Our multicultural policy adviser:
- addresses sectoral local government issues to enable increased responsiveness to cultural diversity
- supports strategic and social planning to inform local government diversity policy and service development
- develops partnerships and relationships between local government and ethnic community sectors
- assists local government with advocacy to advance the multicultural affairs agenda
- networks with relevant peak bodies and committees
- supports and promotes the Victorian Local Government Multicultural Issues Network (VLGMIN)
- works closely with other levels of government on cultural diversity issues
This position is currently funded by the Victorian Government’s Department of Health to work with councils on home and community care services.
It is also funded by the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth) to work with councils on the Localities Embracing and Accepting Diversity (LEAD) Program.
Multicultural Issues eNetwork
We maintain an email distribution list for local government staff responsible for multicultural services and policy development. The enetwork regularly disseminates information on new resources, upcoming forums and events, news and advice.
To join the enetwork, email Con Pagonis at cpagonis@mav.asn.au
Victorian Local Government Multicultural Issues Network
We have a close partnership with the VLGMIN.
VLGMIN shares information between councils, advocates on behalf of councils and promotes best practice in cultural diversity.
Its members are local government staff responsible for multicultural services and policy development.
The network also:
- provides advice and contacts for ethnic services, and access and equity projects
- lobbies on issues affecting multicultural affairs, including by making submissions
- holds forums, working groups and bi-monthly meetings
To join VLGMIN, email Biljana Komnenovic at biljana.komnenovic@cgd.vic.gov.au
Inquiry into multiculturalism in Australia
A submission to the Australian Parliament Joint Standing Committee on Migration's inquiry into multiculturalism in Australia was made in 2011.
Free council services & events
Information sessions on anxiety & depression in older people
Council on the Ageing offers interactive information sessions on anxiety and depression in older people. The session, Beyond Maturity Blues, has a practical focus and offers simple strategies to deal with anxiety and depression.
Bilingual peer educators who are trained to present health and wellbeing topics to seniors can deliver sessions to certain culturally and liguistically diverse groups. Handouts are provided in the relevant languages.
To book a free session, contact Susan Preece on 03 9655 2115 or at volunteers@cotavic.org.au
Interpreting services
The federal government’s Translation and Interpreting Service (TIS) provides free interpreting services to local councils for many municipal services. For more information contact the TIS client liaison and promotions team on 1300 655 820 or at tispromo@immi.gov.au