedback can be in any language and can include attachments. If you have any questions or would like more information, we would be happy to hear from you on 1300 397 714 or info@communitypulse.com.au.
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Voices of Australia. Voices of Australia is an ongoing national study about important social issues.  The purpose of the study is to improve our understanding of the diverse opinions of first and second generation Australians. Voices of Australia is a great opportunity to share your personal views and influence the future for first- and second-generation Australians!They are extending the original deadline to the 30th of June to ensure those interested do not miss out on this opportunity. Anyone who wishes to participate in this research can join using this link: www.srcentre.com.au/myvoiceinaus. If you have any questions or concerns about the study, please call the Social Research Centre on 1800 023 040 or email voices@srcentre.com.au.
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Round 2 of the Get Active Kids Voucher Program is NOW OPEN! Do your children love sport and getting active? Does your family have a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card? You may be eligible for up to $200 to put towards the cost of your child’s participation in sport and active recreation activities.
The Get Active Kids Voucher Program helps eligible families get their kids involved in organised sport and active recreation activities by reimbursing the cost of membership and registration fees, uniforms, and equipment. Eligible children may be able to receive up to $200 each.
Special consideration also applies for children named on their own Health Care Card or are residing in Care Services as well as temporary or provisional visa holders, undocumented migrants or international students. Applications for vouchers in Round two of the Program open 31 May 2021 and close 9 July 2021. To find out if you are eligible, how to apply, what costs are covered and more, visit www.getactive.vic.gov.au/vouchers.
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Women's Health Education. Funded by the Working for Victoria initiative, trained bilingual health educators will be delivering FREE health education sessions of Women's Health to multicultural women speaking a language other than English. As a part of this project they will be running multiple health education sessions in both Mandarin and Hakha Chin on a range of topics including COVID-19. For more information or confidential discussion, please Email Lingzhi Ruan, Bilingual Health Educator at lruan@whe.org.au or visit Women's Health East Website www.whe.org.au.
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 Common Scams Booklet. The Eastern Community Legal Centre (ECLC) have developed a 'Common Scams' booklet. This is now available in 7 different languages including: Arabic, English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Persian, Greek and Italian. To access a copy, please visit https://eclc.org.au/news-resources/resources/.
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Multilingual Resources - Fertility and Assisted Reproductive Treatment. The Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority (VARTA) is a non-profit organisation that provides independent information and support for individuals, couples, and health professionals regarding fertility, infertility, assisted reproductive treatment (ART). VARTA have developed a range of resources available in multiple languages. Two of the most recently developed resources are What is fertility treatment and Possible health effects of IVF and ICSI. These resources are available in English, Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese and Vietnamese. Please visit www.varta.org.au for more resources and information.
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QR Code Check In - Translated Information. The Victorian Government has developed posters in multiple languages that show how to check in using QR codes. These posters can be displayed at venues near the QR code check in location to assist visitors with checking in. Additionally, if you work closely with culturally and linguistically diverse communities or are a community leader, it can assist you in spreading information about the need to check in and explain the check in process. The posters are a reminder to everyone that checking in keeps us safe and open. Checking in using a QR code is the best way to stop the spread of coronavirus, and keep protecting our businesses, communities and each other. Please visit the “Signs, poster and templates for your workplace” page for useful in-language resources.
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Talking Democracy Kit. Talking Democracy is a civic education kit for people studying English as an Additional Language or other courses. By using this kit, students will learn about:
- electoral keywords and concepts
- three levels of government in Australia
- how to enrol to vote or update your details
- who can vote in Australia
- how to vote correctly.
Access the animations, facilitation guides and other resources by clicking here. You can also request hard copies by contacting our Education and Inclusion Team on 131 832 or emailing us. This resource was produced in partnership with Carringbush Adult Education.
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For more information on MIC programs and services or to contribute to the MIC's newsletter, Eastern Multicultural News, please contact Robyn Tan at the MIC or visit our website www.miceastmelb.com.au
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