Novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)
For comprehensive information about COVID-19 including information in a wide variety of languages and information about maintaining your mental health at this time visit our Coronavirus (COVID-19) webpage here.
Mental health and wellbeing Budget 2021-22
National Mental Health Commission Chair, Lucy Brogden AM, has described the 2021-2022 Federal Budget as, “a genuine shift in our national response to mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention.”
Today’s $2.3 billion budget announcement presents a commitment to a more preventive, compassionate and person-centred mental health and suicide prevention system.
“In 2021, more Australians than ever are recognising the importance of seeking help for their mental ill health, and governments and the sector are united in their commitment to meet this need,” Mrs Brogden said.
To view the Australian Mental Health Commission's full response to the 2021-22 Fedearal Budget click here.
Voices of Australia
Voices of Australia is an ongoing national study that seeks to highlight the voices of minority communities in Australian research. This project seeks to give a voice to first- and second-generation Australians who are not usually well represented in surveys. The aim is to better understand our society by including the diverse opinions and experiences of Australia’s multicultural communities.
Members of Voices of Australia will be invited to participate in surveys every three months or so on important social issues that impact their lives. It is a great opportunity to share personal views and influence policy outcomes for migrant communities. If you are an Australian resident, 18 years of age or older and a first or second generation Australian and are interested in becoming involved click here for more information (PDF 141KB).
Stay COVID-safe this Ramadan
NSW Health and the NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service (MHCS) in partnership with the Multicultural Health Service in Western Sydney Local Health District have produced the ‘Stay COVID-safe this Ramadan’ Video message in English from Religious and Community Leaders - to help remind people to celebrate Ramadan in a COVID-safe way. The video can be viewed via Youtube or Vimeo.
You can also download social media tiles available in English, Arabic, Bangla, Bahasa Indonesia, Burmese, Bosnian Dari, Hazaragi, Farsi, Turkish, Urdu, Somali and Swahili that encourage everyone to keep the community safe – even if you have mild COVID-19 symptoms, get tested and stay at home until you get a negative test result. The social media tiles can be downloaded the NSW Health Website.
Stronger Together Grants Now Open
The Multicultural NSW Stronger Together Grants Program aims to support multicultural projects and events across New South Wales that foster community harmony and celebrate cultural diversity. There are two categories of grants, Stronger Together Project Grants and Festivals and Events Grants
Applications close Thursday 20 May 2021
For more information visit the Multicultural NSW Website
2021 NSW Humanitarian Awards – Nominations Now Open!
Each year, as part of National Refugee Week in June, the NSW Humanitarian Awards are held as an opportunity to acknowledge and thank those who have made an exceptional positive contribution towards refugee issues in the state of NSW. The Humanitarian Awards also provide a chance to further promote the hard work and achievements of both individuals and organisations in various fields that play a substantial role in improving the lives of refugees. Anyone can nominate, and anyone can be nominated! Nominations for 2021 close COB Friday 21 May 2021.
For more information and to make an application click here.
CALD Assist communication app
CALD Assist is a free app downloadable from Apple App store and Google play Store, which can assist clinicians communicate with people with limited English proficiency. Developed by Western Health in partnership with CSIRO, CALD Assist does not replace professional interpreters, but can assist overcome basic language barriers when interpreters are not available. More information about the app available here.
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