Monday July 2^nd, 2018

The Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria (ECCV) calls on the Victorian Government to provide consistent regulation for all Electronic Gambling machines within Victoria.  

Crown Casino operates under the Casino Control Act 1991 which is independent to the Victorian Gambling Regulation Bill 2017. This Act allows Crown Casino to run poker machines without a minimum spin rate. In comparison, all other poker machines in Victoria are legally restricted, and have a minimum spin rate of 2.14 seconds between each bet.

ECCV is concerned about the lack of accountability required of Crown Casino in managing Electronic Gambling Machines, which operate 7 days a week 24 hours a day.

ECCV Chairperson Cr Kris Pavlidis says, “Gambling harm has become a scourge in our society impacting on individuals, families and the wider community and a serious public health issue”.

ECCV presented its position to The Victorian Council of Liquor and Gaming Regulation in its Sixth Casino Review community consultations in 2017. Recommendations included:

• Relevant authorities to effectively address inappropriate credit loans at the casino
• Crown Melbourne to increase supervision of table games by senior staff to assist in identifying and intervening where a person is displaying signs of distress related to gambling
• Crown Melbourne to include measures to address the extended time spent by some gamblers, gambling in the casino.

Cr Kris Pavlidis says “the Sixth Casino Review provides a significant opportunity for regulation to enhance and reinforce, rather than undermine, self-responsibility”. 

For more information and/or media comment, please contact Leenie Fabri, Communications & Media Officer, lfabri@eccv.org.au / 0422 480 319

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Wednesday June 27^th, 2018

FUNDING BOOST FOR VICTORIAN LANGUAGE SERVICES WELCOMED

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Robin Scott has recently announced a significant funding increase for interpreter services in Victoria. Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria (ECCV) Chairperson Cr Kris Pavlidis welcomes this injection of funding towards support of the Interpreting profession.

Equitable access and services information is vital for all Victorians, including those from culturally diverse backgrounds. Yet low English proficiency and a lack of knowledge about services within multicultural communities continue to lead to poorer health access to services compared to other communities.

Victorians whose first language is not English will continue to be left behind by health providers as long as there is cultural insensitivity towards the impacts of communication.

The use of accredited interpreters decreases the risk of miscommunication between service providers and consumers. “This funding addresses the fundamental right of all people regardless of their linguistic affiliation, to be heard with dignity and respect” said Cr Kris Pavlidis.  

In March 2017 ECCV published a discussion paper ‘Our Stories, Our Voices: Culturally diverse consumer perspectives on the role of accredited interpreters in Victoria’s health services’. This paper recommends that all Victorian public health service providers need to ensure that culturally diverse Victorians who access their health services know their rights to access accredited interpreters, to clear communication, safety, respect, privacy and confidentiality and the right to give feedback and have their concerns addressed.

Minister Scott says “All Victorians have a right to access government services, regardless of their English language skills. Interpreters are vital to enabling this access. With Victoria’s increasing cultural diversity, interpreters have never been more important. It is essential that we ensure a professional, high-quality language services industry to meet the needs of Victorians”.

Cr Kris Pavlidis says she concurs with Minister Scott’s sentiment that it is crucial to help facilitate “a voice for those who would otherwise remain silent”.  

For more information and/or media comment, please contact Leenie Fabri, Communications & Media Officer, lfabri@eccv.org.au / 0422 480 319

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The project objective is to develop and implement a state-wide community awareness raising program on Elder Abuse Prevention in partnership with Senior Rights Victoria to meet the needs of clients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Employment type: 0.6 EFT (3 days per week) 45.6 per fortnight

View the position description here 

Applications close 5pm, 2nd July 2018

Tuesday June 12^th, 2018

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is hosting a global campaign #WithRefugees and it is inviting Refugee Welcome Zone Mayors around Australia to participate in an initiative to highlight the important work cities all over the world are doing to promote inclusion, bring communities together and support refugees. 

ECCV encourages Victorian local councils to consider participating in this global initiative to mark this significant international day. ECCV Chairperson Cr. Kris Pavlidis who is also the Mayor of Whittlesea City Council states “it is essential that local councils lead their communities with compassion and unity”.

ECCV will host its annual event ‘Campfire Stories’ to acknowledge the importance of mutual understanding. The event is an experience where every day Victorians from refugee backgrounds share their stories.

The first of two ‘Campfire Stories’ for 2018 will be in partnership with Welcome to Australia and Asylum Seekers Resource Centre on June 19^th at Siteworks in Brunswick.

The second 2018 ‘Campfire Stories’ will be in partnership with Welcome to Australia and Multicultural Arts Victoria as part of the Emerge in Yarra festival on July 25^th at the Abbotsford Convent Precinct. To book, please register using Eventbrite.   

Cr. Kris Pavlidis says “the ECCV is excited about local municipalities leading the way in their communities.”

World Refugee Day is on 20 June 2018.

For more information and/or media comment, please contact Leenie Fabri, Communications & Media Officer, lfabri@eccv.org.au / 0422 480 319

Editor’s Notes:

• Book your ticket to Campfire Stories 2018
• UN World Refugee Day

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The Hon. Jenny Mikakos MP, Minister for Youth officially launched the Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria Intercultural Young Advocacy Leaders (IYAL) program on Wednesday 23^rd  May at Parliament House. The ECCV Chairperson, Cr. Kris Pavlidis acknowledged: “the significance of the Minister’s support demonstrates great faith in the work of the ECCV and our Intercultural Young Advocacy Leaders program”. 

The IYAL program is a pathway for young people from culturally diverse backgrounds to develop governance experience and join the ECCV board of directors. ECCV ran a successful pilot of the IYAL program bringing together a diverse group of next-generation leaders who add another important voice for multicultural Victoria. During this four months pilot the young advocacy leaders received awareness raising sessions to enhance their knowledge and skills of governance and leadership in our culturally diverse community.

The current board of directors have supported this initiative with the leadership of the chairperson, Cr. Kris Pavlidis who says “the program steers ECCV with 40 years of pioneering work towards a succession plan that is cemented into our governance structures securing our future.” An IYAL member said, “It feels good to see that Multiculturalism is supported by so many senior decision makers including politicians”

The IYAL group members include: Amali Aluthgamage, Anatoli Amanatidis, Loar Deng, Lisa Do, Kevin Kapeke, Rini Mowson, Minh Nguyen, Savindhi Perera-Jainudeen, Kenny Tran, and Mohammed Yassin.

Further information about the IYAL program, its members and how to get involved can be found at www.eccv.org.au

For more information and/or media comment, please contact Leenie Fabri, Communications & Media Officer, lfabri@eccv.org.au / 0422 480 319

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8^th May 2018

The Victorian Government’s 2018 Participation for CALD Seniors Grants Program is now open.

The Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria (ECCV) welcomes the Grant Program for community groups and organizations to develop opportunities which increase the social participation of vulnerable senior citizens who face linguistic, cultural and other challenges.

ECCV Chairperson Cr Kris Pavlidis says “We are pleased to be a program partner and applaud the funding of more than 322 community projects since 2011 for isolated seniors of culturally diverse backgrounds to participate in community activities."

The Victorian Government funded projects will be implemented over the course of a year commencing October 2018, with up to $300,000 in grants available this year.

Cr Kris Pavlidis states “the evidence shows that older people from culturally diverse backgrounds are at a higher risk of social isolation because of a range of factors such as language and cultural barriers and limited awareness of services available to them.”

Eligible organisations such as ethnic community groups, aged care facilities and local councils are invited to apply for funding up to $10,000.

Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley encouraged organisations to take part and says “We want to continue the great work of previous grant recipients in helping isolated culturally diverse seniors participate more fully in community life.”

The grants assist community groups and organisations to provide participation opportunities to isolated seniors such as, social activities, assistance with transport and training.  

Applications close by 5pm, Friday 1^st June 2018. Successful applicants will be notified by August 2018 and awarded grants for projects commencing 1^st October 2018 and concluding on 30^th September 2019.

For media comment, please contact Leenie Fabri, Communications & Media Officer, lfabri@eccv.org.au / 0422 480 319

Reference:

https://www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/get-involved/grants/participation-cald-seniors-grants-program

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STATE BUDGET BOOSTS MULTICULTURAL FUNDING TO $43.6M

 May 2^nd, 2018 

The Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria (ECCV) is delighted with the Victorian Government biggest budget announcement for our culturally diverse community.

ECCV Chairperson Cr Kris Pavlidis welcomes the $43.6m budget allocation, highlighting “the $21.9m injection toward specialised employment support programs will contribute to improving migrant and refugee employment outcomes”.

Cr Pavlidis said “the significant investment of $8.6m into the African Communities Action Plan to address social and economic issues, including education, employment health and wellbeing, will be able to directly empower grassroot communities of African heritage”.

Cr Kris Pavlidis applauds the $1.4m increase to the Multicultural Festivals and Events program for community groups including ethnic clubs.  Cr Pavlidis says “it’s important that ethnic and multicultural community organisations will directly benefit from this boost. The $17.1m investment into existing community programs and security upgrades to Victoria’s multicultural community centres will further improve community amenity and safety.” 

ECCV congratulates the Victorian Government on the $15m investment towards programs for young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in training, school and work, in addition to the $1.7m supporting culturally diverse young people at risk of offending. The ECCV Chairperson says “it’s important to fund practical support and pathways for isolated and vulnerable youth including sporting venues and leisure centres in outer suburban growth areas”. 

The state budget provides $500,000 to improve translations for all major government policy and program announcements. ECCV recognises the significance of accessing culturally relevant language services. Cr Kris Pavlidis says “ECCV has been monitoring language services funding and would welcome its prompt roll out”.

The ECCV pre-budget 2018-19 submission highlighted the need for culturally responsive employment opportunities. This state budget significantly boosts access to training, upskilling and employment pathways. ECCV intends to monitor this to ensure funding reaches culturally diverse job seekers. The ECCV State Conference May 17-18^th will facilitate further discussion and partnerships to initiate employment growth, workplace diversity and a job ready workforce.

For more information and/or media comment, please contact Leenie Fabri, Communications & Media Officer, lfabri@eccv.org.au / 0422 480 319

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MELBOURNE EMPLOYMENT FORUM PRESENTS ECCV WITH AWARD

Wednesday March 28^th, 2018

The Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) is delighted to be presented with an award for excellence in community partnerships at the inaugural Melbourne Employment Forum (MEF) Awards.

The MEF is a leader in fostering innovative and collaborative partnerships with business, employment services and agencies to achieve improved employment outcomes for African Australians in Melbourne.

ECCV Chairperson Cr Kris Pavlidis says “this important symbolic gesture galvanizes the strong collaboration between ECCV and MEF. We look forward to continuing our close working relationship with MEF to support African Australian communities within Victoria.”

ECCV and MEF work together to provide opportunities to build the capability of African Australians and increase employment outcomes by promoting the strengths and needs of African Australians and presenting pathways into employment through education, training and work experience.

To address issues relating to employment, education and training, ECCV and iEmpower Youth Services will present the ECCV 2018 State Conference. The conference sessions will focus on topics such as changing technologies and diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Key leaders in the employment and multicultural sectors will share up-to-date sector reports, discussions and data.

The ECCV 2018 State Conference will be held on May 17^th-18^th, at the ibis Melbourne. To register, please visit www.eccv2018conference.org.au  

For more information and/or media comment, please contact Leenie Fabri, Communications & Media Officer, lfabri@eccv.org.au / 0422 480 319

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ECCV 2018 State wide Biennial Conference and GALA Dinner

17-18 May, 2018 | Ibis Melbourne | Limited Tickets

WORKPLACE rEVOLUTION ☆ Blueprints for a Diverse Tomorrow

The ECCV 2018 Biennial State wide Conference will lead public discussion to address the issues

of unemployment and underemployment of Victorians from culturally diverse backgrounds, with a strong focus on future income earning opportunities to benefit employers, diverse jobseekers, business leaders and future entrepreneurs. Program, Speaker Profiles, Partnership opportunities and more available at: www.eccv2018conference.org.au

REGISTER HERE or at www.trybooking.com/TZHO

Conference Enquiries:  Toula Elefsiniotis Events Project Officer E: conference@eccv.org.au  P: 9354 9555

Please visit the ECCV State Conference 2018 website

https://www.eccv2018conference.org.au/

21^st February, 2018

ECCV 2018 STATE CONFERENCE REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN

Diversity and Inclusion of the Victorian and Australian workforce industry is an emerging issue within the employment landscape. The Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) in conjunction with iEmpower Inc Youth Services presents: The ECCV 2018 State Conference, Workplace rEvolution: Blueprints for a Diverse Tomorrow.

ECCV Chairperson Kris Pavlidis said “ECCV continues to be strong conduit between multicultural communities, government and the wider community for over forty years. The aim of the 2018 Conference is to explore the impact of differing mindsets about diversity and inclusion across the three sectors; Government, Not-for-Profit and Business & Social Enterprise.  We also aim to create ongoing partnerships across the sectors at and beyond the Conference.” 

“The ECCV State Conference will lead public discussion addressing the issues of unemployment and underemployment of all Victorians from culturally diverse backgrounds. Conference sessions will have a strong focus on future income earning opportunities to benefit employers, diverse jobseekers, business leaders and future entrepreneurs.”

Economic and industry environments are embracing a culture of inclusion and respect for diversity. “It is essential all sectors, industries and groups come together at the 2018 state conference to share stories, ideas and thoughts about how policy can be shaped to improve workplace opportunities and experiences of culturally and linguistically diverse Victorians” said the ECCV Chairperson.

ECCV has confirmed more than 40 speakers representing a wide range of relevant industry bodies, companies and groups including the Brookfield Institute (CANADA), LaunchVic, Startup Victoria, Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources, Department of Education and Training, AMES Australia and Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health and the federal Department of Jobs and Small Business, to name a few.

For more information, please contact Toula Elefsiniotis, Conference Project Officer via 9354 9555 / conference@eccv.org.au 

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References:

The ECCV 2018 State Conference: 17^th -18^th May 2018, Ibis Melbourne

Registration bookings

Partnership & sponsorship prospectus

AFRICAN AUSTRALIANS ARE EVERYDAY AUSTRALIANS

Monday 8^th January, 2018

The Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria (ECCV) acknowledges that the vast majority of Australians from African heritage are everyday mums and dads who contribute to our society including our workforce. ECCV Chairperson Cr Kris Pavlidis explains “Many African Australians have established and continue to nurture supportive families and community organisations where intergenerational groups celebrate their heritage culture and enjoy living a decent Australian way of life.”

ECCV condemns unlawful behaviour and recognises that the issue of our state’s crime will be dealt with by the appropriate authorities. In light of recent incidents involving individual offenders, ECCV finds it unfair that the actions of a few are used to smear the reputation of particular multicultural communities.

ECCV is particularly concerned about the discrimination of young members of our community in the media with unnecessary emphasis on personal characteristics such as “race” and “nationality”.

Young Australians from diverse African communities have expressed concerns about the harassment and stigma they experience on a daily basis including when harmlessly going about their daily lives.

In an ECCV Submission on the Draft Victorian African Communities Action Plan (December 2017), the ECCV made key recommendations supporting diverse African communities which included intergenerational relationships, parenting and pathways training to support employment and career opportunities.

Kris Pavlidis says that the ECCV will continue the work with community and relevant authorities towards intercultural and intergenerational solutions to youth justice issues among Australian youth from African heritage. 

The ECCV Chairperson Kris Pavlidis encourages media outlets and journalists to focus on its ethical responsibility to impartiality and reporting on the core issues affecting society rather than singling out ethnic groups.

For more information and/or media comment, please contact Leenie Fabri, Communications & Media Officer, lfabri@eccv.org.au / 0422 480 319

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18^th December 2017

Mayor of Whittlesea City Council, Cr. Kris Pavlidis is the new ECCV Chairperson

The Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) board of directors have elected Cr. Kris Pavlidis as Chairperson following the annual general meeting, which was held Tuesday 5^th December 2017.
Outgoing Chairperson, Mr Eddie Micallef said “I would like to congratulate Kris Pavlidis on her appointment. I know Kris will do great things, she has been a key contributor to the board. Cr. Kris Pavlidis brings years of expertise across the government and community sectors”.

Cr. Kris Pavlidis was previously ECCV’s Women’s Policy Advisory Committee Co-Convenor. In this role she has been an influential advocate for women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Cr. Kris Pavlidis is currently the second term elected Mayor of Whittlesea City Council. After twelve years as an elected local government representative Kris steps into the position as ECCV Chair.

“The ECCV office bearers and I will work to ensure ECCV continues to be the voice to Victorians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds across a broad range of policy areas including family violence prevention, employment and gender. We will continue to advocate as the active conduit between grassroots community and government.”

“I thank Mr Eddie Micallef for his work over the last four years and to our outgoing office bearers. I look forward to leading a new team in our work to support a diverse, harmonious and successful multicultural Victoria and Australia” she said.

The new ECCV office bearers include: Chairperson Cr. Kris Pavlidis, Deputy Chairperson Dr. Sundram Sivamalai JP, Deputy Chairperson Peter Mousaferiadis, Secretary Marion Lau OAM JP, Treasurer Nalliah Suriyakumaran, Board Directors: Eddie Micallef, Joseph Caputo OAM JP, Jude Ogbeide Ediae, Parsu Sharma-Luital JP, Frances Prince, Bruna Pasqua, Zeynep Yesilyurt, Helena Trinnick, Jenny Semple.

The ECCV Board of Directors are scheduled to nominate a representative from the regional ethnic community councils.

For more information and/or media comment, please contact Leenie Fabri, Communications & Media Officer, lfabri@eccv.org.au / 0422 480 319

ECCV Board of Directors: 

Nalliah Suriyakumaran
Eddie Micallef 
Marion Lau
Joseph Caputo
Jude Ogbeide Ediae
Parsu Sharma-Luital
Frances Prince
Kris Pavlidis 
Bruna Pasqua
Zeynep Yesilyurt
Helena Trinnick
Jenny Semple
Sundram Sivamalai
Peter Mousaferiadis

Thursday 16^th November, 2017

Multicultural communities hold diverse views, just as other communities do

The Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) acknowledge that the people of Australia have spoken on the issue of marriage equality. Yesterday, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) delivered a resounding 61.6% for the “yes” vote.

ECCV welcomes and accepts views on both sides of the debate and encourages respectful dialogue among all communities including the multi-faith and multilingual communities in Victoria. On this morning’s radio program, Mornings with Jon Faine on ABC Radio Melbourne, ECCV Chair Eddie Micallef explained (the results of the vote) “shows us that there are differing views within the community overall but within the multicultural community there is a sizeable component of conservative views in relation to issues like same-sex marriage…other moral issues.”  

The ECCV accepts that same-sex relationships are a part of Australia’s diverse society. The view of the ECCV Board of Directors is that all Victorian and Australian citizens should have equal civic rights and the freedom to practice and express faith.   

Major groups like FECCA and the Victorian Minister for Multicultural Affairs launched ‘The YES Alliance’ on the steps of Victoria’s Parliament House on September 20^th, 2017. The YES Alliance is a group of Australian community members from multicultural and multi-faith backgrounds that supported a “yes” vote. Voters were then encouraged to consider diversity in the context of human rights.   

The marriage equality plebiscite has been a divisive time in Australian history and as a result it placed a spotlight on a challenging intersection of civic freedoms and religious beliefs. ECCV understands that some ethnic communities have strong religious ties and accept Australians’ differing views.

For more information and/or media comment, please contact Leenie Fabri, Communications & Media Officer, lfabri@eccv.org.au / 0422 480 319

References:

• ABC Radio Melbourne interview 
• Marriage Equality Position Paper
• The YES Alliance 

After verifying all of the applications, the Returning Officer held a ballot to decide the order that candidates would be listed in. This was witnessed by several ECCV staff. 

The 29 nominees are listed below:

Nalliah Suriyakumaran
Darebin Ethnic Communities Council Inc.
Nominee Statement

Eddie Micallef
Maltese Community Council of Victoria
Nominee Statement

Marion Lau OAM JP
Chinese Community Society of Victoria
Nominee Statement

Joseph A Caputo
Federazione Pugliese D'Australia
Nominee Statement

Savindhi Perera-Jainudeen
The Committee for Sri Lanka Inc.
Nominee Statement

Jude Ogbeide Ediae
Nigerian Society of Victoria
Nominee Statement

Parsu Sharma-Luital 
Bhutanese Community in Australia Inc.
Nominee Statement

Frances Prince
Jewish Community Council of Victoria
Nominee Statement

Mahinda Wickramasuriya
Sri Lankan Ethnic Communities Association Inc.
Nominee Statement

Dean Aqo Wickham
Sunraysia Mallee Ethnic Communities Council Inc.
Nominee Statement

Dr Apollo Nsubuga-Kyobe
Ethnic Council of Shepparton & Districts
Nominee Statement

Kris Pavlidis
Pronia
Nominee Statement

Bruna Pasqua
CO.AS.IT
Nominee Statement

Zeynep Yesilyurt
Victorian Immigrant & Refugee Women's Coalition
Nominee Statement

Wilhelm Owen Morgan
Australia Ceylon Fellowship
Nominee Statement

Bwe Thay
Communities Council on Ethnic Issues (Eastern Region)
Nominee Statement

Gaetano Greco
VICSEG New Futures
Nominee Statement

Dalal Samaan
Australian Assyrian Arts & Literature Foundation
Nominee Statement

Marian Pawlik OAM
Polish Community Council of Victoria
Nominee Statement

Helena Trinnick
Slovenian Welfare & Information Office
Nominee Statement

Jenny Semple
Centre for Multicultural Youth
Nominee Statement

Dr Moses G Adepoju
Care Africa
Nominee Statement

Sundram Sivamalai
Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council 
Nominee Statement

Sam Afra
Ethnic Communities Council of the South East
Nominee Statement

Dr Ka Sing Chua
Chinese Association of Victoria Inc.
Nominee Statement

Peter Mousaferiadis
Cultural Infusion
Nominee Statement

Sudhir Shakya
Nepalese Association of Victoria
Nominee Statement

Dr Christine Lee
Gippsland Ethnic Communities Council
Nominee Statement

Fatime Hoblos
Victorian Lebanese Community Council
Nominee Statement